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

Source URL: http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3ab66f03a0-678d-4bca-9286-c9f7c5fd268f
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/3118

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,”.

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