Sagem wins French order for AASM Bomb 680 Kits

the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) awarded Sagem (Safran Group) a contract for the purchase of 680 Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) modification kits. This brings to 1,424 the total number of AASM kits ordered to date to equip the Rafale combat aircraft operated by the French Air Force and Navy. The AASM comprises a guidance kit and a range-extension kit that are attached to standard, free-fall bomb bodies. The weapon can be launched at a safe stand-off distance from the target (over 50 km), away from enemy air defenses, in all weathers and by day or night. To fit all tactical situations the AASM exists in three versions: the first two versions, "inertial guidance/GPS," and "inertial guidance/GPS and infrared imager for terminal guidance, are suitable for engaging stationary targets. They have already been qualified. The third version, which combines inertial guidance, GPS and laser guidance, will allow engagement of moving targets; it is under development and will be delivered from 2012. The 680 AASM kits ordered in December break down into 300 with inertial/GPS guidance, and 380 laser-guided versions.