RAF Tornado F3 Fires AIM-120 missile

Released on Wednesday, January 11, 2006

The UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Tornado F3 Sustainment Program (FSP) has achieved a significant milestone with the UK's first firing of the latest (C-5) variant of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) AIM-120.

The firing took place at the Naval Air Warfare Center range in Point Mugu, California in December using a Tornado aircraft of the RAF's Fast Jet Weapons Operation Evaluation Unit (FJWOEU).

The missile was released from the supersonic fighter from the FJWOEU, and successfully engaged a subsonic target. A second firing was completed the following day using a wholly RAF crew.

The AIM-120C-5 has a longer new motor and revised software, significantly enhancing its capability. The decision to integrate the missile onto Tornado enhances the F3's capability, and allows it to use Typhoon AMRAAM stocks.

This first firing of an AIM-120C-5 by the UK was the culmination of 12 months co-operation between the Defence Logistics Organization's Tornado Integrated Project Team (IPT), BAE Systems, other industry partners, and the FJWOEU. The formation of a combined trials team at the FJWOEU at RAF Coningsby has been a fundamental part of the project.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor for Tornado F3 AMRAAM integration but QinetiQ also have a significant role, leading in a number of areas where their research and development expertise brings best value for money.