TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- An Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air
Missile (AMRAAM) produced by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB) was
successfully launched yesterday from a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor marking a
key flight test milestone for both programs.
The launch of this specially instrumented separation test missile, which
was the first in a series of integration test firings, demonstrated the
Raptor's stealthy weapons system integration concept for employment of AMRAAM.
The launch was conducted over the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division,
China Lake, Calif., test range.
"AMRAAM and the F-22 Raptor are the essential ingredients of 21st century
global air dominance," said Judy A. Stokley, director, Air-to-Air Joint
Systems Program Office, U.S. Air Force Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force
Base, Fla. "AMRAAM and the Raptor are an unbeatable combination that will
protect our pilots when they fly in harm's way in defense of freedom."
The AIM-120C AMRAAM is configured with clipped wings and fins for internal
carriage on the F-22. This latest production configuration was specifically
designed to increase the F-22 loadout and firepower to six missiles.
The F-22/AMRAAM integration design incorporates an extremely rapid launch-
to-eject cycle during which the main weapons bay doors are opened and closed
while the LAU-142 launcher, produced by EDO Corp., ejects AMRAAM into the air
stream. This entire sequence is nearly instantaneous, protecting the Raptor's
stealth characteristics while engaging the threat.
The Raptor is scheduled to launch 60 AMRAAMs during the next three years,
including 20 guided shots in combat-realistic test scenarios. AMRAAM will be
tested on the F-22 wing pylons in a later phase of the program.
"This successful AMRAAM launch initiates a new era in air-to-air combat
and is the payoff for the dedicated effort on the part of the Lockheed,
Raytheon, EDO and government team," said Charles D. Anderson, vice president
of the air-to-air product line at Raytheon's Missile Systems unit in Tucson,
Ariz. "Extensive laboratory and ground tests and plain old hard work led to
today's success."
AMRAAM is a software-driven, radar-guided missile that gives pilots the
ability to "launch and leave" and to attack multiple targets during a single
engagement. More than 10,000 missiles have been produced for U.S. and
international customers.
AMRAAM is operational on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, the German F4F, the
United Kingdom's Sea Harrier, as well as the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air
Missile System. AMRAAM is currently being integrated on the F-22, EF-2000,
JAS-39 Gripen, JA-37 Viggen, Harrier II Plus, Tornado, and the HAWK-AMRAAM
system. AMRAAM also has been demonstrated on a High Mobility Multipurpose
Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)-based system, called HUMRAAM.
Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader
that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense
electronics and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has
operations throughout the United States and serves customers in more than 70
countries.
Jennifer Spears
(520) 794-4182
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Jennifer Spears of Raytheon, 520-794-4182
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