AIM-54 Phoenix Missile

Description: Long-range air-to-air missile, carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the F-14 Tomcat.

Background: 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. Near simultaneous launch is possible against up to six targets in all weather and heavy jamming environments. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, can better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles.

General Characteristics:

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: 1,024 pounds (460.8 kg)
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