How will the US use its new 200+ mile air to air missile?

Summary

The US Navy has introduced the AIM-174, its longest-range air-to-air missile, based on the SM-6. Weighing 1,900 lbs and potentially capable of reaching 280 miles, it surpasses the Phoenix and AMRAAM in range. The missile's size and network-guided capabilities make it a game-changer for engaging high-value targets like AWACS planes from a safer distance, without entering enemy airspace.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The US Navy has recently put its newest air-to-air missile, the AIM-174, into service, which is based on the SM-6 missile and is designed for long-range engagements.
• 🔍 The AIM-174 has been spotted under Super Hornet fighter jets, indicating its air-launched variant is under development and has an air-to-air role.
• 📐 The missile is exceptionally large and heavy for an air-to-air weapon, weighing 1,900 lb without the booster, which adds another 1,500 lb.
• 💥 The removal of the booster from the SM-6 for the AIM-174 is strategic, as the fighter jet itself acts as a booster, providing speed and altitude for the missile.
• 🎯 The AIM-174 is expected to have an unprecedented range, potentially doubling or more that of the retired Phoenix missile and exceeding 200 miles.
• ⚔ The missile's extended range is a significant advantage for the US, allowing engagement with targets from a safer distance and enhancing strategic capabilities.
• 🌐 The AIM-174's range and capabilities could potentially neutralize certain high-value targets such as AWACS planes, drones, and other large aircraft from a considerable distance.
• 🔄 The missile's development is rapid due to its basis on the existing SM-6, which has expedited the testing and deployment process.
• 🔮 While the exact range of the AIM-174 is not publicly confirmed, it is speculated to be between 210 to 280 miles, based on comparisons with the SM-6 missile.
• 🛡 The missile's potential uses include not only air-to-air engagements but also anti-ship and possibly land target engagements due to its versatile seeker technology.
• 🚨 The AIM-174's entry into service highlights the ongoing development and advancement in missile technology, emphasizing the importance of long-range capabilities in modern warfare.

Q & A

What is the significance of the US Navy's newest air-to-air missile being based on the SM-6?

The new missile, potentially the AIM-174, is significant because it is the biggest and longest-ranged US air-to-air missile ever, leveraging the SM-6's proven capabilities and adaptability for a new air-launched role.

How does the size and weight of the new missile compare to previous models?

The new missile weighs 1,900 lb, making it over five times heavier than the AMRAAM and nearly double the weight of the F-14's Phoenix air-to-air missile. It's close in weight to large air-to-ground weapons, indicating its substantial size and power.

Why might the new missile not include the booster used in the SM-6?

Including the booster would increase the missile's weight significantly, potentially weighing down the aircraft and requiring a redesign to withstand the horizontal carriage and additional stresses during maneuvers.

What role does the fighter jet play in the missile's launch?

The fighter jet acts as a booster for the missile, getting it to a high altitude and high subsonic speed, similar to the role of the booster in the SM-6, but more efficiently due to the jet's capabilities.

What is the estimated range of the new missile compared to the retired Phoenix missile?

While specific range figures are not given, the new missile is expected to have a significantly greater range than the Phoenix, which had a recorded test shot of 125 miles. The new missile could potentially have a range of 210 to 280 miles, depending on various factors.

How does the new missile's range compare to other long-range missiles globally?

The new missile's potential range far exceeds that of the Russian R-37 and the Chinese PL-17, which are estimated to reach up to 190 miles and over 250 miles, respectively. It also surpasses the European Meteor and the US's own AIM-260, which are expected to top out at around 125 miles.

What advantages does the missile's high altitude launch provide?

A high altitude launch provides the missile with a significant advantage in terms of range due to the increased potential for gliding and the ability to utilize the Earth's curvature to maintain a longer line-of-sight to the target.

How might the missile's networked guidance system impact its effectiveness?

The networked guidance system allows the missile to be guided by third-party targeting, which can enhance its effectiveness by allowing other aircraft to designate targets, especially when the launching aircraft does not have a direct line-of-sight to the target.

What are some potential targets for the new missile in a combat scenario?

Potential targets include AWACS-like planes, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, high-altitude drones, electronic emission gathering planes, dedicated anti-submarine planes, and even large bombers or cruise missiles.

How does the missile's development timeline compare to typical missile development?

The development of the new missile has been relatively quick, with the SM-6's existing framework allowing for rapid adaptation to an air-launched variant. Traditional missile development can take a decade or more.

What are some of the challenges associated with the missile's size and weight for aircraft?

The missile's large size and weight present challenges for internal carriage on stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. It may also limit the number of missiles that can be carried by non-stealth aircraft, affecting their overall combat loadout.