Which of the following statements about FGM-148 Javelin flight profiles is true?

• A. Both Top-attack and Direct-attack profiles are used against armored vehicles
• B. Only Top-attack is used against armored vehicles
• C. Only Direct-attack is used against armored vehicles
• D. Neither profile is used against armored vehicles

Answer: (A)

The flight profiles of the Javelin are both designed to defeat armored vehicles, giving flexibility to engage the target from different angles. The top-attack profile lets the missile climb to a higher altitude and then strike down onto the top of the vehicle where the armor is typically thinner, increasing the chance of penetration. The direct-attack profile flies at a lower, direct path toward the target, which is advantageous in close-range engagements, urban terrain, or situations where a high-angle top-attack isn’t feasible due to terrain, line of sight, or mission constraints. Because operators can use either mode against armored vehicles depending on the engagement conditions, both profiles are used against armor.