Boeing is looking to leverage technology from the Matra BAe Dynamics Meteor air-to-air missile programme to compete for an expected US Navy requirement for a suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) missile.
The US manufacturer is hoping to conclude a teaming agreement with BAE Systems by the end of the year to develop the Meteor. Boeing wants a system integration role and to advise on lean manufacturing.
"We're in the process of working with the European parties to outline our role. Our aim is to work with them in developing Meteor and bring that technology back to the USA for a high speed strike missile and eventually an air-to-air capability beyond AMRAAM," says Glenn Vogel Boeing manager weapons programmes, domestic business development.
Boeing's interest is in Meteor's ramjet and avionics as the basis for a new SEAD missile. The US Navy is expected to take the lead in seeking a Raytheon AGM-88 HARM successor in around 2007/8, followed by the US Air Force.
"We believe there is a need for higher speed to get to the target," adds Vogel. The navy is also looking at a range of new sensors - including millimetre wave radar - for defeating non-emitting radars.
Boeing says that a US Meteor development would be produced locally. Longer term, Boeing is linking Meteor to an eventual USAF requirement for a successor to the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Source: Flight International