The AASM Hammer: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
Summary
- Weight Classes: 125kg, 250kg, 500kg, 1000kg
- Weight of the Weapon: for AASM 250 with Mk82, 330kg
- Weight of the Seeker + REK: for AASM 250, 90kg
- Guidance: INS/GPS IR, INS/GPS, INS/GPS SAL
- Nato Designation:
- 250kg - INS/GPS IR (SBU 64), INS/GPS (SBU 38), INS/GPS SAL (SBU 54)
- 1000kg - INS/GPS IR (SBU 66), INS/GPS (SBU 21), INS/GPS SAL (SBU 56)
- Range Figures:
- Range
- 60km+ from high-altitude
- 15km+ from low-altitude
- Range
- Range Extension Kit (REK) Motor Specifications:
- Motor Duration: 30 seconds
- Propulsion System: By Roxel, Features Reduced-Smoke Capabilities
- Manouverability:
- Maneuverability is stated to be around 5G
- Large Off-Boresight Capabilities of ≤ 90°
- Fuze Settings: , Impact Fuze, AirBurst for Soft Targets and Aerials
- Seeker Capabilities:
- Fire & Forget
- Multi-target simultaneous attack
- Velocity and angle of attack on impact can be selected
- High resistance to GPS unavailability, jamming and target location errors
- Accuracy in the 10 metre class
- Compatibility:
- Fully integrated with Dassault Rafale
- Firing Tests has been made from F-16, Mirage 2000, Mirage F1, MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-27
- Can be integrated in Transport Aircrafts such as Lockheed C-130 Hercules
- Limitations:
- Compatible with Single Pylons, Dual-Rack, Triple-Rack
- Maximum Allowed Release Speed: M1.4
History & General Informations
AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire), also known as “HAMMER” (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), is a French-Made Family of precision-guided Air-To-Surface munition developed by SAGEM (now Safran Electronics & Defense). It’s Developement started in the late 1990s and It was first introduced in 2007 with the French Armed Forces.
Development:
- The development of the AASM began in 1997 when the DGA launched an international competition.
- In 2000, Sagem won the contract to develop the AASM, with an initial order for 744 units.
- The first AASM entered service in 2007 with the French Air Force and Naval Aviation.
- In 2009, a second order for 680 AASM units was placed.
Design & Features:
- AASM is a modular system, allowing it to be adapted to different bomb sizes (125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg) a seeker featurng difference guidance systems and a Range Extension Kit (REK).
- Several Guidance Systems: At the moment, it offers three different Seekers to choose: INS/GPS IR, INS/GPS and INS/GPS SAL
- AASM has a significant range, especially when using the Range Extension Kit (REK). It offers high accuracy, with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters.
- Fire-and-Forget Capability: Once launched, the missile requires minimal operator input, allowing the aircraft to engage multiple targets at the same time.
- All-Weather Capability: AASM can be employed in various weather conditions, day or night.
Operational History:
- The AASM has been used in combat operations, including in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Ukraine.
- It has been used by various aircraft, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, Mirage F1, F-16, MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-27.
- AASM has been used in various combat scenarios, including close air support, air interdiction, and deep strike missions.
- AASM has proven to be a very effective weapon system, with a 99% success rate in combat.
Additional Details:
- AASM has been exported to several countries, including India, Morocco, Qatar, and Egypt.
- AASM modular design and advanced guidance systems make it a versatile and adaptable weapon system.
Weapon Capabilities and Informations
SAGEM AASM is a modular design that provides versatility when it comes to Seeker Choice, Bomb Sizes and Range Extension KIT (REK). Let’s dive down to see what are the options!
Seeker Capabilities
Spoiler
At the moment, AASM have the possibility to interchange between 3 Seekers, let’s see them a bit more in detail
- INS/GPS: This is the standard guidance mode for which is included in SAL & IR Seekers too. Once the coordinates have been entered in the weapon, the inertial guidance system enable it to hit the target without requiring a GPS signal, if it is unavailable.
- INS/GPS IR: This Seeker adds an infrared imager for terminal guidance. With a simplified model of the scene around the target first being uploaded to the weapon, this imager allows the AASM to recalculate its trajectory during the last few seconds prior to impact, using image recognition algorithms. This allows AASM to hit its target with the highest possible accuracy, even if GPS coordinates are incorrect, or the GPS signal is unavailable.
- INS/GPS SAL: This Seeker adds terminal laser guidance to engage moving land or naval targets, illuminated by a ground or airborne laser designator.
All Three Seekers remain accurate under all Weather Conditions and GNSS-Denied Environments. They are also Fire & Forget and Support Multi-Target Capabilities
Another feature of AASM is its lofting/trajectory capabilities: the operator can choose the angle and speed of impact. This means the missile can cruise at a certain altitude range, then dive vertically towards the target once it gets close, increasing its accuracy, lethality while also avoiding being detected.
Lastly, while not often discussed, AASM have AirBurst Capabilities against Soft Targets & Aerial Targets.
Configuration with Bombs
Spoiler
AASM-Hammer can be configured on 4 different weight classes of bombs, these are 125kg, 250kg, 500kg, and 1,000kg. The different bombs that can be used are:
125kg Class:
- Mk81
- CBEMS “BANG” 125
250kg Class:
- Mk82
- CBEMS “BANG” 250
500kg Class:
- Mk83
- CBEMS “BANG” 500
1000kg Class:
- Mk84
- CBEMS “BANG” 1000
- BLU 109
Range Extension Kit (REK)
Spoiler
Range Extension Kit (REK) is used to increase the maneuverability and range of AASM. Maneuverability is stated to be around 5G, while the range is estimated to be 15km+ from low-altitude and 60km+ from high-altitude launches.
REK also includes a 30-second motor and is designed to produce reduced smoke.
REK also includes a 30-second motor and is designed to produce reduced smoke.
In the future, it is planned to introduce a new Dual Seeker Guidance Kit and a new Range Extension Kit (REK)
The purpose of this thread
I created this forum thread to share information about the AASM capabilities and to encourage discussion. I hope to see people interacting with the thread, sharing their opinions, and posting new information about them.
