Atlantic Research (ARC) is proposing to use a scaled-up version of its variable-flow ducted-rocket (VFDR) motor to power a rocket/ramjet-powered follow-on to the Raytheon Texas Instruments AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The engine was originally developed for potential use with the Hughes AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
Raytheon TISystems is working with ARC on the proposed Advanced Strike Weapon (ASW), which is offered as a near-term solution to the US Navy's emerging AGM-88 replacement requirement for a hypersonic missile for suppression of enemy air-defences.
The proposed weapon combines improved HARM guidance and warhead sections with an ARC-developed engine. The solid-propellant rocket/ramjet would raise both the speed and range of the missile. For the ASW, ARC would scale up the diameter of the VFDR motor from 180mm to 250mm.
Company-funded conceptual-design work is now under way. Raytheon TISystems (formerly Texas Instruments) is scheduled to complete HARM production for the US services in 1998 and is keen to find a follow-on product.
ARC has developed and tested the VFDR under USAir Force contract for potential use with the AMRAAM, most recently completing two successful boost-to-sustain transition tests.
The propulsion specialist is also involved with Science and Advanced Technologies in offering the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile as a potential HARM successor.
Source: Flight International