Raytheon announced last week that the seventh test flight of the AIM-120D, the newest variant of the advanced medium range air-to-air missile, “achieved all primary test objectives” based on initial analysis. The previously undisclosed test took place on March 19 at Eglin AFB, Fla., the company said. An Air Force F-15D fighter fired the AIM-120D. “The hard work of the US government-Raytheon team to deliver a world-class missile continues to pay off,” Col. Michael Andersen, commander of the 328th Armament Systems Group at Eglin, said in the release. He said the AIM-120D program is “on track” and called the new munition “the most capable beyond-visual range air-to-air missile ever fielded.” The D model is reported to have increased jam resistance in the face of adversary electronic attack systems, a two-way datalink, and GPS-aided navigation. According to Raytheon, it has been tested on the Navy F/A-18E/F in addition to the F-15C/D. The company noted that the missile achieved “a direct hit on the target” in its sixth flight test, two weeks prior to March 19.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.