CHINA LAKE, Calif., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Raytheon has tested a new version of the HARM anti-radar missile that showed a better ability for ignoring decoys.
The new variant known as HDAM (HARM Destruction of enemy air defense Attack Module) was able to home in on the intended target rather than another radar source despite a "head start" given to the wrong one.
"This shot shows how the HDAM system will bring warfighters a new level of multi-mission effectiveness to HARM-equipped aircraft," crowed Jeff Wadsworth, the HARM program director.
HARM stands for High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile and is designed to destroy enemy air-defense radars and open the door for the "shock-and-awe" aerial blitz that characterizes major U.S. air operations.
The HDAM has the additional advantage of INS/GPS (inertial navigation system/global positioning system), which Raytheon said Monday would reduce the chances of both collateral damage and friendly fire incidents.
The recent test took place at China Lake in the California desert and involved an HDAM missile launched from an F-16 jet. As the missile took flight, the test crew switched on a radar located outside the missile's pre-programmed target zone before it powered up the intended target radar.
The HDAM ignored the siren call of the first radar, stayed the course and locked on to the intended target as soon as its signal was detected.
"After determining the new source was within the Missile "Impact Zone, the HDAM engaged the correct target," Raytheon said in its release.
