AARGM-ER missile undergoes third live fire test
Northrop Grumman has completed a third live fire test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) involving a USN F/A-18 Super Hornet at Point Mugu, California.
The ‘advanced emitter acquisition system’ on the AARGM-ER detected and engaged a land-based air defence system, the company added in a 21 July statement.
USN programme manager Capt A.C. Dutko said the missile ‘performed as expected’.
AARGM-ER is being integrated on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, as well as F-35A/B/C aircraft.
Shephard Defence Insight expects IOC with AARGM-ER for Super Hornets in September 2023 but Dutko said the service requires AARGM-ER ‘now’.
Northrop Grumman obtained Milestone C LRIP authorisation for AARGM-ER in September 2021, and LRIP Lot 1 missiles are in production to support IOC fielding.
The company is also under contract to produce LRIP Lot 2 missiles.
More from Air Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin signs with Patria for F-35 landing gear doors
Finland’s purchase of F-35A aircraft was approved as a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) in October 2020 and 14 months later the aircraft was selected by the Finnish government. The FMS announcement noted a deal for 64 F-35A aircraft along with missiles, munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$12.5 billion.
-
Turkey completes first AESA radar flight test on F-16 Ozgur with drone trials imminent “within days”
Turkey’s homegrown MURAD radar system has promised to enhance Turkish air combat missions, offering simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground functionality, enhanced target detection and EW capabilities.
-
US Navy orders 17 new Super Hornets
New contract awarded to Boeing will see the delivery of 17 new F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighters and critical technical data.