Raytheon tests missile on new platform

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TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Raytheon's Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile has been successfully tested on a new tactical vehicle platform.

The company said Monday the second test firing took place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

"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," said Dave Gulla, vice president, National & Theater Security Programs for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "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 test's main objective was to collect environmental data to characterize missile launch effects on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle platform. The data give 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 company said.

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. The new platform provides additional armored capability and is more ruggedized to support the SLAMRAAM mission.