AGM-158C LRASM
A Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) mass simulator integrated on an F/A-18E Super Hornet
TypeAnti-ship missile
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2018–present
Used by
Production history
DesignerDARPA
Designed2009–2017
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Produced2017–present
Specifications
Mass2,760 lb (1,250 kg) (est)
Length14 ft (4.26 m) (est)
Width25 in (635 mm) (est)
Height18 in (450 mm) (est)
Wingspan8 ft 10 in (2.7 m)
WarheadWDU-42/B HE blast fragmentation penetrator
Warhead weight1,000 lb (453.6 kg)
Detonation
mechanism
FMU‐156/B fuze
EngineWilliams F107‐WR‐105 turbofan
Operational
range
200 nmi (370 km)[1]
Guidance
system
GPS, INS, IIR (EO),with AI guidance in on-board sensors (to detect high-value target)
Steering
system
Moving wings, 2 horizontal tailplanes & 1 vertical stabilizer
Accuracy9 ft 10 in (3 m) CEP
Launch
platform
ReferencesJanes[2][3][4] & AFA[5]

The AGM-158C LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) is a stealth air launch anti-ship cruise missile developed for the United States Air Force and United States Navy by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).[6] Derived from the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the LRASM was intended to pioneer more sophisticated autonomous targeting capabilities than the U.S. Navy's current Harpoon anti-ship missile, which has been in service since 1977.

In June 2009, DARPA awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for the two-phase LRASM demonstration program. In December 2013, DARPA publicized its intent to award a sole-source follow-on contract to Lockheed Martin for continued maturation of the LRASM subsystems and system design, which will be transitioned to the Navy. In March 2014, Raytheon/Kongsberg filed a joint protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) against DARPA's decision. In June 2014, GAO denied the protest, holding an award to any other source would be likely to cause substantial duplication of costs that were not expected to be recovered through competition, and unacceptable delays in meeting the Government's needs.[7][8]

The Navy was authorized by the Pentagon to put the LRASM into limited production as an operational weapon in February 2014 as an urgent capability stop-gap solution to address range and survivability problems with the Harpoon and to prioritize defeating enemy warships, which has been neglected since the end of the Cold War but taken on importance with the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

In March 2014, the Navy said it will hold a competition for the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW)/Increment 2 anti-ship missile as a follow-on to LRASM to enter service in 2024.[9] The OASuW Increment 2 competition will be completely open and start by FY 2017.[10] It is expected the LRASM will compete against the joint Kongsberg/Raytheon offering of the Joint Strike Missile for air-launch needs and an upgraded Raytheon Tomahawk cruise missile for surface-launch needs.[11]

In August 2015, the missile was officially designated AGM-158C.[12]

Design

Unlike current anti-ship missiles the LRASM is expected to be capable of conducting autonomous targeting, relying on on-board targeting systems to independently acquire the target without the presence of prior, precision intelligence, or supporting services like Global Positioning Satellite navigation and data-links. These capabilities will enable positive target identification, precision engagement of moving ships and establishment of initial target cueing in extremely hostile environments. The missile will be designed with counter-countermeasures to evade hostile active defense systems.[13]

The LRASM is based on the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, but incorporates a multi-mode passive RF, a new weapon data-link and altimeter, and an uprated power system. It can be directed to attack enemy ships by its launch platform, receive updates via its datalink, or use onboard sensors to find its target. LRASM will fly towards its target at medium altitude then drop to low altitude for a sea skimming approach to counter missile defenses. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER were estimated that the maximum range is 500 nmi (930 km),[2][14] However, LRASM’s range is shorter than the JASSM-ER it’s based upon, due to the extra space for the navigation/sensor/passive radar needs. Lockheed Martin has claimed the missile's range is greater than 200 nmi (370 km).[15]

