Lockheed Martin's JASSM Successfully Completes Second Engineering and Manufacturing Controls Test
ORLANDO, FL, November 17th, 2000 -- The Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) team successfully completed the second Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) controls flight test at the Eglin Air Force Base Test Range in Florida.
Launched from a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Mach 0.8 flying 35,000 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, the advanced cruise missile successfully separated from the F-16, deployed its wings and tail, and started its engine. Then, the missile completed a path of strategic waypoints, flying in excess of 200 nautical miles.
The purpose of this test was to thoroughly evaluate the aerodynamics and flight control characteristics of the missile over the limits of the missile's envelope in terms of altitude, range, and speed. To accomplish these objectives, the missile flew several stressing turns, dives, and aerodynamic maneuvers designed to test the capability of the airframe.
The missile's engine ignited at its programmed start altitude approximately 100 seconds after launch and propelled the missile through the remainder of its guided flight. On-board navigation was provided by the missile's Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS).
The missile, modified based on discoveries from the first controls flight test in September, successfully completed all of its objectives, including successful separation from the F-16, engine start, powered flight, collection of data, GPS/INS navigation, and autopilot and flight control performance. "The success of CT-2 has checked off another testing milestone in JASSM development," said Mike Inderhees, Lockheed Martin JASSM program director. "During this flight, all objectives were successfully accomplished and this ensures that the development of JASSM is right on schedule."
Developmental testing is scheduled to begin early next year. The first test will focus on terminal mission planning. Terry Little, JASSM program director for the US Air Force, said, "With the success of CT-2, we are able to focus on developmental testing, another crucial step in the development of JASSM. We are on a very stable path for JASSM, and we look forward to more successful flights."
One of the Department of Defense's highest priority programs, JASSM is designed to give Air Force and Navy pilots long-range standoff capability against a wide array of high value, heavily defended targets. Its GPS satellite navigation system, state-of-the-art infrared seeker, 1,000-pound penetrator warhead, and stealth airframe make it virtually impossible to defend against.
Pilots will be able to launch the missile from well outside the range of enemy air defenses, and it will cruise automatically in weather, day or night, with pinpoint accuracy to its target. The 2,250-pound, 14-foot long missile is designed to be launched from the F-16, B-52, F/A-18 E/F, B-1, and B-2.
Located in Dallas, Tx. and Orlando, Fla., Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, a world leader in electro-optics, smart munitions, advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems, is an operating element of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration business unit based in Bethesda, Maryland.
Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351
e-mail nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com
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