Country: United States Of America
Missile Type: Air to Air Missile
Service Status: Yes
Washington DC(Washington Insider Magazine) — The AIM-120 is an Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. It is also called and is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. This missile is capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. This missile is 7 in (18 cm) in diameter and uses active transmit-receive radar to guide the semi-active radar guidance.
Recent Use In Battlefield
The AMRAAM was used for the first time on December 27, 1992. It was operated when the USAF General Dynamics F-16D shot down an Iraqi MiG-25. This violated the southern no-fly zone. The missile has been returned from the flight line and was defective a day earlier.
On 28 February 1994, a Republika Srpska Air Force J-21 used the missile. It was shot down by a USAF F-16C while the missile was being operated over the UN-imposed no-fly zone over Bosnia. In that engagement, there were at least three Serbian aircraft that was shot down the USAF F-16Cs
On 18 June 2017, the US Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet was engaged and shot down a Sukhoi Su-22 that belonged to the Syrian Air Force. This missile was shot over northern Syria and used an AIM-120. An AIM-9X Sidewinder did not manage to bring down the Syrian jet.
In November 2021, the possible Foreign Military used the missile. The Sales contract was notified to the US Congress and informed about the provision to Saudi Arabia to get the new version of the 280 AIM-120C-7.
Buyers
The following countries have purchased AIM-120 AMRAAM
1.Turkey
On 24 November 2015, the Turkish Air Force F-16 shot down a Russian Su-24M strike aircraft with the AIM-120.
2. Pakistan
On 27 February 2019, India revealed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had used AMRAAMs during Operation Swift Retort.
3. Saudi Arabia
During the Yemeni War, Saudi Arabia used the F-15 and the Typhoon aircraft together. The Patriot batteries were also inserted in the missile to beat the Yemeni drones and missiles
4. Spain
On 7 August 2018, a Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon launched the missile in Estonia. There were no human casualties, but the use of the AIM-120 AMRAAM was unsuccessful
Specifications
- Length-12 ft (3.65 m)
- Diameter-7 in (178 mm)
- Warhead-High explosive blast-fragmentation
- Warhead weight-AIM-120A/B – 49 lb (22 kg) AIM-120C/D – 44 lb (20 kg)
FAQS
1.What Is The Range For An AIM-120 AMRAAM?
The operational range for the AIM-120 AMRAAM is:
AIM-120A/B/C-3/4 – 27 nmi (50 km) AIM-120C-5/6/7 – 57 nmi (105 km) AIM-120D – 86 nmi (160 km)
2. What Type Of Aircraft Can Launch An AIM-120 AMRAAM?
The AIM-120 be launched with the following aircraft:
Sea Harrier, AV-8B Harrier II, F-15 Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, KF-16, F-35 Lightning II, Northrop F-5S/T, F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado ADV, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, and P-8
3. How Much Does An AIM-120 AMRAAM Cost?
AIM-120 AMRAAM unit cost is estimated to be US$1,090,000 (AIM-120D FY 2019)
4. Is The AIM-120 Good?
The AIM-120 offers high maneuverability and speed. It is best suited for the medium-range air-to-air missile, because of its powerful engine and lightweight.
5. How Fast Does An AIM-120 Go?
The AIM-120 has undergone an eight-year test program. AMRAAM weighs 340 pounds and it has an advanced solid-fuel rocket motor that can achieve the speed of Mach 4 and a range of 30 miles.
6. What Will Replace The AMRAAM?
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is under development and is designed by Lockheed Martin. It will be operated to address advanced threats. It could be a supplement to the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
7. How Many G’s Can An AMRAAM Pull?
The AMRAAM can pull 30 Gs max and can turn the tightest at Mach 3 speed. The AIM-9X Sidewinder will be able to pull 60 Gs etc.
8. How Many AIM-120s Can An F-15 Carry?
The F-15EX can hold up to 12 AIM-120D missiles
9. How Many AIM-120 Can F-16 Carry?
The first guided launch of the AIM-7 was over the Point Mugu range, California, in February 1989. F-16(ADF) can carry six AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AIM-9 Sidewinder and the combination of all three missiles; can retain the M61 20 mm gun.
10. How Far Can An AMRAAM Go?
The operational range of AMRAAM is as follows: AIM-120A/B/C-3/4 – 27 nmi (50 km) AIM-120C-5/6/7 – 57 nmi (105 km) AIM-120D – 86 nmi (160 km)
Read More: AIM-7 Sparrow: Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
11. Is Meteor Better Than AMRAAM?
The key advantage of the Meteor over the AIM-120 AMRAAM is that it has a different propulsion system.
