Phoenix Missile
The tactical AIM-54C Phoenix (fig. 3-11) is an
air-launched, air-to-air guided missile that employs
active, semiactive, and passive homing capabilities.
The AIM-54C is used as a long-range, air-intercept
missile launched from the F-14 aircraft. It is equipped
with the AWG-9 Airborne Missile Control System
(AMCS). The missile can be launched in multiple
missile attacks, as required, against hostile forces. A
maximum of six AIM-54C Phoenix missiles can be
launched from a single aircraft, with simultaneous
guidance against widely separated targets. In addition,
the
missile
has
dogfight,
electronic
counter-
countermeasures (ECCM), and anticruise missile
capabilities.
The physical description of the Phoenix missile is
extremely brief because it is classified as Secret. The
overall length of the missile is 13 feet with a diameter of
15 inches. It weighs approximately 1,020 pounds. The
missile consists of the guidance section, the armament
section, the propulsion section, and the control section.
The missile is an AUR. The wings and fins can be
mounted or removed to facilitate handling.
Maverick Missile
The tactical AGM-65E Maverick (fig. 3-12) is a
laser-guided, rocket-propelled, air-to-ground missile. It
is used against fortified ground installations, armored
vehicles, and surface combatants. Launch aircraft for
the Maverick is the F/A-18
The AGM-65E missile has two major sections—
the guidance and control section and the center/aft
section. Four fixed wings are an integral part of the
center/aft section, and four movable control surfaces
(fins) are located at the aft section. These fins are
installed or removed to aid in handling. The missile is
issued to the fleet as an AUR. Installation of the fins is
the only assembly required at the organizational
maintenance level.
The AGM-65E missile system has all the laser
missile features, including automatic terminal homing
on laser energy reflected from the target, which is
illuminated by a laser designator. The laser designator
can be a ground device, either hand-held or tripod
mounted. It can also be a stabilized airborne device,
mounted either on a separate aircraft or on the
launching aircraft. Additionally, the warhead provides
kinetic penetration into earth-barricaded or concrete
fortifications and ships. The fuzing system allows a
selectable detonation delay to optimize kill capability.
For
further
information
on
the
AGM-65E
Maverick, you should refer to Laser-Guided Missile
AGM-65E (Maverick), NAVAIR 11-120-58.
3-14
Figure 3-11.—AIM-54 Phoenix guided missile (typical).
