Missile AGM-158 JASSM
Summary
| Category | Cruise Missile |
| Sub-type | Air launched cruise missile |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
Technical specifications
| AGM-158 JASSM | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive / Fragmentation |
| Warhead Weight | 450 kg |
| Span | 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| Length | 4260 mm (167.7 in) |
| Weight | 1020 kg (2249 lb) |
| Range | 370 km (230 mi) |
Description
The AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) is an American-made, long-range, air-launched cruise missile designed for precision strikes against high-value, well-defended targets. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the missile was introduced into service in the early 2000s and is used by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, as well as by allied nations.
The JASSM utilizes stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect and intercept. It's designed to fly at low altitudes to evade radar and is equipped with a 1,000-pound penetrating warhead to destroy hardened targets.
One of the key features of JASSM is its guidance system, which includes an inertial navigation system (INS) coupled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) for mid-course navigation. For terminal guidance, it uses an infrared seeker, allowing it to autonomously recognize and home in on its target. This combination of features enables the missile to achieve a high level of accuracy, even in the face of jamming and other electronic countermeasures.
Powered by a turbofan engine, the basic version of JASSM has a range of about 230 miles (370 kilometers), while the extended-range variant, JASSM-ER, can reach distances up to 620 miles (1,000 kilometers). This long range allows the launch platform to stay outside of enemy air defenses, increasing its survivability.