Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) recently completed F-15E platform integration with a successful all-up round (AUR) flight test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The successful AUR test marked the first time JASSM, or any missile, has been integrated onto a platform using the Universal Armament Interface (UAI). The U.S. Air Force initiated the UAI program with the goal of improving the integration cycle of new precision-guided munitions onto aircraft without changing each weapon and platform's operational flight program software. The Air Force Seek Eagle Office (AFSEO) led the F-15E Strike Eagle UAI integration efforts.
"It is a significant accomplishment to integrate JASSM onto a new aircraft," said Alan Jackson, JASSM program director in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "The F-15E is the sixth platform for this reliable and high-performing cruise missile. JASSM on the F-15E will enhance that tactical fighter's capabilities by broadening the range of options available to warfighters."
Launched at an altitude of 22,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.85, JASSM navigated to and destroyed its intended target, meeting all mission success parameters during the test. These included demonstrating successful end-to-end JASSM capability on the F-15E and validating the missile operational flight software program written for the UAI.
JASSM is an autonomous, air-to-ground, precision-guided standoff missile designed to meet the needs of U.S. and allied warfighters. Armed with a penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead, JASSM cruises autonomously, day or night in all weather conditions. The missile employs an infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam Global Positioning System to find specific targets.
This stealthy missile is integrated on the U.S. Air Force's B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16 and now the F-15E. Internationally, JASSM is certified on the Royal Australian Air Force's F/A-18A/B. Future integration efforts will focus on the U.S. and international versions of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft and other international platforms.
Produced at the company's manufacturing facility in Troy, Ala., Lockheed Martin has assembled more than 1,100 JASSMs for testing and operational use toward a total objective of 4,900 JASSM missiles.
Asian Defence News
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