What kind of rocket motor does the AGM-88 HARM feature?

The AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) is equipped with a dual thrust rocket motor. This type of motor allows for a two-phase propulsion system where the first phase provides a high-thrust boost for initial launch and rapid acceleration, while the second phase maintains a lower thrust for sustained flight towards the target. This dual thrust capability is particularly advantageous for air-to-surface missiles like the HARM, enabling them to efficiently cover distances and achieve optimal performance while keeping a relatively compact size.

In contrast, other types of rocket motors are less suitable for this application. A single-stage rocket motor would not provide the necessary performance characteristics for a guided missile in terms of acceleration and range. Solid rocket motors, while being used in many other systems for their reliability and simplicity, do not provide the flexibility of thrust modulation that dual thrust motors offer. Liquid rocket motors, while powerful, are more complex and generally require a different design approach not utilized in the AGM-88 HARM. Therefore, the dual thrust design is ideal for fulfilling the specific requirements of the HARM as a fast and effective anti-radiation missile.