Breaking news
France orders Safran's Block 4 AASM modular precision-guided munitions.
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World Defense & Security News - France
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France orders Safran's Block 4 AASM modular precision-guided munitions
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The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) announced today it ordered new Block 4 AASM modular precision-guided munitions, produced by the France-based company Safran Electronics & Defense. This order will led Safran to develop a new standard for the AASM allowing a significant cost reduction, and to double its production capability while geenrating jobs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Britanny regions, DGA said in a statement.
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 Safran's AASM precision-guided munition showcased at Paris Air Show 2015 |
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Besides ongoing deliveries for France and foreign customers, this order will be carried out in several different batches. First deliveries will occur in 2019, the DGA said.
The AASM comes in three variants according to its size and the type of guidance used. The AASM's modularity allows it to be used on 125, 250, 500 and 1000kg bomb bodies. Its engine provides it with range greater than 50km. It entered service in 2007 with the French Air Force and Naval Aviation Rafale fighter jets. The SBU-38 Hammer (Smart Bomb Unit) variant features an hybrid inertial/GPS layout, which is the standard guidance mode for coordinates. The second version is dubbed version SBU-64 Hammer and features an inertial/GPS/IR kit adds an infrared imager for terminal guidance. The inertial/GPS/laser kit of the third variant, the SBU-54, adds terminal laser guidance to engage agile, moving land or naval targets, illuminated by a ground or airborne laser designator. It has been deployed by the French armed forces since 2012. |
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