Which flight profile does the FGM-148 Javelin use against armored vehicles?

Which flight profile does the FGM-148 Javelin use against armored vehicles?

• A. Top-attack flight profile
• B. Direct-attack flight profile
• C. Glide profile
• D. Hovering profile

Answer: (A)

Top-attack is used because armored vehicles have relatively thinner armor on their roofs than on their fronts or sides. The Javelin climbs to an elevated path after launch and then dives down onto the target from above, guiding onto the top armor with its infrared seeker. This maximize penetration from a more vulnerable angle and makes the hit more effective with its warhead. Direct-attack would strike where armor is thicker, reducing effectiveness; glide or hovering profiles don’t match how this system engages targets.

Top-attack is used because armored vehicles have relatively thinner armor on their roofs than on their fronts or sides. The Javelin climbs to an elevated path after launch and then dives down onto the target from above, guiding onto the top armor with its infrared seeker. This maximize penetration from a more vulnerable angle and makes the hit more effective with its warhead. Direct-attack would strike where armor is thicker, reducing effectiveness; glide or hovering profiles don’t match how this system engages targets.