ASM-135 ASAT
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| ASM-135 ASAT | |
|---|---|
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| Basic data | |
| Function | Anti-satellite missile |
| Manufacturer | LTV Aerospace |
| First flight | 1984 |
| Entered service | N/A |
| General characteristics | |
| Engine | First stage: Lockheed SR75-LP-1 Second stage: Vought Altair III |
| Launch mass | 1,180 kg |
| Length | 5.42 m |
| Diameter | 51 cm |
| Speed | 24,000 km/h |
| Range | N/A |
| Flying altitude | 350 km |
| Warhead | Kinetic |
| Guidance | Infrared homing seeker |
| Launch platform | F-15 Eagle |
The ASM-135 ASAT was an anti-satellite weapon built by LTV Aerospace for the U.S. Air Force.
In response to a 1977 U.S. Air Force Space Systems Command Request for Proposal, LTV Aerospace began work on the three-stage ASM-135.[1] The first stage was derived from Boeing's AGM-69 SRAM cruise missile, with the second and third stages provided by LTV.[1] The third stage featured a hydrazine attitude control system for the duration of the missile's exoatmospheric flight. The ASM-135 featured a kinetic warhead instead of utilizing high explosives, as the missile's momentum was sufficient to disable or destroy any anticipated target.[1]
The ASM-135 was successfully tested on September 13, 1985 against a research satellite, P78-1.[1] A modified F-15 Eagle was used as the launch platform.
The ASM-135 features prominently in the Tom Clancy novel Red Storm Rising. Several USSR ROSATs are knocked out by F-15 launched ASATs.
