AIM-120 AMRAAM development projects

[bobbymike]

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/9/1/air-force-completes-first-flight-test-for-latest-amraam-variant?mc_cid=7f4069934b&mc_eid=307947a252

 

[NMaude]

and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.

What exactly is meant by re-hosting?

 

[Moose]

What exactly is meant by re-hosting?

They're taking software for older versions of the missile and putting in the newer hardware, ideally without significant changes, so platforms can use the new hardware more easily. Saves a whole bunch of money when done right.

 

[NMaude]

So they're basically recompiling the software so that it can run on the new hardware?

 

[WatcherZero]

May also have had some functions that were run on dedicated circuit boards that are now software emulated through virtualisation (simulating the hardware).

 

[Forest Green]

Raytheon to max out AMRAAM production for ‘foreseeable future,’ exec says - Breaking Defense

A Raytheon spokesperson said an upgraded domestic variant of the missile would be fielded “by the end of the year,” with an international variant expected to pass a critical milestone in “late 2023 or early 2024.”

breakingdefense.com

 

[NMaude]

Raytheon to max out AMRAAM production for ‘foreseeable future,’ exec says - Breaking Defense

A Raytheon spokesperson said an upgraded domestic variant of the missile would be fielded “by the end of the year,” with an international variant expected to pass a critical milestone in “late 2023 or early 2024.”

breakingdefense.com

I won't be surprised if production is being maxed out so that the new build AMRAAMs will enable the older stock to be given to Ukraine for NASAMS units and future F-16 deliveries to Ukraine.

 

[Forest Green]

Defense commitments now will ensure a safer tomorrow

When it comes to ensuring the safety of the United States and its allies, Raytheon, an RTX business, already knows what the best, ready-now solutions are.

www.defensenews.com

 

[FighterJock]

AMRAAM production will have to be maxed out well into the future until the AIM-260 is ready to take over from it, at least that is what I am currently thinking. We do not exactly know when the AIM-260 will be ready.

 

[Forest Green]

Raytheon Secures $1.1 Billion Contract to Increase AMRAAM Production for Allied Nations

Raytheon Secures $1.1 Billion Contract to Increase AMRAAM Production for Allied Nations

armyrecognition.com

 

[FighterJock]

So Raytheon has secured production of the AMRAAM for allies, that is really good news. I take it that will be until the AIM-260 is ready to replace it?

 

[NMaude]

I take it that will be until the AIM-260 is ready to replace it?

I suspect it may be quite some time before the AIM-260A is available for foreign customers.

 

[kqcke for you]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1833653786751226252

View: https://x.com/Doha104p3/status/1833653786751226252

 

[timmymagic]

In that article they appear to be backing away from Amraam leaving production and being superceded by AIM-260....and the cost of AIM-260 appears to be eye watering....which is probably one of the reasons why they may have reconsidered...

 

[Scott Kenny]

In that article they appear to be backing away from Amraam leaving production and being superceded by AIM-260....and the cost of AIM-260 appears to be eye watering....which is probably one of the reasons why they may have reconsidered...

I suspect that there will be a long period of planes carrying both AMRAAMs and AIM-260s.

Got a 5th gen fighter like Su57, J-20, or J-35 to deal with? let fly that AIM-260. "Only" dealing with some variety of Flanker? Use the AMRAAM, Luke.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Alternative designs to the Hughes AIM-120 in this topic: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/the-amraam-contenders.42813/

AMRAAM-ER discussed here: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/amraam-er.23897/

 

[Forest Green]

Germany Approves Acquisition of RAM Block 2B and AMRAAM Missiles for Navy and Air Force

Germany Approves Acquisition of RAM Block 2B and AMRAAM Missiles for Navy and Air Force

armyrecognition.com