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The AIM-54 Phoenix is the Navy's only long-range air-to-air missile. It's used to kill multiple air targets with conventional warheads. It can be carried in clusters of up to six missiles. The AIM-54 is used exclusively by the F-14 Tomcat.
Currently, three versions of the AIM-54 are used. These are the AIM-54A which entered service in 1974, the AIM-54C which entered service in 1986, and the AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed which entered service in 1988.
The AIM-54C (also ECCM) missiles have an Built-In Self Test (BIST). It can be selected in conjunction with Missile On Aircraft Test (MOAT). The AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile provides two major improvements compared to the AIM-54C. ECCM provides enhanced electronic protection and sealing the missile eliminates the requirement for aircraft supplied liquid thermal conditioning fluid during captive flight.
| Primary Function | Long-range air-launched air intercept missile |
| Contractor | Hughes Aircraft Co. an Raytheon Co. |
| Power Plant | Solid propellant rocket motor built by Hercules |
| Length | 13 feet; 3.96 meters |
| Diameter | 15 inches; 38.1 cm |
| Wingspan | 3 feet; 91.44 cm |
| Weight | AIM-54A: 1000 pounds; 453.6 kg AIM-54C: 1040 pounds; 471.744 kg AIM-54C ECCM/Sealed Missile: 1023 pounds; 464.033 kg |
| Range | 100 nautical miles 115 statue miles 184 km |
| Speed | 3,000 mph 4,830 km/h |
| Guidance System | Semi-active and active radar homing |
| Warheads | Proximity fuse; high explosive |
| Warhead Weight | 135 pounds 60.75 kg |
| Unit Cost | $477,100 |
| Date Deployed | 1974 |
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