Boeing AGM-86B ALCM The AGM-86B cruise missile is an air-to-ground nuclear weapon launched from B-52 or B-1 bombers. The ALCM is self-guided -- it finds its preselected target by comparing prerecorded contour maps with terrain "seen" by its sensors. The cruise missiles wings, tail surfaces and engine inlet are folded while the ALCM is being carried, and deploy upon launching. B-52s can carry as many as 20 AGM-86Bs, permitting a bomber force to saturate defenses by launching missiles in large numbers. The ALCM is hard to detect on radar because it is small and flies low. The AGM-86B became operational in December 1982. A later model, the AGM-86C, carrying a conventional blast/fragmentation warhead and navigating with a global positioning system, was used in combat for the first time in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. This AGM-86B on display made five test flights between January 1980 and October 1982. It was acquired by the museum in February 1983. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One nuclear warhead Engine: Williams International F107-WR-10 turbofan of 600 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 500 mph Range: 1,500 miles Span: 12 ft. Length: 20 ft. 9 in. Body diameter: 24 in. Weight: 3,100 lbs. loaded Click here to return to the Cold War Gallery. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets Boeing B-52D Stratofortress Boeing B-1B Lancer Williams International F107-WR-101 Turbofan Engine Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.