Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Wolfala on October 08, 2004, 08:11:03 AM
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Navy Retires AIM-54 Phoenix Missile
Story Number: NNS041007-08
Release Date: 10/7/2004 4:24:00 PM
From Naval Air Systems Command Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Public Affairs
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- After 30 years of highly accomplished service, the U.S. Navy retired its first long-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-54 Phoenix, Sept. 30.
One of the world's most technologically advanced tactical missiles, the AIM-54 Phoenix was the first operational radar-guided air-to-air missile that could be launched in multiple numbers against different targets from an aircraft, making the Phoenix the Navy's main fleet air defense long-range weapon.
“The heart of the F-14 Tomcat (soon also to retire) weapons system is the Hughes AWG-9 fire control system, capable of tracking 24 targets and firing six AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles engaging six different targets,” said Capt. Scott Stewart, the Navy's program manager for Air-to-Air Missile Systems. “With a range of over 100 miles, the AIM-54 gave the F-14 the greatest stand-off engagement capability of any fighter in the world. For years, Soviet air crews flying Badger, Bear and Backfire bombers feared the unprecedented capabilities of the Phoenix Missile."
"As we retire the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, we pay tribute to the men and women of Naval Aviation, Grumman and Hughes who designed, tested and operationally employed the Phoenix for over 30 years," added Stewart. "Since the earliest days of carrier aviation, air superiority fighters have been called upon to provide air cover for the fleet. None have been more formidable in performing this mission than F-14 Tomcats armed with AIM-54 Phoenix Missiles.
"I know I'm just one of many that will miss the Phoenix, but I'm also fortunate to be involved with the development of transformational missile technologies," he added. "I am confident that our warfighters have the best warfighting capabilities in the world, even with the Phoenix retired."
A product of two U.S. missile programs – the Navy’s Bendix AAM-N-10 Eagle and the Air Force’s Hughes GAR-9, Phoenix long-range intercept concept development began in 1960. The Hughes Aircraft Company was first selected to develop the Phoenix in 1962, with the Raytheon Company joining later in 1988.
After five years of research and development, the first prototype flight tests were conducted in 1965. Sept. 8, 1966, an A-3A Skywarrior performed the first successful full-scale test using all missile control system functions over the Navy Pacific Missile Range near San Nicholas Island, Calif.
Nov. 21, 1973, marked a milestone for Phoenix with the first full arsenal testing on an F-14 operating over the Pacific Missile Sea Test Range. Within 38 seconds, the Tomcat launched and simultaneously guided six Phoenix missiles, at six separate targets 50 miles away, scoring four direct hits.
The AIM-54A entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1973 and became operational in 1974. The first F-14A Tomcat squadrons to use the Phoenix were Strike Fighter Squadron (VF) 1 "Wolfpack" and VF-2 "Bounty Hunters."
After several variants, the long-range concept ultimately evolved, providing Phoenix the capability to initially guide itself using the semi-active radar mode and the Tomcat’s AWG-9 weapon control system, and when close enough to its target, assume guidance control using the active radar system. The C variant incorporated a new active radar fuse and higher-thrust motor. Combining these upgrades improved its overall effectiveness and intercept capabilities. The AIM-54C was introduced to the fleet in 1981, and entered full-rate production in January 1984.
and thanks for the service.
Wolfala
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what did they replace it with?
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For now the amraam will have to do.
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Did we ever really use this missile?
It was the coolest looking one, cost 2 million per. And I'm not even sure we used them.
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I don't like the AMRAAM, doesn't give stand off capability. It's range is less than half of what the AIM-54 was. (He who shoots first usually wins) Good thing we have AWACS or we would be in a heap of trouble.
Did we ever really use this missile?
I don't believe it has ever been fired in anger (could be wrong), but that doesn't make it a bad thing.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
Did we ever really use this missile?
It was the coolest looking one, cost 2 million per. And I'm not even sure we used them.
Considering the purpose, I think we should be happy that we never had cause to use the AIM-54.
