New missile, combined with proven launcher and radar, will provide robust ground-based air defense
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has completed extensive lab testing on a new extended range variant of the combat-proven AMRAAM®. The tests validate that AMRAAM-ER can be integrated and employed from the NASAMS launcher. Designed specifically for ground-based air defense, AMRAAM-ER will be combined with AN/MPQ-64 F1Sentinel radar and the NASAMS launcher to provide increased air defense protection in the medium range air defense market.
"AMRAAM-ER significantly expands the capability of our proven ground-based air defense system. The new surface-launched missile will be even faster and more maneuverable than the current AMRAAM," said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "By leveraging components from existing weapons programs, Raytheon is on a fast track to deliver AMRAAM-ER affordably and with very low risk."
Raytheon is integrating the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile rocket motor into AMRAAM-ER, enabling the new missile to intercept targets at longer ranges and higher altitudes. Completion of lab testing allows Raytheon to move forward with launcher and system integration scheduled to begin mid-2015 followed by a live firing demonstration. Raytheon is on schedule to flight test AMRAAM-ER before the end of the year.
NASAMS is a highly adaptable medium range solution for any operational air defense requirement. The system provides the air defender with a tailorable, state-of-the-art defense system that can maximize their ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle or emerging cruise missile threats. It is the latest and most modern Medium Range Air Defense system.
In partnership with KONGSBERG, Raytheon has delivered more than 70 fire units to seven countries. It is the most commonly used Short and Medium Range Air Defense System in NATO.
Fielded in Norway for more than a decade, NASAMS is operationally deployed in the U.S. National Capital Region, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and an undisclosed country. It is also in production for Oman under a contract received last year.
AMRAAM® is a combat-proven missile that demonstrates operational flexibility in both air-to-air and surface-launch scenarios and provides today's military forces with enhanced operational capability, cost effectiveness and future growth options/solutions. Procured by 36 countries, the combat-proven AMRAAM® has been integrated on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, F-4 and the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It is also the baseline missile for the NATO-approved National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System.