SD-10 vs AIM-120 (Latest versions)

[malikkhawar]

he SD-10 is outwardly very similar to the US-designed AIM-120 AMRAAM. The two share a comparable aerodynamic configuration, although with a length of 3.85m, a diameter of 20.3 cm and a weight of 180 kg the SD-10 is a little longer, wider and heavier than the AMRAAM. The SD-10 has four rear-mounted control fins that each have a very distinctive notch cut into their base. These fins are longer and more prominent than those of the AMRAAM and are cropped at an angle (rather than in line with the missile body). Four larger triangular fins are fixed to the mid-section of the missile. Internally, the leading edge of the centrebody fins is in line with the start of the missile's rocket motor. That motor is a variable-thrust sold rocket booster, that offers two levels of motive power for different sections of the flight envelope.
CATIC is known to be developing X-band and Ku-band active radar seekers, which may be intended for the SD-10. However the latest reports confirm that China has been co-operating closely with Russia's AGAT Research Institute, based in Moscow, and that AGAT is the source of the SD-10's essential active seeker. This joint development effort (perhaps with the name 'Project 129') has reportedly seen the supply of AGAT's 9B-1348 active-radar seeker (developed for the Vympel R-77, AA-12 'Adder') to China for integration with a Chinese-developed missile, the SD-10. Alternatively, technology from AGAT's 9B-1103M seeker family may be offered to China. Russia is also the source for the missile's inertial navigation system and datalink.
The SD-10 is claimed to have an operational ceiling of 20 km, with a maximum effective range of 70 km and a minimum engagement range of 1,000 m. The missile has a 40 g manoeuvring limit and, according to CATIC, it has been tested for a 100-hour captive 'live flight' life.

 

[abaseen99]

AIM-120A



The AIM-120A is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor in a WPU-6/B propulsion section. Before launch, the launching aircraft's fire control system programs the missile's inertial autopilot in the WGU-16/B guidance unit to bring it into a homing basket in the vicinity of the target. The autopilot can receive mid-course updates from the aircraft via a data link. The AMRAAM's WCU-11/B control section controls the missile in flight with the four movable tail fins. As soon as the target is within range, the AMRAAM activates its active radar seeker for autonomous terminal homing. The 23 kg (50 lb) WDU-33/B fragmentation warhead is detonated by an FZU-49/B fuzing system consisting of a "smart" (anti-clutter) proximity fuze and an impact fuze. The effective range of the AIM-120A of course highly depends on the firing parameters, and official performance data are classified. Typical quoted figures for maximum range vary between 50 km (30 miles) and 70 km (45 miles). For the lower portions of the AMRAAM's range envelope (minimum range is said to be 2 km (2200 yds)), where the mid-course guidance updates are not needed, the AIM-120 is a true fire-and-forget weapon.

Non-tactical variants of the AIM-120A are the CATM-120A captive-carry training missile, the DATM-120A for ground-handling training, and the JAIM-120A with telemetry electronics for test and evaluation purposes.

Although a few AIM-120As were deployed to the Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in early 1991, no AMRAAMs were fired in that conflict (officially, at least). The first combat use of an AIM-120A occurred in December 1992, when an F-16C shot down an Iraqi MiG-25 during Operation Southern Watch.

The AIM-120B, which was first delivered in late 1994, had a new WGU-41/B guidance section. It had software in reprogrammable EPROM modules, a new digital processor and other electronics updates. Non-tactical versions are the CATM-120B captive-carry and JAIM-120B test and evaluation missiles.


