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The US Air Force and Raytheon have successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8, the latest international variant of AMRAAM developed under the Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh.
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Under the F3R program, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.
Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon, an RTX business, said, “AMRAAM is a combat-proven missile trusted by more than 40 international partners for both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions.”
The AIM-120C-8 was fired from a US Air Force F-15C Eagle and downed the aerial target, meeting all primary objectives for the flight test.
“With the advancements from F3R, which updates both the missile’s hardware and allows for future Agile software upgrades, we are maximising the capabilities of this munition for allies around the world,” Ferraro added.
Raytheon’s AIM-120C is part of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) family of missiles, which leverages 30 years of design, upgrades, testing and production. The AIM-120 missile continues to meet warfighter requirements in all weather and beyond visual range.
The AMRAAM missile packs unprecedented performance into a lightweight, cost-effective package. It uses a combination of inertial guidance, midcourse updates, and an on-board active radar to find the intended target and complete the intercept.
The AMRAAM is designed as a dual-role missile, offering operational flexibility in air-to-air and surface-launch engagements.
