Mission

The AARGM mission is Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD). Its primary targets are re-locatable Integrated Air Defense (IAD) targets and targets that utilize shutdown tactics. AARGM counters enemy shutdown capability through the use of a multi-mode seeker.

Description

The AGM-88E AARGM is a medium-range air-to-ground missile employed for Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD).  An ACAT IC Cooperative program with the Italian Air Force, the AARGM system is an upgrade and compliment to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM).  The AARGM System Development and Demonstration (SD&D) program designed and produced a new Guidance Section, and modified the existing Control Section, which are coupled with the legacy HARM Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings and fins.  AARGM baseline capabilities include an expanded target set, counter-shutdown capability, advanced signals processing for improved detection and locating, geographic specificity providing aircrew the opportunity to define missile-impact zones and impact-avoidance zones, and a weapon impact-assessment broadcast capability providing for battle damage assessment cueing.

AARGM Extended Range (AARGM-ER) was a new start in FY16.  The AARGM-ER incorporates hardware and software modifications to improve AGM-88E AARGM capabilities to include extended range, survivability and effectiveness against future threats. The AARGM ER will be integrated on the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G.

Specifications

Primary Function: Air-to-ground missile for destruction of enemy air defenses
Contractor: Orbital ATK, Northridge, CA

Initial Operational Capability: 2012
Propulsion: Thiokol dual thrust solid propellant (AGM-88 Rocket Motor)
Length: 13 ft 8 in (417 cm)
Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Wingspan: 44 in (112 cm)
Weight: 795 pounds (361 kg)
Speed: Mach 2+
Guidance System: GPS/INS (Global Position/Inertial), Anti-Radiation Homing, Terminal Millimeter Wave (MMW), multi-spectral guidance
Warhead: WAU-7/B
Platforms:
· Navy: F/A-18C/D, FA-18E/F, EA-18G
· ITAF: Tornado IDS/ECR
Platform compatibility: F-35, F-16 C/J

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT 1C Program
Production Phase: Production