AGM-88 HARM Image Credit:Raytheon U.S. Air Force has successfully flight tested an upgraded version of the Raytheon AGM-88 High-Spe...
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| AGM-88 HARM Image Credit:Raytheon |
U.S. Air Force has successfully flight tested an upgraded version of the Raytheon AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile(HARM) on Aug 22.
The upgrade called HARM Control Section Modification (HCSM) is aimed at making the missile more precise and accurate, reducing collateral damage.
During the trial, an USAF F-16 fighter fired an HCSM(AGM-88F), against an emitter located outside of a zone of exclusion, which contained a similar radiating emitter.
The HCSM used its new GPS/inertial measurement unit (IMU) capability and successfully impacted the correct target. One more trial will determine the maturity of HCSM for deployment to the USAF.
The air to surface HARM is designed to suppress or destroy surface-to-air missile radars, early warning radars, and radar-directed air defense artillery systems by homing in on electronic transmissions coming from the radar systems.
HCSM adds a GPS receiver and an improved IMU for precision navigation. HCSM also features a digital flight computer that merges targeting solutions from navigation and seeker systems.
USAF awarded the HCSM contract to Raytheon in 2012. The missile was recently cleared for full rate production.
Designed in 1983, HARM is the standard USAF enemy air defense suppression weapon, which is also employed by eight other countries. It is one of the most proven weapon with 4,000 employed in actual combat.
The 355 kg missile is powered by a smokeless Thiokol SR113-TC-1 dual-thrust rocket engine, carrying a 66 kg warhead to 150 km reaching speeds of 2,280 kmph.
Originally developed by Texas Instruments as a replacement for the AGM-45 Shrike and AGM-78 Standard ARM missiles, production was later taken over by Raytheon.