It is my understanding that the Phoenix was designed to knock down Tu-22ms before they could get into range to launch against the fleet. I'm not sure how effective the missile would be against a more maneuverable target, such as an enemy fighter. For those, AAMRAM and Sparrow would make more sense (and of course Sidewinder for knife-fighting).
With the threat of massive air launched ASCM attack waining, the need for the AIM-54 is greatly reduced. But man, they sure were cool in Harpoon! lol.
-Sik
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Only country to use the AIM-54 in anger I believe was Iran - longest kill shot recorded at 92 statute miles against a MIG-21 during the Iran - Iraq war. Keep in mind it was designed for the F-111B as part of a complete weapons system for the Navy, which was then migrated to the F-14 and the AWG-9 Radar with it.
Wolfala
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The last version went mach 5+
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Its effectiveness can be shown by the USSR's ending of it's Mig25 flyovers of Iran when Iran received its shipments of the F14/Aim54 system.
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Usually it was deterrent enough to just be illuminated by the AWG9 or APG71 - thats the legacy that it'll leave. Combat record or not.
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Amazing weapon.....knowing the navy they probably don't have anything equivalent to it to take it's place even if the need arrives.
My understanding...according to disc. wings is that the tomcat was built around the phoenix.
It was the first "system" of its kind that could track and kill six independent targets from long range.
Not only was it there to protect the fleet but also to take out formations of bombers headed for the mainland as well.
the tomcat itself is an amazing plane. Faster and more agile than planes half its size.
[dramatic effect]
talk to me goose....
[\dramatic effect]
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Wasnt this nicknamed the 'million dollar missile'? If I recall, the AIM-54 was pretty pricey (compared to AIM-7s, AIM-9s, etc)
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Originally posted by LePaul
Wasnt this nicknamed the 'million dollar missile'? If I recall, the AIM-54 was pretty pricey (compared to AIM-7s, AIM-9s, etc)
yes but it could do a whole lot more.
keep in mind it wasnt just the "missle" but the whole "system"
IIRC an F14 could target and fire apon 6 different targets from 90Nm away using the AIM-54.
Killing a sqaudron of Soviet bombers that quick would be worth 12million bucks if you ask me. Better than losing the Billion dollar carrier.
anyone know if the russions had anything equivilent?
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Originally posted by LePaul
Wasnt this nicknamed the 'million dollar missile'? If I recall, the AIM-54 was pretty pricey (compared to AIM-7s, AIM-9s, etc)
Its per unit cost dropped to about $270,000 per missile by the end of production.
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Originally posted by Wolfala
Its per unit cost dropped to about $270,000 per missile by the end of production.
ever the thourogh analyst wolfie
hows the new job working out? How things been?
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
anyone know if the russions had anything equivilent? [/B]
Closest equivlant weapons system would be fitted on the MIG-31 with the R-33 (AA-9) Amos. If you take a look at the photos and capabilities, you can see obvious similarities between the R-33 and the AIM-54.
(http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ru_missile_amos_01.jpg)
(http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ru_missile_amos_02.jpg)
Excrept from Federation of American Scientists http://www.fas.org
The R-33 long-range missile was created for arming MiG-31 fighter-interceptors. It became operational in 1980 and is capable of engaging SR-71 strategic reconnaissance aircraft, B-52 and B-1 bombers, aircraft of front and transport aviation, and also helicopters and cruise missiles. The R-33 may be used at any time of day, under any weather conditions, in the presence of interference and jamming to engage targets flying against earth and water surfaces. The missile is made in a normal aerodynamic scheme and has a cruciform configuration. Lifting surfaces of the R-33 are made with a low aspect ratio and two control surfaces are folding for its semirecessed accommodation beneath the platform's fuselage. Control and stabilization in three angles are accomplished with the help of four mechanically unconnected (differential) aerodynamic surfaces activated by gas drives. The missile is equipped with a semiactive radar homing head that locks onto a target on the trajectory. Guidance of the R-33 to a target is a combination: inertial in the initial phase and homing in the terminal phase.
