AGM-123 Skipper II

AGM-123 Skipper II is a short-range laser-guided missile developed by the U.S. Navy.

Overview
The Skipper is a short range missile intended for precision strikes. It is composed of a Mark 83 bomb, fitted with a Paveway kit, and an attached rocket propulsion system to allow it to be dropped at greater distances from the target. Tandem mounted Mk 78 solid propellant rockets which both fire simultaneously on launch provide propulsion.

The increased range of the weapon compared to a free-fall bomb gives the delivery aircraft a degree of protection from surface-to-air-missiles and anti-aircraft artillery in the vicinity of the target. The Skipper was intended as an anti-ship weapon, capable of disabling the largest vessels due to the powerful 1000 lb (450 kg) impact fuzed warhead of the Mk 83 bomb. It could be carried by the A-6E Intruder, A-7 Corsair II, and F/A-18.

The AGM-123 was developed at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center.