Raytheon’s Lot-11 AIM-9X Missile Orders
(click for close-up)
Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II would have made Top Gun a very short movie. It’s the USA’s most advanced short range air-air missile, capable of using its datalink, thrust vectoring maneuverability, and advanced imaging infrared seeker to hit targets behind the launching fighter. Unlike previous AIM-9 models, the AIM-9X can even be used against targets on the ground. The 2-way datalink is the most significant single Block II change, as it allows the missile to fly toward targets its seeker can’t yet see, using target position tracking from its fighter. The Block II also has improved seeker lock-on-after-launch vs. the original AIM-9X, a ‘lofting’ fly-out profile the boosts its range, and better all weather laser fusing against small targets.
These changes will help keep it competitive against foreign missiles like MBDA UK’s AIM-132 ASRAAM, RAFAEL of Israel’s Python 5, the multinational German-led IRIS-T, and Russia’s R73/ AA-11 Archer. The end of September 2011 saw the first significant order from the US military for AIM-9X Block II missiles, shortly after successful live fire tests at China Lake, CA. This $61.9 million buy is Production Lot 11. Unlike last year’s Lot 10 buy, it’s all-American…
USAF ($34.5 million, 55.83% of the order)
30 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round tactical missiles, in their storage containers and ready for combat use.
40 AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. They have the seeker and electronics, but no warhead or rocket motor.
30 active optical target detectors.
20 additional containers for the missiles.
Associated tooling.
US Navy: ($27.3 million, 44.17% of the order)
30 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round tactical missiles, in their storage containers and ready for combat use.
20 AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. They have the seeker and electronics, but no warhead or rocket motor.
30 active optical target detectors.
14 additional containers for the missiles.
Associated tooling.
Work will be performed at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ (39.85%); Andover, MA (14.36%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (6.60%); Vancouver, WA (6.21%); various locations inside the continental United States (5.89%); Goleta, CA (4.04%); Rocket Center, WVA (2.95%); Valencia, CA (2.81%); Heilbronn, Germany (2.20%); El Cajon, CA (2.13%); Cheshire, CT (2.03%); Chatsworth, CA (1.89%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.80%); San Jose, CA (1.60%); Montgomery, Ala (1.40%); Anniston, AL (1.18%); Newbury Park, CA (1.08%); San Diego, CA (0.94%); Orlando, FL (0.77%); and various locations outside the continental United States (0.27%). Work is expected to be complete in April 2013. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302.1, as Raytheon is the only source (N00019-11-C-0001).
