Naomi Cooper
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have concluded the fourth flight test of a guided air-launched missile at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California, where the weapon demonstrated its target engagement capability.
The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range was launched from an F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft and engaged a moving maritime target during the live fire test, Northrop said Thursday.
The demonstration follows the missile’s third live fire test held in July during which the weapon detected and engaged a ground-based threat using its emitter acquisition platform.
AARGM-ER is equipped with sensors, electronics and digital models as well as a new high-performance air vehicle, an advanced warhead and a solid rocket motor.
Northrop secured a contract from the Navy in September 2021 for the low-rate initial production of the AARGM-ER missile, which is being integrated on the service branch’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35 and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The weapon system secured a milestone C approval in August 2021.
