In a recently published document, NAVAIR unveiled the design of the AIM-260 JATM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, set to succeed AIM-120 AMRAAM.
The document published by NAVAIR shows a missile with only one set of tail fins, but no other details have been shared. This hints at using a thrust vectoring or gas-dynamic manoeuvring system in place of the stabilizing fin set.
AIM-260 will enter service with the USAF and USN fighters and will have a longer range than the AIM-120D AMRAAM and a new guidance system.
The missile is believed to use a multi-pulse rocket motor to achieve a longer range, as the ramjet is not among the options. Multi-pulse rocket motors used in new air defence missiles like PAC-3, HİSAR, and Barak MX contain an extra layer of fuel to be ignited upon the terminal approach.
A multi-mode seeker will be used, which might refer to an active/passive RF seeker or an active RF+IR seeker to track the target in multiple ways to reduce susceptibility to countermeasures. The U.S. has developed a solution similar to the latter for the SM-2 Block IIIC air defence missile, which combines a semi-active RF seeker and a fuselage-mounted IR seeker.
