Raytheon and Boeing have successfully completed the third missile launch of the joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) in preparation for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD).

Boeing Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems director Carl Avila said the ATK rocket motor advances the Raytheon and Boeing JAGM from the preliminary design review stage.

“While still being able to withstand the rigours of rotary-wing flight, JAGM is also capable of withstanding temperatures of minus 65°F, which might be experienced on an F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or unmanned aircraft,” he said.

The JAGM features a fully integrated tri-mode seeker that incorporates semi-active laser, uncooled imaging infrared and millimetre wave guidance.

The weapon will include components from the Raytheon small diameter bomb II and the Boeing Brimstone.

On 23 October, the JAGM was fired using the Boeing-ATK rocket motor, which was designed for EMD.