Raytheon has completed testing of high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) upgrades, which make the combat-proven missile more precise and accurate, while reducing collateral damage.

HARM suppresses or destroys surfaceto-air missile radars, early warning radars and radar-directed air defence artillery systems. The upgrade, called the HARM Control Section Modification (HCSM), adds a GPS receiver and an improved inertial measurement unit (IMU) for precision navigation. HCSM also features a digital flight computer that merges targeting solutions from navigation and seeker systems. The enhancements improve the probability of hit, while controlling where the missile can and cannot fly.

The HCSM effort is an ongoing US Air Force-led competition between two contractors, with a down-select scheduled in 2012 for full rate production.

“HCSM improves HARM’s anti-radar capability to defeat counter-HARM tactics, while reducing the risk of fratricide and collateral damage,” said Harry Schulte.

Vice President of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. “HCSM also enables warfighters to leverage HARM’s supersonic speed and stand-off capability to rapidly and accurately engage time-critical targets.”