Small Advanced Capabilities Missile
The Small Advanced Capabilities Missile , occasionally referred to as the CUDA or Cuda™, is a United States Air Force concept for a "next-generation," medium-range, relatively compact 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 fighters, such as in the F-35 Lightning II|F-35] and F-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.
The CUDA was displayed in a photo in the November 2012 issue of the U.S. Air Force Magazine, with the caption '
The missile is under development by Lockheed Martin, and began evaluation by the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2019.
The missile has occasionally been referred to as the "AIM-160'," but this is unlikely to be official, as the numeric designation of "160" is already utilized for the ADM-160 MALD air-launched decoy missile. The USAF has not verified any form of letter or number designation beyond the "SACM" moniker.