In the Air And On The Ground

Raytheon’s new extended-range missile will enhance proven air defense system

How do you turn an air-to-air missile into an even more robust solution for ground-based air defense? Give it longer reach and integrate it into a proven air defense system.

Raytheon recently completed extensive lab testing on a new extended range variant of the combat-proven Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM®). The tests validate that extended range AMRAAM-ER can be integrated and employed from the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

"AMRAAM-ER significantly expands the capability of our NASAMS ground-based air defense system. The new surface-launched missile will have a longer range and higher speed than the current AMRAAM," said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "By leveraging components from existing weapons programs, Raytheon is on a fast track to deliver AMRAAM-ER affordably and with very low risk."

Designed specifically for ground-based air defense, the AMRAAM-ER missile will be fielded as part of NASAMS. Along with Raytheon’s AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel radar and Kongsberg’s Fire Distribution Center and canister launcher, the system will provide increased protection in the medium range air defense market. 

secondary image 1

Raytheon's AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel Radar

NASAMS is a tailorable, state-of-the-art, networked air defense system that combines redundancy and survivability with unrivaled firepower. The system can quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving threats – like enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or cruise missiles.

About NASAMS
NASAMS is a highly adaptable medium range solution for any operational air defense requirement. Together with Norwegian partner KONGSBERG, Raytheon has delivered more than 70 fire units to seven countries. It is the most commonly used Short and Medium Range Air Defense System in NATO.

About AMRAAM
AMRAAM is a combat-proven missile that demonstrates operational flexibility in both air-to-air and surface-launch scenarios and provides today's military forces with enhanced operational capability, cost effectiveness and future growth options/solutions. Procured by 36 countries, the combat-proven AMRAAM has been integrated on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, F-4 and the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It is also the baseline missile for the NATO-approved National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System.

About Sentinel
Sentinel is the premier air surveillance and target acquisition/tracking sensor for the U.S. Army Cruise Missile Defense Systems program. It is a highly mobile, three-dimensional, phased-array, ground-based air defense radar system that operates in the X-band. Sentinel automatically detects, tracks, identifies, classifies and reports airborne threats, including helicopters, high-speed attack aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

An AMRAAM launches from a National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System during the Thor's Hammer exercises in Sweden. Raytheon has developed an extended-range variant of AMRAAM and integrated it into the NASAMS launcher.<br />(<a href="https://www.raytheon.com/sites/default/files/2017-10/1_26.jpg" target="_blank">Download High Res Photo</a>)
An AMRAAM launches from a National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System during the Thor's Hammer exercises in Sweden. Raytheon has developed an extended-range variant of AMRAAM and integrated it into the NASAMS launcher.
A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System canister fires an AMRAAM missile.
A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System canister fires an AMRAAM missile.
The AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel Radar automatically detects, tracks, identifies, classifies and reports airborne threats, including helicopters, high-speed attack aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel Radar automatically detects, tracks, identifies, classifies and reports airborne threats, including helicopters, high-speed attack aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Norway fired one AMRAAM AIM-120C7 missile from a National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System High Mobility Launcher during the Thor’s Hammer international firing exercises in Sweden. The missile, originally developed for the U.S. military, is now sold to 35 foreign military allies.<br />(<a href="https://www.raytheon.com/sites/default/files/2017-10/4_27.jpg" target="_blank">Download High Res Photo</a>)
Norway fired one AMRAAM AIM-120C7 missile from a National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System High Mobility Launcher during the Thor’s Hammer international firing exercises in Sweden. The missile, originally developed for the U.S. military, is now sold to 35 foreign military allies.
Norway fired one AMRAAM AIM-120C7 missile from a National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System High Mobility Launcher during the Thor’s Hammer international firing exercises in Sweden. The missile, originally developed for the U.S. military, is now sold to 35 foreign military allies.<br />(<a href="https://www.raytheon.com/sites/default/files/2017-10/4_27.jpg" target="_blank">Download High Res Photo</a>)
A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System AMRAAM missile is launched from a High Mobility Launcher mounted on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.
video 1

Media Coverage

News & Stories