An upgraded AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile successfully foiled a decoy emitter and destroyed its intended radar target in a recent live-shot test at the Utah Test and Training Range, Raytheon announced. The HARM control section modification upgrade “improves the probability of a hit, defeats counter-HARM tactics, and controls where the missile can and cannot fly,” company Air Warfare Systems Vice President Mike Jarrett said in a release. The test launch from an F-16 is part of ongoing Air Force and company trials aimed at judging the upgrade’s suitability for operational use. The upgrade gives the missile improved GPS and inertial guidance, anti-counter measure performance, and reduced risk of collateral damage, according to the company. The Air Force awarded the upgrade contract in 2012, and recently cleared the upgrade for full production. Some 4,000 HARM variants have been employed for suppression of enemy air defenses in combat to date, according to the company.
The first live-fly dogfights pitting artificial intelligence against human pilots took place last fall, and more tests are planned as the Air Force prepares to launch the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, DARPA and Air Force test officials reported.