Lockheed Martin's JASSM Demonstrates Unique Missile Capabilities
Missile Employs Next Generation Anti-Jam GPS
ORLANDO, FL, July 22nd, 2002 -- Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) successfully demonstrated a state-of-the-art anti-jam GPS feature in a test last week from an F-16 aircraft at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This test, DT-9A, was the first launch of a JASSM Block 1A missile that included Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Module (SAASM) technology. This component will be included in JASSM production vehicles made in Lot 2 in 2004. The upgraded anti-jam capability improves JASSM's performance in acquiring and tracking GPS signals in a jamming environment. Nulling enhances the missile's ability to ignore signal noise from multiple directions that might interfere with target navigation. Beam steering provides the additional benefit of focusing the reception pattern only in the direction of the GPS satellites. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego produces the digital, high anti-jam adaptive nulling and beam-steering GPS receiver.
"JASSM continues to prove itself as a highly effective weapon," said Brian Rutledge, JASSM deputy program director, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "We are very pleased with the continued success of our development test program. Yesterday's successful mission is a big step toward fielding the Block 1A JASSM in Lot 2."
Currently in the Independent Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) test series as well as in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP), JASSM units will be available to the U.S. Air Force next year. JASSM is being produced at Lockheed Martin's advanced missile manufacturing facility in Troy, Ala.
"JASSM continues to demonstrate that it is a robust platform incorporating new technologies and enhancing effectiveness while maintaining affordability," said Larry Lawson, vice president of Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "JASSM offers the flexibility of fighter or bomber employment with the combination of range, survivability, and lethality - features our warfighters need now."
A 2,000-pound class weapon with a dual-mode penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead, JASSM cruises autonomously in adverse weather, day or night, using an anti-jam GPS navigation system and a state-of-the-art infrared seeker to find a specific aimpoint on the target. Its stealthy airframe makes it extremely difficult to defend against. The missile is planned for deployment on B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft and has a range greater than 200 miles.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and integrates world-class air defense, fire support, strike weapon, naval munition, combat vision, anti-armor and advanced product solutions and systems for U.S. and international armed forces.
Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351
e-mail nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com
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