There is a new buzz in the medium-range air-to-air missile universe, where Raytheon has announced for the first time the test-firing of the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) variant D3, or AIM-120D3. Even more interesting, the AIM-120D3 was fired at a target in the form of a QF-16 Zombie Viper drone target.
Quoted from aviationweek.com (18/7/2022), the test firing of the AIM-120D3 was announced by a Raytheon executive at the Farnborough International Airshow 2022.
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The AIM-120D3 underwent changes to the software and hardware elements, which the AIM-120D3 uses. better processing capabilities to extend missile flight time with more efficient navigation than increasing the amount of propellant or changing motors.
"Test firing of this missile is not trying to set a new range record, but further testing will extend the missile's flight time," said Jon Norman, Raytheon Vice President of US. Air Force. The AIM-120D is currently entering service as the longest-range air-to-air missile operated by the United States. With a maximum speed of Mach 4, the AIM-120D3 can pursue targets at a distance of 160 Km.
Raytheon has integrated 15 new circuit cards from the Form, Fit and Function Replacement program on the AIM-120D. In combination with new software from the 3F System Improvement Program, the new AIM-120D3 missiles are capable of hitting longer targets, but the exact range profile is kept secret by the manufacturer.
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Using the Boeing F-15EX or F-15 Eagle II, on January 25, 2022, the AIM-120D live fire missile test was conducted over the Gulf of Mexico. At that time, the AIM-120D missile targeted the aerial target of the BQM-167 drone from the 53rd Wings Combat Archer.
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