Despite operating the most advanced fighters in the world, the United States still equips
its stealth jets such as the F-22 and F-35 with fundamentally the same air-to-air missiles
that were utilized during Desert Storm over two decades ago.
The latest AMRAAM variant, the AIM-120D is the main weapon for American fighters for
Beyond Visual Range combat.
It includes a two-way data link, superior navigation through a GPS-enhanced Inertial
Measurement Unit , a much larger no-escape zone and improved high-angle off-boresight
capability and an increase in range by 50% for max strike envelope of about 167 km or
105 miles.
The most advanced Sidewinder variant, the AIM-9X, is a very agile and reliable short-range
weapon and was recently used to down a Chinese balloon that was thought to be used for spying
over the U.S. mainland.
While these missiles are considered to be some of the best Air to Air missiles, the
designs are showing their age and near-peer rivals are upping the ante.
M variant of the Russian R-37 adds an additional rocket booster stage, extending its range
to as far as 250 miles or 400 kilometers.
Chinese PL-15 uses a dual pulsed solid-fueled rocket for propulsion and has a range of 124
miles or 200 km.
The U.S. military-industrial complex is working to US military regain the edge not only in
terms of range but also load out.
In this video, Defense Updates analyzes what new Air to Air missiles will arm American
fighter jets?
Let's get started.
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is an American beyond-visual-range
air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) under development by Lockheed Martin.
Designed to address advanced threats, the missile is expected to replace or supplement
the AIM-120 AMRAAM currently in US service from 2024.
The AIM-260 program began in 2017.
As per reports, the missile will have similar dimensions to the AIM-120, in order to ensure
a minimal disruption of launch platform technology and ensure compatibility with currently operational
fighters.
The capability set to be offered by this missile remains classified, but it's expected to pip
the Chinese PL-15 in range and agility.
While very little is known about the Modular Advanced Missile or MAM, a reference to which
first appeared in a US Air Force budget document, we do know that the weapon could soon be test-fired
from a fighter jet.
The public first got wind of this program in the U.S. Air Force Research, Development,
Test, and Evaluation Appropriations portion of the branch’s 2023 Fiscal Year budget
request
There is no clear information related to the seeker, propulsion system, or capabilities
of this missile.
The use of the word ‘modular’ likely points to the fact that the missile could have swappable
propulsion systems, warheads, or seekers.
Boeing is the one developing this and has also secured some funding from Air Force Research
Laboratory (AFRL)
In 2017, the Pentagon revealed that Raytheon was already two years deep into the development
of another potential AMRAAM replacement known only as the Long Range Engagement Weapon,
or LREW.
Concept images show a large, two-stage missile launched from an internal weapons bay of an
F-22 Raptor.
There have been some reports that the LREW is too big to fit in the F-22 or F-35 internal
weapons bay and is suited for the F-15EX Eagle II or B-21 Raider or NGAD which is the Next
Generation Air Dominance fighter.
LREW seems to be designed to engage vulnerable enemy targets such as AWACS from safe standoff
distances.
While the weapon will use state-of-the-art technologies, it will also leverage technology
Boeing developed for other projects.
Raytheon which is a developer describes Peregrine as a small, fast, lightweight air-to-air weapon
for use against drones, manned aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Importantly the company notes, because of additive manufacturing and readily available
materials, the missile is low cost.
It are also lighter and smaller, effectively doubling the number of missiles that current
fighter jets can carry.
It weighs just over 150 pounds or 68 kg and at 6 feet long, it is actually only about
half the size of the AIM-120 AMRAAM but offers a similar range and overall performance
Raytheon states Peregrine can seek out targets, even in bad weather due to its sophisticated
sensor, guidance and propulsion systems It can be arm be integrated into fourth- and
fifth-generation fighter jets and is compatible with current launch gear.
Cuda is being developed as part of the “Small Advanced Capabilities Missile" (SACM)
It is a Lockheed Martin multi-role Hit-to-Kill (HTK) missile concept.
The missile will not have any warhead and will rely on kinetic energy to destroy the
threat.
The missile will have a much smaller size and 5th generation fighters like F-22 Raptor
and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be able to carry 2X to 3X numbers.
The dimension will be similar to SDB or Small Diameter Bomb.
Cuda, is not expected to have IIR (Imaging Infra Red) seeker but will be radar-guided.
Boeing’s Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM) was first unveiled in 2021, with the US Air
Force Research Laboratory awarding a continued development contract to the firm in 2022.
The award will run through September 28, 2027.
The missile features a two-stage design, similar to multi-stage rockets.
Upon firing, the booster stage propels the forward kill vehicle a certain distance, providing
an initial burst of speed.
Subsequently, the booster separates, and the kill vehicle engages its own rocket booster
to close in on the target.
The anticipated benefits of the two-stage design include increased speed, range, and
maneuverability, as it allows for distinct propulsion approaches for the initial flight
and more dynamic terminal guidance.
As per Boeing, it doesn’t see this missile as a potential replacement for the AMRAAM
or as a competitor for any other current missile program, but rather as a new capability altogether
for American jets.