Northrop Grumman announces AARGM-ER second flight
An AARGM-ER is successfully launched from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet during a recent test. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Development of the AARGM-ER continues with its second successful test flight.
Northrop Grumman has announced the successful completion of the second flight test of its AGM-88G Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
The US Navy launched the missile from a F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft on 21 January off the coast of southern California.
The missile performed an extended range profile, engaging a land-based, emitter target staged at a nearby island.
Captain A.C. Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike commented: ‘This second flight test verified AARGM-ER’s ability to detect, identify, locate and engage a land-based air defence radar system from an extended range’.
Northrop Grumman achieved authorisation for LRIP in September 2021 and is now under contract to deliver production units of AARGM-ER to support a 2023 IOC fielding.
In December 2021, the company received a $45.6 million contract for the second lot of AARGM-ER LRIP.
AARGM-ER leverages existing state-of-the-art AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, solid rocket motor propulsion system and advanced warhead.
The system is being integrated on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35A/B/C aircraft.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the AARGM-ER is scheduled to achieve IOC on Super Hornets in September 2023.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability]()
Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability
The USAF has selected Northrop Grumman to develop and test the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a new air-to-ground weapon system, for fifth-generation aircraft and beyond.
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the workhorse of many armies and air forces in the 2020s.
-
![Indigenous tethered UAVs to join Indian Army]()
Indigenous tethered UAVs to join Indian Army
An Indian company will supply the Indian military with its first ever tethered UAVs.
-
![UK set to host headquarters for GCAP sixth-generation fighter project, reports suggest]()
UK set to host headquarters for GCAP sixth-generation fighter project, reports suggest
As discussions about the Global Combat Air Programme's headquarters location continue, Japan may lead the UK-based HQ to maintain programme balance.
-
![Honeywell urges Pratt & Whitney to share F-35 engine data or risk costly maintenance and reduced reliability]()
Honeywell urges Pratt & Whitney to share F-35 engine data or risk costly maintenance and reduced reliability
'We're getting into a zone where [the engine and the cooling] are going to be out of phase with each other... which means you're going to have to take the [F-35] jet down twice for overhaul and replacement of systems,' Honeywell official tells Shephard.
-
![Australia reverses decision on Schiebel Camcopters for naval UAVs]()
Australia reverses decision on Schiebel Camcopters for naval UAVs
It turns out that Australia has made absolutely no progress in obtaining shipborne UAVs in the past 18 months or so.
