Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family could soon take on a wider range of missions through a newly developed modular airframe.
“FLEX” introduces removable nose cones that allow the airframe to carry different sensor suites from across the AGM-158 family.
It also uses a swappable boat tail that can be configured for launches from ground, surface, and subsurface platforms.
For air-launched operations, FLEX will remain compatible with current and future JASSM and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) launch platforms.
Lockheed plans to offer the airframe in multiple sizes. The first will be a 206-inch (5.23-meter) configuration aligned with JASSM-XR, alongside a 168-inch (4.27-meter) version matching JASSM-ER.
According to the company, the new configurations will also give the US military and allied forces significantly greater standoff strike range.
“Our modular design will also unlock future cost savings by giving customers the ability to change components and upgrade capabilities as needed to avoid obsolescence,” the company stated.
“We are leveraging the best talent… to develop an airframe that can provide unprecedented levels of versatility for the customer.”
Part of $35M Investment
The initiative forms part of Lockheed’s $35-million investment in development, design, testing, prototype production, and the qualification of key suppliers.
To support high-volume output, the company will draw on its established JASSM and LRASM production line, supply chain, mission-planning tools, and software infrastructure.
Its production capabilities include a 225,000-square-foot (20,903-square-meter) facility equipped with a dynamic forecasting model, a fully robotic paint line, and other automated processes.
“We recognized a demand from our customers for increased options to support their evolving strategic defense and mission needs,” the company added.
“We know no problem or threat exists in a vacuum, and so we innovate with intent, keeping integration in mind and ensuring that our solutions aren’t just new – they’re immediately useful.”
