Raytheon Reveals New Advanced Variant of Deadly AMRAAM Missile

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Raytheon successfully tests its updated Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) missile variant and has showcased its increased capabilities.

According to Interesting Engineering, AMRAAM is an air-to-air missile that is considered the most advanced and effective weapon in air combat. The missile is technically called the AIM-120, and it is designed to engage with targets that are beyond visual range in all weather conditions. With over 4,900 test shots and 13 air-to-air combat victories, the AMRAAM has been thoroughly tested to be highly effective.

This missile is known for its remarkable performance, which is achieved through a combination of inertial guidance, midcourse updates, and onboard active radar – features that allow the missile to accurately locate and intercept its intended target.

It has remained the standard for air dominance due to ongoing modernization and development, as well as being lightweight and cost-effective, making it an attractive choice for military operations.

The innovation of this latest AMRAAM-ER variant is that it incorporates the guidance section of the AIM-120 C-8, as well as a more robust 10-inch rocket motor and a 10-inch Control Actuator System.

“The testing included a test firing, during which the missile flew a preprogrammed flight path to verify safe egress from the NASAMS launcher and missile performance,” explained Raytheon in a press release.

The AMRAAM-ER can reportedly be integrated with the medium-range adaptable air defense NASAMS launcher to increase air defense protection and intercept targets at greater range and altitude than non-extended range AMRAAM.

NASAMS was developed and produced as a joint effort by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, a new collaborative that aims to enhance the capabilities of NASAMS to keep up with the constantly evolving threats.