Raytheon completes lab testing on AMRAAM-ER, NASAMS integration 31106152

Defence & Security News - United States
 
Raytheon completes lab testing on AMRAAM-ER, NASAMS integration
Raytheon Company has completed extensive lab testing on a new extended range variant of the combat-proven AMRAAM. The tests validate that AMRAAM-ER can be integrated and employed from the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) launcher. Designed specifically for ground-based air defense, AMRAAM-ER will be combined with AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel radar and the NASAMS launcher to provide increased air defense protection in the medium range air defense market.
     
Raytheon completes lab testing on AMRAAM-ER, NASAMS integration NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) Launcher firing an AMRAAM Missile
     

"AMRAAM-ER significantly expands the capability of our proven ground-based air defense system. The new surface-launched missile will be even faster and more maneuverable 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."

Raytheon is integrating the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile rocket motor into AMRAAM-ER, enabling the new missile to intercept targets at longer ranges and higher altitudes. Completion of lab testing allows Raytheon to move forward with launcher and system integration scheduled to begin mid-2015 followed by a live firing demonstration. Raytheon is on schedule to flight test AMRAAM-ER before the end of the year.

NASAMS is the latest and most modern Medium Range Air Defense system. In partnership with 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.

Fielded in Norway for more than a decade, NASAMS is operationally deployed in the U.S. National Capital Region, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and an undisclosed country. It is also in production for Oman under a contract received last year.