Air Force restructures Joint Air-To-Surface Standoff Missile

Air Force restructures Joint Air-To-Surface Standoff Missile

Released: 27 Aug 1999

WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force announced it has approved a plan to restructure the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile program master schedule and delay the low rate initial production decision from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. This amounts to a 12-month program extension.

JASSM experienced a recent flight test success; however, this decision is being made because of increased technical risks and delays in the development program. These delays are the result of several factors:

-- The Teledyne engine development is progressing at a slower pace than planned because of design changes being made to the engine main bearing, digital fuel control and delays in the improved engine compressor;

-- Several key subcontractors' deliveries are running behind because of outer missile mold line configuration changes made by Lockheed Martin;

-- There is an unforeseen need to complete two additional development test flights to calibrate the air data system for the flight control and autopilot systems. This was driven by changes to the air data system as a result of changes made to the missile outer mold line.

Air Force officials do not expect this action to impact the favorable unit prices negotiated at contract award. The JASSM program remains within all the parameters in the approved acquisition program baseline document.