US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet tests advanced missile combination

An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31 (VX-31) was recently observed conducting flight tests over California, carrying a combination of the AIM-174B and AIM-260A missiles. This sighting marks the first time these two advanced long-range weapons have been seen on a single aircraft.

The AIM-174B, derived from the SM-6 missile family, is an ultra-long-range weapon designed to target high-value assets such as early warning aircraft, tankers, and bombers from significant distances. The AIM-260A is being developed as a successor to the AIM-120, intended to provide enhanced range and capabilities to counter advanced aerial threats.

Additionally, the aircraft was equipped with an IRST21 infrared search and track pod, allowing for the detection of targets without alerting them via radar. These technological upgrades aim to provide the US Navy with multi-layered defense and offensive capabilities across various engagement ranges.