Aim 9 Sidewinder

8/6/2019 Aim 9 Sidewinder

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AIM9 Sidewinder Versions

AIM-9, AIM-9A, AIM-9B

The original version was built in 3 almost identical versions, with the majority of missiles produced

being of the 9B variant. 80,900 were built by Philco (later Ford) and Raytheon, and a further

15,000 were built by a European consortium. The AIM-9B FGW.2 is a modification made to the

European missiles in the late 60s, incorporating a new seeker head designed by BGT with silicium

nose dome (silicium is - at infra red wavelengths- more transparent than glass), a cooled seeker

and solid-state electronics.

AIM-9C/D

The C and D models are both realizations of the same model (the SW-1C) built by Motorola and

Ford respectively, introducing the Rocketdyne Mk.36 solid motor providing for greater range, and a

new guidance system. The 9C was actually a SARH variant for the F-8 Crusader but proved to be

unreliable, while the 9D offered an improved nitrogen-cooled IR seeker with a magnesium-fluoride

dome. The 9D also offered a smaller field-of-view, faster tracking/reticle speed, detachable larger

fins powered by high-power actuators fed from a longer-burning gas generator, and a 22.4lbs

continuous-rod annular blast-fragmentation warhead replaced the old 10lbs one. Both IR or HFfuzes could be fitted.

AIM-9E, AIM-9E-2

The YF-16 and F-16 No.1, both with AIM-9E Sidewinders. Note the radar-less small nose of the YF on the left. (Tom

Collins photo)

The Echo expanded the engagement envelope at low altitudes through its new Ford seeker head

with Peltier (thermoelectric) cooling and new electronics - enabling faster tracking speed. The AIM-



9E has an improved guidance and control system, as well as a more aerodynamic nose. This model

provides greater range and enhanced low-altitude capability against maneuvering targets. Some E

models are equipped with reduced-smoke rocket motors and have the designation AIM-9E-2.

AIM-9G/H

The AIM-9G was the first firsion to include SEAM (Sidewinder Expanded Acquisition Mode),

basically an improved AIM-9D seeker head, but was quickly made obsolete by the AIM-9H. The

latter was the first model to offer limited all-weather capability, as well as solid-state electronics

and double-delta control surfaces resulting in a superior maneuverability compared to older

models. SEAM slaves the seeker head of the missile to the radar when in "dogfight" mode, which

enables the seeker head to be uncaged, slewed toward a specific target by the aircraft radar, and

made to track that particular target before being launched.

AIM-9J, AIM-9J-1, AIM-9J-3, AIM-9N, Rb 24

The AIM-9Js are rebu ilt 9E or 9B missiles, sacrificing range for speed. Detachable double-delta

controls were added, as well as solid-state electronics and a long burning gas generator. The J

model has an expanded target-engagement cone which enables it to be launched at any spot in

the rear half of a target aircraft rather than merely at its exhaust. The Dash-1 and Dash-3 are

improved versions and actually all-new. the AIM-9J-1 later became the AIM-9N. The Swedish AIM-

9J's are designated as Rb 24.

AIM-9L/M, AIM-9M-7, Rb 74

A close look at the teeth of the Wild Weasel: two 35th FW F-16C J-50s carrying HTS pod, 2x AIM-9P, 2x AIM-120, 2x

AGM-88, ECM pod, and 2x 370gal fuel tanks. (USAF photo)



The AIM-9L introduced yet another new guidance system making it a true all-aspect missile (which

means it doesn't need to be aimed at the exhaust of the target but can also lock on e.g. wing

edges heated by air friction), and an annular blast-fragmentation warhead surrounded by a sheath

of pre-fragmented rods. It uses a proximity-fuze, consisting of a ring of GaAs (Gallium-Arsenide)

laserdiodes and corresponding photodiodes. If the target is close enough to reflect the emitted

light back to the receiving photodiodes, the warhead is fired. This improved optical fuze increases

the missile's lethality and resistance to electronic countermeasures. Despite its basic design, the

all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder still remains a potent threat, exceeded in effectiveness perhaps only

by the Russian-built Molniya/Vympel R-73 (known in the West as the AA-11 Archer) which

combines aerodynamic and thrust-vectoring control systems. The Swedish AIM-9L's are designated

as Rb 74.

The AIM-9M 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-7 was a specific modification to the AIM-9M in response to threats expected in the

Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm theater of operation.

AIM-9P, AIM-9P-1, AIM-9P-2, AIM-9P-3, AIM-9P-4

Low-level Pakistani F-16A, armed with 2 AIM- 9P Sidewinders and 2 high-drag Mk.82s. (PAF photo)

The AIM-9P is either a B/E or J rebuilt or all-new and offers new motor, fuze and better reliability.

It 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-9P-4 adds all-aspect

capability to conversions.

AIM-9Q

AIM-9M with upgraded guidance/control section.

AIM-9R

The AIM-9R was originally funded as the AIM-9M Product Improvement Program (PIP). Under Pave

Prism, the research effort continued for enhanced clutter rejection, better aim-point selection,

increased field-of-view for tracking highly maneuverable or off-boresight targets and better IRCCM

(Infra Red Counter Counter Measures).

The seeker head incorporates a 3-gimbal stabilized optical platform bearing a new Imaging IR

(IRR) seeker with a focal plane array, which can lock on at greater ranges than any previousversion, a digital image processor and autotrack function, and the use of EPROM (Electronically

Programmable ROM) to facilitate software upgrades. The 9R also dispenses with the refrigeration

system, which was mounted either in the missile itself (USAF) or inside the launcher shoe (US

Navy versions). The USD $50 million development effort began in 1987, and the first 65 pre-

production IIR seekers were delivered to the US Navy in May 1990. Five out of the six first tests

were successful. In September 1991, the US Air Force dropped out of the AIM-9R program, arguing

that the $103,000 unit cost was too high (Unit cost estimates range from $70,000 according to the

Navy, to as high as $180,000.) The Air Force withdrawal put the full financial burden on Navy

budgets, leading to a decision in December to drop the AIM-9R altogether.

AIM-9S

AIM-9M with IRCCM deleted for Foreign Military Sales customers.

AIM-9X

The AIM-9X is the latest development in the Sidewinder family. Construction of the missile started

back in 1992 and introduction is foreseen between 2001 and 2004, when full rate production is set

to start.

The AIM-9X is a further and enhanced development of the M-version. It will solve the existing

deficiencies of the M-version on the field of high off-boresight angle capability, infra-red counter-

countermeasures and missile maneuverability. This will help the missile to keep track with existing

ait-to-air missiles available on the international market.

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Aim 9 Sidewinder