To ensure survivability to and effectiveness against a target, the LRASM is equipped with a BAE Systems-designed seeker and guidance system, integrating jam-resistant GPS/INS, an imaging infrared (IIR infrared homing) seeker with automatic scene/target matching recognition, a data-link, and passive electronic support measures (ESM) and radar warning receiver sensors.[16] Artificial intelligence software combines these features to locate enemy ships and avoid neutral shipping in crowded areas. Automatic dissemination of emissions data is classified, located, and identified for path of attack; the data-link allows other assets to feed the missile a real-time electronic picture of the enemy battlespace. Multiple missiles can work together to share data to coordinate an attack in a swarm. Aside from short, low-power data-link transmissions, the LRASM does not emit signals, which combined with the low-RCS JASSM airframe and low IR signature reduces detectability. Unlike previous radar-only seeker-equipped missiles that went on to hit other vessels if diverted or decoyed, the multi-mode seeker ensures the correct target is hit in a specific area of the ship. An LRASM can find its own target autonomously by using its passive radar homing to locate ships in an area, then using passive measures once on terminal approach. Like the JASSM, the LRASM is capable of hitting land targets.[17][18]

LRASM is designed to be compatible with the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System used on many U.S. Navy warships[19] and to be fired from aircraft,[20] including the B-1 bomber.[21] For surface launches, LRASM will be fitted with a modified Mk 114 jettisonable rocket booster to give it enough power to reach altitude. Although priority development is on air and surface-launched variants, Lockheed is exploring the concept of a submarine-launched variant,[22] and deployment from a topside canister launcher for smaller ships.[23] As part of OASuW Increment 1, the LRASM will be used only as an air-launched missile to be deployed from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and B-1B Lancer,[9] which has the capacity to carry 24 LRASMs.[24] In 2020, the U.S. Navy began the process of integrating the LRASM onto the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, to be completed by 2026.[25]

Some naval advisors have proposed increasing the LRASM's capabilities to serve dual functions as a ship-based land attack weapon in addition to anti-ship roles. By reducing the size of its 1,000 lb (450 kg) warhead to increase range from some 300 mi (480 km) to 1,000 mi (1,600 km), the missile would still be powerful enough destroy or disable warships while having the reach to hit inland targets. With the proper guidance system, a single missile would increase the Navy's flexibility rather than needing two missiles specialized for different roles.[26]

Development

LRASM launches from B-1B Lancer.
LRASM in flight.

The program was initiated in 2009 and started along two different tracks. LRASM-A is a subsonic cruise missile based on Lockheed Martin's 500 nm-range AGM-158 JASSM-ER; Lockheed Martin was awarded initial development contracts.[27] LRASM-B was planned to be a high-altitude supersonic missile along the lines of the Indo-Russian BrahMos, but it was cancelled in January 2012. Captive carry flight tests of LRASM sensors began in May 2012; a missile prototype was planned to fly in "early 2013" and the first canister launch was intended for "end 2014".[28]

On 1 October 2012, Lockheed received a contract modification to perform risk reduction enhancements in advance of the upcoming flight test of the air-launched LRASM-A version.[29] On 5 March 2013, Lockheed received a contract to begin conducting air and surface-launch tests of the LRASM.[30] On 3 June 2013, Lockheed successfully conducted "push through" tests of a simulated LRASM on the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). Four tests verified the LRASM can break the canister's forward cover without damaging the missile.[31] On 11 July 2013, Lockheed reported successful completion of captive-carry testing of the LRASM on a B-1B.[22]

LRASM target practice

On 27 August 2013, Lockheed conducted the first flight test of the LRASM, launched from a B-1B.[32] Halfway to its target, the missile switched from following a planned route to autonomous guidance. It autonomously detected its moving target, a 260 ft (79 m) unmanned ship out of three in the target area, and hit it in the desired location with an inert warhead. The purpose of the test was to stress the sensor suite, which detected all the targets and only engaged the one it was told to. Two more flight tests were planned the year, involving different altitudes, ranges, and geometries in the target area. Two launches from vertical launch systems were planned for summer 2014.[33] The missile had a sensor designed by BAE Systems. The sensor is designed to enable targeted attacks within a group of enemy ships protected by sophisticated air defense systems. It autonomously located and targeted the moving surface ship. The sensor uses advanced electronic technologies to detect targets within a complex signal environment, and then calculates precise target locations for the missile control unit.[34]

