UGM-89 Perseus / STAM

In February 1970, the missile designation ZUGM-89A Perseus was reserved for the U.S. Navy. Although I have no definite confirmation, it is not unlikely that this reservation was for the STAM (Submarine Tactical Missile) project, which was under study at that time.

In March 1969, the U.S. Navy issued a requirement for the STAM (Submarine Tactical Missile), a new submarine-launched dual role (anti-sub/anti-ship) attack missile. It was to have a range between 9 km (5 nm) and 55 km (30 nm), and carry a new high-performance homing torpedo. STAM was to be a large missile with a length of about 7.6 m (300 in) and a diameter of 76 cm (30 in). This made it too large for torpedo tubes, and therefore a new attack submarine (SSN) type was proposed which would carry 20 STAMs in vertical launch tubes. This new SSN would have been much larger, and therefore much more expensive, than existing SSN classes. The STAM project and the new submarine class were eventually cancelled in 1973. As a replacement, the submarine-launched UGM-84 version of the Harpoon missile was developed and fielded on existing SSNs.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for STAM:

Length	7.6 m (300 in)
Diameter	76 cm (30 in)
Weight	> 2700 kg (6000 lb)
Range	55 km (30 nm)
Propulsion	Rocket
Warhead	Homing torpedo

Main Sources

[1] Norman Friedman: "US Naval Weapons", Conway Maritime Press, 1983
[2] Department of Defense Missile Nomenclature Records

Back to Current Designations Of U.S. Unmanned Military Aerospace Vehicles
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles

---

Last Updated: 24 October 2002