Matra BAe Dynamics has carried out a test engagement with its Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) using the imaging infrared seeker's aim point selection capability for the first time. The test resulted in the missile, fired from a Lockheed Martin F-16, successfully hitting the QF-4 target drone. The missile firing was carried out at the US Air Force's Eglin AFB, Florida, test range. The ASRAAM's intended in-service date with the UK Royal Air Force is December 1998. This, however, is now almost certain to slip into 1999, in part because of delays in the test firing programme.
Source: Flight International
