PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE
The PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE, shown
in figure 1-10, was introduced into the fleet with
the F-14 aircraft in 1974. The missile, along with
the weapons control system of the F-14, can
destroy hostile air targets with conventional
warheads in all weather. The system can
simultaneously track 24 hostile air targets and
launch six missiles against six different targets.
The missile has great range and intercept
capability against high-speed, high- and low-
altitude maneuvering targets.
TORPEDOES
The Mk-48 torpedo, shown in figure 1-11, is a
long-range, deep-depth, wire-guided, acoustic
homing torpedo. It is designed to combat fast,
deep-diving nuclear submarines and high-
performance surface ships. The Mk-48 can operate
without wire command guidance and can use
active or passive homing or both. When launched,
it executes target search, acquisition, and attack
procedures. If the Mk-48 misses the target, it will
execute multiple reattacks. The Mk-48 is carried
by all U.S. submarines, including strategic missile
submarines that use it as a self-defense weapon.
The Mk-46 torpedo is designed for launching
from surface combatants and fixed- and rotary-
wing aircraft. It is a primary antisubmarine
weapon used by Navy surface ships. The Mk-46 is
an acoustic homing torpedo operating in either an
active or a passive mode. If a target is not
Figure 1-10.—AIM-54A Phoenix
Figure 1-11.—Mk-48 torpedo.
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