Better Performance Increased Cost

Air-to-Air Missiles Push the Performance Envelope

Better performance, increased cost

Air-to-air missiles are getting better, but they're also getting more expensive. The latest generation of missiles can fly faster, farther, and hit targets more accurately than ever before. But they also come with a hefty price tag.

The new generation of air-to-air missiles

The new generation of air-to-air missiles includes the AIM-120D AMRAAM, the AIM-9X Sidewinder, and the MBDA Meteor. These missiles are all designed to hit targets beyond visual range (BVR). They use active radar homing to track their targets, and they can be launched from a variety of aircraft.

The AIM-120D AMRAAM

The AIM-120D AMRAAM is the most advanced air-to-air missile in the U.S. arsenal. It has a range of over 100 miles and can fly at speeds of up to Mach 4. The AMRAAM is equipped with an active radar seeker and can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile. It has a range of about 20 miles and can fly at speeds of up to Mach 2. The Sidewinder is equipped with an infrared seeker and can track and engage targets in all weather conditions.

The MBDA Meteor

The MBDA Meteor is a European air-to-air missile. It has a range of over 100 miles and can fly at speeds of up to Mach 4. The Meteor is equipped with an active radar seeker and can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

The cost of new air-to-air missiles

The new generation of air-to-air missiles is more expensive than previous generations. The AIM-120D AMRAAM costs about $1 million per missile, while the AIM-9X Sidewinder costs about $500,000 per missile. The MBDA Meteor costs about $1.5 million per missile.

The future of air-to-air missiles

The future of air-to-air missiles is uncertain. Some experts believe that the new generation of missiles will lead to a decrease in the number of air-to-air combat. Others believe that the new missiles will make air-to-air combat more lethal. Only time will tell what the future holds for air-to-air missiles.

Conclusion

Air-to-air missiles have come a long way in the past few years. The new generation of missiles is more capable and more expensive than ever before. It remains to be seen what the future holds for air-to-air missiles, but they are sure to play a major role in air combat for years to come.