AIM-120 AMRAAM projects

[fightingirish]

Early AMRAAM mock-up. Unfortunately I can't significantly prove, if General Dynamics really proposed this concept.

https://flic.kr/p/2oMSGZa

View: https://flic.kr/p/2oMSGZa

Source: SDASM Flickr Archives

 

[Forest Green]

The AIM-120D3 is the latest #AMRAAM variant. Featuring improved electronics & a new signal processor, it is designed to be more survivable against countermeasures. D3-SIP will introduce additional enhancements through end of the decade. USAF alone plans to field >2K AIM-120D3's.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678746063061278723

View: https://twitter.com/AirPowerNEW1/status/1678746063061278723?s=20

 

[aonestudio]

US Air Force, RTX complete first flight test of AIM-120C-8

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 – the latest...

www.prnewswire.com

https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2023/09/01/us-air-force-rtx-complete-first-flight-test-of-aim-120c-8

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 – the latest international variant of AMRAAM® developed under the Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh. The AIM-120C-8 was fired from an F-15C Eagle and downed the aerial target, meeting all primary objectives for the flight test.

Under the F3R program, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.

This AIM-120C-8 flight test follows the completion of flight testing of the AIM-120D-3. Flight testing on the AIM-120D-3 was completed in just 11 months after the initial flight test and concluded with showcasing the success of the missile in a highly contested environment.

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/9/1/air-force-completes-first-flight-test-for-latest-amraam-variant?mc_cid=7f4069934b&mc_eid=307947a252

 

[NMaude]

and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.

What exactly is meant by re-hosting?

 

[Moose]

What exactly is meant by re-hosting?

They're taking software for older versions of the missile and putting in the newer hardware, ideally without significant changes, so platforms can use the new hardware more easily. Saves a whole bunch of money when done right.

 

[NMaude]

So they're basically recompiling the software so that it can run on the new hardware?

 

[WatcherZero]

May also have had some functions that were run on dedicated circuit boards that are now software emulated through virtualisation (simulating the hardware).

 

[Forest Green]

Raytheon to max out AMRAAM production for ‘foreseeable future,’ exec says - Breaking Defense

A Raytheon spokesperson said an upgraded domestic variant of the missile would be fielded “by the end of the year,” with an international variant expected to pass a critical milestone in “late 2023 or early 2024.”

breakingdefense.com

 

[NMaude]

Raytheon to max out AMRAAM production for ‘foreseeable future,’ exec says - Breaking Defense

A Raytheon spokesperson said an upgraded domestic variant of the missile would be fielded “by the end of the year,” with an international variant expected to pass a critical milestone in “late 2023 or early 2024.”

breakingdefense.com

I won't surprised if production is being maxed out so that the new build AMRAAMs will enable the older stock to be given to Ukraine for NASAMS units and future F-16 deliveries to Ukraine.

 

[Forest Green]

Defense commitments now will ensure a safer tomorrow

When it comes to ensuring the safety of the United States and its allies, Raytheon, an RTX business, already knows what the best, ready-now solutions are.

www.defensenews.com

 

[FighterJock]

AMRAAM production will have to be maxed out well into the future until the AIM-260 is ready to take over from it, at least that is what I am currently thinking. We do not exactly know when the AIM-260 will be ready.