A mid-course update capability is *allegedly* on its way...
Full AMRAAM capability for Tornado F3
Jane’s Defense Weekly 28/06/02
The UK MoD has revealed a further package of enhancements and support measures worth almost £200 million for the RAF's fleet of Tornado F3 air-defence fighters.
Key to the new package of enhancements is the introduction of a mid-course guidance capability to enhance the utility of its primary weapon system: the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
The aircraft currently lacks this capability - targeting information for the weapon is only provided before launch by its Foxhunter fire-control radar. The guidance update will be funded by a £28 million AMRAAM Optimisation Programme and will be fielded to meet an in-service date of early 2003, according to the MoD.
BAE Systems' officials reveal that this work was contracted in May 2001, and comprises improvements to the F3's radar and its main mission system computer.
In a related development, BAE Systems Customer Solutions and Support on 14 June received an approximately £75 million contract to provide support services for the Foxhunter radar until the F3's planned retirement.