Lockheed Martin Missile Nears Service Entry

Two production-representative Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) were test fired from a US Air Force B-1B LANCER off California in late May. The missiles navigated through all planned waypoints, transitioned to mid-course guidance, flew toward the moving maritime target using inputs from the onboard sensors, positively identified the intended target and impacted successfully.

LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER), designed to meet the requirement of operations in contested environments. The air-launched variant provides an early operational capability for the USN’s offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement to be integrated onboard B-1B in 2018 and on the F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET in 2019.

LRASM is designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies that reduce dependence on ISR platforms, network links and GPS navigation in contested environments. LRASM will play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in open ocean/blue waters, owing to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.

“The success of this second dual-LRASM test event speaks volumes. […] As LRASM moves toward early operational fielding for the US Air Force and US Navy, the weapon system continues to demonstrate critical capabilities that our warfighters need,” commented LRASM programme director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, David Helsel.