Raytheon lab tests AMRAAM-ER

Raytheon has completed lab testing the extended-range variant of its AMRAAM ground-based missile, the AMRAAM-ER, the company announced on 10 June.

The tests showed that the AMRAAM-ER can be integrated and deployed using the NASAMS launcher. The missile can be combined with the launcher and AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar for medium-range air defence.

The AMRAAM-ER is being integrated with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile rocket motor in order to address higher altitude and longer range threats.

With the lab tests complete, Raytheon will move forward with integrating the system and launcher in preparation for live fire demonstrations. The company is set to conduct a flight test of the ground defence missile before the end of 2015.

Mike Jarrett, vice president of air warfare systems, Raytheon, said: 'AMRAAM-ER significantly expands the capability of our proven ground-based air defence system. The new surface-launched missile will be even faster and more manoeuvrable than the current AMRAAM.

'By leveraging components from existing weapons programmes, Raytheon is on a fast track to deliver AMRAAM-ER affordably and with very low risk.'

Raytheon and partner Kongsberg have delivered over 70 NASAMS medium-range air defence fire units to seven countries. NASAMS is currently NATO's most commonly-used short-range and medium-range air defence system.