* AIM-54 Phoenix

The AIM-54 Phoenix is a radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missile ( AAM ), carried in clusters of up to six missiles on F-14 Tomcats, its only launch platform.

Both the missile and the aircraft were used by the United States Navy and are now retired, the AIM-54 Phoenix in 2004 and the F-14 in 2006.

The AIM-54 Phoenix, developed for F-111B fleet air defense fighter, had an airframe with 4 cruciform fins that was a scaled-up version of the AIM-47.

The pilot or Radar Intercept Officer ( RIO ) could then launch the AIM-54 Phoenix missiles when launch parameters were met.

AIM-54 Phoenix seconds after launch ( 1991 )

An AIM-54 Phoenix being attached to an F-14 wing pylon.

Both the F-14 Tomcat and AIM-54 Phoenix missile continue in the service of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, although the operational abilities of these aircraft and the missiles are questionable, since the US refused to supply spare parts and maintenance after the 1979 revolution ; except for a brief period during the Iran-Contra Affair.

* Vympel R-33 ( AA-9 Amos ), the Russian air-to-air missile most similar to the AIM-54 Phoenix

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Grumman F-14 Tomcat firing an AIM-54 Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile.

** Air-to-air missiles: AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder

* AIM-54 Phoenix, missile

* 2004 – The AIM-54 Phoenix, the primary missile for the F-14 Tomcat, is retired from service.

The AIM-54 / AWG-9 combination was the first to have multiple track capability ( up to 24 targets ) and launch ( up to 6 Phoenixes can be launched nearly simultaneously ); the large missile is equipped with a conventional warhead.

The Tomcat's AWG-9 radar was capable of tracking up to 24 targets in Track-While-Scan mode, with the AWG-9 selecting up to six priority targets for potential launch by the AIM-54.

Finally, the role was assigned to F-14 Tomcat, carrying AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.

It was never used operationally, but was a direct predecessor of the AIM-54 Phoenix.

The AIM-47 was used as a base for the AIM-54 Phoenix ( originally the AAM-N-11 ), intended for the General Dynamics F-111B.

The first air-to-air missile to introduce a terminal active seeker of its own was the AIM-54 Phoenix carried by the F-14 Tomcat, which entered service in 1972.

* AIM-54 Phoenix ( retired )-- range missile once carried by the now decommissioned US Navy's F-14 Tomcat.

** 2 × AIM-9 + 6 × AIM-54 ( Rarely used due to weight stress on airframe )

Engineering projects of historical or military significance developed at NSWC Dahlgren include the triggering device on the Hiroshima atomic bomb, the Norden Bombsight used on most American bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and B-29 Superfortress during World War II, the Standard missile used on modern United States Navy warships, and the warhead for the AIM-54 Phoenix.

The U. S. Navy may require a Meteor-class missile to replace the capability lost with the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix in 2004.

Its weapons system, the AIM-54 working with the AWG-9 radar, migrated to the new U. S. Navy fighter project, the VFX, which would become the F-14 Tomcat.

In contrast to the Navy, the USAF adopted neither the AIM-47 nor the AIM-54 operationally.

; AIM-54 ECCM / Sealed round: Had more capabilities in electronic counter-countermeasures.

: Because the AIM-54 ECCM / Sealed received no coolant, F-14 Tomcats carrying this version of the missile could not exceed a specified airspeed.

Two F-14 Tomcats of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force | IRIAF, armed with different types of air-to-air missiles, including AIM-54 Phoenixes.

* Directory of U. S. Military Rockets and Missiles: AIM-54

A US Navy VFA-103 Jolly Rogers | VF-103 Jolly Rogers F-14 Tomcat fighter launches an AIM-54 Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile.