Are There Any Records of Air-to-Ground Missiles Being Used Against Aircraft or Air-to-Air Missiles Against Ground Targets?

Yes, there are historical instances of both air-to-ground missiles being utilized to target aircraft and air-to-air missiles being employed against ground targets. These cases, however, are relatively rare and often context-specific.

Air-to-Ground Missiles Targeting Aircraft

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) are primarily designed for targeting aircraft. For example, during the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese utilized Soviet-made SAMs to shoot down U.S. aircraft. The SA-2 Guideline missile, in particular, was notably effective in downing several American planes.

Tactical Air-to-Ground Missiles

In some conflicts, air-to-ground missiles have been used against aircraft on the ground. During the Gulf War, coalition forces employed precision-guided munitions such as the AGM-114 Hellfire to destroy Iraqi aircraft on the tarmac, effectively incapacitating their air force.

Unconventional Uses of Air-to-Air Missiles Against Ground Targets

AGM-88 HARM

While primarily designed as an anti-radiation missile to target enemy radar installations, the AGM-88 HARM has been used in air-to-ground roles, particularly against stationary ground targets that emit radar signals. For instance, during Operation Desert Storm, this missile was used to neutralize Iraqi radar systems.

Other notable examples include the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Although these missiles are primarily designed for air-to-air engagements, in exceptional circumstances, they can be adapted for ground targets. In the case of the AIM-120, it was theoretically considered for use against ground targets, though this is not its primary role.

Real-World Case Study: Guided Missiles Downing a Helicopter

A real-world example that showcases the versatility and adaptability of guided missiles in unconventional warfare involves a situation where an F-15E Strike Eagle was tasked with shooting down a Mi-24 Hind helicopter in 1991. Due to the lack of radar lock, the F-15E utilized a mounted laser designator to guide a Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) onto the Hind.

The bomb, equipped with a time-delayed fuse, penetrated the rotors and cockpit of the Mi-24 Hind. Upon detonation, the powerful blast disintegrated the helicopter. This incident exemplifies how advanced air-to-ground systems can be employed against airborne assets, often in a manner that deviates from their primary intended use.

Conclusion

The examples listed above demonstrate that while air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles are designed for specific roles, the flexibility and adaptability of modern military technology can lead to unconventional and innovative uses in the face of evolving warfare challenges.