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The next upgrade was a software update only, called Block V when applied to the AGM-88C Block IV, and Block IIIA, when applied to the older AGM-88B Block III. This update introduced home-on-jam capability, including the option to home on jammers which try to disrupt the ever more important GPS navigation system (used by many of the latest guided weapons). The U.S. Navy began to upgrade its HARMs to Block IIIA/V standard in early 2000. Block IIIA/V also allows the AGM-88B/C to be safely reprogrammed at sea.
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The latest upgrade effort for HARM is known as Block VI, an international collaboration by the U.S. (Raytheon), Germany (BGT), and Italy (Alenia). The main improvement of HARM Block VI is the incorporation of a GPS navigation system. This greatly increases accuracy when radar lock is lost after emitter switch-off, because the GPS guidance keeps the missile within a narrow box towards the last known emitter position. This is especially desirable in wars, where enemy radar installations are deliberately placed near sensitive civilian areas, like schools or hospitals. This often prevented the use of earlier HARM missiles in the Kosovo campaign, because a deviation after radar loss could lead to unacceptable collateral damage. Using GPS guidance as a primary means of homing on the target, Block VI HARMs could even be used as general purpose high-speed precision ground attack missiles. AGM-88Cs upgraded to Block VI standard were to be known as AGM-88D in U.S. service. The AGM-88D was in the EMD phase in 2002, and IOC at that time was planned for 2003.
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A more advanced HARM update program is known as AGM-88E AARGM (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile). The AARGM is a further improved Block VI missile, which uses not only the AGM-88D's GPS but also an MMV (Millimeter Wave) active radar seeker for terminal homing in its new WGU-48/B guidance section. The MMW seeker will employ active target recognition algorithms, and therefore be able to strike not only the radar emitter, but also e.g. the control vehicle of the site. The program started at the NWC (Naval Weapons Center) China Lake in 1998, and in March 2000, the first test firing of the MMW seeker in a modified HARM was successful. AARGM development continued with modified AGM-88 missiles, and an SD&D (System Development & Design) contract for the production AARGM was awarded to ATK (Alliant Techsystems Inc.) in June 2003. The first AGM-88E flight test of the DT (Developmental Testing) phase occured in May 2007. At that time, LRIP (Low Rate Initial Production) was expected to begin in 2008, and initial fielding in 2009. The CATM-88E will be the captive-carry training variant. A long term goal of the AARGM program is the development of an entirely new stealthy airframe, compatible with the internal weapon bays of the F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter.
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ATK expects to begin Low Rate Initial Production in FY 2008, and fielded in FY 2009. The missile will be integrated on the F/A-18 C/D Hornet, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and Tornado IDS/ECR aircraft. It is also being designed for compatibility with the US Navy's EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft, and U.S. and Allied F-16s.
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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. Although this feature was introduced to allow carriage in the internal weapons bays of the F/A-22 Raptor, the -120C can also be used from other AMRAAM-capable aircraft. The guidance unit of the AIM-120C is upgraded to WGU-44/B standard. The first P3I Phase 2 missile is the AIM-120C-4 (first delivered in 1999), which has an improved WDU-41/B warhead. The AIM-120C-5 is a C-4 with a slightly larger motor in the new WPU-16/B propulsion section and a new shorter WCU-28/B control section with compressed electronics and ECCM upgrades. Deliveries of the AIM-120C-5 began in July 2000. It was followed on the production line by the AIM-120C-6, which features an updated TDD (Target Detection Device). The AIM-120C-7 (P3I Phase 3), development of which has begun in 1998, incorporates improved ECCM with jamming detection, an upgraded seeker, and longer range. The latter feature was specifically requested by the U.S. Navy to get a (somewhat) suitable replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix very-long range missile, which was then planned to be retired together with the F-14D Tomcat around 2007 (actual official retirement was already in September 2004). The AIM-120C-7 was successfully tested against combat-realistic targets in August and September 2003, and IOC was then planned for 2004. This has slipped somewhat, but as of early 2006, the AIM-120C-7 is beginning to be fielded.
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The AIM-120C featured a change in profile, with smaller fins that would allow 3 missiles to be carried inside the F-22A Raptor's stealth-maximizing internal weapons bays. It has undergone a number of incremental updates to AIM-120C-6 status, including guidance section upgrades, smaller control electronics, a slightly larger rocket motor, an improved warhead, and a target detection upgrade. The AIM-120C-7 is just entering production, with an improved seeker head, greater jamming resistance, and slightly longer range.
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The AIM-120D (P3I Phase 4, formerly known as AIM-120C-8) is a development of the AIM-120C with a two-way data link, more accurate navigation using a GPS-enhanced IMU, an expanded no-escape envelope, improved HOBS (High-Angle Off-Boresight) capability, and a 50% increase in range. The AIM-120D is a joint USAF/USN project, and is currently in the testing phase. First production deliveries are expected for December 2007.
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The AIM-120D will feature the C7 improvements, but the D version adds a very strong set of upgrades that are slated to include a two-way data link for greater hit probability and flexibility in multiple aircraft situations, more accurate navigation, improved high-angle off-boresight which gives the missile a wider target seeking 'cone' and an expanded no-escape envelope – and a 50% increase in range. The AIM-120D is a joint USAF/US Navy project, and is just headed into final testing and production. The first production set of AIM-120D missiles is scheduled to be delivered from December 2007 through January 2009.
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The guidance unit of the AIM-120C is upgraded to WGU-44/B standard. The first P3I Phase 2 missile is the AIM-120C-4 (first delivered in 1999), which has an improved WDU-41/B warhead. The AIM-120C-5 is a C-4 with a slightly larger motor in the new WPU-16/B propulsion section and a new shorter WCU-28/B control section with compressed electronics and ECCM upgrades.