ALCM
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Air-launched cruise missile |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
ALCM stands for Air-launched cruise missile, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
Cruise missile launched from an aircraft, flying low to evade defenses. The US AGM-86B nuclear ALCM is carried by B-52 bombers, and conventional versions were used in the Gulf War and Iraq War.
Example: B-52s armed with ALCMs flew from Barksdale during the alert exercise.
Usage notes
The Long Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO) is being developed to replace the AGM-86B. Cruise missiles fly powered within the atmosphere for their whole flight, unlike ballistic missiles. The sea-launched counterpart is the SLCM, such as the Tomahawk.
Related abbreviations
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- AAM – Air-to-air missile
- AAV – Assault Amphibious Vehicle
- ACOG – Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
- ACV – Amphibious Combat Vehicle
- AH – Attack helicopter
- AK-47 – Avtomat Kalashnikova (Kalashnikov automatic rifle), model 1947
- AMRAAM – Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
- APC – Armored personnel carrier
- APFSDS – Armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot
- AR-15 – ArmaLite Rifle, model 15
- ATACMS – Army Tactical Missile System
- ATGM – Anti-tank guided missile