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Didn't exist at the time, but the AMRAAM doesn't require the launching aircraft to be using (or presumably even have) a radar. The launching aircraft just gives the missile the target's state vector before launch, which it could have gotten from another aircraft. The AMRAAM then flies to intercept the target, receives course updates if they're available, and then turns on its own radar when it gets close.

The state vector could even potentially come from an AWACS, although the angular resolution wouldn't be great. If the launching aircraft had an IRST system though, that is easily solved.

Incidentally, this basic capability is the present/near future of air combat. Modern but non-stealth aircraft hang back with their radars on. 50 miles or so in front of them are the AMRAAM equipped stealth aircraft getting datalinked targeting from the "quarterback" aircraft behind them. Tracks can be refined by having multiple radars observe the same target from different angles, and further augmented by the stealth aircraft's IRST system if it has one. The (stealth) launching aircraft can then immediately turn tail and run while the quarterback aircraft continues to provide midcourse updates to the missile.




This sort of datalinked network with aircraft up front with radar off, IRST on and launch capability feels like the future of BVR combat. Also add in an awacs to do IFF interrogation and declaring to the launchers as well.


There are a number of variations on this play. The simple ones are:

1. Stealth (F-35/F-22) squadron keeps taking turns "illuminating" using radar and spot for each other, toggling radar on and off.

2. AWACS / ground-based radar / MIG-31M provides targets and stealth comes in close to take them out.

3. There is a concept that flips #2 - stealth comes in and looks for targets, a large transport aircraft is converted into a "missile truck" and ripple fires on target from a distance, WITHOUT having to illuminate - there are missiles called AWACS killers which are pretty dangerous to #2. Note that ripple fires implies missiles with multiple means of targeting.

4. Drones can play the role of finding targets and recon-by-fire too.


It's really the present. This is a capability that exists and what is being trained now.


We've already had a JSF launch a missile from an Arleigh Burke over the horizon and guide it all the way to the target.

This stuff that was science fiction a decade ago is now reality.


The AMRAAM requires a fairly powerful transmitter -- usually a radar -- to send it those datalink updates.




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