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 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/