TheSmall Advanced Capabilities Missile (SACM), occasionally referred to as theCUDA (expansion unknown) orCuda™,[1][2] is aUnited States Air Force (USAF) concept for a "next-generation,"medium-range, relatively compactair-to-air missile. Unlike most air-to-air missiles, the CUDA uses"hit-to-kill" technology instead of anexplosive warhead, allowing it to save weight by removing the relatively heavy explosive warhead. Designed to include a reduced size while maintaining the range of theAIM-120 AMRAAM, the CUDA seeks to replace the AIM-120's role, while allowing for more to be carried in theweapons bay of modern5th generation fighters, such as in theF-35 andF-22. CUDA also reportedly uses a unique system of propulsive bursts around its airframe, allowing for supposed increased maneuverability, which could increase the probability of killing the target.[3]
The CUDA was displayed in a photo in the November 2012 issue of the U.S. Air Force Magazine, with the caption 'ALockheed 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 aSmall Diameter Bomb and fits on anSDB-style rack',[4] and was officially revealed in January and February 2017, during a presentation and an interview by FlightGlobal withGeneral Herbert Carlisle of the USAF.[citation needed]
The missile is under development by Lockheed Martin, and began evaluation by the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2019.[5]
The missile has occasionally been referred to as the "AIM-160,"[6] but this is unlikely to be official, as thenumeric designation of "160" is already utilized for theADM-160 MALD air-launcheddecoy missile. The USAF has not verified any form of letter or number designation beyond the "SACM" moniker.
There are missiles designed to home on to AEW&C radiations or even "home on jammer." Some countries are developing hypersonic air-to-air missiles like Russian Vympel R-37 and American AIM-260 JATM and AIM-160 CUDA/SACM using scramjet engines.
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