The Stand off Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM ER) missile successfully completed its first development test/operational test at the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center in California on 2 June.
Launched from a Boeing F/A-18, the missile hit a simulated command and control bunker. Details of the target and its location were programmed into the missile just before launch, simulating real-time targeting and quick reaction launch, says Boeing.
The upgraded SLAM ER's target of opportunity mode allows the pilot of the aircraft to send target co-ordinates to the missile on the wing just before launch. Once fired, the missile flies towards the target location and transmits infrared seeker video back to the control aircraft for stand-off and "man in the loop" terminal control.
The quick reaction mode was developed to allow the missile to be used against unexpected targets, such as missile launchers, or against secondary targets.
The test also demonstrated the viability of new software, which allows up to 70% commonality between the algorithms controlling the SLAM ER, the Joint Stand off Weapon and the Joint Direct Attack Munition. The US Navy is expected to upgrade its inventory of 700 SLAMs to SLAM ERs.
The United Arab Emirates has signed a US Navy letter of offer and acceptance for the Block 1G version of the Harpoon anti-ship weapon system for its frigates.
Source: Flight International