Attempts to increase the launch range of long-range AIM-120 guided air-to-air missiles were made by American specialists back in 2007, however, for various reasons, these works were suspended. In 2017, Lockheed Martin launched R&D under the JATM code, within the framework of which it developed an ultra-long-range explosive device (hereinafter referred to as SBD) under the designation AIM-260A.
The conceptual appearance of the missile was presented in 2019, and a year later, a pre-production prototype of the missile hit a QF-16 unmanned target aircraft. The program of the first stage of flight tests ended in 2021. Due to various problems with the creation of a new three–pulse solid-fuel engine, American specialists were forced to shift the work plan "to the right" for two years - this delay has not yet been countered.
During 2022, control and test launches were actively conducted. Probably, in 2023, a small batch of missiles was transferred for experimental military operation to one of the squadrons of the US Air Force, equipped with F-22A fighters. The total duration of the test flights was 100 hours. According to American sources, the AIM-260A missile has been brought to the zero level of combat readiness in 2024 – the release of components has been debugged. According to estimates from foreign sources, the cost of producing one AIM-260B pre-production air-to-air missile ranges from 3 to 5 million US dollars.
It is well known that test flights are currently underway at AvB Nellis (Nevada) and AvB China Lake (California) with the involvement of both the CRJ700 experimental aircraft (registration number N806X, owned by Northrop Grumman) and F/A-18 fighter aircraft from the 31st Experimental test Squadron. THE US Navy . The capabilities of the homing head (GOS) are being tested for resistance to various interference.
According to the information received, with a body length of 3.7 m and a diameter of 178 mm, the AIM-260A rocket has a maximum launch range of 300 km. The maximum speed is MAX 5. An active millimeter–range radar seeker is installed in the bow. It is capable of independently detecting a target at a range of 50 km. Infrared radiation sensors act as a backup component of the guidance system.
The missile is equipped with a two–channel digital encrypted communication system with the carrier aircraft, which provides the ability to receive guidance data from E-2D DRDiNU aircraft, as well as RQ-180 type UAVs. Calculations show that one fighter equipped with AIM-260A missiles is capable of attacking three air targets simultaneously. The warhead is borrowed from the MIM-104 PAC3 SME anti-aircraft guided missile system and is equipped with a remote fuse.
The considered sample of an aviation weapon of destruction (TSA) It is designed to equip F/A-18E/F, F-22A, F-35A and B fighters, as well as promising F-47s, since the mass and overall characteristics of the AIM-174B do not meet the requirements of the US military. Work on the AIM-174B was carried out in order to distract the attention of foreign specialists.
According to the most optimistic estimates, Lockheed Martin, according to supply contracts with the US Navy and the US Air Force worth 302 and 368 million dollars, should begin production of 450 missiles of this model in 2026, which will be distributed among squadrons armed with F-22A and F-35 fighters. The estimated cost of one guided air-to-air missile is 1.49 million US dollars. For comparison, the cost of the Chinese PL-15 is 1.2 million US dollars.
If a full-fledged assembly line is deployed, about 1,500 AIM-260A missiles will be manufactured by 2030, and Lockheed Martin will be able to start supplying this TSA to the Air Forces of foreign countries from 2033. The cost of the AIM-260A under supply contracts for the Air Forces of foreign countries will amount to 3 million US dollars.
It should be noted that in 2022 and 2023, the production capabilities of this US defense industrial company were focused on the production of AIM-120C8 and D3 missiles. A record production rate of 1,200 missiles per year has been set.
Taking into account current trends in the field of air-to-air guided missiles, it seems possible to assert that by 2030, promising ASPs designed to equip fourth-generation fighters will have a launch range of 500 km, and missiles designed to be placed in the internal missile and bomb compartments of fifth- and sixth-generation fighters will confidently hit targets. at a distance of 300 km. By 2050, it is expected that the launch range of the UR BB will be 1,500 km.
Conclusion:
At the moment, the AIM-260A has the best parameters in terms of aerodynamics, the operation of the solid-fuel engine, the functioning of control systems and the effectiveness of the warhead among other American-made aircraft. Thanks to the new components of the guidance system, the US Air Force will introduce new combat techniques, which will affect the tactical situation.
The missile in question is significantly superior to the European Meteor and is a competitor to the Russian R-37M and the Chinese PL-15, however, the products of the Russian and Chinese defense industry have already been tested in a real combat situation, which is a serious positive moment in advancing on the global arms market.
Source: based on materials from foreign media
