AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon
WEAPON
Difficulty
DAM
PEN
Speed
Guidance
Warhead
RNG
Blu-97
200 x (C:2 B:5)
3c
See below
150-200 x 1kg
28-120km
BLU-108
4 x (C:7 B:11)
108c
See below
4 x 29kg
28-120km
BROACH
(C:6 B:11)+(C:17B:30)
100+264
See below
25+175kg
28-120km
WEIGHT
483kg
PRICE
OTHER
The Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) was a joint venture of the United States Navy and Air Force to deploy a standardized medium range
precision guided weapon, especially for engagement of defended targets at ranges outside that of standard anti-aircraft defenses, thereby
increasing aircraft survivability and minimizing friendly losses. The JSOW comes in two variants, A and C, designed for use against area targets
and hard, fixed targets respectively.
General characteristics
 Primary Function: Air-to-surface Standoff from Point Defense (SOPD) weapon, for use against a variety of targets.
 Contractor: Raytheon Co.
 Guidance: GPS/INS (Global Position/Inertial), Terminal IR Seeker (unique to 'C' model)
 Length: 160 inches (4.1 m)
 Diameter: box shaped 13 inches (330 mm) on a side / other source 40.6 x 51.9cm
 Weight: From 1,065 pounds (483 kg) to 1,095 pounds (681 kg)
 Wingspan: 106 inches (2.69 m)
 Aircraft Compatibility:
o Navy: F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F, F-35C
o Air Force: F-16 Block 40/50, B-1B, B-2A, B-52H, F-15E, F-35A
 Range:
o Low altitude launch - 12 nautical miles (28 km)
o High altitude launch - 70 nautical miles (120 km)
 Warhead(s):
o BLU-97 - Combined effects bomblets (JSOW A)
o BLU-108 - Sensor fused weapon (JSOW B - now cancelled)
o BROACH multi-stage warhead (JSOW C)
 Unit Cost:
o AUPP AGM-154A, $148,000
o AGM-154C, $198,000, based on PB04, BY$(1990)
 Date Deployed: January 1999
(Data in the preceding section is from the USN Fact File)[1]
Development information
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon or JSOW is currently in the fleet and in use by the US Navy. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases have been
signed with Poland and Turkey for use with their F-16 fighters. Greece and Singapore are pursuing FMS cases at this time. [2] The AGM-154 is
intended to provide a low cost, highly lethal glide weapon with a standoff capability. The JSOW family of air-to-surface glide weapons are 1,000
lb (450 kg) class weapons that provide standoff capabilities from 15 nautical miles (28 km) low altitude launch and up to 60 nautical miles (111
km) high altitude launch. The JSOW can be used against a variety of land targets and operates from ranges outside enemy point defenses. The
JSOW is a launch and leave weapon that employs a tightly coupled Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), and is
capable of day/night and adverse weather operations. The AGM-154A (JSOW A) uses GPS/INS for terminal guidance, while the AGM-154C
(JSOW C) uses a infra-red seeker for terminal guidance.
The JSOW is just over 160 inches (4.1 m) in length and weighs about 1000 pounds (483 kg). The JSOW was originally to be delivered in three
variants, each of which uses a common air vehicle, or truck, while substituting various payloads. The AGM-154A (JSOW-A) entered service in
1999. The US Navy and Air Force developed the AGM-154B (JSOW B) up until Multi-Service Operational Test & Evaluation (MOT&E) but the
Navy decided not to procure the weapon when the Air Force left the program. The AGM-154C (JSOW BROACH) entered service in February
2005.
During the 1990's JSOW was considered to be one of the most successful development programs in DOD history. The system was introduced to
operational use a year ahead of schedule. Unlike most guided weapons and aircraft, the system never had a weight management problem, and
was deployed at its target weight. The system introduced a new type of fuze, but was able to obtain authority from an independent safety
review in record time. Many observers credited these accomplishments to the management style chosen by the DOD and Texas Instruments.
After a competitive selection, the program staff was organized into integrated product teams with members from the government, the prime
