
Testing of the new missile for the F-35 continues.
The JSM is a new missile being developed in partnership with Raytheon for the F-35 by the Norwegian company Kongsberg and the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
Unveiled on Nov. 29, 2012, the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), is going to be the only powered anti-ship missile that will fit inside the F-35’s weapons bays. Derived from the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), the anti-ship weapon, featuring long-range, low radar cross section and high maneuverability, speed and accuracy, is involved in a flight test program started early 2015 with numerous captive carry tests on an F-16. Testing will continue 2016 and 2017 when qualification program is planned to complete.
The JSM will give the F-35 the ability to fight well-defended targets across long distances. The missile will be integrated on the F-35A (as well as other types of aircraft): even though it would be useful to carry four missiles (2 in the internal bays, 2 on the external pylons) a Lightning II carrying the JSM on the underwing pylons would lose much of its stealthiness, that’s why the Joint Strike Fighter will probably only carry two such stand-off missiles.
Image credit: Lockheed Martin
It’s planned for the F-35 Block 4 upgrade. It is very stealthy, has good range, and is waypoint-programmable. Combined with the F-35, it will make a formidable anti-shipping missile. The Chiese are very concerned by it! But guess what PLA Navy? The Japanese will be likely buying some too. And the Philippines for their new South Korean T-50 fighters.
And when exactly is Block 4 software for the JSF going to be deployed and combat-capable, assuming they stay on schedule? – Looks like 2021 or later – Let’s see, 4 years before that time, these could be integrated on any fighter OTHER than JSF.
2020.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/norwegian-contract-launches-nsm-missile-03417/
Let’s see….the JSM is STILL in development……
What was your point?
Is there such a thing as an UNpowered missile?
Not really, those would be glide bombs such as the Small Diameter Bomb.
Nope….
;-)
I think that’s more generally known as a ‘bomb’
Why not deploy it with other aircraft until (or if) the F-35 is operational. For years, I assumed our we had hundreds of Tomahawk anti-ship missiles. Only recently did I learn they had been converted years ago to anti-surface weapons or retired. So currently our only anti-ship missile is the antiquated Harpoon with a range of what–60 nautical miles? Crazy. We need a long-range anti-ship missile as of yesterday.
They’re looking to retrofit it to the F-16 now.
Northrup-Grumman are doing a lot of work in regard to an upgrade path to the F-16, and this may well become part of that programme.