The R-33 is the first Russian air-to-air missile to use an onboard digital computer, which has stable characteristics compared with analogue devices. It is fitted with an active radar proximity fuze and impact fuze as well as with an HE-fragmentation warhead.
Specifications
Manafacturer Vympel
Date Deployed 1985?
Range 160 km
Speed Mach 4.5
Propulsion solid rocket
Fuze Active radar
Guidance Inertial, command updates and semi-active radar
Warhead 47 kg HE fragmentation
Launch Weight 490 kg
Length 4.15 m
Diameter 380mm
Fin Span 1.18 m ( 0.9 m wingspan )
Platforms Mig-31, up to 6 can be carried
AIM-54 Specs
NOTE - if you read the specs correctly - you notice that a MK-82 warhead is the drug of choice.
(http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/aim-54-980304-N-1717N-002.jpg)
The AIM-54 Phoenix Long-range air-to-air missile, carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the F-14 Tomcat. The Phoenix missile is the 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. The weapon system consists of an AIM-54 guided missile, interface system, and a launch aircraft with an AN/AWG-9 weapon control system. The AIM-54 is a radar-guided, air-to-air, long-range missile consisting of a guidance, armament, propulsion, and control section, interconnecting cables, wings and fins. The total weapon system has the capability to launch as many as six AIM-54 missiles simultaneously from the F-14 aircraft against an equal number of targets in all weather and heavy jamming environments.
The AIM-54 Phoenix Missile was developed in the 1970s as the principle long-range, air-to-air, defense armament of the F-14 Aircraft. The AIM-54 Phoenix Missile is a fielded weapon currently in Phase III, the Production, Fielding/Deployment, and Operational Support Phase of the Weapon System Acquisition Process.
The three versions of the AIM-54 Phoenix Missile currently being used are the AIM-54A, AIM-54C, and the AIM-54 ECCM/Sealed. The AIM-54 is a radar-guided, air-to-air, long-range missile consisting of a guidance, armament, propulsion, and control section, interconnecting cables, wings and fins. The AIM-54A was the original version to become operational. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, can better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles. The AIM-54C (sealed) missile is the most recent version and contains improved electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities and does not require coolant conditioning during captive flight. The AIM-54C and AIM-54C (sealed) contains built-in self test and additional missile on-aircraft test capability. The AIM-54C missile has also been designed for greater reliability, longer serviceable in-service time, and a 15 percent reduction in parts.
Initial Operating Capability was attained in 1974 for the AIM-54A, 1986 for the AIM-54C, and 1988 for the AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed. The AIM-54C and AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed are replacing the AIM-54A. As AIM-54A inventories are depleted they will not be replenished. The AIM-54A Technical Evaluation (TECHEVAL) was completed in November 1973. Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) was completed in November 1974. The AIM-54C TECHEVAL began in May 1982 and was completed in November 1982. The OPEVAL began in March 1983 and was completed in August 1983. AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile TECHEVAL was completed in June 1985, and OPEVAL was completed in July 1988.
The AIM-54 Phoenix Missile, used exclusively on the F-14A/B/D Aircraft, is a radar guided, air-to-air missile consisting of a guidance section, armament section, propulsion section, control section, interconnecting surface cables, wings, and fins. The missile is designed for ejection launch using the LAU-93 or LAU-132 launchers. Semi-active and active homing radar and hydraulically operated fins direct and stabilize the missile on course to the target. Propulsion is provided by a solid propellant rocket motor, and lethality by a high explosive warhead. Performance modifications to the AIM-54A were incorporated during and after production. The Reject Image Device (RID), High Altitude Performance (HAP), and Extended Active Gate (EAG) were incorporated during production. The MK 11 MOD 3 Electronics Assembly (EA) modification was installed by retrofit after production. The AIM-54C and AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile have a Built In Self Test (BIST) feature. BIST may be selected in conjunction with Missile On Aircraft Test (MOAT). The AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile provides two major improvements over the AIM-54C. ECCM provides enhanced electronic protection and sealing the missile eliminates the requirement for aircraft supplied liquid thermal conditioning fluid during captive flight.
