AAM-4
| AAM-4 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile/surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | September 1999–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Unit cost | US$450,000 |
| Variants | AAM-4, XRIM-4, AAM-4B, AAM-4TDR, JNAAM |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 489 lb (222 kg) |
| Length | 12 ft (3,667 mm) |
| Diameter | 8 in (203 mm) |
| Wingspan | 30 in (770 mm) |
| Warhead | High explosive Directional blast-fragmentation |
| Warhead weight | 69 lb (31.3 kg) |
Detonation mechanism | 4-Quadrant Radar Proximity fuse, impact fuse |
| Blast yield | 16.2kg TNT Equivalent |
| Engine | Two-stage Solid-fuel rocket motor |
Operational range |
|
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.5 (5,063 ft/s; 1,544 m/s) |
Guidance system | Fuzzy guidance logic Mid-Course: Inertial guidance, datalink, SARH |
Steering system |
|
Launch platform | F-15J, F-2 |
| References | Japanese Ministry of Defense, MHI |
The Mitsubishi AAM-4 (Type 99 air-to-air missile, 99式空対空誘導弾 (99 Shiki Kūtaikū Yūdōdan)) is a medium-range active radar homing air-to-air missile. It is a modern beyond-visual-range missile developed in Japan and intended to replace the semi-active radar homing AIM-7 Sparrow missile in service. It has been operational since 1999. The main contractor is Mitsubishi Electric. The AAM-4 had a development cost of 36.2 billion yen. The 2010 AAM-4B was the world's first air-to-air missile with an AESA radar seeker, though the missile's fins are too large to fit in the internal weapons bay of the F-35 Lightning II.
In addition to its air-to-air capabilities, the missile can intercept cruise missiles and other ASMs. However it can only engage them from the front aspect, lacking sufficient energy to hit them from side or rear aspects.