Raytheon has flight-tested an upgraded AMRAAM-Extended Range (ER) variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces supported the variant’s maiden flight test, demonstrating its safe firing from the NASAMS launcher.
It features the AIM-120 C-8’s guidance section, Nammo’s more robust 10-inch rocket motor, and Kongsberg’s 10-inch Control Actuator System, called the Norwegian Propulsion Stack.
“Integrating this new technology into the AMRAAM-ER ensures the advanced capabilities of the surface-launched munition for many years to come,” Raytheon Air & Space Defense Systems president Paul Ferraro said.
“Agile software upgrades will continue to advance AMRAAM to stay ahead of evolving threats.”
AMRAAM-Extended Range
Jointly developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg, the highly adaptable NASAMS medium-range air defense system features the AMRAAM as an effector.
The firms have been developing the AMRAAM-ER variant since 2015, completing the first two live-fire tests in 2021.
The ER’s expected features include 50 percent greater range and 70 percent greater altitude than its predecessor.
