Technology
US Navy unveils AIM-424 Malice long-range air-to-air missile
The developmental missile has a reported range exceeding 280 miles and fits inside the internal weapons bay of an F-35 fighter jet.
The short version
- The U.S. Navy has revealed the AIM-424 "Malice" Long Range Air-to-Air Missile, a new 1,500-pound developmental weapon built by Raytheon.
- The missile features a stated range of over 280 miles and is designed to fit inside the internal weapons bay of F-35 stealth fighters.
- The weapon is currently undergoing testing, and the Navy has not provided a timeline for when it will enter service.
Key facts
- The U.S. Navy unveiled the AIM-424 "Malice" Long Range Air-to-Air Missile, which is designed by RTX subsidiary Raytheon.[Business Insider]
- The missile weighs 1,500 pounds, uses a solid-propellant rocket motor, and carries a blast-fragmentation warhead.[Business Insider]
- The Navy stated the weapon has a range of more than 250 nautical miles (over 280 miles).[Business Insider]
- The weapon is sized to fit inside the internal weapons bay of an F-35C stealth fighter jet.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- It is not known when the AIM-424 missile will complete testing or be fielded for operational service.[Business Insider]