USAF and Raytheon complete successful AIM-120C-8 missile firing test
The most recent successful AMRAAM firing an F-15C follows on from other tests including an AMRAAM firing from an F-15C in February 2020. (Photo: USAF)
The USAF and Raytheon conducted successful flight test of the AIM-120C-8 missile, the latest variant of AMRAAM, which included downing an aerial target.
The AIM-120C-8 is the latest international variant of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile developed under the form, fit, function refresh (F3R). It was fired from an F-15C Eagle and downed the aerial target, meeting all primary objectives for the flight test.
Under the F3R programme, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.
This AIM-120C-8 flight test follows completion of flight testing of the AIM-120D-3. This was carried out in just 11 months after the initial flight test and concluded with showcasing the success of the missile in a highly contested environment.
Related Articles
Sweden to buy advanced US air-to-air missiles amid ongoing NATO membership hurdles
Final flight test of latest AMRAAM missile successful
Recently, the USAF awarded Raytheon a $1.15 billion AMRAAM contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.
Thousands of AIM-120 variants have been ordered for US forces since first delivery in 1992 and thousands have also been ordered by a range of countries. Shephard Defence Insight notes it is operated by almost all NATO members as well as other other countries, including Saudi Arabia which has received more than 1,000 missiles, the UAE with more than 700 and Singapore with over 500.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
