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Raytheon HARM Variant Hits Target Without Radar Guidance
Tucson AZ (SPX) Nov 28, 2006 Raytheon has demonstrated the enhanced navigation accuracy capability of a new variant of HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile). Called "HDAM" for HARM Destruction of enemy air defense Attack Module, the new variant adds INS/GPS (inertial navigation system/global positioning system) capability to the battle-proven HARM, greatly improving its effectiveness while significantly reducing collateral damage and the threat to friendly troops. The test flight took place at the China Lake Test Range, Calif. The missile, launched from an F-16, was fired against a simulated surface-to-surface missile launcher. The target was not emitting radar signals -- the normal target locater used by the current HARM system. In this case the missile was given the target's geographic location. After launch the missile flew a range-enhancing profile and the fuze successfully activated over the target well within the required parameters. Pieces of the destroyed target were observed flying through the air, which was significant as the missile was not carrying a warhead. The first test on June 20 saw HDAM, also launched from an F-16, successfully face two radar sources and select the correct one. The test demonstrated that the added INS/GPS capability ensures that the intended target is attacked instead of other radar sources. "The combination of the excellent long range targeting provided by the F-16, and HDAM's supersonic precision attack, gives the warfighter a way to destroy critical targets at extended ranges," said Jeff Wadsworth, the HARM program director at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. "The target no longer needs to identify itself by radar emission to be neutralized." "HDAM can quickly be adapted to a new role as a high-speed strike weapon with impressive range," Wadsworth said. "Raytheon is already researching new technology that gives the HDAM increased effectiveness over a wide range of target sets." Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Raytheon All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Northrop Grumman Expands Radar Role In Missile Testing
Reston VA (SPX) Nov 20, 2006Northrop Grumman is growing its role as a provider of range radar support to the U.S. military. This fall, the Northrop Grumman-developed C-band radar for the U.S. Navy participated in the successful test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, marking the first time a Navy Strategic Systems Program radar has been used by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to optimize data collection and enhance mission success. |
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