AIM-54 Phoenix vs R550 Magic
The AIM-54 Phoenix and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-54 Phoenix has a range of 190 km — 16:1 the R550 Magic's 12 km. The AIM-54 Phoenix reaches 6,174 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The AIM-54 Phoenix carries a 61 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 470 kg for the AIM-54 Phoenix vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The AIM-54 Phoenix uses Semi-active and active radar homing guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing. Unit cost is $0.477M for the AIM-54 Phoenix vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic. The AIM-54 Phoenix entered service 12 years before the R550 Magic (1974 vs 1986).
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1974, uses semi-active and active radar homing. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Hughes |
| Service year | 1974 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.5 million |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| Range | 190.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 5.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 470 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 61.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 4.00 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 380 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active and active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix has a longer range at 190 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 5.0 compared to the R550 Magic's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix carries a larger warhead at 61 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix is heavier at 470 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix is longer at 4.00 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-54 Phoenix and R550 Magic use?
The AIM-54 Phoenix uses Semi-active and active radar homing guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-54 Phoenix or R550 Magic?
The AIM-54 Phoenix entered service first in 1974, 12 years before the R550 Magic which entered service in 1986.