AMRAAM

Abstract

The Air Force and Navy continue to develop improvements to the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) to counter existing and emerging air vehicle threats, operating at high or low altitude and having advanced Electronic Attack (EA) capabilities. The AMRAAM Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) program allows the Air Force and Navy to continue a joint research and development program. This enables AMRAAM to be compatible with advanced fighters, enhances AMRAAM capability and operational flexibility against 2010 and beyond threats, incorporates high payoff technology developments, performs risk reduction activities and investigates new variants and/or alternate missions which may use AMRAAM attributes. AIM-120D (Phase 4) delivers improved performance via GPS-aided navigation, a two-way datalink capability for enhanced aircrew survivability and improved network compatibility, and incorporates new guidance software which improves kinematic and weapon effectiveness performance. Phase 4 Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) was successfully completed in September 09 with Operational Test (OT) starting in FY10 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on the F/A-18 E/F and F-15 C/D expected in FY11. In addition to integration on these IOC platforms, the program includes integration of the missile onto the F-16, F-15E, F-22A, and F-18 C/D. To keep the existing inventory as effective as possible, the AF and Navy also develop, test and incorporate improvements that are implemented via software upgrades reprogrammed into fielded weapons, and/or hardware upgrades inserted into production units. AMRAAM is a joint Air Force/Navy, Acquisition Category IC (ACAT IC) program with Air Force as lead service. This program is in budget activity 7 - Operational System Development, providing upgrades to AIM-120 missiles currently fielded or in production.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
673777_0207163F_7_3600_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space

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