AIM-54 Phoenix

The AIM-54 Phoenix is a long-range air-to-air missile, carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the F-14 Tomcat.

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.

General Characteristics

• Primary Function: Long-range air-launched air intercept missile
• Contractor: Hughes Aircraft Corporation[?] and Raytheon Corporation
• Unit Cost: US$477,131
• Power Plant: Solid propellant rocket motor built by Hercules
• Length: 3.9 meters (13 feet)
• Weight: 460 kilograms (1,024 pounds)
• Diameter: 38 centimeters (15 inches)
• Wing Span: 90 centimeters (3 feet)
• Range: In excess of 180 kilometers (115 statute miles, 100 nautical miles)
• Speed: In excess of 1300 m/s (3,000 mph)
• Guidance System: Semi-active and active radar homing
• Warheads: Proximity fuse, high explosive
• Warhead Weight: 60 kilograms (135 pounds)
• Date Deployed: 1974

see also: AIM-7 Sparrow AIM-9 Sidewinder