The Phoenix missile is the US Navy's only long-range air-to-air missile. It is an airborne weapons control system with multiple-target handling capabilities, used to kill multiple air targets with conventional warheads. Near simultaneous launch is possible against up to six targets in all weather and heavy jamming environments. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, can better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles.
In training, the Phoenix hit a target drone at a range of 212 km (in January 1979, in Iran).
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2 Inventory 3 Combat Performance 4 Characteristics 5 See also 6 External link |
AIM-54A: the original version to become operational, in 1974.
AIM-54C: an improved version, better able to vcounter cruise missiles. Superceded the AIM-54A from 1986.
AIM-54 ECCM/Sealed: improved to include electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities, does not require coolant conditioning during captive flight. used from 1988 onwards.
In recent years, Iran is said to have developed its own version of the Phoenix.
Reports of use of the 285 missiles supplied to Iran [1] during the Iran-Iraq War, from 1980-88, vary, with some sources claiming as many as 25 kills with it [1] and others suggesting sabotage of the aircraft making it impossible to fire the missile or no kills for other reasons. It is generally reported that the primary use of the F-14 was as an airborne early warning aircraft, guarded by other fighters.
The Gulf of Sidra incident (1981), in which American F-14s shot down 2 Libyan Su-22s is sometimes thought to have involved AIM-54. However, the engagement was conducted at short ranges using the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The other US F-14 fighter to fighter engagement, the Gulf of Sidra incident (1989) used AIM-7 Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, not the Phoenix.
Actual ranges at which the Phoenix has successfully hit targets in tests:
Versions
Inventory
Combat Performance
Other than the possible Iranian firings, the only confirmed combat use of the Phoenix was in the first Gulf War, and it missed its target, a Mil helicopter.Characteristics
See also
External link