AIM-54 Phoenix
From ARRSEpedia
| |
| AIM-54 Phoenix | |
|---|---|
| Function | Long Range Air-to-Air missile |
| Manufacturer | Hughes Aircraft Co. |
| Unit cost | $477000 |
| Entered service | 1974 |
| Retired | 2004 |
| Specs | |
| Engine | Solid Rocket Motor |
| Speed | Mach 5 |
| Range | In excess of 100 miles. |
| Warhead | 135lb High Explosive |
The AIM-54 Phoenix is a radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missile, carried in clusters of up to six missiles — formerly on the U.S. Navy's and on the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force's F-14 Tomcat interceptors/multi-role fighters. The USA has retired its AIM-54's with the Tomcat and it is believed that Iran no longer has any functional Phoenix's left.
The Tomcat is the only aircraft capable of carrying the AIM-54.
- Was capable of operating at altitudes of 100,000ft.
- Given its phenomenal range, the AT&T motto reach out and touch somebody was the nickname given to launching a Phoenix at long range.