Guidance Section The AIM-54A RID modification offers improved capabilities against low altitude targets over water. The EAG modification improves capabilities against certain Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) threats. The AIM-54C Guidance Section has a new Solid-State Receiver-Transmitter Unit (SSRTU), Digital Electronics Unit (DEU), and Inertial Sensor Assembly (ISA) as well as a modified guidance section wiring harness. Design improvements reduce inherent oscillator drift, provide range discrimination, and improve reliability. In the AIM-54 ECCM/Sealed Missile the DEU front receiver has been modified and an improved version of the program memory has been added to enhance ECCM capabilities. Heaters have been added, operating temperatures of selected subassemblies have been extended, and circuit temperature compensation has been added for sealed operation. The SSRTU has been modified to improve ECCM performance, selected subassemblies have been improved to increase operating temperature ranges, circuit temperature compensation has been added for sealed operation, and the ISA has been modified to include a heater for sealed operation.
Armament Section The AIM-54A's MK 11 MOD 3 EA modification upgrades the Targeting Detecting Device (TDD) to improve warhead lethality against short targets. The AIM-54C has a new TDD, the DSU-28, utilizing the MK 82 MOD 0 warhead. The MK 82 MOD 0 warhead is used with the DSU-28 on AIM-54C All-Up-Round (AUR), serial number 83001 through 83054. A new warhead, WDU-29/B was incorporated in the FY83 production of the AIM-54C AUR starting with serial number 83055. The new warhead offers a 20-25 percent increase in effectiveness. The AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile uses the same armament section as the AIM-54C.
Propulsion Section. The AIM-54A, AIM-54C, and AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile use the MK 47 MOD 1 rocket motor assembly.
Control Section The AIM-54A's HAP modification improves capabilities against very high and fast targets. The AIM-54C Electronic Servo Control Amplifier (ESCA) replaces the autopilot unit in the AIM-54A control section. In the AIM-54 ECCM/Sealed Missile the Electrical Conversion Unit (ECU) has been completely redesigned for sealed operations. The new design requires no heater for temperature regulation.
The AIM-54 Phoenix Missile maintenance concept is based on an overall objective to assure All-Up-Rounds are available to fulfill commitments of operational activities and provide the means to restore unserviceable missiles to serviceable condition with minimal downtime. Maintenance requirements are allocated to the organizational, intermediate, and depot levels of maintenance.
Specifications
Primary Function Long-range air-launched air intercept missile
Contractor Hughes Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Co.
Unit Cost $477,131
Power Plant Solid propellant rocket motor built by Hercules
Length 13 feet (3.9 meters)
Weight 1000 pounds - AIM-54A
1040 pounds - AIM-54C [various, 1020-1040 pounds]
1023 pounds - AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile
Diameter 15 inches (38.1 cm)
Wing Span 3 feet (.9 meters)
Range In excess of 100 nautical miles (115 statute miles, 184 km)
Speed In excess of 3,000 mph (4,800 kmph)
Guidance System Semi-active and active radar homing
Warheads Proximity fuse, high explosive
Warhead Weight 135 pounds (60.75 kg)
Date Deployed 1974
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
ever the thourogh analyst wolfie
hows the new job working out? How things been?
Stuff's been good gunny. Were all keeping busy finding out where the next big threat comes from. Hows the wife and kid?
Wolf
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Making room for a new missile? Kind of suprised me that the Russians and I guess Chinese missiles are ahead these days with what they are equipping their forces with and have in development.
What do the Israel have? They always seem pretty efficent at modifiying/improving stuff.
...-Gixer
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Well the new trend is in net-centric warfare and less emphasis on splashing them before you can spot'm. History will repeat itself again, you can rest assured.
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It's an aged missile good for shooting down airliner sized planes or straight and level recce planes.
Against modern fighters or planes with half a decent EW systems it would be near worthless (aside from the psycological effect).
To use it's range effectively it needs a vast, near empty space, where you can ID friends and foe. It fits ocean carrier vs carrier style (WWII, or WWIII), but in todays world, areanas are much more dense and over land.
