The AIM-120D has a range approaching that of the old AIM-54 Phoenix.
“...enables a pilot to fire the missile first and then aim it at a target.
“The pilot can shoot and then pass more information to the missile” via the data link to vector the missile to a target, Stoneman said during a briefing May 16 at the 2016 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. The missile’s 360-degree capability enables it to engage targets — even those behind the aircraft, he said.
On some planes, such as the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, pilots will be able to aim the missiles using sights built into their helmets.”
Incredible!
The Sidewinder Missile has been around since 1956, not “the ‘70’s”.
Yes, it was the better default air-to-air missile over the skies of North Vietnam, but it had been around a lot longer.
How long before one of these is told to surrender to the Iranians?
Making congress look stupid for trying to deadline the A-10 because of it’s age.
Give the A-10 to the Navy.