Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Raytheon, buoyed by the recent series of successful AIM-9X missile-guided test firings during operational assessment by the US Air Force and Navy, is hoping for low-rate initial production (LRIP) go-ahead after a 12-month programme slippage.
The US Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) is set to meet in September to consider approval to produce the first batch of missiles, providing funding is not again cut in the next fiscal year, 2001, budget. Programme slippages resulted in the US Congress dropping funding from last year's appropriations.
Three fixed-price options covering around 120 missiles initially have been presented. "We want to have the contract out of the way so that by the time we receive approval and funding we're ready to start the next day," says Lt Col Jim McClendon, AIM-9X programme manager.
The number of LRIP Lot I missiles is adjustable to take into consideration potential foreign military sales and extended aircraft integration. The first production missiles are set for delivery in August 2002, with an initial operating capability on the Boeing F-15 and F-18C/D targeted for the middle of the following year.
This will be followed by two more annual LRIP buys of 250 and 600 missiles respectively before a full-rate production decision is taken in 2004, once operational evaluation (Opeval) of the missile is completed. The AIM-9X's entry into service will then be widened to include the F/A-18E/F in 2004 and F-16 the following year. Fit checks have been carried out on the Boeing/Lockheed Martin F-22, while discussions on integrating the missile with the Joint Strike Fighter have begun.
The USN and USAF have successfully conducted three out of a minimum of five guided firings needed for DAB approval. Each AIM-9X has accumulated 60-70h carriage time before firing, against a requirement for a total of 250h across five rounds.
Operational assessment test firings have included a close-range visual distance shot, a mid-range high-dynamic shot and high off-bore sight launch at "greater than 70¡" against a beyond-visual-range target, with the seeker slaved to the aircraft's radar for initial guidance. Forty guided shots are scheduled during development and another 20 during Opeval.
Source: Flight International
