Will C-400 cope with the super-maneuverable version of HARM? Starting from a ground-based PU is not a problem for it.
In particular, if we consider the design features, the exclusion from the aerodynamic scheme of developed aerodynamic rudders ("turning wings") with a span of 1130 mm allowed the developer not only to achieve a partial increase in speed and range qualities of the AARGM-ER as well as reducing its effective reflective surface, but also to realize the further integration of this anti-radar missile into the ammunition kits of the X-NUMX F-5A / C multipurpose fighter with the displacements in the internal weapons bay. In essence, this solution can only be considered as preparation for the “long arm” of the Lightnings to give operational combat readiness, which opens up unique opportunities for the destruction of not only remote radio-emitting objects (in the anti-radar mode) before the flight personnel of the Air Force, Navy and the US Marine Corps , but also radio-contrast targets (in the mode of a long-range multipurpose aeroballistic missile) without increasing the EPR of the fighter-carrier.
The latter mode is realized thanks to the equipment of the AGM-88G with an advanced modification of the WGU-48 / B multi-band active-passive radar seeker with an active millimeter-wave Ka-band sensor (frequency from 26,5 to 35 GHz). Moreover, starting from the information provided on October 23, 2018 by the notorious British militarynews and the analytical publication janes.com, citing sources in Nortrop Grumman, we can conclude that in parallel with the development of the airborne anti-radar missile AGM-88G AARGM-ER, the company is making maximum efforts to implement SLAARGM (“Surface- Launched AARGM "), which provides for the development of anti-radar / multi-purpose missiles AGM-88E Block 1 / G ground launch.
Judging by the statement of the curator of the SLAARGM project, Jacob Krimberg, as well as the technological sketch-demonstrator attached to this news on janes.com, the first flight prototypes and early versions of SLAARGM will be presented by ordinary AGM-88E Block 1, placed on the beam launchers of the SAM type SL -AMRAAM, and only later modifications can get AGM-88G AARGM-ER HRD placed in modular transport and launch containers. Given the fact that the AGM-88E1 / G missiles in the SL-AMRAAM version will be forced to spend most of the solid fuel charge and kinetic energy to overcome dense layers of the troposphere and enter the stratosphere on a ballistic trajectory, their range will decrease from 160 and 320 km (for air-based modifications) to 40 and 120 km, respectively. At the same time, the presence of developed aerodynamic influx ribs along the hull will provide the AGM-88G 20 — 30 missile with a 100% range preservation (when launched from a ground launcher) in relation to the performance of the AGM-88E Block 1 version.
Scrupulously summarizing most of the information known from the SLAARGM project, it can be concluded that in the foreseeable future, the units of the Ground Forces and the United States Marine Commissariat can receive a kind of multifunctional and interference-proof “supplement” to M142 HIMARS high-precision multiple launch rocket systems. Markedly higher target value missiles AGM-88G AARGM-ER (compared with 127-mm guided missiles M31A1) will be more than compensated by the possibility of destruction of moving ground targets harnessing active millimeter-channel radar vectoring (recall that the defeat of moving objects by Ursova M31A1 GMLRS systems HIMARS is difficult due to the presence of only GPS / INS-guidance module).
To send AGM-88G “into milk”, it will be necessary to neutralize not only the GPS channel (as is the case with HIMARS rockets), but also the millimeter RL homing channel (“Ruby” and SPN-2 / 4 in this range do not work) . As a result, the only method of countering anti-radar / multipurpose missiles AGM-88G AARGM-ER, both in the "air" and "ground" versions, is their interception through modern anti-aircraft missiles.
Numerous state and Western European analytical portals have already rushed to christen AGM-88G AARGM-ER as another “C-400 hunter”. But is this true? Of course, it will be much more difficult to intercept this rocket than the standard low-speed AGM-88C HARM or AGM-88E AARGM. According to the portal www.reddit.com, referring to open sources in the Pentagon, the speed of the promising "heir" HARM can reach 5370 km / h (1491 m / s) at the time of burning a solid fuel multi-mode pulsed solid propellant rocket (on the ascending branch of the trajectory). At this stage of the flight, it cannot be intercepted by means of the C-300PS air defense missile system, which has a speed limit of the target being hit in 1300 m / s. On the final part of the trajectory, the speed of AARGM-ER is reduced to 3,5 — 2,5M, which theoretically makes it vulnerable to most types of our air defense missile systems (including troop self-propelled complexes Tor-M1, Tor-M2, Buk-M2 / 3, and also ZRPK "Pantsir-С1"). The presence of a 150 — 180-millimeter array of active-passive WGU-48 / B active multi-pass radome XGNUMX under a multi-band radiotransparent radome — brings the EPR of the rocket to 300 — 350 — 0,05 — 0,07 — 96 — m, which only facilitates the process of its detection and capture using 6L92 high-altitude radar and 6H400E radar of the C-XNUMX “Triumph” radar.
Meanwhile, there is also a “dark” side of the capabilities of the new AGM-88G, which experts will not be able to “see” until the first baptism of the product. According to www.reddit.com, the aerodynamic influxes, which increase the lifting properties of the AARGM-ER rocket body, are intended not only to increase the flight range, but also to more effectively perform intensive anti-aircraft maneuvers immediately after direction finding with the WGU-48 / B “shooting” mode the attacked radar backlight. Looking at the weight and dimensions, as well as the design features of this rocket, it is easy to assume that the calculated overloads can reach 25 — 30 units. at the time of the dive to the enemy radar.
As a result, full-time unit of fire anti-aircraft missile systems S-300PM1 and C-400 "Triumph" in a position interceptor missiles 48N6E / 48N6DM can not cope with the AGM-88G, because to destroy "vortkoy" goals congestion around 30G antimissile must maneuver with overload order 60 units In this case, the latest C-350 Vityaz air defense missiles, armed with the super-maneuverable 9М96DM missile with gas-dynamic transverse control engines, are capable of saving the situation. As it is known, their large-scale production starts three years earlier than the start of deliveries of AARGM-ER / SLAARGM to the air force and USMC units.
Information sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GlobalPowers/comments/5dqqix/rd_agm88fg_aargm/
http://forum.militaryparitet.com/viewtopic.php?id=22525
http://forum.militaryparitet.com/viewtopic.php?id=23873
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/c300ps/c300ps.shtml
http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-633.html
Information