Air-Sol Moyenne Portée

The ASMP missile (Air - Sol Moyenne Portée, dt: air -to-ground (rocket) medium-range ) is a medium-range air - to-ground missile with nuclear warhead. It is therefore one to arm the so-called force de frappe.

Development

The manufacturer is the company Aérospatiale (now MBDA ). Development began in 1978., The missile was introduced in 1986. Nuclear Version Of a total of 150 pieces of the strategic air forces were delivered.

Technology

The control of the ASMP means of an inertial navigation platform. There is achieved a precision (CEP ) of less than 200 m. The target coordinates are usually entered at the bottom front of the aircraft starting in the navigation system of the missile. But it is also possible to enter new target coordinates on board during the flight of the aircraft.

After the dropping of the ASMP missile is first accelerated by a solid rocket boosters. Only when sufficient backpressure is provided to ignite the ramjet cruise engine and accelerates the missile to a velocity of Mach 2.8. The ASMP has three different programmed attack profiles:

• Lo -Lo: The missile flies contour flight. An altimeter provides the necessary safety distance between the missile and the terrain.
• Hi -Lo: The cruise takes place at high altitude. The target approach is carried out in a steep nosedive.
• Combined flight: An initial cruise at high altitude following the final goal attack at low altitude.

The TN81 nuclear warhead has a selectable explosive power of 150-300 kT. The ignition can take place during the impact in the target or the target ( airburst ).

Variants

• ASMP standard version with nuclear warhead. Reach 250 km away. Speed ​​Mach 2.8. Hit accuracy CEP ~ 200 m. introduced in 1986
• ASMP -A: Improved version with new Ramjet engine and new avionics. Speed ​​Mach 3.0. Range 500 km. Hit accuracy CEP of less than 30 m. Introduced in 2009.
• ASMP -R: version to ship combat with an active radar seeker head and 200 kg fragmentation warhead. Reach over 250 km. Introduction planned.
• ASMP -C: Conventional version with IR seeker head and 240 kg penetration warhead. Hit accuracy of 10 m CEP. Range 400 km. Introduction planned.
• ASMP -P: with an improved Ramjet engine and new avionics. Speed ​​Mach 3.3. Reach over 500 km. Hit accuracy under CEP 1-10 m. Project status unclear.

The ASMP can be used on the following aircraft:

• Dassault Mirage IVP (aircraft out of service )
• Dassault Mirage 2000
• Dassault Super Étendard ( French Navy )
• Dassault Rafale