The F-15E is the first Universal Armament Interface (UAI)-compliant platform to field JASSM-ER
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile–Extended Range (JASSM-ER) is now fully operational on the F-15E.
The news statement by Lockheed Martin on Feb. 6 says the F-15E is the first Universal Armament Interface (UAI)-compliant platform to field JASSM-ER. UAI-compliant aircraft feature standardized interfaces to support future weapon integration.
“Fielding on the F-15E Strike Eagle expands JASSM-ER’s mission flexibility,” said Jeffrey Foley, program director of Long-Range Strike Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With its greater than 500 nautical-mile standoff range and planned block upgrades currently in work, JASSM-ER provides an impressive tactical advantage for U.S. and allied warfighters.”
Baseline JASSM was the first missile ever to be integrated onto a UAI platform. The U.S. Air Force (USAF) Seek Eagle Office led the F-15E Strike Eagle JASSM-ER and JASSM integration.
Armed with a penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead, JASSM-ER and JASSM can be used in all weather conditions. They share the same powerful capabilities and stealth characteristics, though JASSM-ER has more than two-and-a-half times the range of JASSM for greater standoff distance. These highly accurate cruise missiles also employ an infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam GPS to dial into specific points on targets.
Noteworthy as we have previously explained Japan too is exploring the possibility of modifying the F-15J all-weather air superiority fighter to arm them with the JASSM-ER. Civil servants are working on the fiscal 2018 budget to allocate funds to research on how to carry out the modifications.
A government source in fact said Japan’s Defense Ministry “is in the final stage of arrangements to include costs for research on airframe modifications to introduce it into the fiscal 2018 budget.”
Thanks to JASSM-ER standoff capabilities, Japan would be able to attack North Korea directly from the airspace over the Sea of Japan without approaching the country.
Effective against high-value, well-fortified, fixed and relocatable targets, JASSM-ER is also integrated on the B1-B and currently in the process of integration on the F-16C/D and the internal bay and wings of the B-52H. JASSM is integrated on the USAF’s B-1B, B-2, B-52, F-16 and F-15E. Internationally, JASSM is carried on the F/A-18A/B, F-18C/D and F-16 Block 52 aircraft. Produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Troy, Alabama, more than 2,150 JASSMs have been delivered.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com
