First of all Sparrow is definitely NOT a 100Km weapon. At the
most optimal launch parameter, ie. high attitude > 30,000ft
launch by a high speed (probably a Mach 1 or higher) aircraft, the
most it has ever achieved is 75 km - that is when the missile
literally fall out of the sky from no more energy. At best, it can
do 50 Km on normal flight parameter, even shorter if the target are
constantly changing course.
Secondly, why use Amraam instead of Sparrow... many reasons, they
are:
1. Amraam is a lot smaller and lighter.
2. Amraam has an active radar, at approx. 15 km to the target
(maybe even slightly further, the onboard radar kicks in). The mid
course guidance is via data link and unlike Semi-active radar
missiles like the AIM-7s, the fighter does not need to "paint" the
enemy and thus opening itself to counter fire.
3. The -C version of Amraam has a much higher range than the
previous A and B version, and depending on which C version, eg. C5,
which has the longest range due to miniturising of radar and
electronics component, and enlarging of the fuel and rocket.
Other thing I want to point out is that Mica has been tested at
> 60km by the Taiwanese (actually hit a drone at that range not
drop out of the sky), thus the 28 miles figure is incorrect.
