Northrop Grumman has conducted the fourth successful flight test of the AARGM-ER long-range anti-radar guided missile. This was reported in the press service of the company. The US Navy launched an AARGM-ER missile from an F/A-18 Super Hornet. Successfully hit a moving naval target. Tests were conducted at Point Mugu, California, in late November, but results were reported later. The missile proved its ability to detect, identify and hit targets at long range.

“This test demonstrated the systems ability to engage moving naval targets, a vital capability that underpins our Navy’s ability to control sea lanes during combat. Congratulations to the government/industry team for continuing to focus on providing this critical capability to our warriors.– Captain Alex Dudko, head of the Navy’s Direct and Time Sensitive Attack program, said.

The company stressed that Northrop Grumman has a contract to supply AARGM-ER’s production units to support their initial operational capacities over the next two years. Preliminary tests were carried out in July 2022.

AARGM-ER

AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range) is installed on Navy F/A-18E/F “Super Hornet”, EA-18G “Growler” aircraft as well as F-35 aircraft. The AARGM-ER aviation complex is designed to defeat the enemy’s air defense systems – air defense and anti-missile defense systems, anti-satellite systems, ground and ship radar stations. The AARGM-ER (AGM-88G) missile is a comprehensive upgrade of the AARGM (AGM-88E).

The AGM-88G control system includes an inertial system, a GPS navigation system and a WGU-48/B active-passive radar homing head (RGS) with an active millimeter Ka-band sensor (26.5 to 35 GHz frequency). Active-passive RGS WGU-48/B uses target recognition and analysis algorithms that ensure the destruction of not only radiated targets, but also targets with radio contrast: surface ships of various classes, launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems and other equipment of air defense systems.

The AARGM-ER is equipped with the WAU-7/B high-explosive warhead, which was used in previous missile models. The weight of the warhead is 70 kg. The warhead contains 12,845 striking elements made of tungsten and an improved explosive charge that provides a large striking capacity. The warhead enables the penetration of a metal sheet with a thickness of 12.7 mm or an armor sheet with a thickness of 6.35 mm at a distance of up to 6 meters. Source