Support Equipment

LAU-118/A missile launcher

The LAU-118/A missile launcher is a reusable U.S. aircraft launcher for the AGM-88 HARM that provides the missile's mechanical and electrical interface with the host aircraft. Air Force and Federal Register sources describe it as HARM launch hardware for aircraft such as the F-16 and F/A-18, while Navy documentation describes a reusable launcher family with structural fairings, tracks, suspension lugs, insert plugs, and internal electrical components.

LAU-118/A missile launcher, Reusable single-rail aircraft missile launcher, Support Equipment

Image source: Aircraft Launch Interface Computer Testing

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Naval Air Systems Command
Type: Reusable single-rail aircraft missile launcher
Service note: 1980s-present
Designed: 1980s
Produced: 1980s-present
Variants: LAU-118/A, LAU-118(V)1/A, LAU-118(V)2/A

aircraftsupport equipmentlauncher

Specifications

Launcher type: Reusable single-rail aircraft launcher
Interface: Mechanical and electrical interface between aircraft and AGM-88 HARM
Suspension: Can be configured with 14- or 30-inch suspension
Mounting: Typically attached to a BRU-32/A bomb rack on F/A-18 installations
Compatibility: F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Used with HARM-equipped F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft since at least 1988.
Used by: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy

AGM-88 HARM Launch Compatibility

The LAU-118/A is the launcher documented for AGM-88 HARM use on aircraft such as the F-16 and F/A-18.

Launched item

Item type

Launch evidence

Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile

The Air Force Test Center says the LAU-118/A missile launcher is used to launch the AGM-88 HARM from aircraft such as the F-16 and F/A-18.

Sources: Aircraft Launch Interface Computer Testing

LAU-118/A missile launcher Images

LAU-118/A missile launcher, Reusable single-rail aircraft missile launcher, Support Equipment - view 1 — Source: Aircraft Launch Interface Computer Testing

LAU-118/A missile launcher, Reusable single-rail aircraft missile launcher, Support Equipment - view 2 — Source: Aircraft Launch Interface Computer Testing

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Sources

Aircraft Launch Interface Computer TestingPublisher: Air Force Test Center | Note: Supports the LAU-118/A HARM launcher role, F-16 and F/A-18 compatibility, the aircraft/missile interface description, the 14- or 30-inch suspension note, and the public-domain photo used on the page. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 LAU-118 Guided Missile LaunchersPublisher: Federal Register | Note: Supports the launcher being reusable and a complete F/A-18 HARM suspension and launching system, including its structural components. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Spangdahlem LAU-118 launcher photoPublisher: Spangdahlem Air Base | Note: Public-domain photo page showing an inert AGM-88 connected to a LAU-118 launcher on an F-16; supports image provenance for the primary detail-page image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 NSN 1440-01-187-9375Publisher: WBParts | Note: Cross-reference page lists NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND as the manufacturer for the LAU-118(V)1/A / 704AS4169-1 part number. | Accessed: 2026-06-23