On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 23:32:30 -0500, "Sujay Vijayendra" wrote:

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.

No longer needed. The AIM-54 required a specific radar, etc. It was a fleet
defense fighter designed to take out squadrons of Soviet bombers which
carried long range anti-ship missiles. That threat no longer exists.

The AIM-54 and the AWG-9 radar were both, originally, USAF programs,
but as needs were assessed and platforms evolved, it became a
USN project.

Al MInyard