Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Named to Popular Science Best of What's New 2004
ORLANDO, FL, 13-DEC-04 --
Popular Science magazine has named JASSM as one of its Best of What’s New 2004 in the Aviation & Space category. The missile was highlighted as being the “world’s most accurate cruise missile.”
Lockheed Martin’s long range strike weapon received the recognition in the magazine’s 17th annual guide to the year’s best in technology, innovation and design. JASSM’s precision targeting system was featured in the magazine’s award description. “GPS and a gyroscope-based inertial system guide Lockheed Martin’s jet-powered cruise missile toward its target. Just before impact, an infrared camera images the target. An onboard computer compares the video with a template based on reconnaissance photos, and the missile fine-tunes its final dive.”
“We’re honored to be recognized by Popular Science as one of the year’s best,” said Randy Bigum, vice president of Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin. “JASSM continues to pioneer the way ahead for cruise missiles for now and the future. Our team worked hard to develop a targeting system that would exceed the Air Force’s expectations for accuracy and still could function as part of a very low observable platform.”
JASSM enables aircrews to strike high value, heavily defended targets from outside the range of enemy air defenses. JASSM is a 2,000-pound class weapon with a multi-purpose penetrator warhead. It is planned for deployment on B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16 and F/A-18E/F aircraft. It cruises autonomously in adverse weather, day or night, defeating the target with pinpoint accuracy.
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Allen, (407) 356-5351e-mail Jennifer.l.allen@lmco.com
Melissa Hilliard, (407) 356-5351
e-mail melissa.hilliard@lmco.com
