US Navy completes live fire test of AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation guided missile

News, US July 24, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Navy and American defense manufacturer Northrop Grumman completed the third live fire test of AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER).

According to Northrop Grumman’s statement, “The U.S. Navy launched the missile from an F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California. Utilizing its advanced emitter acquisition system, the missile detected a land-based threat and engaged the threat system.”

Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242), Captain A.C. Dutko said, “The Navy requirement for AARGM-ER is now. AARGM-ER performed as expected and detected, identified, located and engaged a land-based air defense radar system.”

“The continued success of our developmental testing moves the program closer to fielding and providing the aircrews with the protection they need to remain ahead of adversary threats,” Captain A.C. Dutko added.

Since achieving a Milestone C Decision (authorization for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)) in September 2021, AARGM-ER prime contractor Northrop Grumman has continued to lead its industry team in timely development of critically needed warfighting capability, the company’s release highlighted. “LRIP Lot 1 AARGM-ER missiles are currently in-production to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding. LRIP Lot 2 missiles, under contract, will further augment the inventory in the Fleet,” it added.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Corporate vice president and president of Mary Petryszyn said, “Northrop Grumman is focused on delivering AARGM-ER capability to the U.S. Navy on-time to meet a critical warfighting need. We understand the requirement and we have the experience and know-how as a missile prime to deliver this time critical asset on an accelerated schedule.”

AARGM-ER is being integrated into the U.S Navy’s FA-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the stealth F-35 fighter jet.

*^{A mock-up of the AARGM-ER Missile. (Image Credit: Joseph Trevithick/TheDrive)}*

Earlier in February 2022, U.S. Navy successfully completed the second flight test of AGM-88G AARGM-ER. After the successful completion of the test, Mary Petryszyn stressed that “AARGM-ER provides the U.S. Navy with the capability to stay ahead of evolving threats. This flight test further demonstrated the critical capability of AARGM-ER to precisely engage long-range threats, while enabling launching aircrew to remain at a safe distance.”

AARGM-ER leverages existing state-of-the-art AARGM sensors, electronics, and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, a propulsion system providing extended range, and an advanced warhead. Earlier in November 2021, the Northrop Grumman release stated that the company has produced “more than 1,500 AARGM missiles” for the international cooperative acquisition program with the U.S. Navy and the Italian Air Force.