AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile which entered service with the US Navy in 1956 and subsequently was adopted by the US Air Force in 1964.
Operational range: 0.6 to 22 miles (1.0 to 35.4 km)
Warhead weight: 20.8 lb (9.4 kg)
Maximum speed: Mach 2.5+
Warhead: WDU-17/B annular blast-frag
Launch platform: Aircraft, naval vessels, fixed launchers, and ground vehicles
Guidance system: Infrared homing (most models); semi-active radar homing (AIM-9C)
Length: 9 feet 11 inches (3.02 m)
Dimensions
AIM-9X Next Generation Sidewinder. Heat-seeking air-to-air missile. Dimensions: Length 9 ft. 11 in., diameter 5 in., wingspan 13.9 in.
Unit cost
AIM-9 SidewinderIn service1956–present.
First use
The launch of the first AIM-9X missile took place in March 1999. Between 1999 and 2000, 13 separation and control test launches and 12 guided launches were performed from the US Navy's F/A-18 and USAF F-15 aircraft. Raytheon received the first low-rate initial production contract for AIM-9X in November 2000.
