US Navy Reveals FA-18F with New AIM-174 Missile at Gray Flag

In a groundbreaking announcement, the U.S. Navy has revealed the first images of its F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet armed with the new AIM-174 long-range air-to-air missile. Captured during the “Gray Flag” exercise off Point Mugu, California, these photos signify a pivotal moment in American military technology, showcasing advancements in munitions and weaponry that are critical to modern defense operations.

Gray Flag 2024: A Showcase of Naval Capability

The Gray Flag exercise, conducted in 2024, featured the VX-9 “Vampires” test and evaluation squadron, which showcased its flagship aircraft, the F/A-18F Super Hornet, affectionately known as “Vandy 1.” This particular Super Hornet sports a striking black livery to commemorate the squadron’s 30th anniversary, echoing the classic designs of past VX-4 commander aircraft, including F-4s and F-14s.

During this exercise, the VX-9 Super Hornet was equipped with an impressive array of air-to-air munitions, including four AIM-174B missiles, three AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), and two AIM-9X Sidewinders. Additionally, it featured advanced targeting systems such as an ATFLIR targeting pod and an infrared search and track (IRST) system, integrated into a modified fuel tank.

Gray Flag 2024 was a massive undertaking, involving over 3,000 personnel from multiple branches of the U.S. military, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, along with international allies and industry representatives. The exercise included more than 600 aircraft sorties and tested 26 different systems across the expansive 36,000-square-mile Point Mugu Sea Range, managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD).

Capt. David Halpern, commodore of Naval Test Wing Pacific, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it fostered collaboration among diverse military, academic, technological, and allied partners. Halpern emphasized that Gray Flag 2024 marked the most extensive interoperability exercise to date, with the data collected poised to influence future military requirements, tactics, and procedures.

The AIM-174B: Redefining Long-Range Engagement

The AIM-174B missile represents a significant leap forward in air-to-air combat technology. Derived from the SM-6 missile, it is specifically engineered for long-range engagements, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.5. This advanced missile integrates active radar technology from the AIM-120, allowing it to track and engage targets from over 200 nautical miles away.

When launched from high altitudes, the AIM-174B’s range potentially exceeds that of the surface-launched SM-6, allowing the F/A-18F Super Hornet to engage threats with the same reach as naval vessels equipped with the SM-6. This development is crucial as it enhances the Navy’s tactical options and expands its operational capabilities in various combat scenarios.

The inclusion of the AIM-174B in the Gray Flag 2024 exercise underscores the Navy’s commitment to bolstering its arsenal in response to emerging challenges, particularly in the Pacific region. By leveraging the capabilities of the SM-6, the AIM-174B missile serves as a strategic asset within modern networked kill chains.

This long-range air-to-air missile enhances the interception capabilities of the F/A-18F Super Hornet significantly beyond that of the existing AIM-120 AMRAAM. The increased range allows Super Hornet pilots to neutralize threats well before they enter effective firing range, thereby enhancing both mission success rates and pilot safety.

The introduction of the AIM-174B missile and its deployment on the F/A-18F Super Hornet marks a significant advancement in naval warfare technology. As the U.S. Navy continues to innovate and adapt to modern threats, the capabilities offered by the AIM-174B will play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of naval operations in an increasingly complex global security environment.