AIM-54 Phoenix Missile

The Phoenix is a long-range air-to-air missile, carried on the F-14 Tomcat. It is manufactured by the Hughes Aircraft co. and the Rayethon co. at a cost of almost $500,000.

The Phoenix missile is the Navy's only long-range air-to-air missile. It is mated with the radar system on the F-14 which can track and launch against up to 6 targets simultaniously. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, can better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles. The Phoenix can also be set to home on Jamming signals making life very difficult for jamming aircraft. It's solid propellant rocket motor propels this 13 foot long missile at 4,800 kilometers per hour up to a range of approx 184 km. It's semi-active and active radar guidance system make it very difficult to jam. The proximity fused 135 pound high explosive warhead make it a very lethal weapon.

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