Hughes, Norway's Raufoss Technology and Alliant Techsystems have conducted the first flight demonstration of an enhanced rocket motor for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The company-developed motor is being proposed to improve the performance of both surface-launched and air-launched versions of the AMRAAM.
The flight test, at Norway's And¿ya rocket range, was sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, which has deployed the AMRAAM on Lockheed Martin F-16s and Hughes/Kongsberg Norwegian advanced surface-to-air missile systems. The AMRAAM rocket-motor-enhancement (AMRE) programme significantly increases the missile's propellant load and provides extra range and altitude, particularly from a surface launch.
The upgrade incorporates an elliptical solid-rocket motor, which can be retrofitted to existing AMRAAMs, the companies say. Changes to the external shape of the missile are limited to a slight bulging of the rocket-motor casing, Hughes says. A new propellant developed by Raufoss and Alliant meets insensitive-munitions requirements while improving kinematic performance.
The AMRE is being proposed for AMRAAM variants now being studied, including a possible air-defence system for the USMarine Corps, which would mount surface-launched AMRAAMs on a Hummer vehicle. Hughes is advocating that the USA and Norway proceed with co-operative development of the AMRE upgrade.
Source: Flight International