The US Navy has successfully completed the second test flight of its new anti-radar missile, the AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range). The armament hit the simulated target, meeting the expectations of the test.
According to Northrop Grumman, the missile manufacturer, the test was carried out on January 21 at the Point Mugu test area, on the southern coast of California. After being launched from an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, the missile performed an extended range profile, engaging a land-based emitter target positioned on San Nicholas Island.
"This second test flight verified the AARGM-ER's ability to detect, identify, locate and engage a ground-based air defense radar system from an extended range", said Captain AC Dutko, Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Attack (PMA-242).
“Through the exceptional efforts of our government/industry team, we are one more step closer to providing the capability to suppress the most advanced adversary air defense systems without endangering our warfighters.”
The first shot with AARGM-ER occurred in July 2021, also at Point Mugu. Since obtaining Milestone C (low cadence initial production authorization (LRIP)), in September 2021, Northrop Grumman, continued to lead its team in developing a critically needed warfighting capability.
A The company is currently under contract to deliver AARGM-ER production units to an initial operational capability (IOC) in 2023. In December 2021, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $45,6 million contract for the second batch of AARGM -ER LRIP.
“The AARGM-ER provides the US Navy with the ability to stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Mary Petryszyn, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. "This test further demonstrated the AARGM-ER's critical ability to precisely engage long-range threats while allowing the launch crew to remain at a safe distance."
Em release, Northrop also revealed that the missile will be integrated into the F-35B vertical take-off and landing. Until then, it was public knowledge that the AARGM-ER would be integrated into the F/A-18, EA-18, F-35A and F-35C.
Because it has smaller compartments, due to the liftfan that generates the vertical thrust, the F-35B will carry the missile externally, while the F-35A – conventionally operated – and F-35C – for use on aircraft carriers – will carry the AARGM-ER internally.
Taking advantage of the existing sensors, electronics and digital models of the AGM-88 AARGM, a new variant of the AGM-88 HARM, the AARGM-ER has a new solid rocket engine, further increasing its autonomy, in addition to new systems such as its warhead . The missile will be used in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses against ground radar.
