The US Air Force has completed its Functional Configuration Audit of the latest Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
The audit follows the AMRAAM AIM-120D-3’s first live test in July last year, bringing the missile closer to fielding by the US Air Force and US Navy.
Form, Fit, Function Refresh
The AIM-120D-3 features redesigned hardware and software, including 15 upgraded circuit cards under the Form, Fit, Function Refresh program.
The new energy-efficient cards in the Raytheon missile’s guidance system enhance its battery life, increasing its range.
The $125 million program ensures the continued upgrade of the missile’s software.
Additional Tests
“Integrated on 14 platforms in 42 countries, AMRAAM is the only fielded air-to-air weapon with the ability to counter peer threats at extended range,” Raytheon Missiles & Defense Air Power president Paul Ferraro said.
“The AIM-120D-3 takes the known and trusted AMRAAM to the next level to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter and combatant commanders.”
The audit will be followed by a test program “encompassing captive carry missions, platform bench testing and a series of live firings from multiple Air Force and Navy platforms – proving out the weapon’s effectiveness.”