On 17 September 2013, Lockheed launched an LRASM Boosted Test Vehicle (BTV) from a Mk 41 VLS canister. The company-funded test showed the LRASM, fitted with the Mk-114 rocket motor from the RUM-139 VL-ASROC, could ignite and penetrate the canister cover and perform a guided flight profile.[35] In January 2014, Lockheed demonstrated that the LRASM could be launched from a Mk 41 VLS with only modified software to existing shipboard equipment.[36]

On 12 November 2013, an LRASM scored a direct hit on a moving naval target on its second flight test. A B-1B bomber launched the missile, which navigated using planned waypoints that it received in-flight before transitioning to autonomous guidance. It used onboard sensors to select the target, descend in altitude, and successfully impact.[37][38] On 4 February 2015, the LRASM conducted its third successful flight test, conducted to evaluate low-altitude performance and obstacle avoidance. Dropped from a B-1B, the missile navigated a series of planned waypoints, then detected, tracked, and avoided an object deliberately placed in the flight pattern in the final portion of the flight to demonstrate obstacle-avoidance algorithms.[39]

In August 2015, the Navy began load and fit checks of an LRASM mass simulator vehicle on an F/A-18 Super Hornet.[40] Initial airworthiness flight testing of the LRASM simulator with the Super Hornet began on 3 November 2015,[41] with the first flight occurring on 14 December,[42] and load testing completed on 6 January 2016.[24]

In July 2016, Lockheed successfully conducted the third surface launch of the LRASM following two tests at the Navy’s Desert Ship, firing it from the Navy’s Self Defense Test Ship (formerly the USS Paul F. Foster). Tied to a Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS) for guidance and boosted by the Mk-114 motor, it flew a planned, low-altitude profile to its pre-determined endpoint. While the missile is currently planned to be exclusively air-launched, future requirements for employment across several launch platforms led to investment in risk-reduction for the future competition.[43][44]

On 4 April 2017, Lockheed announced the first successful release of the LRASM from an F/A-18 Super Hornet.[45] On 26 July 2017, Lockheed was awarded the first production award for the air-launched LRASM; low-rate initial production Lot 1 includes 23 missiles.[46] On 27 July 2017, Lockheed announced they had successfully conducted the first launch of an LRASM from an angled topside canister using a Mk-114 booster, demonstrating the missile's ability to be used on platforms lacking vertical launch cells.[47]

On 17 August 2017, the LRASM conducted its first flight test in a production-representative, tactical configuration. The missile was dropped from a B-1B Lancer, navigated through all planned waypoints, transitioned to mid-course guidance and flew toward a moving maritime target using inputs from its onboard sensor, then descended to low altitude for final approach, positively identifying and impacting the target.[48][49]

The weapon was successfully fired against multiple targets on 13 December 2017, by a B-1B flying over the Point Mugu Sea Range.[50]

In May 2018 a second flight test, involving two LRASMs, was successfully completed.

In December 2018, the LRASM was integrated on the USAF's B-1B bomber, reaching initial operational capability.[51] The missile achieved early operational capability on Navy Super Hornets in November 2019.[52]

In 2020, The US Navy began plans to integrate the LRASM on the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.[53][54]

In February 2021, U.S. Navy and Air Force awarded a $414 million contract to Lockheed Martin for continued production of the air-launched variant of LRASM, now operational on the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and U.S. Air Force B-1B.[55]

Foreign interest

In 2015, Sweden publicly expressed interest in the LRASM in response to concerns of Russian actions in Eastern Europe.[56] The United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Japan have also expressed interest in the missile.[57][58]

On 7 February 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced it had approved a possible foreign military sale to Australia of up to 200 LRASMs and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$990 million.[59] In July 2020, Australia announced that it was acquiring the LRASM for their F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters.[60]

