RTX [RTX] on Tuesday said the newest variant of its Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) has successfully completed its final flight test, marking the completion of developmental and operational testing.
The AIM-120D-3 was fired from an F-16 fighter and included all production hardware and software. The new AMRAAM variant includes upgraded circuit cards in the guidance section and allows for continuous agile software improvements, RTX said. The company also said the AIM-120D-3 will counter peer threats.
The development and operational testing included captive carry and live-fires from Navy and Air Force fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
“We are ramping AMRAAM production to a greater rate than ever before in the history of this program,” Paul Ferraro, president of air power at RTX’s Raytheon defense business, said in a statement. “With significantly increased functionality, performance and producibility, and the completion of the flight test program, we are ensuring the warfighter can count on having the fifth generation of AMRAAM, and enough of them, in their arsenal.”
RTX said the production increase follows a $1.2 billion contract in June and a $972 million contract in September 2022.