EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- The F-22 Combined Test Force achieved yet another milestone when it successfully completed four missile EMD profile events in a single day, including a pair of AIM-9 missile separation test over the Pacific Ocean and a pair of AIM-120C AMRAAM guided launches against two target drones by a two-ship of Raptors using IFDL over the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
The launch of this specially instrumented separation test missile was the first of a series of integration test firings and demonstrated the Raptor's stealthy weapons system integration concept for employment of AMRAAM. The launch was conducted over the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., test range.
The test means another of the F-22 program's Year 2000 Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) criteria has been successfully completed. Later this year, Pentagon leaders will make their decision whether to order the F-22 into production based on how the program is proceeding in relation to the DAB criteria.
"AMRAAM and the F-22 Raptor are the essential ingredients of 21st century Global Air Dominance," said Judy A. Stokley, director, Air-to-Air Joint Systems Program Office, U.S. Air Force Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "AMRAAM and the Raptor are an unbeatable combination that will protect our pilots when they fly in harm's way in defense of freedom."
The AIM-120C AMRAAM is configured with clipped wings and fins for internal carriage on the F-22. This latest production configuration was specifically designed to increase the F-22 loadout and firepower to six missiles.