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multiple hostile air targets at great range. The
Phoenix missile was introduced into the fleet
with the F-14A aircraft and AN/AWG-9 weapons
control system in 1974. The AN/AWG-9 system is
capable of long-range tracking of multiple
hostile air targets. It can launch up to six
missiles against six targets simultaneously. In
addition to the great range of the Phoenix
missile, it has excellent intercept capability
against high-speed maneuvering targets at both
high and low altitudes.
Characteristics of the Phoenix:
Length:
13 feet
Diameter:
15 inches
Wing span:
3 feet
Weight:
1,024 pounds
Speed:
More than 3,040 miles per
hour
Range:
More than 104 nautical
miles
AMRAAM
The advanced medium-range air-to-air missile
(AMRAAM) (fig. 20-8) is an all-weather, radar-
guided, beyond-visual-range missile. It is designed to
provide launch-and-leave capability as well as
multiple-target
engagement
capability.
The
AMRAAM missile, a follow-on to the Sparrow missile,
is used by F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft. It is faster,
smaller, lighter, and better able to attack at a lower
altitude than the Sparrow. With AMRAAM, the pilot
can aim and fire several missiles at multiple targets
simultaneously.
Characteristics of AMRAAM:
Length:
12 feet
Diameter:
7 inches
Wing span:
13 inches
Weight:
335 pounds
Speed:
More than 760 miles per hour
Range:
More than 35 nautical miles
134.57
Figure 20-8.—An AIM-120A advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) being readied for
loading on an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft.
20-10
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