3 April 2009
The third technical-operational evaluation of the ASMP-Amélioré (Improved Air-Sol Moyenne Portée) medium-range nuclear stand-off missile was completed on schedule on Thursday, March 26.
During the morning, a Mirage 2000N nuclear strike fighter belonging to the 3rd “Limousin” squadron of the 4th Fighter Wing (Escadron 3/4) took off from Istres air base, in south-eastern France. After a long mission, during which it notably was refueled several times in flight, the crew fired the inert missile (without its nuclear warhead) at a designated offshore maritime firing range.
The missile completed its nominal flight profile.
This operation, designed to be representative of an operational nuclear strike mission, was the third and final phase of the validation process of the ASMP-A missile, which will enter operational service this autumn with the Istres-based 3/4 Squadron.
ASMPA
ASMPA is destined to replace the ASMP (strategic and ultimate deterrent air-launched nuclear missile, for deployment by France’s strategic air forces and which can be carried under the Mirage 2000N).
The planned transition scenario from ASMP to ASMPA will firstly see initial entry into service on the K3 standard of the Mirage 2000N and subsequently on the F3 standard Rafale.
Technical Description
The concept is similar to that of ASMP. The ASMPA air vehicle uses the air vehicle pre-developed for the Vesta activity (ramjet air vehicle) in conjunction with the ANF future anti-ship programme (ANF was suspended at the end of 1999).
The missile is powered by a ramjet motor. This mode of propulsion, compared to a traditional rocket propulsion system, allows for the significant reduction of both the required space within the missile as well as missile weight in relation to the required range and warhead charge. It allows the missile to cover a large part of the flight envelope at high supersonic speeds.
Warhead
New, medium energy thermo-nuclear charge; a concept validated during the last nuclear testing campaign. Simulations have proven its effective operation.
Performance
The range and penetration capability have been significantly enhanced in relation to ASMP. The missile is nuclear-attack hardened.
Source: Briganti et Associés/MBDA
A French Air Force Mirage 2000N strike fighter taking off with a ASMP-A nuclear stand-off missile just visible between the two drop tanks. (French AF photo)
The third technical-operational evaluation of the ASMP-Amélioré (Improved Air-Sol Moyenne Portée) medium-range nuclear stand-off missile was completed on schedule on Thursday, March 26.
During the morning, a Mirage 2000N nuclear strike fighter belonging to the 3rd “Limousin” squadron of the 4th Fighter Wing (Escadron 3/4) took off from Istres air base, in south-eastern France. After a long mission, during which it notably was refueled several times in flight, the crew fired the inert missile (without its nuclear warhead) at a designated offshore maritime firing range.
The missile completed its nominal flight profile.
This operation, designed to be representative of an operational nuclear strike mission, was the third and final phase of the validation process of the ASMP-A missile, which will enter operational service this autumn with the Istres-based 3/4 Squadron.
ASMPA
ASMPA is destined to replace the ASMP (strategic and ultimate deterrent air-launched nuclear missile, for deployment by France’s strategic air forces and which can be carried under the Mirage 2000N).
The planned transition scenario from ASMP to ASMPA will firstly see initial entry into service on the K3 standard of the Mirage 2000N and subsequently on the F3 standard Rafale.
Technical Description
The concept is similar to that of ASMP. The ASMPA air vehicle uses the air vehicle pre-developed for the Vesta activity (ramjet air vehicle) in conjunction with the ANF future anti-ship programme (ANF was suspended at the end of 1999).
The missile is powered by a ramjet motor. This mode of propulsion, compared to a traditional rocket propulsion system, allows for the significant reduction of both the required space within the missile as well as missile weight in relation to the required range and warhead charge. It allows the missile to cover a large part of the flight envelope at high supersonic speeds.
Warhead
New, medium energy thermo-nuclear charge; a concept validated during the last nuclear testing campaign. Simulations have proven its effective operation.
Performance
The range and penetration capability have been significantly enhanced in relation to ASMP. The missile is nuclear-attack hardened.
Source: Briganti et Associés/MBDA
A French Air Force Mirage 2000N strike fighter taking off with a ASMP-A nuclear stand-off missile just visible between the two drop tanks. (French AF photo)
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