Nichols Martin
Orbital ATK has received a contract to help the U.S. Navy update the configuration of an extended range variant of an airborne tactical missile system designed to engage and destroy enemy air defenses.
The company said Wednesday it aims to mature the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range design ahead of the program’s engineering and manufacturing development phase.
AARGM-ER is equipped with multiple AGM-88E AARGM sensors and electronic components that work to integrate with an updated rocket motor and tail control system.
The missile variant is designed to operate with F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and F-35 aircraft platforms.
Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager of the defense electronic systems division of Orbital ATK’s defense systems group, said the company aims to help advance the Navy’s counter-air defense technology through the contract.
Work under the contract will occur at the company’s facilities in Northridge and Ridgecrest, California.
Orbital ATK noted that the AGM-88E AARGM system is currently in full-rate production.
