U.S. Navy Started AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Flight Tests on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

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Naval Forces News - USA
 
 
 
U.S. Navy Started AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Flight Tests on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
 
The U.S. Navy began initial flight testing of its Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Nov. 3 at Patuxent River’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 facility.
     
Initial fit checks are conducted on the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Aug. 12 at NAS Patuxent River's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 facility in preparation for the first phase of airworthiness testing with the F/A-18 E/F. (U.S. Navy photo)Initial fit checks are conducted on the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Aug. 12 at NAS Patuxent River's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 facility in preparation for the first phase of airworthiness testing with the F/A-18 E/F. (U.S. Navy photo)
     
The program's flight test team is conducting the first phase of airworthiness testing using this mass simulator vehicle to evaluate inflight structural loads of the LRASM on the F/A-18 E/F.

When operational, LRASM will provide flexible, long-range, advanced, anti-surface capability against high threat maritime targets.

LRASM is set to be fielded on the B-1B Bomber in 2018 and the F/A-18 E/F in 2019.
     
Video: An F/A-18 E/F carrying a model of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) flies over Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., Nov. 3 for initial airworthiness testing.
     
The LRASM is a long-range subsonic cruise missile designed for better range and survivability than current anti-ship weaponry. It is carried with the wings and tail stowed and then deployed once released from the aircraft. This missile development program is a joint effort of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Naval Air Systems Command and the United States Air Force.

To learn more: Link to LRASM Long Range Anti-Ship Missile technical datasheet