The AMRAAM P3I (Pre-Planned Product Improvement) program led to the AIM-120C, first delivered in 1996. The major new feature of the basic AIM-120C (P3I Phase 1) are the clipped wings and fins. Although this feature was introduced to allow carriage in the internal weapons bays of the F/A-22 Raptor, the -120C can also be used from other AMRAAM-capable aircraft. The guidance unit of the AIM-120C is upgraded to WGU-44/B standard. The first P3I Phase 2 missile is the AIM-120C-4 (first delivered in 1999), which has an improved WDU-41/B warhead. The AIM-120C-5 is a C-4 with a slightly larger motor in the new WPU-16/B propulsion section and a new shorter WCU-28/B control section with compressed electronics and ECCM upgrades. Deliveries of the AIM-120C-5 began in July 2000. It was followed on the production line by the AIM-120C-6, which features an updated TDD (Target Detection Device). The AIM-120C-7 (P3I Phase 3), development of which has begun in 1998, incorporates improved ECCM with jamming detection, an upgraded seeker, and longer range. The latter feature was specifically requested by the U.S. Navy to get a (somewhat) suitable replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix very-long range missile, which was then planned to be retired together with the F-14D Tomcat around 2007 (actual official retirement was already in September 2004). The AIM-120C-7 was successfully tested against combat-realistic targets in August and September 2003, and IOC was then planned for 2004. This has slipped somewhat, but as of early 2006, the AIM-120C-7 is beginning to be fielded. Equivalent to the -120A/B, there are also CATM-120C and JAIM-120C non-tactical variants of the AIM-120C.
The AIM-120D (P3I Phase 4, formerly known as AIM-120C-8) is a development of the AIM-120C with a two-way data link, more accurate navigation using a GPS-enhanced IMU, an expanded no-escape envelope, improved HOBS (High-Angle Off-Boresight) capability, and a 50% increase in range. The AIM-120D is a joint USAF/USN project, and is currently in the testing phase. First production deliveries are expected for December 2007. The CATM-120D is the inert captive-carry training version of the AIM-120D.

More than 12000 AIM-120 missiles of all versions have been built so far, including a significant amount for non-U.S. customers. The AMRAAM can be carried by all current U.S. fighter aircraft (F-14D, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F/A-22), and is launched from LAU-127/A, -128/A or -129/A CRLs (Common Rail Launchers), which can also be used for the AIM-9 Sidewinder.

 

[abaseen99]

AIM-120C5=157KG=105KM AIM-120C7=161KG=120KM AIM-120D =?=====180KM FRENCH MICA = 60KM= 112KG ISRAELI DERBY =50KM=118KG SD-10 = 70KM=180KG

 

[MastanKhan]

well i have talked to and listened few people who have experience or knowledge about BVR .What i have heard from them and concluded is BVR is not the only thing when it comes to war .they all said that having BVR is no doubt a psychological advantage over enemy but it doesnot mean that this sole advantage can give you air supremacy over enemy .Even the best of BVR missile has success rate of ~25%

Hi,

Most of them are listening but not respondiong to the actual question.

If such was the case about bvr's lack of enforcement---then the F 22 is a DUD----.

You have to look at @ what distance what is the so called kill ratio of the missile in question.

So---if for aim120C5---@ max range of 105 km---the kill ratio is 60%

and possibly at 75km this ratio changes to 95---99%.

So---now do the same to sd 10--at its max range of 70 km the kill ratio is 50 % and at 50 km it changes to 95-99%---

then the difference is very obvious---the missile with the longest reach / which also has better sensors will still have better results when shot in their 95% kill range.

There is so much BS about this issue---you people are educated people---have college degrees and have studied physics as well---so please someone just draw a graph of max range 105km---kill ratio at that range 60%----95-99% kill ratio range and distance 75 km---do this for all the major missile and you have the results---.

They talk about phoenix missile only good 25 % of the time is bull----if you fire it from 80--100 miles away okay it is----but why did you have to fire it from that far---- nobody was coming at you--why not find the results when this missile was fired from 50---40 or 30 miles away---that is what we need to find out.

Our concern needs to be----what is the 95% + kill range of the enemy's missile---and what is the 95% kill range of our missile---not considering other factors and then act accordingly---and find ways and means to counter that.

My concern is what is the 90% + max effective killing range of my enemy's weapons---max ranges mean nothing---.

Have you people looked at your cars speedometer lately---and what is the top end speed that you can actually drive at----.


"MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE---IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK---YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT"---Bob Woolmer

 

[Chogy]

It is only normal that these extreme-ranged, complex BVR missiles will not have the reliability and Pk that a simpler, short-ranged IR missile is going to have.

