Navy Green Lights Raytheon for Full-Rate Air-to-Air Missile Production; Mike Jarrett Comments

Raytheon has received approval from the U.S. Navy to start the full-rate production of the company’s infrared air-to-air missile.

The company will build and deliver the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missile to the Navy, Air Force and some of the U.S.’ international partners, Raytheon said Thursday.

“An updated electronics package gives the missile features significant enhancements, like the ability to lock on after launch using a new datalink that supports beyond-visual-range engagements,” said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon air warfare systems vice president.

Raytheon performed the operational test and evaluation for the program in early 2015.