Operators

Current

 United States

Future

 Australia

See also

References

  1. ↑ Freedberg Jr, Sydney J. (26 July 2017). "Navy Warships Get New Heavy Missile: 2,500-Lb LRASM". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023.
  2. 1 2 Janes (2 June 2023), "AGM‐158C Long‐Range Anti‐Ship Missile (LRASM)", Janes Weapons: Air Launched, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 10 August 2023
  3. ↑ Janes (24 April 2023), "Long‐Range Anti‐Ship Missile (LRASM)", Janes Weapons: Naval, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 23 May 2023
  4. ↑ Hughes, Robin (26 October 2022), "Lockheed Martin pitches surface-launched LRASM for Australian maritime strike programmes", Janes Weapons: Missiles & Rockets, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 23 May 2023
  5. ↑ Gordon, Chris (4 April 2023). "Lockheed Martin Looks to Boost LRASM Production as US Rushes to Buy Anti-Ship Weapons". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Arlington, Virginia: Air & Space Forces Association. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  6. ↑ "DARPA – Tactical Technology Office (TTO)". 21 May 2010. Archived from the original on 12 April 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  7. ↑ "Raytheon Company and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS". U.S. Government Accountability Office. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  8. ↑ "Long Range Anti-Ship Missile". DARPA. Archived from the original on 2 October 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  9. 1 2 Majumdar, Dave (13 March 2014). "Navy to Hold Contest for New Anti-Surface Missile". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  10. ↑ Shalal, Andrea (27 March 2014). "US Navy plans competition for next-generation missile". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016.
  11. ↑ "Arming New Platforms Will Push Up Value Of Missiles Market". Aviation Week. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023.
  12. ↑ "Lockheed Martin's LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Just Got its U.S. Navy Designation: AGM-158C". Navy Recognition. 24 August 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018.
  13. ↑ "Next Generation Missiles - LRASM". 18 November 2010. Archived from the original on 21 November 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  14. ↑ Vavasseur, Xavier (19 December 2019). "Next-Generation Anti-Ship Missile Achieves Operational Capability with Super Hornets". USNI News. Annapolis: United States Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  15. ↑ "Fast Facts: Long Range Anti-Ship Missile" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  16. ↑ "Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) Increment 1 DOT&E Report" (PDF). dote.osd.mil. 1 January 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  17. ↑ Gresham, John D. (2 October 2013). "LRASM: Long Range Maritime Strike for Air-Sea Battle". Defense Media Network. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  18. ↑ Rogoway, Tyler (4 December 2014). "The Navy's Smart New Stealth Anti-Ship Missile Can Plan Its Own Attack". Jalopnik. Archived from the original on 21 November 2023.
  19. ↑ "LRASM / Long Range Anti-Ship Missile". deagel.com. Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  20. ↑ Ewing, Philip (3 July 2012). "The Navy's advanced weapons shopping list". military.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018.
  21. ↑ Eshel, Tamir (6 March 2013). "B-1B To Test New Offensive Anti-Surface Missile". Defense Update. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  22. 1 2 Majumdar, Dave (15 July 2013). "Lockheed LRASM completes captive carry tests". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  23. ↑ Vavasseur, Xavier (31 August 2016). "Pictures of the First LRASM Surface Launch Test at Sea". Navy Recognition. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  24. 1 2 Drew, James (8 January 2016). "Lockheed's ship-killing missile completes load testing on F/A-18". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021.
  25. ↑ McLeary, Paul (4 February 2020). "Eying China, Navy Refits P-8 Plane For Deeper Strike". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  26. ↑ Freedberg Jr, Sydney J. (21 November 2014). "47 Seconds From Hell: A Challenge To Navy Doctrine". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 23 November 2014.
  27. ↑ Butler, Amy; Warwick, Graham (2 July 2009). "Lockheed Snags DARPA Anti-Ship Missile Award". military.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2009.
  28. ↑ "Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)". DARPA. 2012. Archived from the original on 9 August 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  29. ↑ "Contracts for October 01, 2012". content.govdelivery.com. 1 October 2012. Final paragraph of page. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "Lockheed Martin Receives $71 Million Long Range Anti-Ship Missile Contract From DARPA". Lockheed Martin. 5 March 2013. Archived from the original on 8 July 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  31. ↑ "LRASM Successfully Completes Vertical Launch System Tests". deagel.com. 3 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 December 2019.
