AAM shelf lives?

There is no standard figure, but 20 years is probably typical. If my memory is correct, sometimes a manufacturer will give a figure for total storage life, but will specify that a limited amount of testing or refurbishment must be carried out half-way through this period.

Missiles in storage go through local inspections and diagnostic tests every 18-24 months. Newer missiles get software upgrades during those inspections.

I do not know the frequency at which AAMs are sent to Depot for complete overhaul and rebuild.

Don’t know about air – MANPADS last around 10 years on the shelf. Maybe longer but then they might be dangerous to launch as the rocket fuel dries out and develops cracks. And batteries and electronics components also don’t last forever.

If I should estimate the on-wing time of a AAM I’d say a quarter or a fifth of being stored in a dark constant-temp+humidity bunker.

Flight hours also put them under stress. I’m pretty sure they can run out of hours on the wing before they run out of landings & take-offs, depending on flight profiles.

Think the number of take-off and landings is more critical to missile life.

Not sure if this topic has been covered before but here goes – does anyone know what are the average shelf lives of air to air missiles, if stored in conditions that are approved by their manufacturers and are not flown often?
Thank you.

http://www.robins.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123042131: about 15 years for an AMRAAM;

http://trishulgroup.blogspot.it/2009/07/r-77-bvraam-handlingstorage-procedures.html: (maybe) 8 years for an Adder.

that one reason why a good old fashioned fisty cuffs war is reqd now n then. its probably more cost effective to shoot and drop weapons at things than to dispose of them in a none violent way when the shelf life is up

One of the other factors affecting “shelf life” is how the AAM is carried. Internally on the F-22/35/Pak-Fa/J-20 will allow for a longer life without the need for a rebuild due to a lot less stress put on the AAM.

Here’s recent news of the adverse affects humid weather can have on components:

http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aIPL&ID=201203190022

Well nobody answered this post so, i think it’s 20-25 year