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In this episode we will discuss about AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile.
To get more details on this topic, stay tuned and keep watching this video till the end!
The AGM-158C LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) is a stealthy anti-ship cruise missile
developed for the United States Air Force and United States
Navy by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
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.
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. Now, let's take a look at its Capabilities
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 anti-missile defenses.
DARPA states its range is "greater than 200 nautical miles (370 km)."
Although the LRASM is based on the JASSM-ER, which has a range of 500 nmi (930 km), the
addition of the sensor and other features will somewhat decrease that range. It is estimated
that the LRASM has a range of 300 nmi (560 km). Furthermore, LRASM is designed to be compatible
with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System used on many US Navy ships and to be fired from aircraft,
including the B-1 bomber. For surface launches, LRASM will be fitted with a modified Mk 114
jettison-able 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, and deployment from a topside canister launcher for smaller ships.
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, which has the capacity to carry 24 LRASMs.
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.
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.
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