That seems like a lot of unnecessary mechanical complexity for a compact AAM though. I don’t recall any using such a design. More likely to be seen on large carrier rockets. Or some SAMs.
is that on the F35 ? in second photo
Yes, it’s the F-35C.
there are kinematic reasons on why it is used on rockets
and given the size of this missile the added complexity could be worth the kinematic gains
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one is an optimized AAM and the other is a stopgap naval SAM strapped to an aircraft.
less wingspan is not necessarily bad
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It could be that the missile is intended to glide at very high speed to the target. Like a hypersonic glide vehicle, but air to air instead of like HGV ballistic missiles.
finally something to properly replace the F14
i wonder if USAF will buy some or if they have their own stuff going on
Maybe. But also from the image it seems like the control surfaces are at the very end, so if it drops the first stage like normal orbital rockets from the end, it’s going to need TVC for terminal flight control.
pretty recent so very early development but they do have their own programs (and that is nmi not mi)
thats not the only option
AIM-424km
good thing USN uses nautical miles
your right so 785.248 km range
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😂 b-52 would carry it
There’s also some curious electrical tape here. Is it just covering some manufacturing defects or incidental damage, or is there something more interesting beneath? It could be an IR sensor for multi-mode guidance, but realistically you need something jutting out like the SM-2 Block IIIB for reliable tracking.
I was thinking of speed tapes, but it’s also possible they are covering something more interesting and sensitive beneath.
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Inb4, they’re gonna reject it because it’s a prototype missile.
sraam ingame though 👀
this is just the LRAAM