ASMPA is destined to replace the ASMP (strategic and ultimate deterrent air-launched nuclear missile, for deployment by France’s strategic air forces and which can be carried under the Mirage 2000N). The planned transition scenario from ASMP to ASMPA will firstly see initial entry into service on the K3 standard of the Mirage 2000N and subsequently on the F3 standard Rafale.
Programme Description
End 1997: programme launch 04/08/2000: programme development launch 29/12/2000: development contract awarded to Aerospatiale Matra Missiles (now MBDA France) 26/03/2009: test firing from Mirage 2000N concludes operational evaluation Autumn 2009: scheduled in service on Mirage 2000N 2010: scheduled in service on Rafale
The in-service date of ASMPA will allow for the continued capability of the airborne component during the progressive withdrawal of the weapons currently in service.
Industrial Structure
Prime contractor air vehicle (not warhead): MBDA Nuclear warhead : Commissariat ŕ l’Energie Atomique (CEA)
Technical Description
The concept is similar to that of ASMP. The ASMPA air vehicle uses the air vehicle pre-developed for the Vesta activity (ramjet air vehicle) in conjunction with the ANF future anti-ship programme (ANF was suspended at the end of 1999). The missile is powered by a ramjet motor. This mode of propulsion, compared to a traditional rocket propulsion system, allows for the significant reduction of both the required space within the missile as well as missile weight in relation to the required range and warhead charge. It allows the missile to cover a large part of the flight envelope at high supersonic speeds.
Warhead
New, medium energy thermo-nuclear charge; a concept validated during the last nuclear testing campaign. Simulations have proven its effective operation.
Performance
The range and penetration capability have been significantly enhanced in relation to ASMP. The missile is nuclear-attack hardened.
