The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is actively exploring the deployment of the Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 174B, colloquially known as “Gunslinger,” as a principal countermeasure to hypersonic threats. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the US government to conceptualize, develop, and analyze an array of potential assets that could be seamlessly integrated into upcoming hypersonic defense technologies.
The anticipated capabilities from this program aim to deliver a “wide area effect,” complementing a range of current and future defense systems including the RIM-161 Standard Missile-3, RIM-174 Standard Missile-6, and PAC-3 MSE. These advancements mark a significant evolution in the defense landscape, particularly amid growing concerns over hypersonic capabilities demonstrated by adversarial nations.
The MDA’s interest in the AIM-174B is driven partly by its advanced compact design, which stands in contrast to the less agile Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). The SM-6 has been the only missile employed for hypersonic threat defense since its deployment in 2022, but it is hindered by its outdated MK 72 first-stage booster, which limits both its size and performance when launched from naval platforms.
Developed in collaboration with Raytheon, the AIM-174B aims to enhance the US Navy’s arsenal by introducing an air-to-air variant of the SM-6. This missile was officially introduced in July 2024 and has demonstrated significant compatibility with the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a supersonic multirole aircraft widely used by the Navy.
In terms of specifications, the AIM-174B measures approximately 16 feet (5 meters) in length and has a diameter of 14 inches (36 centimeters) and a wingspan of 62 inches (157 centimeters). It weighs around 140 pounds (54 kilograms) and is equipped with various cutting-edge features including an inertial guidance system, terminal active and semi-active radar homing capabilities, and multiple detonation mechanisms such as radar and contact/impact/proximity fuzes.
The missile is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor and reaches a top speed of Mach 3.5, equivalent to approximately 2,685 miles per hour (4,322 kilometers per hour), with an effective range of 130 nautical miles (approximately 150 miles or 241 kilometers).
Visual evidence of this missile system in action includes images of two AIM-174B missiles mounted under the wings of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, showcasing its mid-air readiness and operational versatility. As the MDA continues to refine its hypersonic defense strategy, the incorporation of the AIM-174B could significantly reshape the future of aerial defense capabilities against evolving threats.
