MGM-157B EFOGM

Description: The Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile (EFOGM) system is a vertical-launch, dual-thrust, rapidly deployable, non line-of-sight, precision standoff weapon (out to 15 kilometers) for use against moving, and stationary ground targets and helicopters during day/night, and adverse weather conditions. The system is called the MGM-157 EFOGM by the US Army and Raytheon was awarded two development contracts in 1994 and 1995 valued at $91 million.

The EFOGM is based on the proven TOW anti-tank missile with a fiber optic two-way data link and a CCD-TV sensor GPS/INS-aided replacing the seeker. The weapon system operator can visualize the target area locating and designating new targets through the real time imagery provided by the TV sensor and transmitted via the fiber optic. The EFOGM missile was developed to defeat advanced armored targets but it is well suited against very low speed and altitude flying aircraft such as helicopters.

Up to 300 EFOGM missiles armed with a shaped charge warhead and 12 HMMWV-mounted launchers were procured by the US Army by late 1990s. The program is currently on hold and there are no further plans to keep going with this program. Nevertheless, emerging interest in this kind of weapon in Europe (ALFO, Polyphem) and Japan (Type 96) could lead the United States to restart the program.