AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile

The AIM-9X entered service in November 2003 with the USAF (lead platform is the
F-15C) and the USN (lead platform is the F/A-18C). It included a substantial upgrade
to the Sidewinder family including the following features:

* an imaging infrared focal-plane array (FPA) seeker
* FPA seeker claimed 90° off-boresight capability
* FPA seeker claimed compatibility with helmet-mounted displays including the JHMCS
* new two axis thrust-vectoring control (TVC) system for inreased turn capability
* lower dtrag giving it improved range and speed
* an internal cooling system eliminating the need for launch-rail nitrogen/argon bottles
* demonstrated potential for a Lock-on After Launch capability

Utilizing the JHMCS, a pilot can point the AIM-9X missile's seeker and "lock on" by simply
looking at a target, thereby increasing air combat effectiveness. It also features an
electronic safe and arm device similar to the AMRAAM, allowing reduction in minimum
range and reprogrammable infrared Counter Counter Measures (IRCCM) capability, that
coupled with the FPA, provide improved look down into clutter and performance against
the latest intermediate-range Chinese missile.

Block II

Testing work on the AIM-9X Block II version began in September 2008. The Block II adds
Lock-on After Launch capability with a datalink, so the missile can be launched first and
then directed to its target afterwards by an aircraft with the proper equipment for 360
degree engagements, such as the F-35 and F-22. By January 2013, the AIM-9X Block II
was about halfway through its operational testing and performing better than expected.
NAVAIR reported that the missile was exceeding performance requirements in all areas.

In February 2015, the U.S. Army successfully launched an AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder from
the new Multi-Mission Launcher (MML), a truck-mounted missile launch container that can
hold 15 of the missiles.

General Characteristics: AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile

Contractor:
* Raytheon Company

Type:
* short-range air-to-air missile

Place of Origin:
* United States

Service History:
* 1956–present

Propulsion:
* Hercules/Bermite MK-36 solid-fuel rocket

Length:
* Length 9 feet 11 inches (3.02 meters)

Diameter:
* 5 inches (127.0 mm)

Weight:
* 88 pounds (85.3 kg)

Range:
* 0.6 to 22 miles (1.0 to 35.4 km)

Speed:
* Mach 2.5+

Warhead:
* WDU-17/B annular blast-fragmentation

Detonation Mechanism
* IR proximity fuze

Guidance System:
* infrared homing (most models)
* semi-active radar homing (AIM-9C)

Launch Platforms:
* aircraft
* naval vessels
* fixed launchers
* ground vehicles

Sidewinder Missile Development Video

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