AGMs are used in various air to surface roles, such as anti-tank attacks, attacks against ground force personnel, runways, or equipment. Also lumped in this category of missiles is the anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles (or depth charges) launched from aircraft, although we will not deal with torpedoes or depth charges here.

Like air-to-air missiles (AAMs), the air-to-ground missile can be guided by IR (InfraRed homing) or Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) methods. But AGMs also have been guided by the aircraft's radar all the way in ( RADAR GUIDED or RG). This type of radar guidance can occur via a radio link or as was done with the wire guided type. As you can imagine, wire guided missiles were only effective while aircraft was flying slow and in line with the target, and then usually were left on their own after the wire was cut.

Modern AGMs can rely on IR or SARH guidance to target, as well as the more efficient, accurate, and reliable laser designation method. The concept is based upon a laser illuminating the target at lock on, through the flight, and at termination. And of course, all three segments of the missile attack can be used in any combination. For instance, you could designate via a friendly ground laser, launch, then allow the friendly to duck his head while the missile homes in on position only. Or the missile could be launched from a stand-off position (some 10-40 miles away), then the friendly forces designate in the terminal portion, say 2-3 miles away from the target.

Another type of AGM guidance is via the combination of a magnifying and/or low light television seeker in the head of the missle. An example of this is the Maverick. This AGM displays a picture of what it sees in the cockpit of the fighter aircraft. The pilot (or weapons officer if two crew members) sees a magnified picture of the area ahead, and specifically the possible targets for the missile. The pilot can lock the missile onto the target he desires, and the missile can be launched and forgotten. Or in some cases, the missile can be "watched" while the pilot is making evasive or departure maneuvers, then re-adjusted or re-targeted as it closes in.

Classed with the AGMs are the Durandel, which is a high velocity, high exposive, and high penetration missile designed to penetrate the concrete of a runway, and blast away said concrete as well as obliterate the underfooting as well. A Durandel attack by no more than two aircraft can virtually shut down a runway for days.

Also shown in the AGM database, are laser guided freeform and cruciform weapons. Since they are "smart" bombs, they are included because of the commonality with the seekers used for more "traditional" rocker powered AGMs.

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