Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the third live fire test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), which was launched from a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California.
During this third live fire test, the missile detected a land-based threat and engaged the threat system by utilizing its advanced emitter acquisition system.
AARGM-ER leverages existing state-of-the-art AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, a propulsion system providing extended range and an advanced warhead.
Since achieving a Milestone C Decision (authorization for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)) in September 2021, AARGM-ER prime contractor Northrop Grumman has continued to lead its industry team in timely development of this advanced warfighting capability.
LRIP Lot 1 AARGM-ER missiles are currently in-production to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding. LRIP Lot 2 missiles, under contract, will further augment the inventory in the Fleet.
“The Navy requirement for AARGM-ER is now,” said Captain A.C. Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “AARGM-ER performed as expected and detected, identified, located and engaged a land-based air defense radar system. The continued success of our developmental testing moves the program closer to fielding and providing the aircrews with the protection they need to remain ahead of adversary threats.”
“Northrop Grumman is focused on delivering AARGM-ER capability to the US Navy on-time to meet a critical warfighting need,” said Mary Petryszyn, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “We understand the requirement and we have the experience and know-how as a missile prime to deliver this time critical asset on an accelerated schedule.”
AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35 aircraft.
