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SRAM-2

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SRAM-2

AKA: AGM-131A; SRAM II; SRAM T. Gross mass: 877 kg (1,933 lb). Height: 4.27 m (14.00 ft). Diameter: 0.40 m (1.31 ft). Span: 0.61 m (2.00 ft).

The SRAM-2 air-launched ballistic missile was a replacement for the SRAM stand-off weapon that allowed American bombers to penetrate Soviet air space. SRAM-2 was to be smaller, so that more missiles could be carried per bomber. New rocket motors and a different nuclear warhead would remedy problems with the original missile. SRAM-2's fortunes were tied to that of the B-1 bomber, which was cancelled in 1978, but then resurrected and put into production in 1981. So although design work began in 1977, Boeing did not receive a development contract until 1986. The missile was to become operational in 1993, but was cancelled in 1991 after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union eliminated its mission. A B-1B bomber would have carried 36 of the missiles, and a tactical version was in test for the F-15.

Maximum range: 390 km (240 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Initial Operational Capability: 1993.

Historical Essay � Andreas Parsch

Boeing AGM-131 SRAM II

The SRAM II (Short-Range Attack Missile) was intended as a replacement for the AGM-69 SRAM, but it was not produced in quantity.

In 1977, the USAF planned to develop an upgrade of the SRAM for the forthcoming B-1A bomber as AGM-69B SRAM B. When the B-1A was cancelled in 1978, the AGM-69B was dropped, too. After the resurrection of the B-1 program (as B-1B) in 1981, it was decided to develop an entirely new weapon, the SRAM II. In 1986, Boeing was finally awarded a development contract for the AGM-131A SRAM II. The AGM-131A was planned to have only about 2-3 the size of an AGM-69A, so that 36 missiles could be carried by the B-1B, as compared to 24 AGM-69As. One new feature of SRAM II was a lighter, simpler, and more reliable rocket motor by Thiokol for increased range. The SRAM II also used a new W-89 thermonuclear warhead, which was much safer to operate than the W-69 of the AGM-69. Initial Operational Capability for the AGM-131A was planned for 1993, but after flight tests in the late 1980s, the program was cancelled in 1991. Stated reasons include technical (difficulties with the rocket motor) and political (nuclear arms reduction) ones.

The AGM-131B SRAM-T (SRAM-Tactical) was a version intended for use by the F-15E Eagle tactical strike aircraft. The SRAM-T reached the flight-test stage, but was eventually cancelled, too.

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for AGM-131A (except where noted):

[1] James N. Gibson: "Nuclear Weapons of the United States", Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1996
[2] Christopher Chant: "World Encyclopaedia of Modern Air Weapons", Patrick Stephens Ltd., 1988

Family: aircraft-launched, air-to-surface. Country: USA. Agency: Boeing.

Photo Gallery

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SRAM-2 Credit: via Andreas Parsch

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