AIM-260 JATM

The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) under development by Lockheed Martin.[3] Designed to address advanced threats,[4] the missile is expected to replace or supplement the AIM-120 AMRAAM currently in US service.

AIM-260 JATM
TypeBeyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerLockheed Martin
ProducedIn development. Expected end of 2023.[1][2]
Specifications
Maximum firing rangeAt least 200 km (120 mi)?[3]
WarheadHigh explosive blast-fragmentation
Maximum speed Mach 5
Guidance
system
inertial guidance, two way data link, active radar homing
Launch
platform
Aircraft:

This program differs from the Long-Range Engagement Weapon being developed by Raytheon.[5]

Development

Initial launch platforms were and currently are expected to be the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with integration with the F-35 Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II being planned afterward.[6]

The AIM-260 program began in 2017 in response to long-range missiles developed by potential adversaries, specifically the Chinese PL-15.[6] FSAT testing for the JATM was confirmed to have started as early as April 2020,[7] and testing in general for the missile is currently ongoing. It is yet to achieve initial operational capability (IOC). The AIM-260 production is expected to overtake AIM-120 production by 2026.[6]

In November 2021 it was revealed that the missile will have similar dimensions to the AIM-120, in order to ensure a minimal disruption of launch platform technology[2] and ensure compatibility with the F-22 Raptor which would allow a decrease in the U.S. Air Force's fleet of F-22 due to the increase in combat effectiveness.[1]

On May 2, 2023, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told the Senate Armed Services Committee that JATM will "hopefully" enter production this year.[8]

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Axe, David. "The USAF's new air to air missile, the AIM-260 JATM". www.key.aero. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  2. Newdick, Thomas (November 22, 2021). "Testing Of The Secretive New AIM-260 Long-Range Air-To-Air, Air-To-Ground Missile Is Well Underway". Recurrent Ventures. The Drive.
  3. "AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) / LREW (Long-range engagement weapon)". Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  4. "Revolutionising Aerial Warfare: What to Expect From America's New AIM-260 Missile". Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  5. Trevithick, Joseph (June 21, 2019). "Meet The AIM-260, The Air Force And Navy's Future Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile". The Drive. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  6. Cohen, Rachel (June 20, 2019). "Air Force Developing AMRAAM Replacement to Counter China". Air Force Magazine. Archived from the original on November 4, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  7. "SAM.gov". sam.gov. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  8. Tirpak, John A. (May 2, 2023). "Kendall and Brown: JATM Will Start Production This Year, Equip Collaborative Combat Aircraft". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
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