EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile joint program office completed the second live fire test of the new AIM‑120D-3 missile variant, incorporating upgraded hardware into the guidance section May 12.
The weapon safely launched from an F/A-18F Super Hornet and flew the expected flight path over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California. Preliminary analysis by Raytheon Missiles & Defense indicated all primary and secondary objectives of the shot were met.
“Completing the first two free flight shots of upgraded hardware and software is a significant milestone in the integration and test phase of the new AIM-120D-3 missile,” said Col. Sean Bradley, Armament Directorate. “These successes are important to the overall execution of the form, fit, function refresh program; a program implemented to address an increasing number of production challenges due to obsolescence of various electronic components within the AIM-120.”
Combined with software upgrades, AIM-120D-3 will deliver advanced capabilities to improve missile effectiveness against advanced threats for Air Force, Navy and allied partners. This missile shot from an F/A-18F Super Hornet tested the missile’s safe separation autopilot and free-flight navigation capabilities.
Together, with the first shot December 9, 2020, these shots represent a critical first in a series of developmental flight tests that provides crucial data to assess the missile’s ability to acquire, track and guide to targets.