Texas Instruments and subcontractors. In one case, the prime determined that the best-in-class supplier for a design service was the
government, and gave part of its funding back. JSOW was recognized in 1996 with a Laurels Award from Aviation Week & Space Technology. It
is notable for a guided weapon to receive this award, which is normally reserved for much larger systems. Because of this history, JSOW has
been used as a case study for development programs, and for Integrated Product Teams, and is sometimes cited in academic research on
program management.
AGM-154A (baseline JSOW)
The warhead of the AGM-154A consists of 145 BLU-97/B Combined Effects Munitions (CEM) submunitions. These bomblets have a shaped
charge for armor defeating capability, a fragmenting case for materiel destruction, and a zirconium ring for incendiary effects.
AGM-154B (anti-armor)
The warhead for the AGM-154B is the BLU-108/B from the Air Force's Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) program. The JSOW B was to carry six BLU108/B submunitions. Each submunition releases four projectiles (total of 24 per weapon) that use infrared sensors to detect targets. Upon
detection, the projectile detonates, creating an explosively formed, shaped charge capable of penetrating reinforced armor targets. This
program concluded development but the Navy decided not to procure the weapon when the Air Force left the program.
AGM-154C (unitary variant)
The AGM-154C uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) terminal seeker with autonomous guidance. The AGM-154C carries the BROACH warhead. This
two stage warhead is made up from a WDU-44 shaped augmenting warhead and a WDU-45 follow through bomb. The weapon is designed to
attack hardened targets. It is intended for the export market.
Combat Use
The AGM-154A was the first variant to be used in combat. The AGM-154A traditionally gets used for SEAD missions. Initial deployment testing
occurred aboard USS Nimitz and later aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The first combat deployment of the JSOW occurred over southern
Iraq on January 25, 1999. This weapon enjoyed success since its early use. One adverse event: In February 2001, when a strike of F/A-18s from the
USS Harry S. Truman battle group launched a massive attack on Iraqi air-defense sites, nearly every weapon missed the target. The cause of the
miss was reported as a software problem. This problem was solved soon afterward. [3]Since 1999, at least 400 of the JSOW weapons have been
used in the following conflicts: Operation Southern Watch, NATO Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom.[4]
Production and Upgrades
Full rate production started on December 29, 1999. In June 2000 Raytheon was contracted to develop an enhanced electronics package for the
JSOW to prevent electronic spoofing of GPS signals. This ultimately resulted in the JSOW Block II weapon, incorporating multiple cost reduction
initiatives in addition to the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) capability. JSOW Block II is scheduled to begin production in
March of 2007.
The JSOW contains a modular control and deployment interface that allows future enhancement and additional configurations since it is likely
that additional variants will emerge. The basic airframe is advertised as a "truck" and the JSOW-as-a-truck capability is widely advertised.
Raytheon has placed a tremendous investment in the JSOW program and will certainly try to extend the Department of Defense contracts for as
long as possible with system upgrades and repackagings for new missions and targets.
The JSOW Block III capability to add a weapon data link and moving target capability to the AGM-154C is currently under investigation. In
addition, the AGM-154A-1 configuration is under development by Raytheon for FMS sales. This version replaces the submunition payload of the
AGM-154A with a BLU-111 warhead to enhance blast-fragmentation effects without the unexploded ordnance (UXO) concerns with the BLU-97
payload.
Powered JSOW: The engine for a powered JSOW is being tested. The powered variant name is JSOW-ER, where "ER" is for "extended range".
JSOW-ER will increase range from 70 miles out to 300 miles.[5]
Operators

