[Suggestion] AGM-169 Joint Common Missile (JCM) – Advanced Multi-Mode Air-to-Ground Missile
Introduction
This is a suggestion to add the AGM-169 Joint Common Missile (JCM) to War Thunder as a high-tier, advanced air-to-ground missile. Although the missile was never fielded, it reached an advanced stage of development and directly influenced the JAGM program, making it a suitable candidate for implementation in prototype or alternate-history lineups.
History
The AGM-169 JCM was a U.S. project initiated in 2002, led by Lockheed Martin. It was developed as a joint replacement for several existing missile systems including the AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-65 Maverick, and TOW missile systems. The missile was intended to serve across all U.S. military branches and multiple platforms, from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to potentially UAVs.
The JCM featured triple-mode guidance:
- Semi-active laser
- Imaging infrared (IIR)
- Millimeter-wave radar (MMW)
This made it one of the most flexible and technologically advanced air-to-ground missiles of its time. The program was unfortunately cancelled in 2007 due to budget cuts and shifting military priorities. However, the knowledge gained was later used in the successful JAGM program.
General Characteristics (Proposed In-Game)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | ~1.8 m |
| Diameter | 178 mm |
| Weight | ~49 kg |
| Warhead | Tandem HEAT with fragmentation sleeve |
| Range | 8–12 km (helicopters), up to 16–20 km (jets) |
| Speed | Subsonic (~Mach 1) |
| Guidance | Triple-mode: Laser, IIR, MMW radar |
| Operation | Fire-and-forget or laser-designated |
|  |
|Compatible Vehicles|AH-64D/E, F-16C, F/A-18E/F, AH-1Z, OH-58D, UAVs (potentially)|
In-Game Implementation
Key Features:
- Fire-and-forget capability through MMW and IIR seekers.
- Multi-mode selection: Player can choose seeker type pre-launch depending on tactical situation.
- Countermeasure resistance: High resistance to flares and smoke due to radar and IIR guidance.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Could be used on both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the game.
Balance Considerations:
- Limited ammo count due to advanced tech and weight.
- May require a longer lock-on time for radar/IIR guidance.
- Potential inclusion in higher BR or future “prototype/experimental” tech trees.
Visual Reference
Note: AGM-169 JCM test model with dual-mode seeker.
Image credit: Lockheed Martin promotional materials (2004–2006)
(Please add image manually via forum post if needed)
Conclusion
The AGM-169 JCM offers a unique and versatile option for late-tier and modern platforms in War Thunder. Despite not entering service, it was fully prototyped and tested, and it played a crucial role in shaping the missiles that followed. Its implementation could bring fresh depth and tactical variety to the game, particularly in modern helicopter and multirole aircraft gameplay.
By introducing the JCM, War Thunder would give players access to a true “next-generation” weapon system that reflects real-world technological progress.