"Sujay Vijayendra" wrote in message
...
Anyone know why the AIM-54 Phoenix is carried only by the F-14?? Why hasnt
the air-force developed a long range air to air missile like the phoenix?
As
far as I know, the AIM-120 is about the longest range modern missile they
have in their arsenal.



The Air Force decided they didn't need anything longer rang than the
AIM-120. Since all new missiles were to be for both the AF and the Navy,
the AIM-155 which was the followon for the AIM-54 was cancelled in 1992.
Instead, the AIM-120 was to be used. T4eh AIM-155 was lighter and smaller
than the AIM-54.

The current AF AC did not have compatable elecrtronics for the AIM-54. And
the size and weight of the Phoenix didn't really work well for the F-16 nor
the F-15. The lighter AIM-120 fit the role that the AF decided it needed.
And it works on all Radar Fighters in both the AF and the Navy without
severe modifications.