Description
The AIM-174B Gunslinger is a large, long-range air-to-air missile developed by the United States Navy to provide unprecedented area defense capabilities. Currently deployed on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, it is an air-launched configuration of the ship-based RIM-174 Standard Missile-6 (SM-6).

To adapt the shipboard interceptor for carrier-based aviation, the AIM-174B variant introduces key aviation-specific components, including a strong back and fin locks for safe carriage and employment on tactical aircraft, while omitting the heavy surface-launch booster. The missile utilizes the active radar seeker of the SM-6 to track and engage high-value targets at long ranges, providing critical capabilities to the carrier air wing.

General Characteristics

• Primary Function: Air-to-air missile
• Contractor: Raytheon
• Propulsion: Dual thrust, solid rocket motor
• Length: 16.5 ft (5.03 m)
• Diameter: 13.5 in (0.34 m)
• Wingspan: 42.7 in (1.08 m)
• Weight: 1,830 lbs (830 kg)
• Range: Classified
• Guidance System: Active radar seeker
• Warhead: Blast-fragmentation