US Air Force (USAF) has announced that a 53rd Wing F-15E Strike Eagle launched the first-ever guided launch of the AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, engaging an unmanned target version of F-16, QF-16 full-scale aerial target On June 30, 2022.
The 28th and 85th Test and Evaluation Squadrons worked together to conduct a long-range test that physically stressed the new missile hardware and verified missile performance capabilities.
The AMRAAM F3R is a comprehensive hardware system redesign impacting 15 Circuit Card Assemblies replacing early 2000s technology components.
Completion of the live-fire event required close coordination between Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Air Dominance Division, 96th Test Wing, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, Boeing and Raytheon Missiles & Defence personnel to ensure the aircraft, missile, airborne targets, and Eglin range safety and data collection systems were ready. The result was an effective live-fire test that met all objectives.
This launch is the first of five combined Air Force and Navy live-fires scheduled for the AMRAAM F3R program.
The AMRAAM F3R is a comprehensive hardware system redesign involving 15 Circuit Card Assemblies that replace components from the early 2000s.
To ensure the readiness of the aircraft, missile, airborne targets, and Eglin range safety and data collection systems, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Air Dominance Division, 96th Test Wing, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, Boeing, and Raytheon Missiles & Defence personnel worked closely together to complete the live-fire event.
