The AIM-120B AMRAAM was initially procured for the Royal Navy’s Sea Harrier; however, it was subsequently partially integrated onto the Tornado F3 as an enhancement to the aircraft’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability. Full integration onto the Tornado F3 was completed during 2004. AMRAAM will also equip the Typhoon F2 when it enters RAF service. AMRAAM can be used in all weather conditions and is scheduled to be operational with the RAF into the next decade.

AMRAAM is faster than Skyflash, which it replaces on the F3, and incorporates an active radar with an inertial reference unit and a datalink microcomputer system. This equipment makes the missile less dependent on the fire-control radar of the firing aircraft.

In a typical BVR engagement, the AMRAAM is launched from a range of 20 to 30nmls and is then guided by its own inertial navigation system, while receiving command-guidance updates from the launch aircraft via the data link, until it reaches the target area. The missile then enters the final, or terminal phase, where its own monopulse radar detects the target and guides to impact. The missile is equipped with a radar proximity fuse, which detonates the high-explosive fragmentation warhead at a preset distance from the target. In short-range mode, the missile can be launched ‘active-off-the-rail’, when the missile’s radar detects the target immediately after launch.

In 2004 MoD placed an £80 million contract with Raytheon Missile Systems for the latest AIM-120 C5 variant. The new missile, which will enter service in 2007, incorporates the latest technology and includes a greater immunity to countermeasures, a better range and a more effective warhead. It will supersede the earlier B model, which is approaching the end of its in-service life