What happened to the AIM-54?

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What happened to the AIM-54?

It was retired as old technology, and it had an unimpressive combat history, having never actually hit a target. It was replaced by the AIM-120 AMRAAM, a shorter range variant which has upgraded guidance and which has performed quite well in combat. AIM-54 Phoenix was never designed for F-14 Tomcat.

Was the Phoenix missile ever used in combat?

Despite the much-vaunted capabilities, the Phoenix was rarely used in combat, with only two confirmed launches and no confirmed targets destroyed in US Navy service.

Does the US still use AIM 7?

The AIM-7F joined the Air Force inventory in 1976 as the primary medium-range, air-to-air missile for the F-15 Eagle. The AIM-7M, the only current operational version, entered service in 1982. U.S. and NATO navies operate a surface-to-air/surface version of this missile called the RIM-7F/M Sea Sparrow.

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Can a F 16 carry AIM 7?

Yes, it can. THe USAF Factsheet and factsheets on F-16.net also state: ” On the F-16, AIM-7 Sparrows can be loaded on stations 3 and 7 (1 missile on each station). Other stations have been wired for testing purposes, but never on operational aircraft. “

What happened to the AIM-54 Phoenix missile?

The AIM-54 Phoenix missile was married to the AWG-9 fire control system of the F-14. They all were retired about the same time. The Phoenix was not compatible with the F-14’s replacement, the F/A-18. The end of the Cold War.

How does the Hughes AIM-54 Phoenix work?

The Hughes AIM-54 Phoenix uses its high altitude to gain gravitational potential energy, which is later converted into kinetic energy as the missile dives at high velocity towards its target. At around 11 miles (18 km) from the target, the missile activates its own radar to provide terminal guidance.

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What happened to the F-14 AIM-54?

The AIM-54 was phased out when the F-14 was retired. At the time and historically, thee F-14 has been the only aircraft capable of operating it thst was put into operational service. It was believed that the F/A-18 E/F could assume the fleet defense role with their AIM-120s.

What happened to the AIM-54 and the AMRAAM?

They were replaced by the shorter-range AIM-120 AMRAAM, employed on the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet—in its AIM-120D version, the latest version of the AMRAAM just matches the Phoenix’s maximum range. The AIM-54 is credited with 62 air-to-air kills, all scored by Iran during the long Iran–Iraq War.