NAVAIR

Mission

The AARGM mission is Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD). Its primary targets are relocatable Integrated Air Defense (IAD) targets and targets that utilize shutdown tactics. AARGM counters enemy shutdown capability through the use of a multi-mode seeker

Description

The AGM-88E AARGM is a medium-range air-to-ground missile employed for Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD).

An ACAT IC program, the AARGM system is an upgrade to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The AARGM System Development and Demonstration (SD&D) program designed and produced a new Guidance Section, and modified the existing Control Section for the HARM airframe. AARGM addresses critical destruction issues of mobile targets and advanced air defense system enemy tactics (i.e. air defense shutdown), while minimizing collateral damage. AARGM allows weapon employment at sufficient standoff ranges with "launch and leave" autonomous operation. AARGM also provides the capability to receive Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) broadcasts providing the warfighter with situational awareness information and second source confirmation via an IBS Receiver, and support battle damage assessment decisions by transmitting impact assessment data prior to impact via the Weapon Impact Assessment (WIA) subsystem.

AARGM counters enemy shutdown capability through the use of a multi-mode seeker. The AGM-88E AARGM All Up Round (AUR) includes the new Guidance Section and modified Control Section, coupled with the remainder of the missile (Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings and fins) is unchanged from the legacy HARM. Milestone C for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) was September 2008.

The predecessor to AARGM, HARM, was approved for full production in March 1983; IOC was in 1985.

HARM’s first combat use was shortly after IOC, against a Libyan SA-5 site in the Gulf of Sidra in March 1986, followed by Operation Eldorado Canyon in April. HARM was used extensively by the United States Navy and the United States Air Force for Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

AARGM Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I began in 1990; Phases II and III began in 1991 and 1995, respectively. The ATD led up to the Quick Bolt Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) in 1999, which incorporated situational awareness and battle damage assessment technology. Seven live fire ATD and ACTD tests met all objectives. A Cooperative Development MoA with the Italian Ministry of Defense was signed in November 2005.

Specifications

Primary Function: Air-to-ground missile for destruction of enemy air defenses
Contractor (tentative): Alliant Techsystems, Woodland Hills, CA
Initial Operational Capability: 2010
Propulsion: Thiokol dual thrust solid propellant (AGM-88 Rocket Motor)
Length: 13 ft 8 in (417 cm)
Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Wingspan: 44 in (112 cm)
Weight: 795 pounds (361 kg)
Speed: Mach 2+
Range: 60+ nm
Guidance System: GPS/INS (Global Position/Inertial), Anti-Radiation Homing, Terminal Millimeter Wave (MMW), multi-spectral guidance
Warhead: WAU-7/B
Platforms:
· Navy: F/A-18C/D, FA-18E/F, EA-18G
· ITAF: Tornado IDS/ECR
Platform compatibility: F-35, F-16 C/J

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT 1C Program
Production Phase: Production