Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
AIM-97
UGM-96
GQM-98
Copyright © 2002 Andreas Parsch

General Dynamics AIM-97 Seekbat

In 1972, the USAF initiated a program to develop a high-altitude long-range air-to-air missile to counter the MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. The missile was based on the AGM-78 Standard ARM, and was designated as XAIM-97A Seekbat (sometimes written Seek Bat).

Photo: USAF
XAIM-97A


The Seekbat used a larger propulsion unit than the AGM-78, and supplemented the latter's radar seeker with an infrared homing device. The missile had to be locked on the target before launch. The AIM-97 was intended to be effective at altitudes up to 24000 m (80000 ft). Test firings of XAIM-97A prototypes against drones began in late 1972, but the program was short-lived, and was no longer active in early 1976.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for XAIM-97A:

Length4.57 m (15 ft)
Finspan108 cm (42.5 in)
Diameter34.3 cm (13.5 in)
Weight600 kg (1300 lb)
SpeedMach 3+
Ceiling24000 m (80000 ft)
PropulsionAerojet MK 27 dual-thrust solid-fueled rocket
WarheadBlast-fragmentation

Main Sources

[1] Bill Gunston: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rockets and Missiles", Salamander Books Ltd, 1979
[2] R.T. Pretty (ed.): "Jane's Weapon Systems 1977", Jane's, 1976


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Last Updated: 31 May 2002