What is the maximum range of the BGM-71A?

• A. 3,750 meters
• B. 2,000 meters
• C. 4,000 meters
• D. 3,000 meters

Answer: (D)

The distance a guided missile can travel from launch to impact is set by what the propulsion system can do and how far the guidance system can control the weapon. For a wire-guided system like the BGM-71A, the length of the guidance wire is a real, practical limit in addition to the motor burn time and aerodynamics. Once the wire is fully paid out, the guidance signals can no longer be maintained, and accuracy and control suffer, effectively capping the usable range.

In this context, the established field and training data for the BGM-71A list the maximum range at about 3,000 meters. That makes the 3,000-meter figure the best fit among the options, even though other variants or sources might cite slightly different numbers. The 3,000-meter mark reflects the practical engagement envelope for this system in typical Marine Corps training and doctrine.

The other distances don’t align with this specific variant’s operational range: shorter figures underestimate what the system can reach under ideal conditions, while longer figures exceed the practical limits set by the guidance wire length and propulsion for the BGM-71A.