PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE

PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE The PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE, shown in figure 1-10, was introduced into the fleet with the F-14 aircraft in 1974. The missile, along with the weapons control system of the F-14, can destroy hostile air targets with conventional warheads in all weather. The system can simultaneously track 24 hostile air targets and launch six missiles against six different targets. The missile has great range and intercept capability against high-speed, high- and low- altitude maneuvering targets. TORPEDOES The Mk-48 torpedo, shown in figure 1-11, is a long-range, deep-depth, wire-guided, acoustic homing torpedo. It is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high- performance surface ships. The Mk-48 can operate without wire command guidance and can use active or passive homing or both. When launched, it executes target search, acquisition, and attack procedures. If the Mk-48 misses the target, it will execute multiple reattacks. The Mk-48 is carried by all U.S. submarines, including strategic missile submarines that use it as a self-defense weapon. The Mk-46 torpedo is designed for launching from surface combatants and fixed- and rotary- wing aircraft. It is a primary antisubmarine weapon used by Navy surface ships. The Mk-46 is an acoustic homing torpedo operating in either an active or a passive mode. If a target is not Figure 1-10.—AIM-54A Phoenix Figure 1-11.—Mk-48 torpedo. 1-18