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JASSM flies through maneuvering flight test
August 11, 1999 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to- Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) flew today, maneuvering high above the New Mexico desert under control of its on-board computer. The successful unpowered test verified the system's anticipated aerodynamic performance.
Launched from a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon 15, 000 feet above the White Sands Missile Range, the advanced cruise missile deployed its wings and tail, then flawlessly performed a series of maneuvers similar to those required during an attack mission.
This test followed several safe separation tests conducted earlier in the program using a test vehicle. Today's test did not require the missile to fly to a ground target.
The JASSM system will proceed through increasingly complex flight tests during the remaining months of program development. The first powered flight is scheduled for later this year. JASSM is an autonomous, long-range, conventional, air-to-ground precision strike cruise missile designed to destroy high-value, well-defended fixed and relocatable targets.
Flown aboard U.S. Air Force and Navy fighters and bombers, the system will utilize advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art mission planning, precise guidance and lethal target penetration technology.
This test followed several safe separation tests conducted earlier in the program using a test vehicle. Today's test did not require the missile to fly to a ground target.
The JASSM system will proceed through increasingly complex flight tests during the remaining months of program development. The first powered flight is scheduled for later this year. JASSM is an autonomous, long-range, conventional, air-to-ground precision strike cruise missile designed to destroy high-value, well-defended fixed and relocatable targets.
Flown aboard U.S. Air Force and Navy fighters and bombers, the system will utilize advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art mission planning, precise guidance and lethal target penetration technology.
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