The US is developing a ground-based version of the AGM-88G AARGM-ER airborne radar missile

The US military wants a new version of the AGM-88G missile. The US will test a ground-based version of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile - Extended Range (AARGM-ER) this year.

Here's What We Know

The AGM-88G AARGM-ER is an extended-range counter-radar guided missile. It is designed to destroy components of the enemy's air defence system. Carriers of the aircraft system are F-35 Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.

The Navy will test the ground version of the AGM-88G AARGM-ER. The demonstration will take place over the coming months. The US Navy has signed an agreement with Northrop Grumman, a manufacturer of radar-guided missiles, to assess ground launch capabilities.

Although different versions of the AGM-88 have been in service for decades, they have gained international recognition through use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in recent months. The US has helped to integrate older missile models (HARMs) on Soviet MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.

The AGM-88G is a new iteration of the AGM-88E AARGM. The missile employs the same components, but is radically different both externally and internally. The AARGM-ER has a new rocket engine and warhead, with all controls moved to the tail section. This was done to allow the missile to fit inside the internal bays of the fifth generation F-35A and F-35C fighters.

The AARGM-ER retains the guidance and flight control systems from the AARGM. The guidance package first uses the inertial navigation system and GPS to bring the missile into the general target area. This is followed by a switch to a millimetre waveband radar seeker, which allows target emitters to be guided even if they are switched off.

Source: The Drive