PARIS, April 5 (UPI) -- The laser-guided version of Sagem's AASM precision bomb kit has received technical qualification from the French defense procurement agency DGA.
Granting of the DGA qualification for the Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, moves the weapon closer to operational clearance for use by military forces.
"The qualification reflects the research and development efforts supported by DGA since 2005, including the original basic research," DGA said. "The laser-guided version rounds out the AASM family of weapons, which already includes a GPS-inertial guidance version and an infrared-guided version, both of which are already in service in the French forces ..."
The agency says the laser-guided AASM combines a "stand-off" engagement capability (more than 31 miles) with an accuracy of less than 3 feet when engaging fast and maneuverable targets, which can be "painted" with either an airborne laser designator pod on an aircraft or by forward air controllers on the ground.
Sagem is prime contractor for the weapon and DGA has ordered 380 units, which consists of a guidance kit and a range extension kit, which are attached to standard bomb.
