AIM-160 CUDA/SACM explained

Small Advanced Capabilities Missile (SACM) 'CUDA' is a US Air Force concept for a next-generation beyond visual range air-to-air missile. Unlike most Air to Air missiles, the CUDA uses 'hit to kill' technology instead of an explosive warhead, allowing it to save weight by removing the relatively heavy explosive warhead. Designed to include a reduced size while maintaining the range of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the CUDA seeks to replace the AIM-120's role, while allowing for more to be carried in the weapons bay of modern 5th generation fighter weapons bay, such as in the F-35 and F-22. CUDA also reportedly uses a unique system of propulsive bursts around its airframe, allowing for supposed increased maneuverabilty, which could increase the probability of killing the target.^[1]

The CUDA was displayed in a photo in the November 2012 issue of the US Air Force Magazine, with the caption 'A Lockheed Martin model shows how its “’Cuda” concept for a small AMRAAM-class radar guided dogfight missile could triple the air-to-air internal loadout on an F-35. The missile is about the size of a Small Diameter Bomb and fits on an SDB-style rack,^[2] and was officially revealed in January and February 2017, during a presentation and an interview by FlightGlobal with General Herbert Carlisle of the USAF.

The missile is under development by Lockheed Martin, and began evaluation by the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2019.^[3]

Notes and References

Web site: Fifth-Generation Weapons . 2023-04-26 . Air & Space Forces Magazine . en-US.
Web site: Cenciotti . David . 2012-11-30 . New (still quite secret) Hit-to-Kill missile for the F-35 unveiled: the Lockheed Martin "Cuda" . 2023-04-26 . The Aviationist . en-US.
Web site: Fifth-Generation Weapons . 2023-04-26 . Air & Space Forces Magazine . en-US.