The first launch of a medium-range, radar-guided Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM has been made from a Panavia Tornado F3 as part of the fighter's capability sustainment programme (CSP).
The CSP started in December 1996 and is designed to ensure the Tornado F3 retains a frontline capability until the type is replaced by the Eurofighter in 2004-8. The programme also includes the integration of the short-range, infrared-guided Matra BAe Dynamics (MBD) ASRAAM and improvements to systems such as identification friend and foe.
During the test an AMRAAM separation integration vehicle was fired from an underfuselage eject station to evaluate aircraft/missile separation. After the launch, the missile followed a pre-planned manoeuvre. The next firing is due to be a guided launch.
Meanwhile, an MBD-led team and Raytheon have responded to questions from the UK Ministry of Defence Equipment Approvals Committee (EAC) about their respective Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) bids. The BVRAAM competition will select a long-range missile for Eurofighter.
As well as the Eurofighter partners - Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK - France and Sweden are also involved in the MBD-led Meteor programme.
Industry sources expect the EAC to make a recommendation at its 21 February meeting which will allow a UK decision in March.
MBD is stressing its European credentials, building on a series of supportive letters from Berlin, Rome and Paris to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and defence secretary Geoff Hoon.
Raytheon, which has a number of European team members already, is expected to sign up further European companies before the decision is announced.
Source: Flight International
