Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, and KONGSBERG, a Norway-based defense technology company, successfully completed the first live-fire test of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Extended Range variant for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. The test, conducted at Andoya Space Defense Center, provided critical flight data that will be used to improve the missile’s future software algorithms. The test team also used a new NASAMS launcher that can accommodate AMRAAM®-ER’s larger size.
When fielded, AMRAAM-ER will deliver a new land-based missile defense capability to warfighters through its enhanced speed, range, altitude and maneuverability,” said Paul Ferraro, vice president of Air Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “We are now one step closer to certification, production and final integration of the weapon into NASAMS.”
The AMRAAM-ER missile is a new, ground-launched solution that will intercept targets at longer distances and higher altitudes. The AMRAAM-ER missile gets its boost in range from a bigger rocket motor and optimized flight control algorithms. The missile, which is powered by a Nammo-manufactured rocket motor, enables intercepts at longer ranges and higher altitudes when compared to other effectors. The first AMRAAM-ER missile flight test is expected in the second quarter of 2021, with production deliveries expected in 2022.
Once integrated with NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), the system will provide increased air defense protection in the medium-range air defense market. NASAMS is owned by 12 countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. NASAMS consists of the Sentinel radar, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, and KONGSBERG’s Fire Distribution Center. As the NASAMS user community grows, continuous upgrades will provide the most technologically advanced and combat-ready system in the world.
