TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 21, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A U.S. Air Force F-15C fired Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder advanced, infrared-guided air-to-air missile as part of the missile’s developmental testing program. The weapon successfully guided and passed within lethal range of a BQM-74 target drone, meeting all primary test objectives. 

The Nov. 20 test occurred at the U.S. Air Force’s Eglin Air Force Base test range and marks the second time the missile has been fired. 

“The AIM-9X Block II will give the warfighter an unparalleled advantage,” said Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, the U.S. Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile program manager. “AIM-9X Block II offers the warfighter a solution that combines maneuverability, off-boresight capability, speed and affordability.” 

The AIM-9X Block II adds a lock-on-after-launch capability, redesigned fuze and a one-way forward-quarter datalink capability to the AIM-9X Block I. 

“The U.S. Navy and Raytheon achieved this milestone by leveraging our experience building more than 4,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles for the U.S. and its allies,” said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems’ product line. “Raytheon is committed to helping warfighters around the world defeat advanced threats by providing the most capable and reliable air-to-air missiles in the world.” 

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Source: Raytheon