THE US AIR Force is planning to eventually deploy a family of variants of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).
The USAF has told Lockheed Martin and McDonnell Douglas (MDC) Missiles, the two contractors working on the programme-definition and risk-reduction (PDRR) phase of the project, that it foresees a family of JASSM variants with different warheads to defeat a variety of targets.
The missile's initial warhead will be capable of shallow penetration, and the USAF is also believed to be interested in a variety of submunitions dispenser warheads, as well as one designed to defeat deep-buried targets.
The JASSM award is still being contested by Hughes, which failed to be selected as one of the two candidates. A decision on the protest is expected by mid-October.
Despite the shortlisting of Lockheed Martin and MDC, details of several areas in both proposals remain to be resolved.
MDC has yet to select an imaging infra-red seeker supplier for its bid, with a competition continuing between GEC-Marconi and Rockwell. Details of the Lockheed Martin proposal remain scant, with the air-vehicle design appearing to be based on a classified development within its Skunk Works.
The USAF has a requirement for 2,400 JASSM weapons, while the US Navy has yet to formally commit to a specific number.
Under the PDRR phase, both companies will be expected to provide the USAF and US Navy with two missiles after 22 months.
After design selection, the contractor will begin an engineering manufacturing and design (EMD) phase. As part of the EMD programme, 22 missiles will be test-launched from a Lockheed Martin F-16 and a Boeing B-52. Aircraft which will have the JASSM include the MDC F-18E/F, Lockheed Martin F-117, Rockwell B-1B, Northrop Grumman B-2 and MDC F-15.
The Lockheed Martin P-3 and S-3 Viking are being considered as carriers by the USN.
Source: Flight International
