Seek Bat Credit - via Andreas Parsch

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

General Dynamics AIM-97 Seekbat

In 1972, the USAF initiated a program to develop a high-altitude long-range air-to-air missile to counter the MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. The missile was based on the AGM-78 Standard ARM, and was designated as XAIM-97A Seekbat (sometimes written Seek Bat).

The Seekbat used a larger propulsion unit than the AGM-78, and supplemented the latter's radar seeker with an infrared homing device. The missile had to be locked on the target before launch. The AIM-97 was intended to be effective at altitudes up to 24000 m (80000 ft). Test firings of XAIM-97A prototypes against drones began in late 1972, but the program was short-lived, and was no longer active in early 1976.

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for XAIM-97A:

[1] Bill Gunston: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rockets and Missiles", Salamander Books Ltd, 1979
[2] R.T. Pretty (ed.): "Jane's Weapon Systems 1977", Jane's, 1976

Manufacturer: General Dynamics. Total Mass: 910 kg (2,000 lb). Core Diameter: 0.30 m (0.98 ft). Total Length: 4.57 m (14.99 ft). Span: 0.61 m (2.00 ft). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Infrared Homing. Ceiling: 24,400 m (80,000 ft).