  32. ↑ Fellman, Sam (10 October 2013). "DARPA Testing New Ship-Killing Missile". Defense News. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  33. ↑ Warwick, Graham (6 September 2013). "Darpa Tests Jassm-Based Stealthy Anti-Ship Missile". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013.
  34. ↑ "BAE Systems' Sensor Hits the Mark in Live Long-Range Missile Flight Test". BAE Systems. 10 September 2013. Archived from the original on 30 May 2017.
  35. ↑ "First LRASM Boosted Test Vehicle Successfully Launched from Mk41 Vertical Launch System". deagel.com. 17 September 2013. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020.
  36. ↑ "Lockheed Martin Successfully Tests LRASM MK 41 Vertical Launch System Interface". deagel.com. 15 January 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018.
  37. ↑ "Air-Launched LRASM Successfully Completes Second Flight Test". deagel.com. 14 November 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018.
  38. ↑ "LRASM Prototype Scores 2nd Successful Flight Test". DARPA. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016.
  39. ↑ "LRASM Prototype is Three-for-Three on Successful Flight Tests". DARPA. 9 February 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015.
  40. ↑ Drew, James (22 August 2015). "US Navy begins certifying new anti-ship missile on Super Hornet". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021.
  41. ↑ "U.S. Navy Started AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Flight Tests on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet". Navy Recognition. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023.
  42. ↑ "U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin conduct LRASM captive-carry flights". upi.com. 14 December 2015. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023.
  43. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (20 July 2016). "LRASM Scores in Navy Test Ship Launch". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  44. ↑ "Lockheed demonstrates LRASM's surface launch capability". upi.com. 21 July 2016. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023.
  45. ↑ "Lockheed LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Conducts Successful Test from US Navy F/A-18E/F". Navy Recognition. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  46. ↑ "US Navy & Air Force Award Lockheed Martin 1st Production Lot for LRASM Anti-Ship Missile". Navy Recognition. 26 July 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  47. ↑ "Lockheed Martin Demonstrates LRASM Launch Capability from Topside Canister". Navy Recognition. 27 July 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  48. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (18 August 2017). "LRASM Succeeds in At Sea B-1B Bomber Tactical Launch Test". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 21 November 2023.
  49. ↑ "LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Tactical Configuration Takes First Flight from USAF B-1B". Navy Recognition. 19 August 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023.
  50. ↑ Laporta, James (13 December 2017). "Lockheed Martin successfully fired their new anti-ship missile". upi.com. Archived from the original on 13 December 2017.
  51. ↑ Reim, Garrett (20 December 2018). "Lockheed Martin delivers first Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020.
  52. ↑ Vavasseur, Xavier (19 December 2019). "Next-Generation Anti-Ship Missile Achieves Operational Capability with Super Hornets". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019.
  53. ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (3 February 2020). "Navy To Greatly Expand P-8 Poseidon's Mission With New Missiles, Mines, Bombs, And Decoys". The Drive. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  54. ↑ Gain, Nathan (5 May 2020). "NAVAIR progressing towards LRASM integration on P-8A MPA". Naval News. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020.
  55. ↑ "Lockheed Martin Awarded Fourth and Fifth Production Lots for Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles". Lockheed Martin. 12 February 2021. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  56. ↑ Freedberg Jr, Sydney J. "28 September 2015". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 2 October 2015.
  57. ↑ Frawley, Gerard (17 August 2016). "Australia shows interest in LRASM anti-ship missile". Australian Aviation. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  58. ↑ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2018 Budget" (PDF). Japan Ministry of Defense. 30 March 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2019.
  59. 1 2 "Australia – Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs)". Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  60. ↑ Morrison, Scott; Reynolds, Linda (1 July 2020). "Long Range Strike Capabilities to Maintain Regional Security". Prime Minister of Australia. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
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