F-35 Unleashes AIM-9X®: A Game-Changing Moment in Air Combat!
TUCSON, Ariz., (July 11, 2016) — In a significant joint test conducted by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, an F-35A successfully intercepted an airborne target using the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) AIM-9X® Block I. This marks the first successful integration of a short-range, air-to-air missile on a next-generation fighter.
The test demonstrated the AIM-9X’s full system capability on the F-35, showcasing the process from missile loading to target interception.
Mark Justus, the AIM-9X program director at Raytheon Missile Systems, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the aircraft and missile: “The aircraft and missile must work together, communicating and sharing data, to intercept a target. AIM-9X and many of Raytheon’s advanced air-launched weapons will deliver next-generation firepower for the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.”
The F-35 is designed to carry two AIM-9X missiles on its wings and can accommodate four AIM-120 missiles internally, especially when configured for air dominance missions. The AIM-9X is expected to be fully integrated across the F-35 fleet by 2017.
About AIM-9X
- AIM-9X is a collaborative program led by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.
- Raytheon has been manufacturing AIM-9X missiles for over 14 years.
- Operational service for AIM-9X began in 2003, with international deliveries starting in 2005.
- Currently, AIM-9X has 20 international customers, including nine original Block I customers and 11 new and five repeat Block II customers.
