The first image of the missile system on the US Navy's 'Murder Hornet' fighter jet has appeared. This image displays ten missiles, with the largest being the AIM-174B. This long-range air-to-air missile has an operational range of approximately 250 km, but it is suggested that the US has extended its range to 400 kilometers.
This is the first missile with such a long range added to the US Navy's fighter jets. With this missile, the strength of the US Navy and Air Force will increase significantly, enabling them to respond effectively in conflicts with Iran, Russia, China, or North Korea. Its range and speed make it extremely dangerous, making it a formidable challenge for any adversary.
Also Read: DRDO developing the father of missiles... the submarine-launched ballistic missile K-5, discover its power
Source: aajtak
The Power of the AIM-174B Missile
This 860-kilogram missile is 21.5 feet long with a diameter of 13.5 inches. Its fins have a wingspan of 61.8 inches. The nose houses a 64-kilogram high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead that is designed to incinerate any target it hits in the air. The missile operates on a solid-fuel rocket motor, propelling towards its target at an incredible speed of 4288 km/hr.
Also Read: Russia launched North Korea's Hwasong-9 missile on Ukraine... learn its power
The Might of the Murder Hornet Fighter Jet
The F-18 Super Hornet has a top speed of Mach 1.8, equivalent to 2222.4 km/hr, with a range of 3300 km and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet. It ascends at a rate of 228 meters per second and can accommodate 1 or 2 pilots. The jet is 60 feet long, has a wingspan of 44 feet, and weighs 14,552 kilograms.
Source: aajtak
Fighter jets are compared internationally on numerous ratings, with BVR (Beyond Visual Range) rating being significant. The Super Hornet has a BVR rating of 83% out of 100. In terms of weaponry, it scores 7.9 out of 10, 8.9 out of 10 in technology, and 9 out of 10 in avionics. For maneuverability, the Super Hornet scores 7.8 out of 10.
The Super Hornet is equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and a 20 mm caliber M61A1 Vulcan cannon. The US Navy can arm this fighter jet with four AIM-174B air-to-air missiles, four CATM 174B standard ERAMs, three CATM 120C AMRAAMs, two CAT-9X Sidewinders, one TGP, and one AN/ASG-34A(V)1 IRST21 Block 2 Pod.
