The modern battlefield is increasingly becoming an arena of precision strikes, where every second and every meter is crucial. One of the brightest representatives of this class of weapons is the American AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile, capable of hitting both stationary and mobile targets at a great distance. This is an extremely dangerous type of weapon.
This missile combines high accuracy, significant range and the ability to hit a wide range of targets. And low radar visibility and a complex flight path make it possible to effectively solve combat tasks, overcoming enemy air defenses.
History of creation
The roots of the JASSM ("Jazm" or "Jasm") missile program go back to the 1980s, when work began in the United States on the creation of a new cruise missile capable of replacing aging samples. Initially, the project was called TSSAM (Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile) and assumed the creation of a universal missile suitable for use by all types of armed forces. However, due to the high cost and complexity of the development, the project was curtailed.
Despite the failure of TSSAM, the idea of creating a high-precision cruise missile remained relevant. In the early 1990s, a new program began, called JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile). The aim of the project was to create a missile with high accuracy, long range and capable of hitting a wide range of targets.
The contract for the development of JASSM was awarded to the American company Lockheed Martin. After the successful completion of the tests, the JASSM missile was adopted by the US Air Force. In May 1994, serial production of the rocket began, which continues to the present day. JASSM has become one of the main means of hitting ground targets in the arsenal of the American Air Force.
Construction
The rocket body is made of composite materials that provide high strength with low weight. The body shape is optimized to ensure minimum aerodynamic drag and maximum flight range. The wings of the rocket fold up during transportation and are released in flight, providing the necessary lift and maneuverability.
The heart of the rocket is a turbojet engine. It is characterized by compact size and high reliability. The rocket's fuel system is designed to provide a long flight and allows the missile to hit targets at a considerable distance.
The JASSM guidance system is one of the most advanced in its class. It includes:
– An inertial navigation system that provides accurate determination of the rocket's location in space.
– A GPS satellite navigation system that allows you to specify the coordinates of the target and adjust the flight path.
– An active radar homing head, which provides capture and tracking of the target in the final phase of flight.
The JASSM is equipped with a thermobaric warhead with high destructive power. Thermobaric ammunition creates a cloud of explosive that explodes upon contact with oxygen in the air, forming a powerful shock wave and a fireball. This allows you to effectively hit both ground targets and enemy manpower.
To increase survivability, the missile is equipped with countermeasures. These include:
– A coating that absorbs radar radiation, reducing the likelihood of missile detection by enemy radars.
– False targets that distract the attention of air defense systems.
– Maneuvering that makes it difficult to intercept the missile.
The evolution of the JASSM cruise missile
The AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile has undergone a number of changes and modifications since its introduction, which has expanded its combat capabilities.
Basic version of JASSM
The first version of the JASSM missile was designed to hit stationary ground targets at a considerable distance. It was equipped with a thermobaric warhead and had high accuracy.
JASSM-ER
In order to increase the range of damage, a version of the JASSM-ER (Extended Range) was developed. The improved engine made it possible to increase the range of the rocket by more than twice. Some changes were also made to the guidance system and the warhead.
JASSM-SR
In parallel with the development of the JASSM-ER, work was underway on a smaller version of the rocket, called the JASSM-SR (Short Range). This modification was intended to equip fighters with limited armament suspension capabilities. The JASSM-SR has a shorter flight range and weight, but retains high accuracy and striking ability.
JASSM-XR
In early 2016, Lockheed Martin announced a study aimed at creating a new modification of the AGM-158 with a radically increased flight range. The goal of the project, informally dubbed JASSM-XR (Extreme Range), was to achieve a range of 1,000 nautical miles (more than 1,800 km). The Pentagon has shown significant interest in the JASSM-XR project and in September 2018 signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the full-scale development of a new missile. As part of the agreement, the company has committed to complete all stages within five years. Initially, the new modification was designated AGM-158D, but later it was renamed AGM-158B-2 to emphasize continuity with the JASSM version already in service. To date, the JASSM-XR project continues to develop actively.
Promising developments
Work is currently underway on new modifications to JASSM. The appearance of new modifications of the missile makes it possible to expand its combat capabilities and adapt to changing conditions of warfare. One of the promising directions is the creation of a missile with a combined warhead capable of hitting both armored and unarmored targets. The possibility of integrating new guidance systems into the missile, such as infrared or laser homing heads, is also being considered.
Comparative table of characteristics of JASSM versions
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| A comparative table of characteristics of JASSM versions. |
| Source: vz.ru |
Media
The AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile, due to its characteristics and versatility, can be integrated on a wide range of aerial platforms. Various types of aircraft, from strategic bombers to multi-purpose fighters, are capable of carrying JASSM missiles on board.
Strategic bombers
B-1 Lancer. This supersonic bomber is one of the main carriers of JASSM. Due to its large payload, the B-1 is capable of carrying a significant number (up to 24) missiles, which allows for massive strikes.
B-2 Spirit. Due to its low radar visibility, the B-2 stealth bomber is ideally suited for deep penetration aviation missions. It can carry 16 JASSMS to engage highly secure targets.
B-52H Stratofortress. Despite its age, the B-52H remains one of the main bombers in the U.S. Air Force. The upgrade made it possible to integrate JASSM missiles (up to 12 units) onto it, expanding its combat capabilities.
Fighters
F-16 Fighting Falcon. This widespread fighter can be equipped with two JASSM missiles, turning into an effective carrier for hitting ground targets.
F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet. The F/A-18 family of fighters is also capable of carrying two JASSMS, which allows them to be used for strike missions.
F-15E Strike Eagle. This specialized strike fighter is one of the main carriers of JASSM. Due to its large payload, the F-15E is capable of carrying as many as three missiles of this type.
The F-35 Lightning II is also integrated with JASSM and is capable of carrying two such missiles each.
Evaluations
Commenting on the capabilities of the AGM-158 JASSM air–to-surface cruise missile with a flight range of 560 km, the commander of the crew of the Russian Su-34 noted in a comment to the Telegram channel "The Look of a man in lamps" that "this thing will be more serious even than Storm Shadow."
"The F-16 can carry two such missiles. Imagine if a hundred of these "jazzmas" were quietly delivered to Kiev, and a volley fired from a dozen F-16s would fly over the Crimean Bridge. This will be a serious test for our air defense," the military pilot noted.
Conclusion
Due to its high accuracy, range and versatility, JASSM has become one of the main means of hitting ground targets for the US Air Force. The integration of JASSM with various aerial platforms significantly increases their combat capabilities.
Olga Nikitina
