![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/AIM_4_HAFB_Museum.jpg/640px-AIM_4_HAFB_Museum.jpg&w=640&q=50)
AIM-4 Falcon
American air-to-air missile / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hughes AIM-4 Falcon was the first operational guided air-to-air missile of the United States Air Force. Development began in 1946; the weapon was first tested in 1949. The missile entered service with the USAF in 1956.
AIM-4 Falcon | |
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![]() AIM-4D Falcon | |
Type | Air-to-air missile |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1956–88 (AIM-4F/AIM-4G) |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Hughes Aircraft |
Specifications | |
Length | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
Diameter | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
Wingspan | 508 mm (20.0 in) |
Warhead | 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) |
Propellant | solid fuel rocket |
Operational range | 9.7 km (6.0 mi) |
Maximum speed | Mach 3 |
Guidance system | semi-active radar homing and Tail-chase engagement infrared homing |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/White_Sands_Missile_Range_Museum_GAR-1_Falcon_display.jpg/640px-White_Sands_Missile_Range_Museum_GAR-1_Falcon_display.jpg)
Produced in both heat-seeking and radar-guided versions, the missile served during the Vietnam War with USAF McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II units. Designed to shoot down slow bombers with limited maneuverability, it was ineffective against maneuverable fighters over Vietnam. Lacking proximity fusing, the missile would detonate only if a direct hit was scored. Only five kills were recorded.
With the AIM-4's poor kill record rendering the F-4D ineffective at air-to-air combat, the fighters were modified to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile instead, which was already carried on USAF F-4Cs, USN and USMC F-4 Phantom II and F-8 Crusader jet fighters. The Sidewinder was more effective in the fighter vs fighter role on the F-4 platform, and improved versions continue to serve the armed forces of the United States and numerous allied nations to this day.