disconnectedradical wrote:I'll revive this topic because of some recent reading regarding the AIM-152 AAAM. There has been some contention that the Air Force opposed the AAAM since it won't fit into the F-22's weapon bays. This may be true for the Hughes/Raytheon submission, but the GD/Westinghouse submission of the AAAM has the same cardinal dimensions as the AIM-120. In fact, it might be even slightly smaller. I wondering if these would fit inside the F-22. Also, how would the performance of this missile be against fighters? It seems like a multi-pulse rocket motor can have quite an advantage in terminal maneuvering.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-152_AAAM
There were some potential issues regarding AIM-152 in Raptor's shallow bays. While the source you cite does indicate dimensions similar to AIM-120, remember that some of that was speculative, For example ACIMD is pictured in the article without mentioning that it is much larger than the Hughes entry. Also, the ranges look a bit low.
More importantly, while the dimensions cited may indeed be close, don't forget that the GD entry was designed to be fired from the tube it was delivered in, as part of USN's "wooden round" philosophy. I don't believe it was designed for free launch (missile ejected and lights up when clear of the aircraft. It launched more like AIM-9 (AIM launches either way). This, plus the size of the launch tube might be a problem for Raptor internal carry.
GD's multi-pulse, or boost-cruise-boost motor did have some good features both in getting range and in the endgame, depending on how far the missile had traveled to that point. OTOH, Hughes' rocket/ramjet combination would be powered all the way and would have plenty of available energy at that point as well, maybe even more (although it would be less agile at its minimum effective range). Both were designed to be highly effective against fighters except at the extreme end of their range.
Navy's requirement was that although only the F-14D could use it to full effectiveness, AIM-120 must be usable by all a/c that could operate AIM-7. That notwithstanding, USAF stated that the weapon should not be developed and even if was they wouldn't use it. I believe that in addition to the fit issue there were other things in play:
AIM-120 was a Navy missile. Historically AF doesn't like combat systems(rotary wing excepted) that it didn't develop or control. Usually it had to be forced into that by fiat (F-4) or circumstance (AIM-7); A-7 was an exception, but there was a war on.
F-22 development was beginning and AF's position was that no such weapon was needed because with the F-22 they could get close enough without being seen that extended range was unnecessary anyway. Besides, with their hundreds of F-22s they would be so awesome that no one else would need such a weapon since AF would have already wiped out everybody.
AF arguably also was concerned that AIM-152 might be a threat to F-22 funding. In addition to long range, it would have a high energy state through most of its flight, greater ability to operate in an ECM environment as well as multi-mode seeking. The fear being that maybe some might say that with a weapon like that the US could get by with evolved F-15s or the like. USAF strongly would move against anything perceived to be a threat to Raptor. It is instructive to go back some years and observe how USAF looked on F-35, its role and mission (remember the "F/A-22"?), and the capabilities that it would have, especially air-to-air taking advantage of F-35's larger bay. This attitude remained up until the point where it was clear that there was no chance of getting more than 187 (boo!). Then F-35 became the greatest thing there ever was.
As with almost everything, there's usually never just one reason.
Enough blathering by me; my hand's still not healed and using my elbows and nose is not really an option (probably wouldn't look any worse than my usual output, just more tiring.