AIM-4 Falcon

AIM-4 Falcon
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

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.

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.