F-22 Raptor fighter will undergo the most extensive upgrade in history and receive a secret AIM-260 JAMT missile
The U.S. is planning to upgrade F-22 Raptor fighters, and it will be the largest upgrade in history.
What we know
Raptor Agile Capability Release The United States Air Force plans to update the fighter jet's software annually and improve the aircraft's equipment from time to time. The agency said that F-22 will be the solution to ensure air supremacy until the sixth generation fighters. They are being developed by the U.S. Air Force in conjunction with aircraft manufacturers in the project NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance).
In mid-August 2021, the first phase of the R1 upgrade was completed. The F-22 fighter aircraft received support for the Link 16 data transfer protocol. It can now share data not only with other F-22s, but also with the rest of the aircraft.
A year ago, phase R2 began with two defensive and three offensive test missions. Phase R3 plans to expand the capabilities of the Link16 protocol to enable communication between allies.
The main innovation for the Raptor will be the ability to use secret tactical missiles AIM-260. The U.S. plans to conduct combat tests by the end of the month. The missile is being developed as part of the Joint Air Tactical Missile project.
AIM-260, which the U.S. Navy and Air Force are working on, is expected to outperform all modifications of AIM-120 in tactical performance. It will be able to hit targets at a distance of up to 200 km. It will have a maximum speed of 5 Mach, or 6174 km/h, of the AIM-260. The missile will be able to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and other enemy weapons.
Source: The Drive, Defense Express
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