caladain

Yeah, started out trying to source primary/secondary sources for the upcoming F14b in Warthunder on the Aim54c's reduced smoke motor, and it's turned into a general research rabbit hole (it's fascinating, and there doesn't seem to be much documentation out in the wild on it). I don't know what WT is going to do, but now I'm more interested in actually trying to piece together the history of the 54c.

Biggest difference (as you found) is the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-414A engines. They are underpowered compared to the General Electrics F110-GE-400 engines of the B, and more prone to compressor stalls (the loud banging). In general, the engine response time is different, and you need to be at full AB during take off from the carrier, vs the B's mil-power at take off. The B can also mount the LANTIRN targeting pod, which I believe the A can't (or won't be able to in the future, I don't fly the A that often :-D) That said, the TF30's have a faster top speed, but the F110's generally better in every other way.

I'd really like the PL-12 added an official option while this testing is going on, as I primarily test/fly on multiplayer servers, etc. Still love the Jeff, it's a great module.

Greetings! I hope heatblur or the folks here might be able to help. I'm searching for primary or secondary sources on the Aim54c's Mk47 Mod 1 motor. Specifically, on it's reduced smoke nature. Thus far I've only found one secondary source, "AIM-54A/C/C+ Phoenix - Archived 11/98" which has an offhand mention of the new 54c motor being reduced smoke, and the following indirect source (doesn't call out the 54c directly, more speaks of HTPB motors of the third generation being reduced smoke) "Solid Propulsion Enabling Technologies and Milestones for Navy Air-launched Tactical Missiles" I've found one test fire video of an Aim-54c in the documentary Top Guns: The Documentary, but it was taken at high altitude and I can't definitively say if it's just contrailing due to the launch altitude or due to the motor composition. Any help, or even direction on where to search for information, would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.