Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Missile Completes First Captive Carry Flight

[rock45]

Can you just imagine this on every F-22 and F-35 in the future? Wow

Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Missile Completes First Captive Carry Flight

Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Missile Completes First Captive Carry Flight EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., Sept. 18, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A U.S. Air
Force F-15C completed the first captive carry test of Raytheon Company's
(NYSE: RTN) AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile.

The infrared-guided AIM-9X Block II missile faced the same stressors --
wind, vibration and altitude -- that it would encounter during an
operational mission. The test demonstrated that the AIM-9X Block II
hardware and software could perform in combat-like conditions. The test
also proved the missile could be successfully integrated on the F-15C
Eagle.

"This test keeps the Raytheon-government team on track for test firing
the AIM-9X Block II by year's end and achieving initial operating
capability in 2010," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice
president of Air Warfare Systems. "By adding lock-on-after launch
capability and a one-way forward quarter datalink capability, the Block II
builds on the legacy of the more than 3,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles
Raytheon has delivered."

According to Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, the U.S. Navy's Air-to-Air Missile
program manager, reaching this milestone is critical for maintaining a
leading edge for U.S. and allied aviators.

"Completion of this test means our warfighters are another step closer
to receiving the world's most capable infrared air-to-air missile," said
Penfield. "The AIM-9X Block II is a revolutionary weapon that will give the
warfighter a critical advantage. No other missile in the world will match
the AIM-9X Block II in range, maneuverability, off-boresight capability and
speed."

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86
years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a
broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham,
Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/m...tory/09-18-2008/0004887895&EDATE=Sep+18,+2008

 

[Lunatik]

I wonder how it'll compare to IRIS-T.

 

[rock45]

IRIS-T

I'm hoping the Block-II 9X will be out and in production before 2014/2015 like the IRIS-T. Don't quote me on that date that's what this poster said the aiming date is. I think the improved AIM-120 and the IRST-T will give our and European forces a huge edge over anything coming down the pipe from Russia.

China has some PL-13 coming down the pipe but little is known about. China's behind still don't get me wrong but they have more R&D money then Russia does, so time will tell. I question why China isn't buying new missiles or radar's from Russia lately? Just something I notice.

 

[Lunatik]

I question why China isn't buying new missiles or radar's from Russia lately? Just something I notice.

Why buy from them when you can propose producing their missiles for them at a cheaper price? China is slowly realizing its socio-economic potential and beginning to take advantage of its developing industrial and technological base. Many sources cite they are expected to emerge as a global power (on par with the US) by 2025-30.

 

[A Can of Man]

Actually 2025 is extremely optimistic. It's probably going to be around 2050 if it ever happens and for now the tech that China uses will be clones of foreign stuff. I know they got some original hardware but none of it is hardly ground breaking.

 

[Lunatik]

Well, then by around 2050, I'm guessing those of us who're still around will witness 4-superpower global politics; USA, Europe/EU, China and Russia. I'm not so sure about Russia but with their huge raw resources and Europe's growing dependency on Russian energy, as well as due to their strong military tradition and permanent position in the UN Security Counsil, they just might emerge as a superpower once again.