"A compact short range anti-radiation missile based on the AIM-9X."
― Weapon Description
The AGM-126 SideARM II is a lightweight, short-range Anti-Radiation Missile available to the AV-42C, F/A-26B, T-55 and EF-24G.
As with all anti-radiation missiles, the aircraft's ARAD system is used to select and engage radar-emitting targets. Compared to the AGM-88, the AGM-126 has less range, but is more maneuverable and can be carried in greater numbers.
The AGM-126 is notable for being lightweight, fast, and very maneuverable, much like the AIM-9, allowing it to quickly maneuver to targets and impact before the target can engage the launching aircraft.
Its uniquely wide lock-on arc allows it to engage targets further off-bore than any other anti-radiation missile. This trait is particularly useful for striking secondary targets while flying over an enemy radar emplacement or for engaging targets that are dangerous to approach directly nose-on, such as AAA.
As opposed to other anti-radiation missiles, the AGM-126 lacks a built-in INS, which can easily cause the missile to drift away from a target if the lock on an emitting source is lost, be that due to the radar shutting off or acquiring an STT lock on a target outside the AGM-126's field of view.
While holding the flight stick, use the thumb stick to slew the TAC over the desired radar contact. Push in the thumb stick to lock the target.
Position your target within the lock-on cone displayed on the ARAD screen.
Once in range, the Range Launch Authorization Lights will come on and the aircraft's Voice Warning System will announce: "Shoot!" Pull the trigger to fire the missile.
Variants
The AGM-126 can be taken in multiple different amounts on any of the three aircraft. Those include:
1x AGM-126: The least amount of AGM-126's that can be carried on one rack. Equipable on almost every compatible pylon.
Cost: $2700
Weight: 129 kg
2x AGM-126: Two AGM-126's put together on a single pylon. They are only capable of being carried on pylons with a large amount of space.
Cost: $5300
Weight: 248 kg
3x AGM-126: Three AGM-126's put together on a single pylon. The largest available amount on any compatible aircraft. Can also only be carried on pylons with a large amount of space.
Cost: $7000
Weight: 371 kg
Gallery
A single AGM-126 mounted to the wing of an AV-42C.