Successful First Firing of AASM High-Precision Weapon with Infrared Terminal Guidance

Released on Wednesday, August 29, 2007

On July 12, French defense procurement agency DGA carried out the first firing test of the AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) modular air-to-ground weapon with an infrared imager. The test was performed at the Launch Missile Test Center in Biscarosse, Southwest France, by a Mirage 2000N based at the Cazaux Flight Test Center.

This version of the AASM features a guidance kit with infrared imager, complementing the weapon's inertial and GPS guidance systems. The AASM precision-guided weapon calls on image processing algorithms to autonomously correct its flight path during the last few seconds of flight, thus enabling it to hit its target with one-meter class accuracy, as specified.

Developed and produced by Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group), the AASM comprises a guidance kit and a range extension kit fitted to different types of bomb bodies already in service. These kits give the weapon a range exceeding 50 kilometers, plus precision strike capability.

Following the successful tests of the AASM with inertial/GPS guidance, this successful first test of the AASM fitted with an infrared imager confirms the capabilities of this weapon � the only one of its kind in the world. Both versions of the AASM support all-weather, day/night firing, at standoff range from enemy air defenses. The AASM will be deployed by French air force and navy Rafale fighters starting at the end of 2007.