Raytheon‘s [RTN] newest Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) variant, the AIM-120D, recently achieved three key program milestones, according to a company statement.
The Air Force recently successfully completed testing and fielded the AIM-120D while the Navy achieved initial operational capability (IOC). With the Air Force, the AIM-120D was subjected to several scenarios designed to represent realistic combat conditions. Raytheon said the weapon demonstrated outstanding capability against challenging targets and performed “superbly” in all regimes of flight. Airborne testing verified that the AIM-120D is ready for overseas deployment.
Raytheon said IOC followed extensive flight testing, where the Navy integrated and tested the AIM-120D on a F/A-18 Hornet and the Super Hornet aircraft. The Navy plans to deploy with the AIM-120D later this year.
Raytheon said the AIM-120D is the newest air-to-air weapon in the United States’ arsenal and includes capability improvements like increased range, Global Positioning System- (GPS) aided navigation, two-way data link and improved effectiveness.