Lockheed Martin is expecting a US Air Force contract later this year to develop the extended range (ER) version of the AGM-158 JASSM stand-off missile. Initial deliveries of the standard missile are due to begin next month, while the US Navy finalises a contract to integrate JASSM with the Boeing F/A-18E/F.
Funding for full-scale JASSM ER development is included in the 2004 defence budget request and follows cancellation of a Rockwell B-1B defensive systems upgrade to free the required funds. Lockheed Martin plans a three-year development, with an initial service entry around 2008, says Chuck Morant, the company's strike weapons manager, business development.
The missile will offer roughly 2.5 times the JASSM's 400km (215nm) range, by replacing its Teledyne J402-100 turbojet with a 700lb-thrust(3.1kN) turbofan and adding fuel. While no changes to the missile's low observable outer mould line or J1000 warhead are envisaged, other enhancements are possible.
"We're constantly looking at new technology for the missile," says Morant. Among the "possibilities" are alternative warheads such as submunitions, updated communications for time-critical targeting cues and improvements to the GPS-satellite navigation guidance and imaging infrared seeker.
The first of 76 low-rate initial production JASSMs ordered in 2002 is due for delivery next month. A full-rate production go-ahead is expected by year-end, with the USAF calling for 250 missiles to be ordered in 2004 and 360 the following year.
Source: Flight International