Early deployments of the AIM-54C

[BlackLion213]

So....I previously stated that the AIM-54C didn't seem to show up in photos till around 1990 or 1991. The AIM-54C began manufacture in 1982 (more or less) and began introduction into the fleet in 1986. First deployment was with VF-2 in 1987.

 

However, every photo I found prior to the Desert Storm showed what appeared to be Tomcats carrying the AIM-54A based on the paint scheme. Here are two examples from VF-32:

 

1989 Cruise:

 

 

Desert Storm Cruise:

 

 

So totally different markings, grey body vs white, etc. I figured this meant that white-bodied missiles were AIM-54As while grey were AIM-54C.

 

However, here is a picture from VF-2 during their combat cruise to the Strait of Hormuz, the first USN deployment of the AIM-54C:

 

 

VF-2 was tasked with reporting in-depth reliability data for the AIM-54C on its maiden deployment. They were also charged with developing improved tactics to maximize the use of the AIM-54C against fighter targets, accounting for existing ROE, etc. This Tomcat is carrying the 1-2-3 missile loadout (1 AIM-54C, 2 AIM-7Ms, and 3 AIM-9Ms - asymmetric load).

 

I thought that is picture showed an AIM-54A based on the paint scheme.

 

Except...VF-2 deployment in 1987

 

The fine print shows this white-bodied missile to be an AIM-54C. :doh:

 

So grain of salt with assessing AIM-54 versions from distance photos, it seems that the paint scheme changed after ~1990. The color bands may have been slightly different shades of yellow and beige between the AIM-54A and AIM-54C, but that's pretty hard to judge in washed out photos from the 80s.

 

But I now know that the first AIM-54C deployment was in mid-1987 and from other reports, squadrons deploying to potential combat zones started carrying AIM-54Cs after that date (in higher threat areas).

 

Most training missile shots during the late 1980s were AIM-54As (and AIM-7Fs, AIM-9Ls, AIM-9Hs) to use up the inventory instead of the newer missiles.

 

I learned something new here and I like to share those things with my fellow Tomcat fanatics. :)

 

-Nick

[MBot]

Interesting, I also was under the impression that white missiles were AIM-54A.

[Frisco1522]

I learned something new here and I like to share those things with my fellow Tomcat fanatics. :)

 

-Nick

Please, never stop. I've learned so much from the stuff you and everyone else posts about on these forums.

 

And learning/talking about the Tomcat never gets old! :pilotfly:

 

Frisco1522

[BlackLion213]

Please, never stop. I've learned so much from the stuff you and everyone else posts about on these forums.

 

And learning/talking about the Tomcat never gets old! :pilotfly:

 

Frisco1522

 

Thanks Frisco. :)

 

I've learned more about the Tomcat in 2015 than any year before. Having the chance to discuss it in a group setting really helps with the acquisition of knowledge. It never gets old for me either.:thumbup:

 

-Nick