Raytheon successfully tests newest AMRAAM variant

ANDOYA SPACE CENTER, Norway, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Raytheon has successfully flight-tested its newest surface-based variant of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, the company said Tuesday.

The Extended Range variant was fired from the surface-based National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, Raytheon said in a statement.

The AMRAAM-ER features an enlarged rocket motor and other enhancements that allow for a 50 percent increase in maximum range and a 70 percent increase in maximum altitude.

The missile successfully engaged and destroyed a target drone during the test at Andoya Space Center in Norway.

The shot verified that the systems worked seamlessly together.

Designed for ground-based air defense, the NASAMS is owned by seven countries and has been used by the U.S. National Capital Region's air defense system since 2005.

In addition to the United States the system is used in Norway, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands and one undisclosed country.

It is also in production for Oman.