
mixelflick wrote:marsavian wrote:sferrin wrote:Is there anything that specifically states the F-35 can't use the AIM-120D? It seems a bit ridiculous that the F-22 and Super Hornet could use it to it's full potential but the F-35 can't.
The F-22 is currently testing the 3.2B software to allow it to use the AIM-120D, a missile variant that was specifically designed and specified for the Super Hornet to fully replace Tomcat/Phoenix functionality so it is no surprise it is the earliest aircraft cleared to do so
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-b ... -the-24286
Is that really so? The part about the 120D being specifically designed to replace the F-14/AWG-9 Phoenix functionaility?? If so, that makes a lot of sense. I'm assuming the SH radar will give it that 100 mile (or thereabouts range). And if that's true, will any fighter with a large enough radar plus AIM-120D have that range (i.e. F-15C/E)? How about our F-16's? With a much smaller radar, will it too carry the 120D even though it can't take advantage of its long legs?
Sorry for all the questions, but this is an important topic IMO. Especially when your air force is counting so heavily on winning fights BVR...
The F-16V/Block 70 with its AESA can spot a non stealthy small fighter target (3 to 5 sq m) like Su-35 over 100nm so it could theoretically launch an AIM-120D at the end of its envelope when it gets a target track assuming it already knows it's an enemy. So the originally cheap dogfighter armed up with sidewinders can end its life as a long range BVR stalker thanks to the advances in radar and missile technology plus its relatively low clean RCS. Any teen fighter with an AESA can use the full range of the AIM-120D. Even a standard non-AESA F-16 could fire an AIM-120D around its NEZ of 30-40nm taking full advantage of the improved pK of the missile at medium range.
The USN got extra range specified on the AMRAAM initially with C-7 and finally with C-8 aka D. This link is from 2006 and gives you the history around that time.
http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-120.html
The AIM-120C-7 (P3I Phase 3), development of which has begun in 1998, incorporates improved ECCM with jamming detection, an upgraded seeker, and longer range. The latter feature was specifically requested by the U.S. Navy to get a (somewhat) suitable replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix very-long range missile, which was then planned to be retired together with the F-14D Tomcat around 2007 (actual official retirement was already in September 2004). The AIM-120C-7 was successfully tested against combat-realistic targets in August and September 2003, and IOC was then planned for 2004. This has slipped somewhat, but as of early 2006, the AIM-120C-7 is beginning to be fielded. Equivalent to the -120A/B, there are also CATM-120C and JAIM-120C non-tactical variants of the AIM-120C.
The AIM-120D (P3I Phase 4, formerly known as AIM-120C-8) is a development of the AIM-120C with a two-way data link, more accurate navigation using a GPS-enhanced IMU, an expanded no-escape envelope, improved HOBS (High-Angle Off-Boresight) capability, and a 50% increase in range. The AIM-120D is a joint USAF/USN project, and is currently in the testing phase. First production deliveries are expected for December 2007. The CATM-120D is the inert captive-carry trai