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 development program also enables AMRAAM compatibility with advanced fighters, enhances AMRAAM capability and operational flexibility against current and projected threats, incorporates high payoff technology development, performs risk reduction activities, and investigates new variants and/or alternate missions that may use AMRAAM attributes. The latest AMRAAM variant, the AIM-120D, delivers improved performance via Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided navigation; two-way datalink capability for enhanced aircrew survivability and improved network compatibility; and incorporates new guidance software that improves kinematic performance and weapon effectiveness. Operational Testing (OT) was completed in Jul 14 and the Air Force and Navy authorized operational fielding in Jan 15. The Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in Jan 15 and the Air Force declared IOC in Jul 15. The program continues to address aircraft integration efforts to maintain compatibility/performance of the missile with changes occurring on threshold AMRAAM platforms per the Capability Production Document (CPD). To keep the existing inventory as effective as possible and address findings from the field, the Air Force and Navy also develop, test, and field improvements that are implemented via software upgrades reprogrammed into fielded AMRAAMs, 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 element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver AMRAAM weapon system capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 673777_0207163F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
• Space