Updated: 08Sep2020 # Purpose This presentation contains threat missiles and their usage against you. # AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile FROM THE F-18 Manual: The AIM-120 AMRAAM is an Active Radar-Homing (ARH) air-to-air missile that can self-guide to a target using the miniaturized-radar in its nose cone. The missile can also be guided by the Hornet’s radar in both Single Target Track (STT) and Designated Track While Scan (DTWS) modes. Because of the active seeker, the Hornet pilot can engage multiple targets at once and not be restricted to supporting the missile its entire time of flight. The AIM-120 is a medium range missile and can engage targets outside 20 nm. However, engagement range is highly dependent on target aspect, engagement altitude, launch speed, and post-launch maneuvers of the target. As such, the engagement range of the AIM-120 can be less than 10 nm in some situations. In close range air combat, the AIM-120 can also be launched in VISUAL mode with no need of support from the Hornet’s radar. Once the missile is launched, it will seek out the first target it detects within the AIM-120 reticle on the HUD. Be careful of friendlies! # AIM-7 Sparrow Air-to-Air Missile The AIM-7 Sparrow is a Semi-Active RADAR Homing (SARH) missile that requires the RADAR to be tracking the target in Single Target Track (STT) mode the entire missile time-of-flight (Home-On-Jam being the exception). The AIM-7 has a large warhead and can engage targets beyond visual range as well as in close combat. The AIM-7 can be a deadly missile in close combat when combined with the RADAR ACM sub modes. The AIM-7 also has the FLOOD mode that allows it to launch and guide on a non-locked target, and it has a LOFT option for extended range. The RADAR must be in Single Target Track (STT) mode in order to support guidance for an AIM-7. This can be done by pressing the Cage/Uncage button less than .8 seconds when there is an L&S target. Alternatively, you may press right on the Sensor Control switch when the RADAR is on the right DDI and the target TDC is already over the target on the RADAR. # AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air Missile The AIM-9 is a short-range, infrared-guided missile best used in a dogfight. It is fire-and-forget and can be used with and without a sensor-slaved lock. The primary indication of a seeker lock is a higher pitched lock tone and the SHOOT cue. The seeker can also be uncaged to ensure the seeker is tracking the target when it has first been sensor-slaved to the target. Note that the AIM-9 can be decoyed by flares and it’s a good idea to ensure you have a good seeker lock before launching an AIM-9 with flares in the seeker field of view. - AIM-9L = 9L. The first true all-aspect AIM-9 with a more sensitive seeker and limited forward quarter engagement capability. - AIM-9M = 9M. An improved version of the AIM-9L with improved seeker ability to detect and track medium to low aspect targets and improved counter-counter measure capabilities. - AIM-9X = 9X. The current version of the AIM-9 adds high off boresight capability, thrust vectoring, high flare resistance, and greater range.