French defence procurement agency DGA has successfully conducted test firing of the AASM modular air-to-ground weapon at DGA’s missile test range in Biscarosse, France.
The test was carried out by a production Rafale multirole fighter, which fired AASM from an extreme off-axis angle (90°) at a range of 15km.
The AASM hit a land target within less than 1m, moving at a speed of 80km/h.
The test demonstrated AASM laser’s ability to offer 1m accuracy against high-speed targets and the required precision and opportunity strike capability.
The laser-guided version is fitted with a semi-active laser seeker and features algorithms to track stationery or highly mobile targets during the terminal phase.
The laser terminal guidance version of the AASM will enter volume production for the French Air Force at the end of 2012.
