Army Recognition: US successfully completes Meteor missile test flights

According to a recent article, Army Recognition reveals that a US Marine Corps F-35B completed its first successful test flights with the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

This marks a significant step forward in the integration of British-made weapons onto the F-35 platform. The tests, conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, used an inert version of the missile to collect vital environmental data, laying the groundwork for full missile integration.

The integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B’s internal weapons bay ensures that the aircraft’s stealth capabilities are maintained, allowing it to operate effectively in contested airspace. 

The Meteor missile’s advanced propulsion system extends its range far beyond traditional air-to-air missiles, enabling the F-35B to engage enemy aircraft from longer distances and reduce vulnerability. Its high-energy state also expands the no-escape zone, increasing the chances of successful engagements with maneuvering targets. 

Additionally, the Meteor missile works seamlessly with the F-35B’s sophisticated sensor suite, including the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). These systems enable the missile to receive real-time updates and make mid-course adjustments, ensuring accuracy against various airborne threats, such as enemy fighters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. 

The F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35, is designed for operations from amphibious assault ships and short runways. It is equipped with advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, DAS, and EOTS, which enhance its targeting, surveillance, and electronic warfare capabilities. 

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, provides significant beyond-visual-range capabilities, reaching speeds above Mach 4 and a maximum range of over 200 kilometres. Its propulsion system adjusts thrust mid-flight for greater efficiency during engagement, making it particularly effective in electronic warfare environments.

By Naila Huseynova