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What success rate does the Phoenix have in US Navy tests?

Short answer

The known figure comes from a specific trial, the six-on-six: four targets hit and an overall success rate of 80%. The six missiles were launched over a period of 38 seconds. Bomarc targets at Mach 3 and above 80,000 ft were routinely intercepted at about 50 nmi.

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

What success rate does the Phoenix have in US Navy tests?
F-14A Tomcat over Iraq during Southern Watch

An 80% hit rate in the six-shot test

In that trial all the missiles were launched over a period of 38 seconds. Four of the targets were hit: two of the QT-33s, one of the BQM-34A, and the BQM-34E. Those four simulated bombers and received direct hits. The test as a whole produced an overall success rate of 80%.

Targets at Mach 3 above 80,000 feet

The Bomarc targets used in the trials flew at speeds of up to Mach 3 and at altitudes above 80,000 ft. They represented MiG-25 "Foxbats". They were routinely intercepted at normal mission distances of about 50 nautical miles.

The 1972 to 1973 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 firings turned out to be the most expensive in history. The missile's actual range is classified.

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