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JASSM with F-16

DID has covered the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (AGM-158 JASSM) semi-stealth cruise missile’s development troubles. In our February 2006 article “Breakup, Interrupted: JASSM Missile Back on Track” we noted its 2006 budgetary allocations: $67 million for continued research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), and another $98.7 million for procurement of 75 missiles plus support. Recently, we’ve added notes about JASSM’s selection by Australia, and an $80 million USAF contract for Lot 5 unit production of 70 missiles plus support and minor R&D activities.

Our previous articles have also noted the importance of adding a weapon datalink that would allow in-flight updates of the missile status and targeting, plus the transmission of weapon position data up to the time of impact. This is currently present in the USA’s Tactical Tomahawk Block IV and the Navy’s SLAM-ER, but not in JASSM or in competing stealthy cruise missiles like the Taurus 350 or MBDA Storm Shadow. That’s about to change…

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, FL just received a $65 million cost plus fixed-fee, fixed-price contract modification to provide for JASSM weapons data link development. The scheduled completion date is September 2009, and the Headquarters Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base, FL issued the contract (FA8682-04-D-0306-P00006).

UPDATE: (Sept 19/06) Flight International reports that Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control is working on a new concept for a 900kg (2,000 lb) warhead modular long-range strike weapon, designated Cruise Missile Extreme Range (XR). It will share the AGM-158 JASSM missile’s supplier base and leverage lessons learned on the JASSM, but depending on the requirements it may or may not look like its predecessors.