Australian SASR Testing Javeling Missile

Members of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment as part of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (TF 64) tests out the Javelin anti-tank system in Afghanistan, November 2002.

Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The system which takes a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles (attacking the top armour which is generally thinner) but can also take a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. This missile also has the ability to engage helicopters. The missile reaches a peak altitude of 150m in top attack mode and 50m in direct fire mode. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker. A tandem warhead is fitted with two shaped charges, a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive reactive armour and a primary warhead to penetrate base armour. Javelin was used in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.

The missile is ejected from the launcher so that it reaches a safe distance from the operator before the main rocket motors ignite; a "soft launch arrangement." This also makes it harder to identify the launcher and allows it to be fired from within buildings. As soon as the missile is fired the firing team may displace.