Greece

Poland

Singapore

Turkey

United States

Canada
and soon Pakistan.
Note: USAF terminated production of JSOW in FY 2005, leaving the USN and USMC as the only U.S. services using JSOW.
BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb (CEB)
The BLU-97 munitions are soda-can-sized bomblet submunitions that are dispensed in large numbers (approximately 150-200 bomblets per
weapon) to attack “soft” area targets. These submunitions are dispensed by several different weapon airframes — the TLAM-D from long range,
the JSOW from medium-standoff range, and the CBU-87 tactical munitions dispenser for direct attack.
The body of the submunition is cylindrical in shape, approximately 20 centimeters long, and has a 6 centimeter diameter. It is bright yellow when
new. The original Cyclotol explosive has been replaced with PBXN-107 explosive in the IM BLU-97.
The BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb (CEB), effective against armor, personnel and material, contains a shaped charge, scored steel casing and
zirconium ring for anti-armor, fragmentation and incendiary capability. The bomblet case is made of scored steel designed to break into
approximately 300 preformed ingrain fragments for defeating light armor and personnel.
CEB is an effective weapon against such targets as air defense radars, armor, artillery, and personnel. However, because the bomblets are
dispensed over a relatively large area and a small percentage of them typically fail to detonate, there is an unexploded-ordnance hazard
associated with this weapon. These submunitions are not mines, are acceptable under the laws of armed conflict, and are not timed to go off as
anti-personnel devices. However, if the submunitions are disturbed or disassembled, they may explode, thus, the need for early and aggressive
unexploded-ordnance clearing efforts. Combined effects munitions remain an appropriate and militarily effective weapon when properly
targeted and employed. However, the risk of collateral damage, as with any weapon, must be considered when employing these weapons.
BLU-108/B Submunition
The BLU-108/B submunition is currently produced for the SFW (NSN
1325-01-8801), a wide-area munition in the 1000-pound class. The BLU108/B submunition weighs approximately 60 pounds, contains four
warheads, and orientation and stabilization system, a radar altimeter,
and a rocket motor. Each warhead fires an explosively-formed projectile
triggered by a two-color infrared sensor. At a preset altitude sensed by
a radar altimeter, a rocket motor fires to spin the submunition and
initiate an ascent. The submunition then releases its four projectiles,
which are lofted over the target area. The projectile's sensor detects a
vehicle's infrared signature, and an explosively formed penetrator fires
at the heat source. If no target is detected after a period of time, the
projectiles automatically after a preset time interval, causing damage to
material and personnel.
The BLU-108 sensor fuzed submunition was developed by the U.S. Air
Force in partnership with Textron Systems as part of the Sensor Fuzed
Weapon (SFW) air-to-ground strike munition. The proven efficiency and
continued product enhancements have also made BLU-108 the
submunition of choice for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy AGM-154B Joint StandOff Weapon (JSOW). The SFW, with its versatility, lethality
and redundant self-destruct features, make it the weapon of choice for the 21st century war fighter.
In production since 1992, the original baseline BLU-108, as part of the Sensor Fuzed Weapon, has exceeded U.S. Air Force lethality requirements.
More than 200 live tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of the SFW and BLU-108 in defeating a variety of combat vehicles.
The BLU-108 contains 4 smart Skeet warheads. The Skeet's Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP)
is the lethal component of the warhead. The one pound copper EFP, moving at hypersonic speeds,
performs a kinetic energy kill of the target, thus minimizing collateral damage.
Today's improved Skeet warhead incorporates a fragmentation ring to defeat soft targets and
their ancillary equipment. The Skeet's center core projectile is designed to defeat heavy armored
vehicles. Effective against both hard and soft targets, the BLU-108 target set includes:
 Main battle tanks
 Mobile missile launchers
 Air defense sites
 Parked aircraft
 Armored personnel carriers
 Littoral targets
Redundant self-destruct functions designed into each Skeet warhead allow for clean battlefield
operation.
Each Skeet has two built-in self-destruct features to help reduce the risk of unexploded ordnance
being left on the battlefield. A timeout feature instructs the Skeet to self-destruct within seconds
if a valid target has not been detected. An altitude feature causes detonation to happen a short
distance above the ground. These important features significantly reduce the potential for
unexploded ordnance on the battlefield-an issue for many older submunition products.
Unlike older, traditional "cluster" weapons, each Skeet warhead features built-in, redundant, selfdestruct logic. If the Skeet warhead does not detect a valid target over its lofted trajectory, it will
self destruct. Each warhead also contains a timed self-deactivation mode which denies explosive
activation should the self-destruct feature not occur. These safety features minimize post air
strike hazards to non-combatants and civilians.
The BLU-108 is capable of integration into a number of weapon systems:
 BQM-109 Tomahawk, Raytheon Systems
 SM-2 Land Attack STANDARD Missile, Raytheon Systems
 MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Lockheed Martin
 AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missile - Expanded Response (SLAMER), Boeing
 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Lockheed Martin
After the BLU-108 is released from its dispenser, it is decelerated by a drogue parachute, then oriented by a main
parachute to a vertical position. A rocket motor within the submunition fires, imparting spin and upward velocity. Upon
reaching the proper spin rate and altitude, the 4 heat-sensing Skeets are released at right angles. The dual-mode active
(laser) and passive (infrared) sensors, which are side-mounted on each Skeet, provide optimal performance against a
wide variety of targets. The active sensor performs target profiling, while the passive sensor detects the target's thermal
signature. When a valid target is detected, the EFP is fired, which defeats the target from the top. Area coverage is a
function of the number of submunitions in each weapon; timing of the parachute deployment; and forward velocity of
the weapon.
Pioneer's CBU-97/B Sensor Fuzed Weapon parachute system decelerates and re-orients the U.S. Air Force's BLU-108/B
Submunition from transonic speeds using a patented hybrid Nylon/Kevlar Radial Cruciform Parachute. To fit the small
volume available, this parachute is packed to the density of hardwood - 50 pounds per cubic foot (800 kilograms per cubic meter).
A Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Program will take the existing design and make modifications to the projectile sensor, incorporating a
dual mode (active/passive IR) for better target detection; modify the warhead to enhance soft target lethality; and increase the system footprint
for better target coverage. Projectiles would be dispensed at a greater altitude expanding the area covered to about 600 feet by 1,800 feet. In
addition, an insensitive explosive fill will replace the Octol used in the current warhead to satisfy Navy requirements for the BLU-108/B
submunition used in one variant of the Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW).
Specifications
Contractor
Length
Cylinder diameter
Max Lateral dimension
Max. weight
Textron Systems
31" (79cm)
5.25" (13.3 cm)
7.25" (18.4 cm)
64 lbs. (29 kg)
Easy integration with carrier vehicle
No Electrical requirement from host carrier
No signal input requirement from host carrier
Long storage life in host vehicle
The BROACH warhead is an advanced multi-stage warhead developed by Team BROACH; BAE Systems Land Systems Munitions & Ordnance,
Thales Missile Electronics and QinetiQ. BROACH stands for Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented CHarge.
Development of BROACH began in 1991 when Team BROACH consisted of British Aerospace RO Defence, Thomson-Thorn Missile Electronics
and DERA. The two stage warhead is made up from an initial shaped charge, which cuts a passage through armour, concrete, earth, etc, allowing
a larger following warhead to penetrate inside the target. The weapon is designed to allow a cruise missile to achieve the degree of hard-target
penetration formerly only possible by the use of laser-guided gravity bombs.