The AAM-7, officially known as the Type 19 Air-to-Air Missile (19式空対空誘導弾) is a Japanese aircraft-launched missile used by the F-3 Shinden II. It was created as a successor to the Type 04 air-to-air missile, also known as the AAM-5.
Description[]
The missile uses a new kind of rocket engine, which controls flight via thrust vectoring to compensate for the lack of canards. Compared to the AAM-5, it has superior aerodynamic control and reduced air resistance, and boasts a range increase of 15 kilometers.
The Type 19 uses an imaging infrared system equipped with seven sensors, five designed to track through the infrared spectrum and two ultraviolet detectors. Guidance is mainly varried out through the UV sensors, which detect targets through sunlight reflection, tracking sources of heat such as integral parts. As it has high infrared resistance (IRCCM), it cannot be easily fooled by flares.
The missile has very high accuracy, which is augmented by a directional warhead with an active laser fuze. As most combat launches result in a successful hit, it has been said that the warhead and fuze could be removed to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engines[]
AAM-7s are powered by a newly developed filament winding multi-stage rocket engine. The engine uses a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced composite) coating, improving propellant efficiency and capacity. Combustion occurs through the combination of four propellants.
Each component combusts in four consecutive stages. The initial stage of "high-thrust mode" occurs after launch, and is followed by a reduction of thrust to prolong burning time to avoid problems related to sudden changes of velocity. The thrust steering system is placed near the low-combustion component to expose it to its lower temperature, thereby extending its life. The laser ignition device has a high electromagnetic resistance (EPM).