Raytheon has begun a campaign to market its Surface-Launched Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (SL-AMRAAM) mobile air-defence system internationally, following completion of development testing for the US Marine Corps. A 22 April roll-out of the system was attended by 25 countries, the company says.
The new system is being aimed at countries already using Raytheon's air-launched AIM-120 AMRAAM and looking to complement the Patriot air-defence system or upgrade or replace Hawk surface-to-air missile systems. Missiles can be mounted on a Hummer, truck, armoured vehicle, ship or existing Hawk launcher.
SL-AMRAAM will be used by the US armed forces, Raytheon says. The USMC is acquiring one system for contingency operations and is to purchase more when the US Army begins buying systems in 2006-7. The Hummer-mounted fire distribution centre and ThalesRaytheonSystems MPQ-64 Sentinel radar are being offered to upgrade existing Hawk air-defence systems.
GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International