Describe the AGM-65 Maverick.

• A. A solid fuel rocket propelled air-to-ground missile with a conventional warhead using imaging infrared guidance.
• B. A supersonic air-to-air missile using passive IR guidance.
• C. An anti-ship missile with radar guidance.
• D. A cruise missile for long-range strike.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that this missile is designed to strike ground targets from an aircraft and uses a solid-fuel motor to propel itself, carrying a conventional warhead. Its guidance relies on imaging infrared, meaning the seeker picks up heat signatures from targets and guides the missile to them. This combination—air-to-ground role, solid propulsion, conventional warhead, and infrared imaging guidance—defines the Maverick. It’s not an air-to-air missile, not primarily an anti-ship weapon, and not a long-range cruise missile, which is why the other descriptions don’t fit. The Maverick has been used on aircraft like fighters and attack planes to engage ground targets with precision.