The Raytheon Peregrine is a small, light-weight, medium-range air-to-air missile under development by Raytheon for intended use in the United States Air Force (USAF) and potential international export clients. Roughly half the size of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the Peregrine is claimed to have similar range to the AMRAAM, while holding similar maneuverability to the shorter-ranged AIM-9X 'Sidewinder' missile while maintaining a potentially lower cost.
Design The Peregrine is approximately six feet long, weighing 150 pounds (68 kg). With a reported 'tri-mode' or multi-mode seeker, it could potentially combine Active Radar-homing with Infrared Homing to achieve improved tracking capabilities compared to the older AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles, and make it less susceptible to defensive countermeasures.
Development The Peregrine program was first publicly revealed at the USAF Association’s annual convention on September 16, 2019, and is intended to replace both the AIM-9X and AIM-120 in their respective roles under the USAF's SACM (Small Advanced Capabilities Missile) program, while complementing longer range missiles under development and entering initial service, like the AIM-260 JATM, AIM-174B Gunslinger and AIM-424 LRAAM under the Long-Range Engagement Weapon program (LREW).
See also AIM-260 JATM Long-Range Engagement Weapon Small Advanced Capabilities Missile Miniature Self-Defense Missile
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