The Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), FL, awarded Lockheed Martin a $12 M contract for the Autonomous Wide Area Search Munition (AWASM) program, focused on integrating a two-way data link capability into a wide area search miniature munition.
The contract launches a 30-month effort to conduct a proof-of-concept demonstration integrating a data link into a wide area search munition to transmit detected target information to a Command and Control (C2) authority and receive engagement authorization for one of the previously detected targets.
Lockheed Martin plans to leverage successes from predecessor programs such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), currently in low rate initial production (LRIP), and the combat-proven wind corrected munitions dispenser (WCMD) to make AWASM highly accurate.
AWASM will feature a laser detection and ranging radar (LADAR) seeker to automatically determine target aim points using demonstrated automatic target acquisition algorithms. The munition will be compatible with F-16, F/A-22, Joint Strike Fighter, B-1 and B-2 aircrafts. It will also be able to dispense from a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rocket or an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile.