New Smaller Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile Unveiled

By alexyz3d @Adobestock

Raytheon’s new Peregrine medium-range missile is small, fast, lightweight and can be used against drones, manned aircraft, and cruise missiles. The missile is more maneuverable, weighs just over 150 pounds, and is half the cost and size of legacy medium-range missiles. The missile has advanced tracking and targeting systems for all-weather day/night operations. Its compact airframe is easily integrated into 4th and 5th generation fighters
and allows them to carry more missiles into battle.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is developing a new medium-range, air-launched weapon called the Peregrine™ missile that is half the size and cost of today’s air-to-air missiles, yet delivers greater range and effect.

Developed to strengthen the capabilities of current fighter aircraft, the new, smaller Peregrine missile is faster and more maneuverable than legacy medium-range, air-to-air missiles, and doubles the weapons loadout on a variety of fighter platforms. Its sophisticated, miniaturized guidance system can detect and track targets at any time of day and in any weather condition.

“Peregrine will allow U.S. and allied fighter pilots to carry more missiles into battle to maintain air dominance,” said Dr. Thomas Bussing, Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems vice president. “With its advanced sensor, guidance and propulsion systems packed into a much smaller airframe, this new weapon represents a significant leap forward in air-to-air missile development.”

The Peregrine missile benefits from military off-the-shelf components, additive manufacturing processes and readily available materials to offer an affordable solution for countering current and emerging airborne threats.

Source: Raytheon