Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

AIM-54 Phoenix



Overview

AIM-54A Phoenix

AIM-54A Phoenix long range air to air missile mounted on F-14A Tomcat in 1984.

Source: US Navy (Don S. Montgomery) - © Public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Long range air to air missile
Entered service
1974 for AIM-54A
1986 for AIM-54C
Status
Obsolete
Development
1966 - 1974 for AIM-54A
1977 - 1980 for AIM-54C
Developer
United States - Hughes Aircraft Company
Production
1973 - 1982 for AIM-54A
1982 - early 1990's for AIM-54C
Producer
United States - Hughes Aircraft Company (later Raytheon)
Number produced
Over 5.000
Designations
AAM-N-11
Early name during development
Notable users
United States
Iran

Details

AIM-54C Phoenix

AIM-54C Phoenix mounted on a F-14 Tomcat on the flight deck of the USS Constellation in 2003.

Source: US Navy (PM2C Richard Moore) - © Public domain

Variants of the AIM-54 Phoenix

AIM-54A: original production model, introduced in 1974.

AIM-54C: variant with improved capabilities, entering service in 1986.

The use of digital electronics in the AIM-54C allows it to engage some of the larger high altitude and sea skimming Soviet anti-ship missiles. These were perceived as a major threat against US carrier battle groups during the Cold War.

Facts AIM-54A AIM-54C
General
Origin
United states
Type
Air to air missile
Dimensions
Length
4.01 m
Diameter
0.38 m
Wingspan
0.925 m
Weight
453 kg
Guidance
Model
AN/DSQ-26 guidance section
Type
Active radar homing in 18 km terminal phase
Inertial navigation for first phase
Mid course updates via passive radar homing
Warhead
Type
MK 82 blast fragmentation
Weight
60 kg
Fuse
MK 334 radar proximity, IR proximity, impact fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor
Engine model
Rocketdyne MK 47
Max speed
Mach 4.3
Range
135 km
Ceiling
24.8 km