The ASMP (Air_Sol Moyenne Portee _ medium_range air to surface missile) is an air_launched nuclear warhead delivery system used by France. In French nuclear doctrine, they are the last_ressort warning shot before usage of strategic nuclear weapons.
ASMP is 5.38 meters long and weighs 860 kg. It is a supersonic stand-off missile powered by a liquid-fuel ramjet. It flies at Mach 2 to Mach 3, with a range between 80 km and 300 km depending on flight profile. Warhead is a single TN81 with two yield options, 150 kT and 300 kT.
An advanced, long_range version of the ASMP, known as ASMP_A or ASMP+, is under development, with intended service entry in 2010.
Armed with a tactical nuclear warhead, the ASMP is produced by Aerospatiale, except for the military head, that is provided by the Atomic Energy Commission.
ASMP became operational in May 1986 on Mirage IVP and beginning in 1988 on Mirage 2000 N. It was also adapted on Super Standard for the National Navy, and on-board on the aircraft carrier Foch.
At the beginning of 2000, 60 ASMPmissiles (and 42 TN81 warheads) were allotted to Mirage 2000N planes belonging to the air force and 24 ASMPmissiles (and 20 TN81 warheads) to the Super-Etendard of the air-naval service.
The national ASMP Web site, and a list of the Society's members, can be found at http://www.asmp.org, or can be reached immediately by clicking on the address.
ASMP recommends that all photographs carry a copyright notice, even though it is no longer required by law.
ASMP has seen many examples of purchase orders which have a copyright transfer included in the terms and conditions.
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