'Aim-120 AMRAAM derivative could be used as ASAT weapon'

Posted on: Apr. 1st, 2008 || Source: aviationweek.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

David Fulghum of Aviation Week's Ares blog wrote an interesting article about new capabilities being developed for the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. It could, however, also be used as an ASAT weapon.

A derivative of the missile, which is widely used by the US Air Force, is being developed to intercept 'Scud-type short and medium-range ballistic missiles'.

Fulghum quotes an Air Force General, who said:

“If you put the missile in an F-22 and launch it at Mach 2 and 60,000 ft. while in a zoom and at a 45-degree angle, you’ve got an ASAT capability against spacecraft in low-earth orbit,”.

Read the full article

• Boeing's C-130 AMP Flight Marks Completion of Software Development
• Navy UCAS Demonstrator On Track for First Flight
• Lockheed Demonstrates Intelligent Autonomous Control of Multiple UAVs
• Russian Navy aircraft test new equipment over the Arctic
• Russia may push forward with S-300 sales to Iran
• Boeing, US Navy Offer Super Hornet for Denmark Fighter Competition
• Boeing Awarded US Army Contract for 191 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
• The Netherlands shows interest in Gripen
• 4th F-35 Lightning II Rolls Out As Production Line Fills Up At Lockheed
• Lockheed Martin C-5m Super Galaxy Completes Flight Test
• Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols
• Predator passes 400,000 hours
• Future Predator/Reaper Formal Training Unit announced
• Saab/Gripen team completes Hungarian offset contract
• South African Gripen deliveries on track