Actually, I think an Imaging Infra-red seeker is ideal for a long range AAM. Typical ranges for a current active radar seeker are in the 15-25km range, so all long range missiles rely on inertial/datalink guidance to get them close to the target.

I seem to remember reading that Derby/R-Darter doesn’t have “inertal/datalink guidance.” I can’t believe it’s true, though.

A good IIR seeker should be able to reach at least 15-20km.

Well, the French seem to agree with you.

Mica-IR enjoys a unique market niche. Oddly enough, it appears that Mica-EM will be purchased in much larger numbers than Mica-IR. I would have thought that the cost advantages of an IR seeker would have moved the procurement equation in the other direction.

Perhaps the Mica-IR is perceived as too expensive as a Sidewinder/Magic replacement and lacking in capability as a BVRAAM?

If a two way datalink was fitted, then the seeker image could even be relayed back to the launching fighter for final confirmation of target identity though this would clearly increase cost.

How many seconds would the pilot have to make a final target identification?

More to the point, how expensive would the necessary optics be?