The UK will provide Ukraine with AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missiles for the US NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems.
The British Ministry of Defense reported that the missiles will arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks.
What is known about AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, as well as their technical characteristics – see further in the ICTV Facts material.
AIM-120 AMRAAM: what it is
This is an American medium-range air-to-air guided missile. The missile is capable of operating in all weather conditions.
AIM-120 AMRAAM is designed to engage enemy air targets beyond line of sight.
The missiles were manufactured by Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon. After the takeover of Hughes, Raytheon is the only missile manufacturer.
According to the developers, AMRAAM is the most advanced missile in the world, tested in combat conditions.
The missile combines unprecedented characteristics – it is light and effective. AIM-120 AMRAAM has a combination of inertial navigation (i.e. the missile itself can determine the coordinates and parameters of the target).
AMRAAM has an on-board active radar to find the intended target and complete its interception. And the rocket engine, manufactured by Nammo, allows for interception at long distances and altitudes.
The peculiarity of the missile is that it can be launched both from fighters and from the launcher.
Noses of AMRAAM missiles include the F-15A/B/C/D/E Eagle/Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado and Harrier.
AMRAAM can operate as a surface-to-air missile from the NASAMS air defense system, which is capable of engaging targets at any altitude.
The AMRAAM missile can intercept targets at long distances and altitudes. It gains acceleration in range due to a larger rocket engine and optimized flight control algorithms.
AMRAAM is a universal missile that can be used in any role without any modifications. Currently, the missile is in service in 33 countries.
AIM-120 AMRAAM in combination with NASAMS
The AIM-120 missile is used in the Norwegian-American anti-aircraft missile system NASAMS. The complex was developed jointly by Raytheon and Norwegian Norsk Forsvarteknologia (now Kongsberg Defence) from 1989 to 1993.
The battery complex uses a control machine, radar and three launchers with six guides. The total cost of development and deployment of six batteries by 1999 was estimated at $250 million.
Modifications of AIM-120 AMRAAM missile
- AIM-120A – basic modification.
- AIM-120B have reprogrammable EPROM modules, a new digital processor and a number of other new elements.
- AIM-120C -the main difference from the previous ones is the reduction of the wingspan and plumage to 447 mm.
- AIM-120C-4 received a new WDU-41/B warhead with a smaller weight of 18 kg (instead of 23.5 kg on earlier modifications).
- AIM-120C-5 has new software that improves resolution and increased noise immunity.
- AIM-120C-6 – analogue of AIM-120C-5, but has a radio detonator of a new design.
- AIM-120C-7 has an increased firing range of up to 120 km.
- AIM-120D is equipped with a two-way communication system and an advanced GPS-corrected INS. This is a joint project of the Air Force and the US Navy. The missile has a range of up to 180 km.
- NCADE – is a program to develop an air-based anti-missile using AMRAAM missile components. It is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
Range of different missile modifications:
- AIM-120A/B/С: 55-75 km
- AIM-120C-5/С-6: about 105 km
- AIM-120C-7: up to 120 km
- AIM-120D: up to 180 km
Technical characteristics
It should be understood that all AMRAAM missiles are different and only improve with each modification. They all have different ranges, weights and speeds.
General characteristics of the basic modification:
- Main function: tactical air-to-air missile
- Length: 366 cm
- Weight at launch: 150.75 kg
- Diameter: 17.78 cm
- Wingspan: 52.58 cm
- Range: 55-75 km
- Speed: supersonic
- Warhead: explosive fragment
The cost of AMRAAM depends on the modification, for example, the AIM-120C variant costs $300-400 thousand, and the latest model AIM-120D – about $700 thousand.
Photo: Raytheon
