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  • Austere

Two questions about different AMRAAM versions

<< The Phase 1 missile […] allows carriage on the F-22 with clipped wings and fins as well as providing some software enhancements. >>
Source: DoD (link: http://www.js.pentagon.mil/descriptivesum/Y2000/AirForce/0207163f.pdf)

<< P3I Phase 1 developed the AIM-120C-3, using the APREP program as a baseline and including compressed-carriage and electronic counter countermeasure enhancements. Testing began in October 1993. Phase 1 flight testing was complete in December 1994. Production was shifted to the AIM-120C-3 in Lots 9–10 (1997–1999). >>
Source: RAND (link: http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG109.pdf)

<< Phase 1 (AIM-120C-3) was developed in the mid-1990s and incorporated clipped wings to enable the F/A-22 to carry additional missiles in its internal weapons bays. >>
Source: DOT&E (link: http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2004/pdf/af/2004AIM-120AMRAAM.pdf)

AIM-120C-3 introduces clipped wings, so, while previous C versions retain the older ones.

An old document (1998; link: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/docs/Aim-120_amraam_train.pdf) affirmed that << AIM-120C deliveries began in FY 96. AMRAAM Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) missile deliveries are anticipated to begin in FY 00 and continue through FY 12. >>

However, a website (link: http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-120.html) states: << The AMRAAM P3I (Pre-Planned Product Improvement) program led to the AIM-120C, first delivered in 1996. The major new feature of the basic AIM-120C (P3I Phase 1) are the clipped wings and fins. >>

Question 1. Are there ever been C-1 and C-2 versions?

Question 2. If so, what’s the difference between the first and the AIM-120B?

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By: SpudmanWP - 11th April 2012 at 21:39

Here is the PPT

https://acc.dau.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=25101

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By: Austere - 11th April 2012 at 21:13

It seems that NTSP’s statement was incorrect.

From a more recent JSPO’s doc. I’ve found, titled AMRAAM Acquisition Excellence, it’s clear that the C-3’s the first C version.

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