Defense company Northrop Grumman Corporation revealed the successful completion of the second flight test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) built for the US Navy.
The US Navy launched the missile from a F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft on 21 January at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of southern California. The missile performed an extended range profile, engaging a land-based, emitter target staged at the range on San Nicholas Island, according to the company.
“This second flight test verified AARGM-ER’s ability to detect, identify, locate and engage a land-based air defense radar system from an extended range,” said Captain A.C. Dutko , Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242).
AARGM-ER leverages existing AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, solid rocket motor propulsion system and advanced warhead. It is being integrated on the navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as F-35A/B/C aircraft.
“AARGM-ER provides the U.S. Navy with the capability to stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Mary Petryszyn , corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems.
“This flight test further demonstrated the critical capability of AARGM-ER to precisely engage long-range threats, while enabling launching aircrew to remain at a safe distance.”
Northrop Grumman achieved a Milestone C decision (authorization for low-rate initial production (LRIP)) in September 2021. The company is currently under contract to deliver production units of AARGM-ER to support a 2023 initial operational capability (IOC) fielding.
In December 2021, Northrop Grumman received a $45.6M contract for the second lot of AARGM-ER LRIP.