Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Systems' vice-president Randy Bigum has outlined the latest progress of AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM), the Longshot wing-kit and the Low-cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS).
JASSM has now received Initial Operating Capability (IOC) on the USAF B-52H and B-2A Spirit, with recent clearance on the F-16 and follow-on testing continuing for the B-1B Lancer. The USAF has ordered 2,400 JASSMs to be delivered in nine batches.
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The first US Navy platform slated for the stealthy cruise missile is the F/A-18E/F from 2008. Bigum also announced that Lockheed Martin had been approached by a Panavia Tornado operator interested in JASSM.
Lockheed Martin is also developing a JASSM interface for the F-16 through AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) integration to allow non-MIL-STD-1760 operators to be compliant with the new weapon without needing expensive re-wiring.
A USAF requirement for an expended range version has resulted in the JASSM-ER programme, with development already underway and deployment possible by 2006. JASSM-XR is a further development and is likely to feature a penetrating capability as well as a two-way datalink and loiter potential.
Lockheed Martin's Longshot wing kit is compliant with 500-1,000lb iron and cluster bombs as well as laser-guided bombs (LGBs).
Source: Flight Daily News
