AIM-54 Phoenix | Wikipedia
The AIM-54 Phoenix is an American radar-guided long-range air-to-air missile AAM carried in clusters of up. The Phoenix was developed by Hughes Aircraft Company and is deployed by the United States Navy. It is designed to engage enemy aircraft at long distances, up to 100 miles (160 km), and is typically carried by fighter aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat. The Phoenix is a large and powerful missile, weighing over 1,000 pounds (450 kg) and measuring over 12 feet (3.7 m) in length. It is powered by a solid rocket motor and has a range of over 100 miles (160 km). The Phoenix is equipped with a variety of guidance systems, including radar, inertial navigation, and GPS, and is capable of engaging targets at altitudes of up to 80,000 feet (24,000 m). The Phoenix has been in service with the United States Navy since 1974 and has been used in combat in the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, and the Kosovo War. It is scheduled to be retired in 2025.
History
The AIM-54 Phoenix was developed in the 1960s by Hughes Aircraft Company to meet a requirement from the United States Navy for a long-range air-to-air missile. The Phoenix was designed to engage enemy aircraft at ranges of up to 100 miles (160 km), which was significantly longer than the range of any other air-to-air missile in service at the time. The Phoenix was also designed to be capable of engaging targets at high altitudes, up to 80,000 feet (24,000 m). The Phoenix was first tested in 1969 and entered service with the United States Navy in 1974. The Phoenix has been used in combat in the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, and the Kosovo War. It is scheduled to be retired in 2025.
Design
The Phoenix is a large and powerful missile, weighing over 1,000 pounds (450 kg) and measuring over 12 feet (3.7 m) in length. It is powered by a solid rocket motor and has a range of over 100 miles (160 km). The Phoenix is equipped with a variety of guidance systems, including radar, inertial navigation, and GPS, and is capable of engaging targets at altitudes of up to 80,000 feet (24,000 m). The Phoenix is typically carried by fighter aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat.
Conclusion
The AIM-54 Phoenix is a powerful and effective long-range air-to-air missile. It has been in service with the United States Navy for over 40 years and has been used in combat in the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, and the Kosovo War. The Phoenix is scheduled to be retired in 2025, but it will continue to be a valuable asset to the United States Navy for many years to come.
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