AAM-4

Description

The AAM-4 is a Japanese Active radar homing Air-to-Air missile, introduced in Update 2.37 "Seek & Destroy". Usually referred to as the Type 99 Air to Air Guided Munition in Japanese sources.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• F-15J(M)

General info

Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.

Missile characteristics
Mass	222 kg
Guidance	ARH+IOG+DL
Band	I
Lock range	16 km
Launch range	100 km
Maximum speed	4.0 M
Maximum overload	32 G
Missile guidance time	100 secs
Explosive mass	16.18 kg TNTeq

Effective damage

The warhead on the AAM-4 is one of the most powerful warheads on a air-to-air missile and is sufficient to destroy or cripple almost any aerial targets with a single hit.

Comparison with analogues

The AAM-4 is often considered to be either a side grade or a downgrade of the AIM-120A also carried on the F-15J(M). It has one of the lowest drag of all ARH missiles, giving it better range. However, it is slightly less maneuverable than the AIM-120 and is generally worse in short to medium range engagements.

Usage in battles

The AAM-4 has excellent range, even better than the AIM-120A, though its slower acceleration and heavier mass gives it worse performance in close range dogfights. It can still be used at close ranges, without much problem, though it is not optimal when the AIM-120A is already guaranteed to be available. Additionally, the F-15J(M) already comes with the excellent AAM-3 IR missile which should be used for most short range engagements.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Low drag gives it one of the best range and long range energy retention in the game
• Powerful warhead
• Does not require further guidance after its internal guidance is activated

Cons:

• Generally worse maneuverability compared to other ARH missiles
• Outmatched at closer ranges by most contemporary missiles

History

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Media

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See also

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• reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
• references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

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