ASMP
|
|
Template:Infobox Missile The ASMP (Air-Sol Moyenne Portee - medium-range air to surface missile) is an air-launched nuclear warhead delivery system used by France. In French nuclear doctrine, it is the last-resort warning shot before the usage of strategic nuclear weapons.
ASMP entered service in 1986, replacing the earlier free-fall AN-22 bomb on France's Dassault Mirage IV aircraft and the AN-52 bomb on Dassault Super Etendard. About 84 weapons are stockpiled. Carrier aircraft are the Dassault Mirage 2000N, Dassault Rafale, and Dassault Super Etendard; the earlier Mirage IVP has been completely retired.
ASMP is 5.38 meters long and weighs 860 kg. It is a supersonic stand-off missile powered by a liquid-fuel ramjet. It flies at Mach 2 to Mach 3, with a range between 80 km and 300 km depending on flight profile. Warhead is a single TN81 with two yield options, 150 and 300 kt of TNT.
An advanced, long-range version of the ASMP, known as ASMP-A or ASMP+, is under development, with intended service entry in 2010.
See also Force de frappe.
|
Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |