BlackLion213 Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 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 Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 Interesting, I also was under the impression that white missiles were AIM-54A.
Frisco1522 Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 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 Posted March 31, 2016 Author Posted March 31, 2016 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
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