It's much greater than 25%, but I don't know that I'd ever say >95%. Even when launch parameters are perfect, a given % of ANY type of missile will simply fail at launch, have internal problems. But even the latest AIM-7 variants (especially the M) were lethal, and the AIM-120 and other more modern missiles even more so.

One of my favorite links just for the data... the last larger-scaled air war to date, from the first Gulf War 1991. Note that there were more AIM-7 kills than AIM-9.

A 2:1 ration, AIM-7 vs AIM-9. This shows that radar-guided missiles ARE very effective.

Gulf War I kills

 

[Chogy]

Double post

 

[SQ8]

Out of those kills..
The failure rate for the sparrow was still high..
Compared to the Aim-120..

 

[MastanKhan]

Hi,

What we are not taking into account is the difference in what was made yesterday and what is being manufactured today---today's technology and electronics are a million times more advanced than what was available in the 70's.

Truly---a conflict---an air battle between pakistan and india will set the standards of air combat for the future of the world---two adversaries---who will fight till death does them apart---high tech weapons and planes on both the sides---the world air forces would be watching with anticipation---.

A true battleground for bvr and high tech electronic warfare for two third world countries brandishing first world weaponery.

 

[Donatello]

Hi,

What we are not taking into account is the difference in what was made yesterday and what is being manufactured today---today's technology and electronics are a million times more advanced than what was available in the 70's.

Truly---a conflict---an air battle between pakistan and india will set the standards of air combat for the future of the world---two adversaries---who will fight till death does them apart---high tech weapons and planes on both the sides---the world air forces would be watching with anticipation---.

A true battleground for bvr and high tech electronic warfare for two third world countries brandishing first world weaponery.

Lets raise our hands and pray, that, such time of war never comes.
Both sides will lose badly.

 

[rockstarIN]

Hi,

What we are not taking into account is the difference in what was made yesterday and what is being manufactured today---today's technology and electronics are a million times more advanced than what was available in the 70's.

Truly---a conflict---an air battle between pakistan and india will set the standards of air combat for the future of the world---two adversaries---who will fight till death does them apart---high tech weapons and planes on both the sides---the world air forces would be watching with anticipation---.

A true battleground for bvr and high tech electronic warfare for two third world countries brandishing first world weaponery.

Not only that, it will see the Russian technology in BVR being put into battle in larger scale for the first time..

 

[m.faisalfani]

nice Brother

 

[Super Falcon]

i think SD 10 is god enough to destroy any indian jet but can it be jammed or not is a big question mark on the SD 10 missiles future

 

[MastanKhan]

Not only that, it will see the Russian technology in BVR being put into battle in larger scale for the first time..

Sir,

Please accept my apologies for not mentioning the russian technology---even though inadvetrantly, it was included.

 

[rockstarIN]

Sir,

Please accept my apologies for not mentioning the russian technology---even though inadvetrantly, it was included.

Sir,

I just post something which I thought is a point, knowledge sharing and a contribution in this open forum, what do mean by apologizing for that? I always think it is a good platform to share ideas, nothing more.

Rgds,

 

[Mani2020]

Posted from a Chinese forum ,using google translator

SD-10B will have a reduced volume weight
Although the excellent performance of SD-10A, but there are some of the shortcomings of the missile, and the United States in the distance AIM-120 Missile (AIM-120A weighs only 157 kg) than its larger size and weight obviously, so with smaller aircraft in combat a greater impact on its performance. 如配备在JF-17机翼靠近外侧的挂架时，需要挂架前伸以调节重心。 If equipped with the JF-17 near the outer wing pylons, the pylons need to reach to adjust focus. 还有一点不容忽视的是中国正在研制第四代战斗机，届时将采用内埋弹舱以提高飞机的隐身能力。 Another point should not be overlooked is the fourth-generation fighter aircraft being developed, will be buried inside the bomb bay used to enhance the aircraft's stealth capabilities. 如果体积较大，将直接影响中国第四代战斗机的载弹量，所以SD-10B作为一款未来将配备国产四代机的空空导弹除了要进行性能上的必要提升外，还要和AIM-120C系列一样，对导弹的体积和重量进行了一定的缩减，以提高导弹的适载范围和挂载能力。 If larger, it will directly affect China's fourth-generation fighter load of bombs, so the SD-10B made as a four generations of the future will be equipped with machine-air missiles in addition to the need to improve on the performance, but also, and AIM- 120C series, as the size and weight of the missile, which must be reduced to improve the relevance of the missile range and mount capability set

