The current captive carry tests will help collect and calibrate sensor data for AARGM's advanced multi-mode seeker. AARGM, the successor to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), is a Navy major acquisition program managed by PMA-242 Defense Suppression Systems program office and employs a multi-sensor guidance system.

AARGM's multi-sensor system, includes a Millimeter Wave (MMW) transceiver, advanced digital Anti-Radiation Homing (ARH) receiver and a tightly coupled GPS/INS, and is capable of selectively engaging a variety of time sensitive strike targets in addition to enemy air defense targets even after radar emissions are shut down.

"Unlike HARM, whose primary effect has been temporary suppression of enemy air defenses, AARGM will give U.S. and allied forces a revolutionary precision strike capability to destroy enemy air defense systems in the kinds of complex threat environments we regularly face in 21st century combat," said Dave Wise, president, ATK Missiles Systems.

"AARGM will establish new standards of excellence in its ability to destroy tactically and technically advanced enemy air defense systems, while minimizing friendly fire and collateral damage, and providing near real-time Weapon Impact Assessments (WIA) that support joint force commanders."

ATK has already collected data during "Sensor Week" at Eglin AFB, FL and will continue performing captive test flights throughout the year, including mobile sea target data. Sensor Week is a Joint Services-sponsored test and evaluation opportunity to collect data on multiple threats in different geographic environments.

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