Q&A · 3:41:49-3:42:24

Could Sea Vixen carry twelve Sidewinders?

Twin racks might permit twelve Sidewinders, but eight missiles with two pylons left free are suggested as the more practical arrangement.

Question

Could an upgraded Sea Vixen carry twelve AIM-9 Sidewinders by doubling the missiles on each pylon?

Short answer

Possibly with twin racks, though eight missiles on four racks are suggested as more likely, leaving two pylons for other needs.

Notes

The proposed aircraft has three weapon pylons beneath each wing, giving six missiles with one on each pylon. Twin racks might permit twelve Sidewinders, although the original arrangement was designed around single missiles. Eight missiles on four twin racks are suggested as the more likely load. That would leave two pylons for other equipment, while the existing Red Top installation is recalled as a relatively large missile.