US Air Force, RTX complete first flight test of AIM-120C-8

Rhea-AI Summary

The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 missile. The missile met all primary objectives and has upgraded hardware and software capabilities. Raytheon was awarded a $1.15 billion contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.

Positive

• The AIM-120C-8 missile successfully completed its first flight test, meeting all objectives.
• Raytheon has upgraded the hardware and software capabilities of the AIM-120C-8 missile.
• Raytheon was awarded a $1.15 billion contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.

Negative

• None.

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 – the latest international variant of AMRAAM® developed under the Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh. The AIM-120C-8 was fired from an F-15C Eagle and downed the aerial target, meeting all primary objectives for the flight test.

"AMRAAM is a combat-proven missile trusted by more than 40 international partners for both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions," said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon, an RTX business. "With the advancements from F3R, which updates both the missile's hardware and allows for future Agile software upgrades, we are maximizing the capabilities of this munition for allies around the world."

Under the F3R program, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.

This AIM-120C-8 flight test follows the completion of flight testing of the AIM-120D-3. Flight testing on the AIM-120D-3 was completed in just 11 months after the initial flight test and concluded with showcasing the success of the missile in a highly contested environment.

Recently, the U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $1.15 billion AMRAAM contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.

About RTX 
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Savanah Bray
rmdpr@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the significance of the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 missile?

The first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 missile was successful, meeting all primary objectives.

What upgrades were made to the AIM-120C-8 missile?

The AIM-120C-8 missile has upgraded hardware and software capabilities.

What contract was awarded to Raytheon?

Raytheon was awarded a $1.15 billion contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.