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Subject: Should AIM 120D be developed with a rear attack capability?
westwords2020    7/5/2005 4:15:12 PM
In 2001 Aviation Week issue it was reported that research was underway to enable AMRAAM to execute a 180 degree turn employing thrusters and engage a threat to the rear. The target weight of the RCS was ten pounds. What do you think? Bomber defense missile? Fighter attack defense. AIM 120 C7 has a few inches of space for an RCS and would 'D' variant be the way to go?
 
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SpudmanWP    RE:Should AIM 120D be developed with a rear attack capability?   7/10/2005 10:59:08 PM
No need... The AMRAAM is a med range weapon. If an enemy get in his six at medium range, he will be toast soon enough because he will not know the enemy is there. Unless he has AWACS support, a pilot will not know of a medium range threat to his six till the enemy launches. However, there is a need for a 'rear-firing' AIM-9 class weapon. That is possible today thanks to the Python 5 and soon to be upgraded AIM-9x. The Python already has 360 degree coverage with LOAL (Lock On After Launch) and the AIM-9x has >180 degree coverage. Rumor has it that LOAL for the AIM-9x is in the works. These missiles can be launched to the forward arc and do a hard g-turn and lock on to the enemy wherever he is.
 
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