WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The missiles are carried by US combat aircraft to shoot down enemy aircraft and attack ground targets.
"[Raytheon] will work to increase the number of missiles carried on a single sortie, increase the effectiveness of each missile, and enhance the platform survivability against all threats… increasing the effectiveness of each missile," the announcement said on Wednesday.
Under the contract, Raytheon will be developing the Small Advanced Capability Missile (SACM) and Miniature Self-Defense Munition (MSDM), the announcement explained.
"The SACM will support affordable, highly lethal, small size and weight ordnance with advanced air frame design and synergistic control capabilities… The MSDM will support miniaturized weapon capabilities for air superiority."
The Tucson, Azirona-based Raytheon has been awarded the $14 million contract to develop increased capabilities for next-generation, air-launched, tactical missiles and to enhance the survivability capabilities of the aircraft carrying them, the announcement added.
