So I don’t think it is actually limited at least initially. Once AIM-54 stocks run low(as missiles age out of inventory) it may well have been restricted in order to reserve the capability but I don’t think this would have been a thing to start with.
IIRC, D model had different AIM-54 launcher from A/B model, LAU-132 had fairing but, didn’t function as coolant, and that’s why AIM-54A/C wasn’t available.
It’s gotten so bad I’ve resorted to looking for promotional stuff from Grumman on Ebay trying to find stuff about performance. (Through for-sale Grumman Brochures and Ads)
I’m finding it very hard to believe Grumman ever even said Mach 2.34 is the official top speed. They don’t have it recorded anywhere, yet it’s such a widespread, specific number. I’ll keep searching though.
Here’s some more cool stuff I found, none of it new.
Tbf, IMO isn’t HDN technically can lock against target flying away from you? Technically it’s still HDN lock if you are slower than the enemy that are flying away from you, there’s a reason they’re called “HPRF” while normal PD called MPRF.
