Missile AIM-120 AMRAAM
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missile |
| Sub-type | Active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon / Hughes |
Technical specifications
| AIM-120 AMRAAM | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive / Fragmentation |
| Diameter | 177 mm (7.0 in) |
| Span | 525 mm (20.7 in) |
| Length | 3660 mm (144.1 in) |
| Weight | 151 kg (333 lb) |
| Range | 50 km (31 mi) |
| Max Speed | Mach 4 |
Description
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is a modern beyond-visual-range missile used for air-to-air combat. Developed by Raytheon, it's one of the primary air-to-air missiles used by the United States and various allied air forces. Introduced in the early 1990s, the AIM-120 has replaced older missiles like the AIM-7 Sparrow for many applications.
The AIM-120 is launched from aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and the F-35, among others. Its guidance system combines inertial guidance with active radar or, in some variants, passive infrared guidance. A feature of the AIM-120 is its "fire-and-forget" capability, which means that once the missile is launched, it can guide itself to the target without requiring further input from the pilot.
Depending on the variant, the AIM-120 has a range that extends well beyond visual engagement distances, with later versions capable of reaching up to 180 kilometers. The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach speeds up to Mach 4. One of its standout features is its high maneuverability, which allows it to engage targets at different altitudes and directions.
The cost per unit hovered around $1.1 million to $2.4 million, depending on the variant and configuration. The AIM-120 has several versions, including the AIM-120A, B, C-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, and the more recent AIM-120D, each offering improvements in range, guidance, and lethality.
The AIM-120 has seen action in various conflicts and has a successful combat track record. However, its relatively high cost and the advancement of countermeasures like electronic jamming and flares have led to ongoing development to keep it viable against emerging threats.