[XMAA] AIM-120 AMRAAM

AIM-120 AMRAAM (XMAA)

- AIM-120 AMRAAM Image A - AIM-120 AMRAAM Image B -

ORIGIN: (Real World)
United States of America

GAMES FEATURED IN:
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 05: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Ace Combat 06: Fires of Liberation

COMPATIBLE AIRCRAFT
EA-18G Growler, EF-2000 Typhoon, F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15S/MTD, F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-16C Block 60, F-22A Raptor, F-4X Phantom, F/A-18C Hornet, F/A-18E Super Hornet, Tornado F.3, XFA-24A Apalis, YR-99 Forneus.

OVERVIEW:
The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000. AMRAAM is a supersonic, air launched, aerial intercept, guided missile employing active radar target tracking, proportional navigation guidance, and active Radio Frequency (RF) target detection. It employs active, semi-active, and inertial navigational methods of guidance to provide an autonomous launch and leave capability against single and multiple targets in all environments.

The AMRAAM weighs 340 pounds and uses an advanced solid-fuel rocket motor to achieve a speed of Mach 4 and a range in excess of 30 miles. In long-range engagements AMRAAM heads for the target using inertial guidance and receives updated target information via data link from the launch aircraft. It transitions to a self-guiding terminal mode when the target is within range of its own mono pulse radar set. The AIM-120 also has a "home-on-jam" guidance mode to counter electronic jamming. With its sophisticated avionics, high closing speed, and excellent end-game maneuverability, chances of escape from AMRAAM are minimal. Upon intercept an active-radar proximity fuse detonates the 40-pound high-explosive warhead to destroy the target. At closer ranges AMRAAM guides itself all the way using its own radar, freeing the launch aircraft to engage other targets.

The AMRAAM is being procured for the Air Force, US Navy and America's allies. The AMRAAM program improves the aerial combat capabilities of U.S. and allied aircraft to meet current and future threat of enemy air-to-air weapons. AMRAAM is compatible with the Air Force F-15, F-16 and developmental F-22; Navy F-14 D/D ® and F/A-18 C/D; German F-4 and the British Sea Harrier aircraft. A small number of AMRAAMs were carried by F-15 aircraft during Operation Desert Storm, though none were used. The AIM-120 was redeployed to the Persian Gulf in 1992 for use on F-15 and F-16 fighters. In December 1992 an F-16 pilot fired the first AMRAAM in actual combat, shooting down a MiG-25 Foxbat during a confrontation over southern Iraq.

AMRAAM is a follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. The missile is faster, smaller and lighter, and has improved capabilities against low-altitude targets. It incorporates an active radar with an inertial reference unit and micro-computer system, which makes the missile less dependent upon the fire-control system of the aircraft. Once the missile closes on a target, its active radar guides it to intercept. This enables the pilot to aim and fire several missiles simultaneously at multiple targets. The pilot may then perform evasive maneuvers while the missiles guide themselves to their targets.

AIM-120A/B/C-5

Primary Function: Air-to-Air tactical missile

Contractor: Hughes Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Co.

Power Plant: propulsion Hercules/aerojet solid-fueled rocket

Length: 3.66m (12 ft)

Weight: 157 kg (345 lb)

Diameter: 17.8 cm (7 in)

Wingspan: 53.3 cm (21 in) 44.7 cm (17.6 in)

Finspan: 63.5 cm (25 in) 44.7 cm (17.6 in)

Range: 50-70 km (30-45 miles) 105 km (65 miles)

Speed: Mach 4

Guidance System: Active radar terminal/inertial mid-course

Warhead: 23 kg (50 lb) W-33/B blast fragmentation 18kg (40lb) WDU-41/B blast-fragmentation

Sources:
Global Security.org

Accreditation:
Noobie Kid for the image
Venom for the updated specs.

*Original Article by TornadoADV*