Missile FMRAAM / ERAAM
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missiles |
| Sub-type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon / British Aerospace |
| Status | In service |
| Year of service | 2016 |
| Est. avg unit price | $2.1 million |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | High Explosive / Fragmentation |
| Diameter | 178 mm (7.0 in) |
| Length | 3,535 mm (139.2 in) |
| Weight | 160 kg (353 lb) |
| Range | 100 km (62 mi) |
| Max. speed | 4,939 km/h (Mach 4.9) |
FMRAAM / ERAAM scale diagram
Description
The FMRAAM originated from the United Kingdom's Staff Requirement (Air) 1239 for a beyond-visual-range missile to replace the Skyflash. The requirement sought a system capable of engaging fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. Development parameters were influenced by the projected threat of ramjet-powered R-77 variants. During the selection process, an alternative configuration designated ERAAM was proposed, utilizing a dual-pulse solid propellant rocket motor as an interim solution. An ERAAM+ variant was also proposed to align with United States procurement programs. The ramjet-powered design was selected for production in 2000.
The missile is propelled by a throttleable ducted rocket incorporating an integrated nozzleless booster. This propulsion system employs a boron-loaded, oxygen-deficient composite solid propellant. Thrust is managed via a valve that adjusts the gas generator nozzle throat area to vary fuel mass flow. Guidance is achieved through terminal active radar homing, with mid-course navigation provided by an inertial system and a two-way datalink. This datalink allows for target updates or retargeting from the launch aircraft or third-party sources and transmits missile status and target acquisition data. The airframe utilizes a wingless configuration with four rear-mounted control fins. The weapon is equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead utilizing both an active radar proximity fuze and an impact sensor.
Initial service entry occurred in April 2016. The missile is widely deployed across European air forces, including those of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. It is also operated by Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Current launch platforms include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab JAS 39 Gripen, with integration pending for the F-35 Lightning II and KAI KF-21 Boramae. The first active mission involving the missile was conducted by the Royal Air Force in December 2018.