US Air Force shows rare video of AGM-158 JASSM missile launch from B-1B Lancer strategic bomber

The US Air Force has carried out an unprecedented mission involving B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers. The planes were flown to the UK for exercises in Norway, but recently visited Jordan.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force has published a video showing the flight of the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff (JASSM) missile over central Jordan. The service statement said the B-1B Lancer also launched a GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.

Another interesting video was shot in the UK. The video shows the process of loading air-to-air missiles onto B-1B Lancer strategic bombers at a Royal Air Force airbase.

The AGM-158 JASSM is the most powerful weapon in the supersonic arsenal, targeting targets on the ground. It's also worth noting that it was the B-1 that first launched the JASSM under combat conditions. This happened in 2018 as part of a massive strike against Syrian targets.

The AGM-158 is an air-launched cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It has a maximum launch range of less than 400km, but there is an Extended Range version that can hit targets up to 1,000km away.

The ER variant achieved initial operational capability in 2010. The missile can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km/h (M=0.85). The WDU-42/B (J-1000) warhead weighs up to 450 kg. The payload is AFX-757 (more than 100 kg).

Source: The War Zone