The US Air Force and Raytheon have conducted the first flight test of the international Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) variant.
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM is part of Raytheon’s Form, Fit, Function (F3R) Refresh, a program to modernize missile software and hardware capabilities for improved performance.
At the trial, an F-15C Eagle tactical fighter fired the AIM-120C-8 to neutralize a target. The demonstration met all primary objectives, according to Raytheon.
“AMRAAM is a combat-proven missile trusted by more than 40 international partners for both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions,” Raytheon Air Power President Paul Ferraro stated.
“With the advancements from F3R, which updates both the missile’s hardware and allows for future Agile software upgrades, we are maximizing the capabilities of this munition for allies around the world.”
F3R Program
The F3R effort incorporates upgrades to multiple circuit cards and processors of guidance sections in AMRAAM missiles. The program also focused on re-hosting legacy software into the covered missile variants.
In July, the US Air Force and Raytheon completed the development and operational demonstrations of the AIM-120D-3, a separate AMRAAM variant for US military use.
The AIM-120D-3 flight test was completed 11 months after its maiden flight and proved effective in a complex scenario.
AMRAAM Order for US and 19 Countries
The US Department of Defense awarded Raytheon a $1.15-billion contract in June to provide AIM-120 D-3 and C-8 AMRAAMs to the US and partner militaries.
Under the agreement, the company will supply the missiles to the US Air Force, Navy, and 19 other nations until 2027.