AGM-131
SRAM-II
While the AGM-69 was to hang
on in service far longer than
was originally envisioned, by the early 1980s the need to develop a
successor was clear. The Advanced Air to
Surface Missile program of the early/mid 1980s was aimed at doing just
that, projecting a weapon that
would incorporate improvements in
propulsion and guidance technology in a SRAM-sized airframe. This
became known as the SRAM-2, and the designation AGM-131 was assigned.
(USAF)
The new missile was to carry out much the same mission as
the AGM-69, but new technologies would give SRAM-2 a lower RCS, better
propulsion and electronics, and a safer
W89 warhead. The new missile would also be smaller, allowing additional
rounds to be carried.Exotic propulsion concepts such as ASALM-type
rocket/ramjet engines were ruled
out, and SRAM-2 was to have a two-pulse solid rocket motor.
The USAF intended to buy over 1,600 SRAM-2s, with the
first to enter service in 1994 to arm B-1Bs and B-2s. The program was
canceled in 1990; coupled with the retirement of
the AGM-69, this meant that US strategic bombers would no longer have a
SRAM-class nuclear capability.
AGM-131B
SRAM-T
Whereas tactical versions of the original SRAM never materialized,
development of a theater version of the AGM-131 was pushed from early
on. SRAM-T would use the same basic
airframe and motor as the SRAM-2, but the new W91 warhead (variable 10-
or 100kt yield)would be
fitted, and different
software loaded for the tactical mission.
Despite the looming end of the Cold War and the general
lessening of tensions in Europe, SRAM-T was still wanted in the early
1990s by some NATO commanders, who had no
other nuclear standoff weapon of such range following the INF
withdrawal. F-15E
interdictors based in
western Europe would be the primary launch platform, but the weapon
would be compatible with other tactical
types such as the F-16 and Panavia
Tornado. Development was terminated in 1991.
