ASMP
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
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| ASMP | |
|---|---|
| Function | medium-range air to surface nuclear missile |
| Contractor | |
| Unit cost | |
| Deployment | 1986 |
| General Characteristics | |
| Engine | liquid-fuel ramjet |
| Launch mass | 860 kg |
| Length | 5.38 m |
| Diameter | |
| Wing span | |
| Speed | Mach 2 to Mach 3 |
| Range | between 80 km and 300 km |
| Flying altitude | |
| Warhead | TN81 nuclear warhead, 150 kt or 300 kt of TNT (selective mode) |
| Guidance | |
| Fuzes | |
| Launch platform | Dassault Mirage 2000N, Dassault Rafale, and Dassault Super Etendard |
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.
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