A U.S. Air Force F-15C completed the first captive carry test of Raytheon's AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile. The infrared-guided AIM-9X Block II missile faced the same stressors -- wind, vibration and altitude -- that it would encounter during an operational mission.

The test demonstrated that the AIM-9X Block II hardware and software could perform in combat-like conditions. The test also proved the missile could be successfully integrated on the F-15C Eagle.

"This test keeps the Raytheon-government team on track for test firing the AIM-9X Block II by year's end and achieving initial operating capability in 2010," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems.

"By adding lock-on-after launch capability and a one-way forward quarter datalink capability, the Block II builds on the legacy of the more than 3,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles Raytheon has delivered."

According to Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, the U.S. Navy's Air-to-Air Missile program manager, reaching this milestone is critical for maintaining a leading edge for U.S. and allied aviators.

"Completion of this test means our warfighters are another step closer to receiving the world's most capable infrared air-to-air missile," said Penfield.

"The AIM-9X Block II is a revolutionary weapon that will give the warfighter a critical advantage. No other missile in the world will match the AIM-9X Block II in range, maneuverability, off-boresight capability and speed."