USAF has awarded Boeing a $4.2 million contract to work Phase 2 of the Dual Role Air Dominance Missile technology effort, one of several expected to lead to a Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile for the Air Force and Navy. The JDRADM is expected to combine both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities in one missile. A Boeing release states that the DRADM technology effort focuses on developing the missile’s propulsion and control systems, and Phase 2 would refine those technologies, leading to lab and ground testing. JDRADM is a potential follow-on to the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.
Fresh off its most ambitious test yet of an autonomous cargo plane, the Air Force is preparing to go even bigger by deploying and operating another such aircraft for an entire year.