I imagine that it wouldn't be too hard hard to create an air-launched variant of the PAC-3.
Sure if you want to defeat TBM's like the ALHTK concept proposed. A long range engagement weapon in the ERINT or PAC-3 form factor would need to go through considerable re-design to a point where it would basically be a completely new weapon designed around the existing PAC-3 rocket motor perhaps. They can probably leverage internal components from the JATM and MSE programs though.
 
Sure if you want to defeat TBM's like the ALHTK concept proposed. A long range engagement weapon in the ERINT or PAC-3 form factor would need to go through considerable re-design to a point where it would basically be a completely new weapon designed around the existing PAC-3 rocket motor perhaps. They can probably leverage internal components from the JATM and MSE programs though.
Put the front end of an AIM-260 on the back end of PAC-3.
 
Put the front end of an AIM-260 on the back end of PAC-3.

With that speed and range requirements for a LREW its going to have to loft quite a bit more than where PAC-3 is optimized to perform so probably some other differences in design as well. But overall, I really like the 10" diameter 15 ft. long form factor.

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With that speed and range requirements for a LREW its going to have to loft quite a bit more than where PAC-3 is optimized to perform so probably some other differences in design as well. But overall, I really like the 10" diameter 15 ft. long form factor.

View attachment 769408
1746885262417.png

10" dia. and 12 feet long. Tweak the proportions for a 15-footer with better aero properties.
 
mwaahahahah

In my deep dive i did find some info on JATM... but only things that could be reasonably inferred already, or is already known (JATM JPO is at Eglin, JATM TPO is at China Lake, it's an ACAT ID program, in DT, OT, and LF, etc.), but something scored me a phone call from DISA J6 C4E yesterday morning that I wasn't a big fan of, so it might be time for me to lay off the hunt for AIM-174 and AIM-260 info

There is a lot on the system in public without the need to go to the DOD to ask for information. Every time I spend some time digging into it, I end up finding something new (to me) on the program.
 
With that speed and range requirements for a LREW its going to have to loft quite a bit more than where PAC-3 is optimized to perform so probably some other differences in design as well. But overall, I really like the 10" diameter 15 ft. long form factor.
WTF AAAM, LREW and PAC-3 have to do with JATM topic?
 
As capable as the AIM-120 is it is well past time that something new was developed to replace it and the USAF/USN shouldn't restrict themselves by insisting that it fits into the AIM-120's "Footprint" (12ft long by 7" in diameter).
Except that the F-22 would not be able to carry those. Or F-35, though I think the F-35 has longer bays and MIGHT be able to carry those.

And until the F-22 is retired, it's still the premier fighter on earth.

F-15s would not be able to carry that missile on the Sparrow dents on the inlets, it'd have to carry a missile that big on the CFTs. But IIRC all Eagles fly with CFTs these days, so not a big deal.
Super Bugs don't have a dent on the inlet, IIRC, but have a small pylon so they're fine.



Personally, I would like to see an Air to Air weapon that is IWB compliant for future aircraft in the roughly ERINT class (dimensions wise).

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Length-wise, that might be a challenge. A 14ft length missile (168") would be more viable, though I suspect that the USN weapons bays will be long enough for that weapon as-is, since they'd have been sized for SM-6.

Though, modern technology would allow for a smaller seeker section to help keep the rocket motor length.
 

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