ACM-7 Astaroth

ACM-7 Astaroth
Place of origin	Arthurista
Service history
In service	1983-present
Specifications
Weight	7,500kg
Length	10.6m
Diameter	1.02m
Warhead	400kg unitary shaped charge warhead or 400kg cluster warhead or 4 x 100kg subimpactors or 0.5-150kt Red Hammer warhead
Engine	solid-fuel two stage rocket
Operational range	1,800km
Speed	Mach 8
Guidance system	Mid-course: Inertial/SATNAV, jam-resistant rapid frequency-hopping datalink Terminal: active or passive radar, CEP 5m
Launch platform	VLS, TEL

The ACM-7 Astaroth is a Belfrasian two-stage, medium range quasi-ballistic missile. It is typically launched from truck-derived wheeled TELs, but may also be deployed from cruise missile submarines or surface ships fitted with large-dimension vertical-launch cells.

Origins

ACM-7 flight profile: the maneouverable re-entry vehicle confers considerable defence-evasion capability, while the active-radar terminal guidance package allows for precision attack on point targets

The ACM-7 Astaroth was designed to provide Commonwealth Army theatre-level commands with a long range precision-interdiction capability against point and moving targets with conventional, cluster or tactical nuclear warheads, especially where integrated air defences renders deep strike by tactical air power disproportionately risky. The Astaroth first entered service in 1984.

Design

The ACM-7 may be launched from any submarine or surface ship fitted with the V95 large-cell VLS, or a truck-borne TEL on land. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 9,800 km/h, or mach 8. Maximum range is approximately 1,800km. The second stage of the missile, characterised as a Maneuverable reentry vehicle, features a gimballed nozzle and is highly agile, able to perform evasive manoeuvres in the face of SAM fire. The missile's relatively flat flight path compared to ordinary ballistic missiles and high speed gives the enemy minimal reaction time before the munition hits.

The missile uses inertial/satellite and datalinked-course correction for the approach flight and dual active/passive radar in the target area. It is a very accurate weapon with a CEP of 5m.

Deployment

The Astaroth's flat trajectory, rapid pace and relatively short range ensure that the defending force would have little ability to respond to a launch, compounded by the missile's defence-evading capability. Its mobility allows it to be dispersed and hidden in the face of superior air, ballistic-missile or special forces threat. Deployed as part of Army-level artillery, it is primarily intended for the theatre-commander to launch instant interdiction-strikes against high-value targets deep in the enemy's operational or even strategic rear areas using a conventional unitary or cluster warhead against stationary or moving targets. Capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead of up to 150kt, it also provides a valuable secondary role as a theatre-level deterrent against the employment of WMDs by the opposing force by enabling a flexible, scalable response to escalations.