SD-10B may be equipped with the Active / Passive Composite Seeker

SD-10B is said the most striking is its use of the "active / passive" composite terminal guidance system, be pointed out that in the long range air to air missile with passive guidance capability, which is the source of interference guidance system, that is, the process of missile attack interference in the cast if the target, the missile guidance antenna conversion receiver interference signal to attack the source of interference. 不过从报道分析，SD-10B应该没有采用干扰源制导这种方式，而是使用了主/被动复合制导导引头，实际上SD-10B并不是第一个计划采用这种导引头的空空导弹，AIM-120就曾经计划加装被动雷达导引头，而俄罗斯也曾经研制成功研制出9B-1032被动雷达导引头，配备在R-27导弹上面，不过改进后的R-27只是单纯被动制导方式。 But from the reports and analysis, SD-10B should not be guided by the source of interference in this way, but the use of the Active / Passive Composite Seeker, in fact, is not the first SD-10B plan to use this air to air missile seeker , AIM-120 was planned to install a passive radar seeker, and Russia has also been developed successfully developed 9B-1032 passive radar seeker, is equipped with top of the R-27 missiles, but improved simply a passive R-27 guidance system

Source of guidance and interference is different from Active / Passive Composite Seeker add passive guidance system is to receive each other's airborne radar waves, requires a one-way passive receiver to receive signals, so the signal strength of radio signals over high bidirectional transmission of radar, this very on increasing the radar's power, under the radar range equation, radar detection range and the present transmission power is proportional to, and limited internal space for air to air missile, it is difficult to improve transmission power, so adding a passive radar guidance system can be improved to some extent terminal guidance radar detection range.

But its also great technical difficulties, the first frequency of the passive guidance system wide, less accuracy, especially in airborne radar target is a high speed, next-generation active phased array radar and uses flash and burst, etc. low probability of intercept mode, so the new primary air to air missile / passive guidance system requires the ability both to work simultaneously in order to improve target location accuracy.

There is limited space within the same missile body furnished master / passive guidance system is difficult, the current solution is the Active / Passive guidance systems share a common antenna to form a composite broadband antenna, and also solve the broadband antenna cover, high sensitivity Broadband receivers and other technical difficulties, in particular, there are two guidance systems work simultaneously to solve two kinds of guidance information, information fusion problem. 所以目前还没有相关系统投入实用的报道。 So there is no related systems into useful reports. 如果SD-10B真的配备是这种导引头，那的确是中国导弹技术水平一个重大的突破。 If the SD-10B is equipped with this is the true seeker, it is indeed a significant level of Chinese missile technology breakthrough.


Pakistan Air Force in the use of SD-10B from the air to air missiles means Xiaolong fighter will continue to use China's avionics system, the future Xiaolong fighter will be equipped with active phased array radar, in line with China forward in the ZDK-03 Pakistan-based early warning aircraft bound to a substantial increase in air combat aircraft performance, and the formation of a new generation of air combat system. 届时枭龙战机也将完全可以对抗装备有BARS无源相控阵雷达和R-77E中距空空导弹的印度空军苏-30MKI战斗机，从而大大改善目前巴基斯坦在印巴空军对比中的劣势处境。 Xiaolong fighters will also be fully equipped with BARS against the passive phased array radar and the R-77E air to air missiles in the Indian Air Force from the Su-30MKI fighters, which greatly improve the contrast of Pakistan Air Force in the India-Pakistan situation of disadvantage.

而单从性能上来看，SD-10B重量在180公斤左右，最大动力射程约100公里，作战性能应该与美军现役AIM-120C5相当，与美国最新型的AIM-120C7和在研的AIM-120D仍有较大差距。 And just from the performance point of view, SD-10B weight of 180 kg, the maximum dynamic range of about 100 kilometers, the U.S. military operational performance should be quite active AIM-120C5, and the United States, the latest model of AIM-120C7 and AIM-120D in the study of there is still a wide gap.