AIM-54A

AIM-54A Overview

The AIM-54A is the first operational subvariant, introduced in 1974. It serves as the baseline model for subsequent variants, featuring the original radar guidance and continuous rod warhead.

It was used by the U.S. Navy and exported to Iran before the Iranian hostage crisis. Both land and ship-based tests of the AIM-54A missiles were successfully carried out from 1974 onwards.

Variants of the AIM-54A

The AIM-54A has the following variants:

• ATM-54A (Air Test Missile): A version without a live warhead.

• AEM-54A (Air Evaluation Missile): Equivalent in weight, balance, and external appearance, with special telemetry electronics to collect data during live firings.

• DATM-54A (Dummy Air Training Missile): A completely inert replica of the AIM-54A.

  • Note: No DATM-54C exists, as the DATM-54A is suitable for ground handling training for both AIM-54A and AIM-54C.

• CATM-54 (Captive Air Training Missile): An inert, captive-carried missile, identical in weight, center of gravity, and external appearance. It includes functional guidance and control sections but has inert armament and propulsion sections.