Bozon
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Joe "Hoser" Strapa
From "Top Gun - The Navy's Fighter Weapons School" by George Hall
"No dissertation on present-day section tactics, or on naval aviation in general, could be considered complete without a brace of "Hoser" stories. In the micro world of perhaps 400 Tomcat pilots, a few legendary gonzo maniacs are going to bubble to the surface. Joe "Hoser" Satrapa was already famous in Vietnam as a young and utterly fearless F-8 pilot who regularly carried a good forty pounds of lethal ordnance- leaning toward small automatic weapons and hand grenades- in case he was suddenly compelled to leave his aircraft and carry the battle directly to the little bad guys in the jungle.
Guns were Hoser's game in the air; he flew the four-gun Crusader - which many Navy pilots still regard as the [deleted] machine of all time- in Southeast Asia, and he'd never been forced to rely totally on missiles like his Navy Phantom cohorts. After negotiations that would shame the pro football draft, Hoser was dragooned back into the Tomcat front seat as a RAG guns instructor. This, after personal entreaties from the highest levels up and including Secretary of the Navy John Lehman, himself a Reserve naval aviator.
Many active pilots and RIOs well remember Hoser's delivery of manic harangues to fuzzy-cheeked newcomers from the RAG. In his patented Yosemite Sam voice he would whip the lads, and invariably himself, into a lethal frenzy: "Pull on the pole till the rivets pop and the RIO pukes! No kill like a guns kill! A Lima up the tailpipe is too good for any Gomer! Close with the miserable Commie [deleted] and put a few rounds of twenty-twenty-mike-mike through his canopy! If he hits the silk, gun his bellybutton while he swings!" Hoser would then pace the corridor, bumping into hapless petty officers, muttering oaths, trying to re-align his internal INS.
Hoser also knew a thing or two about the element of surprise. During the much-maligned AIMVAL-ACEVAL fighter trials of a decade ago, Hoser was put in a 1 V 1 against a Navy Aggressor flying an F-5. As the two combatants sat side-by-side on the Nellis runway, awaiting tower clearance for a second takeoff, Hoser looked over at his opponent, reached his hand up over the control panel, and mimicked the cocking of machine guns in a World War I Spad. A thumbs up came from the other cockpit- guns it would be, the proverbial knife fight in a phone booth, forget the missiles. Both jets blasted off.
In the area, the fighters set up twenty miles apart for a head-on intercept under ground control. Seven miles from the merge, with closure well over 1000 knots, Hoser called "Fox One" - Sparrow missile away, no chance of a miss. As they flashed past each other, the furious F-5 driver radioed, "What the hell was that all about?" "Sorry." said Hoser, "lost my head. Let's set up again. Guns only, I promise."
Remember Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the football? Again the two fighters streaked towards the pass, again at seven miles Hoser called "Fox One." The Aggressor was apoplectic; he was also coming up on bingo fuel state, a common situation in the short-legged F-5.
Hoser was first back to the club bar, nursing an end-of-the-day cold one as the flushed Aggressor stomped in. "Hoser, what the hell happened to credibility?" fumed the F-5 jock. Said Hoser, with accompanying thumb gestures, "Credibility is DOWN, kill ratio is UP!" It's a popular Top Gun story, and it's moral isn't lost on students or teachers. From 1 V 1 to forty-plane furball, expect anything. But never expect your enemy to be a sweet guy."
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F-14 would be dead meat to an F5 if they engaged within visual range.
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That is until the F5 got below 300 and the Tomcat bleeds him to death. Sustained turn on the F5 is pretty abysmal.
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Originally posted by SunTracker
F-14 would be dead meat to an F5 if they engaged within visual range.
But Maveric would do that cool Speed Brake manouver and blow the F5 away as he flys by, and cutting the dweeb down that he is with the cannon. While Goose captures the kodak moment.
...-Gixer
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They retired the Tomcats not long ago, so it only made sense to retire the missile that could only be fired from the F-14.
I'm guessing that the line of thought is that the JSF will be able to get close enough to take out enemy fighters before the enemy knows they're there.