AIM-54 Phoenix

AIM-54 Phoenix Overview

The AIM-54 Phoenix is a long-range, radar-guided air-to-air missile developed for the U.S. Navy. It was the only operational missile of its type capable of engaging multiple targets at very long ranges and was most famously paired with the F-14 Tomcat.

Designed to counter Soviet bombers and anti-ship missiles, development began as a successor to the canceled AIM-47 Falcon and the F6D Missileer project, initiated by Hughes Aircraft Company (later Raytheon). The missile entered service in 1974 and was produced until 1981, with over 5,000 units built.

Variants of the AIM-54 Phoenix

• AIM-54: General designation for the Phoenix air-to-air missile developed by Hughes Aircraft for the U.S. Navy, primarily for the F-14 Tomcat. It encompasses all subvariants, including AIM-54A, B, C, and ECCM/Sealed Round.

Modes of Operation

The AIM-54 has four modes of operation:

• Sample Data Semi-Active: Used during the mid-course guidance phase of a TWS missile shot prior to the missile going fully radar active.

• Continuous Semi-Active: Engaged when fired in "Pulse Doppler Single Target Track" mode.

• Active: Activated when fired in "Pulse Single Target Track" mode.