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Mission
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile
carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an active
infrared guidance system. The Sidewinder was developed by the U.S. Navy
for fleet air defense and was adapted by the U.S. Air Force for fighter
aircraft use. Early versions of the missile were extensively used in
the Southeast Asian conflict.
Features
The AIM-9 has a cylindrical body with a roll-stabilizing rear wing/rolleron
assembly. Also, it has detachable, double-delta control surfaces behind
the nose that improve the missile's maneuverability. Both rollerons and
control surfaces are in a cross-like arrangement.
The missile's main components are an infrared homing guidance section,
an active optical target detector, a high-explosive warhead, and a rocket
motor.
The infrared guidance head enables the missile to home on target aircraft
engine exhaust. An infrared unit costs less than other types of guidance
systems, and can be used in day/night and electronic countermeasures
conditions. The infrared seeker also permits the pilot to launch the
missile, then leave the area or take evasive action while the missile
guides itself to the target.
 Background
The AIM-9A, prototype of the Sidewinder, was first fired successfully
in September 1953. The initial production version, designated AIM-9B,
entered the Air Force inventory in 1956 and was effective only at close
range. It could not engage targets close to the ground, nor did it have
nighttime or head-on attack capability. These shortcomings were eliminated
on subsequent versions.
The AIM-9J, a conversion of the AIM-B and E models, has maneuvering
capability for dogfighting, and greater speed and range, giving it greater
enhanced aerial combat capability. Deliveries began in 1977 to equip
the F-15 and other Sidewinder-compatible aircraft.
The AIM-9L added a more powerful solid-propellant rocket motor as well
as tracking maneuvering ability. An improved active optical fuze increased
the missile's lethality and resistance to electronic countermeasures.
A conical scan seeker increased seeker sensitivity and improved tracking
stability. The L model was the first Sidewinder with the ability to attack
from all angles, including head-on. Production and delivery of the AIM-9L
began in 1976.
The AIM-9P, an improved version of the J model, has greater engagement
boundaries, enabling it to be launched farther from the target. The more
maneuverable P model also incorporated improved solid-state electronics
that increased reliability and maintainability. Deliveries began in 1978.
The AIM-9P-1 has an active optical target detector instead of the infrared
influence fuze; the AIM-9P-2 added a reduced-smoke motor. The most recently
developed version, the AIM-9P-3, combined both the active optical target
detector and the reduced-smoke motor. It also has added mechanical strengthening
to the warhead as well as the guidance and control section. The improved
warhead uses new explosive material that is less sensitive to high temperature
and has a longer shelf life.
The AIM-9M, currently the only operational variant, has the all-aspect
capability of the L model, but provides all-around higher performance.
The M model has improved defense against infrared countermeasures, enhanced
background discrimination capability, and a reduced-smoke rocket motor.
These modifications increase ability to locate and lock-on a target and
decrease the missile's chances for detection. Deliveries of the M model
began in 1983.
The AIM-9M-9 has expanded infrared counter measures detection circuitry.
AIM-9X is a future variant currently under development.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air-to-air missile
Contractor: Naval Weapons Center
Power Plant: Hercules and Bermite Mk 36 Mod 71, 8 solid-propellant
rocket motor
Length: 9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Diameter: 5 inches (0.13 meters)
Finspan: 2 feet, 3/4 inches (0.63 meters)
Warhead: Annular blast fragmentation warhead
Launch Weight: 190 pounds (85.5 kilograms)
Guidance System: Solid-state, infrared homing system
Introduction Date: 1956
Unit Cost: Approximately $84,000
Inventory: Classified
Point of Contact
Air Combat Command, Public Affairs
Office; 115 Thompson St., Ste 211; Langley AFB, Va. 23665-2191; DSN 574-5014
or (757) 764-5014.
Above Information Courtesy
of United States Air Force
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