Most Iraqi AAA ranged from short range 23mm to long range 130mm artillery. Small caliber weapons fire vast amounts of rounds and rely largely on this high number of shells to destroy the target. Large caliber weapons fire large shells, which contain an explosive charge (detonated at altitude) to scatter a great number of fragments. Most AAA systems rely on command and control communications and radar to help target enemy aircraft and are largely mobile. AAM Air-to-Air Missile. Most fighters are equipped with AAMs, which are used to destroy enemy aircraft. AIM A type of air-to-air missile. The AIM-7 (radar-seeking missile) and AIM-9 (heat-seeking missile) are widely used by US fighters. Alarm There are four conditions of alarm associated with possible nuclear, biological, chemical and/or conventional attacks. With the exception of the all clear signal, the alarms require the donning of protective gear and assuming defensive posture. See All Clear, Alarm Black, Alarm Red, Alarm Yellow. Alarm Black Nuclear, biological or chemical contamination is expected or present.
