Aviation
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USA
Kill the radar!
US succeeds in anti-radiation missile test
F/A-18E/F carrying the AARGM-ER
Image: US Navy
Rafael Ramos
8/5/2021
The US Naval Air Systems Command has issued a statement announcing that the AARGM-ER anti-radar missile has successfully completed its first real fire test.
The missile was launched from an F/A-18 Hornet. The test validated the overall system integration, the start of modeling and simulation validation, as well as the performance of the rocket engine. More tests will be done. The new armament will be compatible for use in the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter.
Lockheed Martin F-35
Image: Public Domain
“This first live fire is an important step in providing our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats,” said Capt. Alex Dutko, program manager Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapon (PMA-242 ). “Our Navy and Northrop Grumman team did a tremendous job in running this event and ensuring that all test objectives were met.”
Northrop Grumman, the weapon's lead developer, said the actual fire test took place three months earlier than expected and demonstrated the "long-range capability of the new missile design."
The AARGM-ER is based on the AGM-88E, which is also an anti-radar missile. However, its range is between 20% and 50% smaller.
The AGM-88E missiles are designed to neutralize enemy anti-aircraft defense systems such as the Russian Pantsir-S1 and S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft defense complexes.
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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