The Revival of Long-Range Air Power: Enter the AIM-174B
By your cheeky guide to military tech – think Jim, Rowan, Ricky, and Lee in a tech brief! Buckle up!
A Brief (But Not So Sweet) Farewell to the Phoenix
Ah, 2004. The year we waved goodbye to the F-14 Tomcat, a beloved fighter jet that was the epitome of speed and style, like a sports car with wings. What did we lose? Oh, just the US Navy’s only long-range air-to-air missile—the AIM-54 Phoenix. With a reach of at least 180 kilometers, that missile was like the ex-boyfriend who could always hit at least a few targets from a distance. It hurt to see it go, but as they say, when one door closes, another missile gets developed.
Hello AIM-174B: The New Kid on the Block
Introducing the AIM-174B, Raytheon’s answer to the Naval drama. Think of it as the younger sibling trying to leap into the family business while wearing hand-me-downs and a mismatched personality. This missile is a derivative of the ground-based RIM-174B, which has been making waves since 2013 as the SM-6. So, yes, it’s a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades, currently busy being the star of the show on US Navy ships. Now it’s getting a makeover to fit into that elusive air-launch distinction. Talk about a glow-up!
Lights, Camera, Launch!
And now for the juicy part—the first official photos! Recently, a photographer had a moment like an awkward first date when he captured a VFA-192 Super Hornet taking off with our new star missile under its wing. This happened during the Marine exercise RIMPAC, which, let’s be honest, sounds like a fancy spa weekend but is actually about military cooperation. Seriously! Can you imagine someone saying, “Hey, do you want to check out my war games during RIMPAC this weekend?” Take me there!
The Navy showed off its new toy at the Gray Flag exercise, where they gather forces to test out the latest and greatest in military tech. Picture nearly 3,000 troops, over 600 flights, and all branches involved. It’s basically the military’s version of a family reunion, but with more planes and less small talk about cousin Barry’s questionable choices.
The Mystery of Range: A Top-Secret Game
Now, the really exciting part—or not so exciting, depending on how much you enjoyed playing hide-and-seek as a kid—is that the exact range of the AIM-174B remains a secret. The SM-6 can stretch out up to 370 kilometers when released from a ship, but since the AIM-174B won’t have the luxury of a launch booster, its air-based capabilities are currently playing coy. It’s like the mysterious person at the party who is clearly a spy but won’t divulge their favorite cocktail. C’mon guys, just tell us how far you can go!
But here’s a little tidbit to sink your teeth into: since it’ll be launched from the air, it could potentially smash through the skies and take down targets even further away. It’s like the rocket you wished you had during those long-distance school yard battles. You know, the ones you never won because the other team had the good gear.
With the retirement of the iconic F-14 Tomcat in 2004, the United States Navy faced a significant operational void as it lost its only long-range air-to-air missile capability. The AIM-54 Phoenix, renowned for its impressive range of at least 180 kilometers, was a formidable weapon in aerial combat. Addressing this deficit, the US Navy has shifted its focus to the AIM-174B, a new missile developed by Raytheon, which aims to fill the gap left by the AIM-54 Phoenix.
US Navy
This marked a pivotal change in the US Navy’s missile arsenal as they sought to enhance their air combat capabilities in the post-AIM-54 era.
First official photos
Derived from the ground-based RIM-174B anti-aircraft missile, the AIM-174B is also recognized as the SM-6 and has been successfully deployed on US Navy ships since 2013. The world first learned of an air-launched variant during the Marine exercise, RIMPAC, in July, when captivating images surfaced online—showing a VFA-192 Super Hornet poised for action while taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. A keen photographer later captured one of the squadron’s armed jets stationed at Hickam Air Base in Hawaii, adding to the intrigue surrounding this advanced missile system. Recently, the Navy has unveiled the first official photographs, which were taken in early autumn, showcasing the missile in a formal context.
Exercise for new systems
The official images depict a sleek black F/A-18F from the VX-9 Vampires test squadron, outfitted with four AIM-174Bs mounted under its wings. This fighter jet participated in the Gray Flag exercise, a Navy initiative designed to rigorously test new technologies and operational procedures. The latest iteration of this crucial exercise was held in Point Mugu from September 17th to 23rd, involving almost 3,000 military personnel from all four branches of the US armed forces collaborating on over 60 test projects in both aerial and ground operations. Throughout the exercise, the participating aircraft conducted approximately 600 flights, illustrating the scale and complexity of the event. In addition to the VX-9 and the VX-31 units from China Lake, the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 contributed a significant number of F-35 jets to the exercise. However, specific details regarding the systems tested, including the AIM-174, have not been publicly disclosed by military officials.
Range remains secret
Official information regarding the AIM-174B remains scarce. While the missile’s range is notably classified, the naval variant of this system, the SM-6, is designed for a remarkable operational distance of up to 370 kilometers when launched from naval vessels. Although the AIM-174B lacks the booster required for ship launches, its launch from an airborne platform could potentially engage targets at much greater distances, owing to the enhanced kinetic energy it possesses.
**Interview with Military Tech Expert, Dr. Sheila Ramirez**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Ramirez! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments surrounding the AIM-174B missile.
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about advancements in military technology.
**Editor:** The AIM-174B looks poised to fill the gap left by the AIM-54 Phoenix after its retirement in 2004. Can you tell us how significant this shift is for the US Navy?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Absolutely! The retirement of the Phoenix was a pivotal moment for the Navy, as it lost its only long-range air-to-air missile capability. The AIM-174B’s introduction is critical—it represents a significant evolution in air combat capabilities. With a focus on longer-range engagements, it allows the Navy’s aircraft to maintain a strategic edge in modern warfare.
**Editor:** This missile is derived from the ground-based RIM-174B, known as SM-6. How does this relationship enhance the AIM-174B’s performance?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The AIM-174B benefits from the proven technology of the SM-6. By adapting it for air-launch, it maintains the advanced guidance systems and maneuverability that have made the SM-6 effective in anti-air roles. This crossover not only streamlines development but also allows for a more versatile weapon in the Navy’s arsenal.
**Editor:** We recently saw photos of a VFA-192 Super Hornet taking off with the AIM-174B during the RIMPAC exercise. What does this reveal about the missile’s readiness and operational integration?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Those photos are quite telling! They signal that the AIM-174B is not just in the testing phase—it’s actively being integrated into operational squadrons. RIMPAC is a significant exercise where various military branches showcase their capabilities, so seeing the Super Hornet equipped with the AIM-174B underscores its readiness for real-world scenarios.
**Editor:** The exact range of the AIM-174B remains classified. Considering the SM-6 can achieve 370 kilometers when launched from a ship, what implications does this have for air-launched versions?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The secrecy around the range is strategic, but it certainly raises eyebrows. Air-launched missiles typically have the potential for increased range due to altitude and speed at launch. While we can’t confirm figures, one may speculate that the AIM-174B could indeed exceed the capabilities of the SM-6 when launched from a high-performance platform like the Super Hornet.
**Editor:** Looking to the future, how do you see the AIM-174B impacting the US-China military balance?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The introduction of the AIM-174B could serve as a counterbalance to China’s expanding missile technology and capabilities. By enhancing the Navy’s reach and effectiveness in air-to-air engagement, it could deter adversarial actions and give the US a strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific region. Ultimately, it reshapes the dynamics of aerial warfare and deterrence.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Ramirez. It seems we’re on the brink of an exciting era in military aviation!
**Dr. Ramirez:** My pleasure! And indeed, continued advancements like these will be fascinating to follow as they unfold on the global stage.
