View source for AIM-54 Phoenix

===Active guidance===
[[File:F-14A VF-1 launching AIM-54 Phoenix.JPEG|thumb|AIM-54 Phoenix seconds after launch (1989)]]

The Phoenix has several guidance modes and achieves its longest range by using mid-course updates from the F-14A/B AWG-9 radar (APG-71 radar in the F-14D) as it climbs to cruise between {{convert|80000|ft|m|-3|abbr=on}} and {{convert|100000|ft|m|-4|abbr=on}} at close to Mach 5. The Phoenix uses this high altitude to maximize its range by reducing atmospheric drag. At around {{convert|11|mi|km}} from the target, the missile activates its own radar to provide terminal guidance.<ref name="Directory">[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-54.html "AIM-54"] (2004). Directory of US Military Rockets and Missiles. Retrieved 28 November 2010.</ref> Minimum engagement range for the Phoenix is around {{convert|2|nmi|km|abbr=on}}; at this range active homing would initiate upon launch.<ref name="Directory"/> If the AWG-9 radar lost radar lock on a target before the missile had activated its own radar, the missile proceeded on a ballistic trajectory with no further guidance, known as 'going dumb'.