Article Posted on : - Dec 15, 2010

A file photo

TEWKSBURY (BNS): Raytheon has successfully test-fired its SLAMRAAM (Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) system at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

This is the second ballistic test firing of AMRAAM missiles from the new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) platform.

"Completion of this second test firing in such a short span of time demonstrates the maturity of the design and readiness to enter the next phase of critical tests," Dave Gulla, vice president, National & Theater Security Programmes for Raytheon Integrated Defence Systems, said.

"SLAMRAAM is the most cost-effective system in development to combat the increasing cruise missile threat to our deployed forces, high-value fixed assets and population centers."

The primary objective of this second ballistic test vehicle firing was to collect environmental data to characterise missile launch effects on the FMTV platform. These data provide input to engineering level assessments in support of system fielding requirements.

In conjunction with the August test, the ballistic test vehicle firings were completed to verify that all system components have been successfully transitioned onto the new platform.

The FMTV was chosen as the new platform for the SLAMRAAM system to provide improved crew and system survivability, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. It also provides additional armored capability and is more ruggedized to support the SLAMRAAM mission.

SLAMRAAM is a tailorable, state-of-the-art air defence system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missile threats and a wide range of air breathing threats.

This affordable adaptation of the AMRAAM to meet emerging needs provides the war-fighter with a system of highly mobile battlefield elements networked and geographically distributed to provide integrated fire control capability against airborne threats.