The AGM-158 JASSM is an air-to-surface cruise missile developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has been in service with the US Air Force since 2003, with a total of 4,800 missiles in store. The AGM-158A and AGM-158B are close range weapons, with a reach of 230 and 575 miles respectively. The AGM-158D version, however, is a medium-range missile, being able to reach the maximum distance of 1,200 miles (1,900 km). It is also in the arsenal of the Australian, Finnish, and Polish Air Force.
The acronym 'JASSM' stands for 'Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile. It is powered by a Williams F107 turbojet engine, with one-stage HP turbine and 2-stage LP turbine, and annular combustor chamber, which burns aviation fuel. Its launching platforms are the F-15E Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 bomber. It is guided by inertial navigation system, GPS, and imaging infrared. The missile is fitted with folding arrow wings, which swing out as soon as it is launched. It has a low signature in the radar as it is characterized by stealth.
Specifications
Type: Stand-Off Cruise Missile
Weight: 1,200 kg (2,600 pounds)
Length: 4.29 m (14 ft, 1 inch)
Width: 63.5 cm (25 inch)
Wing Span: 2.7 m (8 ft, 10 inch)
Warhead: 454-kg WDU-42 penetrator
Gidance: GPS, INS
Below, the AGM-158A JASSM, showing the wing positions.
The AGM-158D is black and it is launched from an F-16 aircraft.
The AGM-158 in action (video)
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