Figure 2 - P-8250110

INTERCEPT PROCEDURES TEXTBOOK

Figure 2

Phoenix: Physical Characteristics

Length...........................13 Feet

Diameter.....................15 inches

Wingspan.......................36 inches

Weight........................985 pounds

Motor Burn Time.............27 seconds

Warhead......................133 pounds

Kill Radius.....................50 feet

Launch time.................3 seconds

A. Guidance and Control

The target needs to be illuminated by the fighter's radar, but does not require a radar lock.

The AIM-54 guidance is sophisticated enough to track a target based on updates provided in a

Track-While-Scan mode. Once launched, it goes through an initial and midcourse guidance

phase similar to that of an AIM-7. Terminal guidance is provided by the Phoenix's active radar

illuminating the target before impact. It also relies on hydraulics for control of the flight control

surfaces, but the system is a closed loop. Therefore, operational time is limited only by the

operational time of the battery.

B. Fuse

The AIM-54 has both a contact fuse and a proximity fuse, which will detect a target within

lethal range and then detonate. It also incorporates a safe and arm device that allows the missile

to travel a safe distance away before arming itself.

C. Warhead

The Phoenix carries a 133 pound, continuous-rod, high explosive warhead which produces an

expanding ring of steel that is lethal to 50 feet. This type of warhead is designed to cut off pieces

of the target such as the wings or the tail.

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