The US Navy has successfully completed the first test firing of the new Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) anti-radar missile. The event took place on July 19 at the Point Mugu Test Area, in the Pacific Ocean, with the missile being fired from an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter. The AARGM-ER met all planned test targets and the US Navy expects the missile to enter low-rate initial production later this summer.
“This first live fire is an important step towards providing our fleet with the most advanced weapons system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats”, said Captain Alex Dutko, program manager for the Direct Strike and Time Sensitive Weapon (PMA-242). “Our Navy and Northrop Grumman team did a tremendous job in executing this event and ensuring that all test objectives were met.”
Live firing testing validated overall system integration, rocket engine performance, and the start of simulation modeling and validation. This was the first in a series of development test events that will ensure the AARGM-ER meets the required objectives. In May the US Navy had completed another test flight with the missile designed to blind enemy air defenses.
“While this event serves as validation of that hard work, it takes us one step closer to making our fleet more lethal,” said Felipe Jauregui, of the Anti-Radiation Missile Technical Design Office of the Weapons Division at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, Calif. “Our engineering and test teams worked tirelessly with their counterparts in the enterprise and government teams.”
“This trigger was a significant milestone for the program as we prepare to enter Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP),” added Keli Olea of PMA-242. The AARGM-ER is expected to enter the LRIP this summer, which will future deployment of the AARGM-ER in the fleet and initial operational capability.
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The AARGM-ER is being integrated into the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, and will be compatible for integration into the F-35 Lightning II. Taking advantage of the AGM-88 AARGM program, a new variant of the AGM-88 HARM, the AARGM-ER will have a new engine, further increasing its autonomy, in addition to new systems. The missile is used in Enemy Air Defense Suppression missions against ground radar.
With SHIP
