Which missile system features a 500-lb high-explosive warhead and a contact fuse?

The Harpoon missile system is equipped with a 500-pound high-explosive warhead and utilizes a contact fuse for detonation. This design is specifically tailored for anti-ship roles, allowing the Harpoon to effectively engage maritime targets by detonating upon impact, which maximizes the destructive force of the warhead.

The inclusion of a contact fuse is critical for ensuring optimal lethality against enemy vessels, providing a reliable mechanism for warhead activation when a direct hit is achieved. Harpoon missiles are primarily launched from surface ships, submarines, and aircraft, emphasizing their versatility in naval combat scenarios.

In contrast, the Tomahawk missile is typically employed for land-attack missions, the Phalanx system serves as a close-in weapon system primarily for point defense against incoming threats, and the Phoenix missile is associated with air-to-air engagements. Each of these systems has its unique design, purpose, and capabilities, differentiating them from the specific features of the Harpoon.