Accelerated Improved Interceptor Initiative (AI3).

[bobbymike]

New Raytheon warhead lethal to enemy rockets

• AI3 can be fielded by 2014, saving soldiers' lives

The U.S. Army and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed a warhead test for the new Accelerated Improved Interceptor Initiative (AI3). Once fielded, AI3 is intended to provide a new level of warfighter protection by destroying incoming rockets, artillery and mortars. The ground-based system will leverage proven technologies from many of Raytheon's programs, including the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and Small Diameter Bomb II.
"AI3, which can be fielded by 2014, will save soldiers' lives," said Lt. Col. Brent Wilhide, the U.S. Army's AI3 product manager. "This recent test success was important because it proved the warhead Raytheon will use for AI3 can neutralize the kind of threat AI3 is designed to counter." The test, which marked a key milestone in AI3's 18-month development program, evaluated six different warheads. AI3 is a rapid acquisition program; it is being managed out of the Army's Counter-Rockets, Artillery and Mortar program directorate and Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space.
"Completing these tests reduces program risk because the warheads met or exceeded all test objectives and performed exactly as predicted," said Steve Bennett, Raytheon Missile Systems' AI3 program director. "These tests clear the way for further system integration and testing in 2012 and will enable Raytheon to remain on schedule to provide the Army with this much-needed system."
About AI3

• System to protect warfighters by intercepting rockets in flight.
• Raytheon to demonstrate the system at culmination of development program.
• Raytheon is building the interceptor and serving as integrator for the other elements of the system.

 

[Arcane]

Some more details:


The Raytheon AI3 interceptor missile (a variant of AIM-9M)

• KRFS fire control radar
• Raytheon AI3 interceptor, an AIM-9 variant
• A modified Avenger launcher
• Counter Rockets Artillery Mortar (C-RAM) command and control system

Testing is successful so far.

Raytheon AI3 missile intercepts first cruise missile target (via Raytheon)

 

[TinWing]

Were any specifications released for AI3? On the face of it, this missile appears to be a Sidewinder with proportions resembling the similarly semi-active radar guided R-3R (K-13R, AA-2C 'Atoll')? Even 6 decades ago, the AIM-9C maintained the same length as the AIM-9B. I’m guessing the rocket motor is longer than an AIM-9L, the warhead is shorter but why is the guidance section so much longer than an AIM-9C? Raytheon deleted the rollerons, which is fairly unique for a Sidewinder derivative? A cost saving measure allowed by the non-maneuvering nature of basic C-RAM threats?