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How many Phoenixes did an F-14 fire in a test salvo?

Short answer

Six: on November 21, 1973, in the trial known as six-on-six, an F-14 launched six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles within 38 seconds. The first Phoenix was fired at 31 NM. Four of the targets were hit, and the test achieved an overall success rate of 80%.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How many Phoenixes did an F-14 fire in a test salvo?
F-14A Tomcat over Iraq during Southern Watch

Six missiles in 38 seconds

The test took place on November 21, 1973. It was the final trial in the series, the so-called six-on-six shot. The F-14 launched six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles over a period of 38 seconds. The first Phoenix was fired at a distance of 31 NM.

The targets

The targets were three QT-33s — the remote-controlled version of the old jet trainer —, two BQM-34A aerial targets and one BQM-34E. Four of the targets were hit: two of the QT-33s, one of the BQM-34As and the BQM-34E. Those four simulated bombers and received direct hits. The result gave the test an overall success rate of 80%.

The Phoenix test campaign

Between 1972 and November 1973 an extensive test campaign was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the Phoenix's new capabilities. That series of air-to-air missile shots turned out to be the most expensive in history. In another of the shots, at extreme range, an F-14 engaged and shot down a remote-controlled target at 120 miles (193 km).

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