JDRADM was cancelled due to “higher AF priorities”. This only covered the overall JDRADM program. The technology development behind it is still in full swing.
The T3 program from DARPA (a sub program of JDRADM) is not only alive and well, but plans on having live weapon testing in 2013.
Title: Triple Target Terminator (T3)
Description: The Triple Target Terminator (T3) program will develop a high speed, long-range missile that can engage air, cruise
missile, and air defense targets. T3 would be carried internally on stealth aircraft or externally on fighters, bombers, and UAVs.
The enabling technologies are: propulsion, data links, and digital guidance and control. T3 would allow any aircraft to rapidly
switch between air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. T3’s speed, maneuverability, and network-centric capabilities would
significantly improve U.S. aircraft survivability and increase the number and variety of targets that could be destroyed on each
sortie. The program is jointly funded with, and will transition to the Air Force.
FY 2011 Accomplishments:
– Conducted preliminary design review of T3 concepts.
– Initiated T3 critical design activities.
FY 2012 Plans:
– Conduct hardware-in-the-loop integrated subsystem testing.
– Conduct propulsion system ground testing.
– Fabricate and ground test demonstration vehicles.
FY 2013 Plans:
– Conduct captive carry test of flight test article.
– Conduct ground launch of test article.
– Conduct airborne launch of test articles against three target types.
Note that T3 does not mention multimode seekers (ie EW and IIR) and that the artist renderings on the DARPA site show a ramjet based missile.
On the AMRAAM front, a new motor (muti-pulse, composite case, new nozzle, etc.) is on the way and we should be hearing of in by the end of the year.
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