The Air Force and Raytheon moved one step closer to fielding an improved capability against adversary’s air defenses, conducting a successful test shot of an upgraded High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). In the test, an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron fired the improved AGM-88F, with the HARM Control Section Modification (HCSM), at an emitter located outside of an exclusion zone that held a similar emitter. The HCSM used its new global positioning system/inertial measurement unit capability to find and hit the correct emitter, Raytheon said in a company release. The test was conducted on the Utah Test and Training Range, by the F-16 flying out of Hill AFB, Utah. The Air Force awarded Raytheon the HCSM contract in 2012. The improved missile recently was cleared for full-rate production. An additional test shot that is required to determine if it is ready for deployment by the Air Force was conducted Aug. 6, and the results are pending, Raytheon representative Ashley Mehl said. The HCSM improvement gives the HARM greater accuracy, allows it to engage a wider range of modern air defenses and is resistant to counter-measures, the company said.
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.