Heads-Up Display Modes 35 - Metaboli

88 Air-to-Air Missiles
ahead of the warhead detonation point.
Fuse Detonation Patterns
Note that modern AAMs contain a self-destruct mechanism in case the missile
loses lock or control.
The pilot selects a particular type of missile depending on distance to the target
and its maneuverability. Considering these characteristics, AA missiles can be
divided into long-range, medium-range, and close air combat missiles.
6.1. NATO Air-to-Air Weapons
6.101 AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-120 is the most effective, versatile air-to-air missile in service with
Western forces. It has the greatest range, widest performance envelope, and the
most capable guidance mechanism of any radar-guided missile in the West.
The launching F-15 must obtain a radar lock in STT or TWS radar modes. The radar
sets a “fly out” point for the missile. When launched, the missile uses inertial
guidance to fly to that point, where it activates its onboard radar and searches for
the target. As long as the F-15 maintains a radar lock, it updates the “fly out” point
to ensure the target is visible when the missile goes active. The radar relays the
updated coordinates to the missile via a secure data link.
If the radar loses lock, it stops transmitting guidance instructions to the missile. In
this case, the missile continues to the last coordinates it received and activates
the onboard radar. It will engage the target with the largest radar cross-section it
finds within its search pattern.
See the "HUD" chapter for details on targeting and firing the AIM-120.
AIM-120
Type: Medium-range, radar-guided, air-to-air missile
Weight, kg: 157
Length, m: 3.65
Body Diameter, m: 0.178
TNT Equivalent, kg: 22
Guidance: Command, inertial, and active radar
G Limit: 22