Article Posted on : - Aug 10, 2011

Maverick being fired from an F-16 fighter. A file photo

TUCSON (BNS): The US Air Force has completed developmental testing of an improved variant of Maverick laser-guided missile which will now enter operational testing.

The Raytheon-built weapon, designated AGM-65E2/L, was integrated and tested from on board the A-10, F-16, AV-8B and F/A-18 fighters during the US Air Force-Navy test programme.

The development trials for the Air Force concluded with three live-fire shots against moving and static targets from an A-10 and F-16 fighter aircraft.

The Navy is expected to complete its flight testing this summer, Raytheon said.

The laser-guided Maverick missile is a direct-attack, air-to-ground precision munition used by the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps during combat operations.

The weapon is designed for close air support against tactical targets such as armoured vehicles, air defences, surface ships, ground transportation vehicles, and fuel storage facilities.

The new variant of the missile has an enhanced laser seeker and new software to reduce the risk of collateral damage and enabling aviators to use onboard aircraft lasers to designate targets.