New Amraam From Raytheon Is Good to Go

ILA 2000: Raytheon has unveiled an improved version of the AIM-120C Amraam medium-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-120C5, which has been cleared for export to all "U.S. allies and security partners," it was learned here at ILA 2000.

The C5 incorporates an extended 'Plus 5' rocket motor, an improved blast/fragmentation warhead and the clipped fins adopted for internal carriage on the F-22 and future JSF. The new motor is faster than existing rockets, thus extending the launch aircraft's survivability and effective reach.

The improved, 5-inch longer rocket has been accommodated through a redesign and reduction of the fin actuator unit so the C5 version retains the same external dimensions and weight and balance, as all other Amraams.

The next export opportunity for approved customers to request C5 deliveries will come with the Lot 15 production batch in FY2001. Raytheon has won a UK order for up to 400 AMRAAMs, as an interim BVR missile before the introduction of the Meteor on Eurofighter. It is anticipated that all of these missiles with be AIM-120C5s and Raytheon estimates that the other Eurofighter partner nations will need up to 1,000 C5s over the next five years.

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