U.S. launches new model of air missile

TUCSON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The first U.S. production contract has been awarded for the latest model of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile.

Raytheon confirmed Friday it had received a contract worth nearly $113 million for production of the AIM-120D version of the AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) for the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force.

Known as the Slammer, the AIM-120 family of rockets is a supersonic anti-aircraft weapon used aboard frontline fighters such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and the Air Force next-generation F-22 Raptor, which is starting to come on line.

The missile is based on active radar target tracking, proportional navigation guidance, and active Radio Frequency target detection. Its mission is to give U.S. and allied air forces an all-weather, stand-off ability to intercept enemy planes.

The 120D model features a new data link and improved Global Positioning System capabilities and kinematics, which governs the motion of the missile in flight.

Production will be carried out primarily at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson.

Raytheon said the contract, which was awarded last month, supplemented the Lot 20A pact awarded in February, which funded the AIM-120C7 missile and the initial runs of the 120D. Delivery of the new-model AMRAAMs will take place from December through the end of 2008.