TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of Raytheon's latest AIM-120C-
5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles were successfully launched in
international tests using a new AMRAAM software suite. These tests mark the
first time that AMRAAM software development testing has been done outside the
United States.
During the same time, an AIM-120B was also launched as part of the final
validation for another AMRAAM software suite. All three test firings occurred
on the RFN Missile Test Range in Vidsel, Sweden, using missiles with telemetry
and without warheads.
In the first test on July 30, a Danish F-16 launched an AIM-120C-5 missile
against a sub-scale target resulting in a direct hit. On Aug. 6, an F-18 from
Finland also launched an AIM-120C-5 missile against a sub-scale target
resulting in a direct hit.
The AIM-120B test took place Aug. 2 when a Swedish JAS-39 Gripen launched
an AIM-120B test and validated missile performance in a look-down, shoot-down
scenario. Preliminary data indicates the missile passed well within lethal
range of the sub-scale target.
"I am extremely happy with the success of this international test team and
the success of the new AMRAAM software suite," said Chuck Anderson, vice
president of Raytheon's Air-to-Air product line. "This shows how the 'can-do'
attitude of success-oriented people helps demonstrate what we are about, which
is providing the best possible missiles for the warfighter."
According to Tom Robillard, director of the Counterair Joint Systems
Program Office at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the tests are "just another
example of how the Counterair JSPO and Raytheon routinely team for success.
I'm proud that we have continued to grow this team relationship
internationally to the benefit of all AMRAAM users and involve allied air
forces as an integral part in the AMRAAM test and development program."
The AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM production missile was first offered to
international customers in May 2000. The AIM-120C-5 missile is the latest
version of AMRAAM available for international air forces. In addition to the
clipped wings and fins for internal carriage in aircraft such as the Joint
Strike Fighter, the AIM-120C-5 includes a larger rocket motor, improved
warhead and new software not available with earlier models. The larger rocket
motor provides improved pilot survivability, while the new warhead increases
lethality.
AMRAAM is a software-driven, radar-guided missile that gives pilots the
ability to "launch and leave" and to engage multiple targets during a single
engagement. More than 12,000 missiles have been produced for U.S. and
international customers.
AMRAAM is fully operational on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, the German F4F, the
United Kingdom Sea Harrier, Swedish JA-37 Viggen and the JAS-39 Gripen. It is
currently being integrated on the F-22, Eurofighter, Harrier II Plus, Tornado
and the Joint Strike Fighter. AMRAAM has also been adapted to a surface-to-
air role for air defense and is operational in Norway as the Norwegian
Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and has been demonstrated in a
HAWK-AMRAAM system and on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
(HMMWV)-based system called HUMRAAM. The United States Marine Corps awarded a
contract last year to Raytheon for their version of HUMRAAM, called
Complementary Low Altitude Weapons System (CLAWS), which will be introduced
into operational service by 2005. The U.S. Army is also generating a
requirement for a HUMRAAM system, called Surface Launch AMRAAM (SLAMRAAM).
With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is a
global technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics,
and business aircraft.
Notes to Editors:
These tests mark the first time that AMRAAM software development testing
has been done outside the United States. Under an Air Force Counter-air JSPO
and Raytheon led-initiative, these test firings were conducted by nations
owning and operating AMRAAM as part of their inventory. The Counter-air JPSO
provided the test missiles and program oversight. Raytheon provided program
management and flight test support. Tests were conducted from a Royal Danish
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, a Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet, and a
Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripen. The test firings were conducted by the three
nations involved. The range space, range facilities and target drones were
provided by the Swedish government under contract to Raytheon to support this
activity. Also under contract to Raytheon was Veridian, Fort Walton Beach,
Fla., which was responsible for collecting and analyzing test data.
Contact:
Jennifer Spears-Allen
520-794-4182
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Jennifer Spears-Allen for Raytheon,
+1-520-794-4182
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