Integration Firing of AASM Air-to-Ground Weapon by Rafale from the Aircraft Carrier

Sagem Defense, PARIS LE BOURGET:  On June 5, 2007, a French Navy Rafale carried out the second integration firing of the AASM air-to-ground modular weapon during a maritime test campaign of the CdG7 Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. 
 
With the aim of demonstrating the AASM’s ability to be fired from an aircraft carrier, the firing was carried it out as part of an operational mission that included several in-flight refuelings. The Rafale, which was catapulted in the Mediterranean, executed its mission over the Landes missile launching test center’s firing range. 
 
The mission was a complete success in significant cloud coverage conditions, which extended to low altitudes and prevented direct view of the target, consequently demonstrating the AASM’s all-weather capability. The firing of a salvo of two AASMs resulted in high-precision synchronous hits on the same target. 
 
Following a first firing carried out on April 26, 2007, this second AASM integration firing concludes the demonstration of the weapon’s operational ability on the Rafale. With its accurate all-weather standoff firing capability, the AASM provides forces with totally new air-to-ground capabilities. 
 
The AASM is a modular weapon developed by Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group). It contains kits for guidance and range enhancement that can be adapted to bomb bodies in service, providing them with increased range and a high-precision strike.  
 
Sagem Défense Sécurité is a high-technology company in the SAFRAN Group. As a leading European defense and security electronics company in Europe, its business covers three main fields: navigation and aeronautics systems, where it is the world leader in helicopter flight control; optronics and air-land systems, where it is the European leader in surveillance and fire-control optronics; and the field of security, where it is the world leader in fingerprint-based biometrics. Through the SAFRAN Group, Sagem Défense Sécurité is present on all continents.