Boeing

The Boeing Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) has successfully separated from a B-52H in recent testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

The Feb. 20 separation test is the first in a series of separation tests planned for the Boeing JASSM from different weapon stations of the B-52H. These tests began only two days after Boeing completed successful JASSM separation tests from an F-16 D at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"The successful B-52 test is another important step in demonstrating the excellent separation characteristics of our aerodynamic design as well as our ability to accurately predict the launch performance of our missile from all the required aircraft," said Jim Gates, vice president and program manager for JASSM in the Boeing Phantom Works.

Besides the F-16 C/D and B-52H, JASSM is designed for launch from the F/A-18E/F, F-15E, B-1B, B-2, P-3C and S-3B. Separation testing determines how accurately the behavior of the launched missile can be predicted using simulations based on wind tunnel test data.

In the B-52H separation test, two full-scale JASSM vehicles were loaded on the aft stations of the B-52's heavy store adaptor beam, which can operationally carry up to six JASSM vehicles. Both vehicles were dropped at an altitude of 30,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.85.

Both vehicles separated safely and performed as predicted. According to John Gilbert, JASSM command and launch integrated product team leader in the Boeing Phantom Works, the test demonstrated safe separation from the B-52H in a jettison and fin deployment launch configuration.

Several more B-52 separation tests are planned in the current and follow-on phase of the JASSM program.

The Boeing JASSM is designed to attack high priority targets from ranges beyond enemy air defenses. After launch, it will fly autonomously over a low-level, evasive route to the target area, where its autonomous terminal guidance system will locate the target and guide the missile in for a direct hit.

The Boeing JASSM program is being conducted in the Phantom Works in St. Louis, Mo. The program is on schedule and on budget and offers an affordable, effective, low-risk weapon system solution that meets all requirements and provides other significant operational benefits as well.

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