The FGM-148 Javelin (AAWS-M) is a shoulder-fired American-made portable anti-tank missile system. Its fire-and-forget design uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch, as opposed to wire-guided systems which require the user to guide the weapon throughout the engagement. The system takes a top-attack flight profile against armored vehicles, attacking the usually thinner top armor, but can also make a direct attack. The Javelin's tandem HEAT warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks equipped with Explosive Reactive Armor.
The system consists of three main components: the Command Launch Unit, the Launch Tube Assembly and the missile itself. The reusable Command Launch Unit commonly referred to as a CLU (pronounced "clue") is the targeting component of the system. The CLU has three views which are used to find, target, and fire the missile and may also be used separately from the missile as a portable thermal sight. The disposable Launch Tube Assembly has built in electronics and a locking hinge system that makes attachment and detachment of the missile to and from the Command Launch Unit quick and simple.
