AIM-174B Gunslinger

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	Weapon: AIM-174B Gunslinger Type: Air-to-Air Missile Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 2021 Overall Length (mm): 4700.0 Overall Length (in): 185.04 Weight (kg): 860.00 Weight (pounds): 1895.98

The AIM-174B, nicknamed "Gunslinger," is a very long-range air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon as the air-launched variant of the RIM-174 Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). Designed for the U.S. Navy, the missile entered operational service around 2024, with debut sightings during the RIMPAC 2024 exercise. It retains the SM-6's advanced radar homing and inertial navigation systems-active and semi-active radar guidance packaged in a solid-fuel rocket form-adapted for airborne launch from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, sans the SM-6's Mk 72 booster.

Production figures have not been publicly disclosed, but deployment began upon achieving initial operational capability in mid-2024. The AIM-174B has been publicly displayed aboard Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wings such as CVW-2 during RIMPAC and CVW-5 stationed in Japan, indicating forward deployment in strategic locations.

The missile's notoriety stems from its unprecedented engagement range-officially rated at **130 nautical miles (≈240 km)** with conservatively estimated reach of over **250 nautical miles (≈460 km)** at high altitude-and Mach 3.5 speeds, offering long-range BVR (Beyond Visual Range) capability in a compact air platform. It restores the U.S. Navy's long-range air-to-air strike ability not seen since the AIM-54 Phoenix and enables Super Hornets to threaten high-value enemy aircraft from safe standoff distances.

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