Editing AIM-54 Phoenix (section)

==Usage in comparison to other weapon systems==
The AIM-54/AWG-9 combination had multiple track (up to 24 targets) and multiple launch (up to six Phoenixes can be launched nearly simultaneously) capability, regardless of [[Weather|weather conditions]] or heavy enemy [[Electromagnetic warfare|electronic warfare]], known as jamming. The large {{convert|1000|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}} missile is equipped with a conventional [[warhead]].

The AIM-54 is designed for ejection launch, where a [[Pyrotechnics|pyrotechnic]] charge forcefully jettisons it from either a LAU-93 or a LAU-132 launcher before its solid propellant rocket motor ignites.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Raytheon AIM-54C Phoenix {{!}} Estrella Warbird Museum |url=https://www.ewarbirds.org/missiles/aim54cphoenix.shtml |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.ewarbirds.org}}</ref>

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On the F-14, four missiles can be carried under the fuselage tunnel attached to special aerodynamic pallets, plus two under glove stations. A full load of six Phoenix missiles and the unique launch rails weighs in at over {{convert|8000|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}}, about twice the weight of Sparrows, putting it above the allowable bringback load (which also would include enough fuel for go-around attempts).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kM8RUfGqYU0C&q=aim-54+%22bringback%22&pg=PA152|title=Carrier|last=Clancy|first=Tom|date=1999-02-01|publisher=Penguin|isbn=9781101002254|language=en}}</ref> As such, carrying six Phoenix missiles would necessitate the [[Jettison (aviation)|jettison]] of at least some of the Phoenix missiles if they were not used.  The most common air superiority payload was a mix of two Phoenix, three [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Sparrow]], and two [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|Sidewinder]] missiles.{{citation needed|date=July 2023|reason="Most common" not cited.}}

Most other US aircraft relied on the smaller, [[Semi-active radar homing|semi-active]] medium-range [[AIM-7 Sparrow]]. Semi-active guidance meant the aircraft no longer had a search capability while supporting the launched Sparrow, reducing [[situational awareness]].

The Tomcat's radar could track up to 24 targets in [[track-while-scan]] mode, with the AWG-9 selecting up to six potential targets for the missiles. The pilot or [[radar intercept officer]] (RIO) could then launch the Phoenix missiles once parameters were met. The large tactical information display (TID) in the RIO's cockpit gave information to the aircrew (the pilot had the ability to monitor the RIO's display) and the radar could continually search and track multiple targets after Phoenix missiles were launched, thereby maintaining situational awareness of the battlespace.

The [[Link 4]] datalink allowed US Navy Tomcats to share information with the [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C Hawkeye]] [[airborne early warning|AEW]] aircraft. During [[Operation Desert Shield (Gulf War)|Desert Shield]] in 1990, the Link 4A was introduced; this allowed the Tomcats to have a fighter-to-fighter datalink capability, further enhancing overall situational awareness. The F-14D entered service with [[Joint Tactical Information Distribution System|JTIDS]] that brought the even better [[Link 16]] datalink "picture" to the cockpit.

===Active guidance===
[[File:F-14A VF-1 launching AIM-54 Phoenix.JPEG|thumb|AIM-54 Phoenix seconds after launch (1989)]]

The Phoenix has several guidance modes and achieves its longest range by using mid-course updates from the F-14A/B AWG-9 radar (APG-71 radar in the F-14D) as it climbs to cruise between {{convert|80000|ft|m|-3|abbr=on}} and {{convert|100000|ft|m|-4|abbr=on}} at close to Mach 5. The Phoenix uses this high altitude to maximize its range by reducing atmospheric drag. At around {{convert|11|mi|km}} from the target, the missile activates its own radar to provide terminal guidance.<ref name="Directory">[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-54.html "AIM-54"] (2004). Directory of US Military Rockets and Missiles. Retrieved 28 November 2010.</ref> Minimum engagement range for the Phoenix is around {{convert|2|nmi|km|abbr=on}}; at this range active homing would initiate upon launch.<ref name="Directory"/> If the AWG-9 radar lost radar lock on a target before the missile had activated its own radar, the missile proceeded on a ballistic trajectory with no further guidance, known as 'going dumb'.