AASM fired with infrared terminal guidance.

French defense procurement agency DGA has 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 Centre in Biscarosse, Southwest France, by a Mirage 2000N based at the Cazaux Flight Test Centre.

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 Defense Securite (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 50km, plus precision strike capability.

Both versions of the AASM support all-weather, day/night firing, at standoff range from enemy air defences. The AASM will be deployed by French Air Force and Navy Rafale fighters starting at the end of 2007.

The AASM family comprises a 125kg variant (for urban strikes) as well as 500kg and 1000kg versions for more ruggedized targets. The different AASM calibers will have guidance and range enhancement kits that are based on the one for the 250kg version. The 250kg AASM has a range of over 50km. The 1000kg AASM will have a special range enhancement kit. Two versions of the guidance kits are proposed: GPS/inertial guidance and GPS/inertial/infrared.