The Light Anti-Structures Missile (LASM) was developed as an Urgent Operational Requirement, which has been fielded to fill a capability gap until Anti-Structure Munition (ASM) comes into service.
The single-shot weapon consists of a free-flight unguided rocket that is housed within a disposable telescopic launcher. The mechanical 'pop-up' sight is integral to the weapon and deploys when the launcher is extended, in preparing it to fire.
The rocket consists of a warhead, fuse and propulsion unit. Spring-loaded fins deploy on firing to stabilise the rocket in flight. The rocket uses kinetic energy to penetrate structures before the warhead is allowed to detonate.
While the LASM is effective against light armour and soft-skinned vehicles, its primary use in Afghanistan is against fixed positions, bunkers and other buildings.
