The AIM-9X "Sidewinder" is the latest version in the American-made Sidewinder series of short-range air-to-air missiles, developed by Raytheon. Known for its exceptional agility and advanced targeting capabilities, the AIM-9X has become a cornerstone of modern air combat systems. This missile is a significant upgrade over its predecessors, incorporating advanced technologies that enhance its performance in air-to-air engagements and, uniquely, against ground targets.
Country users: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
Technical Data
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Design
The AIM-9X is 9.9 feet (3.02 meters) in length, with a diameter of 5 inches (0.13 meters) and a wingspan of 17.6 inches (0.45 meters). The missile has a launch weight of 186 pounds (84.37 kg). It features a sleek, aerodynamic body with rear-mounted control fins and forward-mounted guidance fins, designed to maximize maneuverability and stability during flight. While the exact range of the AIM-9X is classified, it is optimized for short-range engagements, typically within 20-22 miles (32-35 kilometers), making it highly effective in dogfighting scenarios and close combat engagements.
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Warhead
The AIM-9X is equipped with an annular blast fragmentation warhead, which is designed to effectively neutralize a wide range of aerial targets. The warhead weighs approximately 9.4 kg (20.8 pounds) and carries a high-explosive payload. The design of the warhead ensures maximum fragmentation upon detonation, which is critical for damaging or destroying highly maneuverable and fast-moving targets. The warhead is also equipped with an active optical target detector, which enhances its effectiveness by ensuring detonation occurs at the optimal point to maximize damage.
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Propulsion
The AIM-9X "Sidewinder" is powered by the ATK MK-139 solid-propellant rocket motor, which provides the missile with the necessary thrust to achieve supersonic speeds. The missile can reach speeds of approximately Mach 2.5, or around 3,060 km/h (1,900 miles per hour). This high-speed capability is essential for quickly closing the distance to fast-moving targets, ensuring the missile's effectiveness in short-range air-to-air engagements. The propulsion system's rapid acceleration and sustained speed allow the AIM-9X to excel in dogfighting scenarios, where speed and maneuverability are critical for successful target interception.
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Guidance System
The AIM-9X utilizes a solid-state infrared homing guidance system that tracks the heat signatures of enemy aircraft. The missile features a high off-boresight focal-plane array seeker, which allows it to engage targets even when they are not directly in front of the launching aircraft. The Block II variant includes advanced electronics, a datalink, and a lock-on-after-launch capability, enabling it to engage targets beyond visual range and behind the launching aircraft.
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Combat Use
The AIM-9X has been extensively used in air-to-air combat and has also demonstrated its capability in surface-launch missions. Its unmatched agility and advanced guidance systems make it a formidable weapon in dogfights, where first-shot, first-kill opportunities are essential for survival. The missile's versatility in engaging both aerial and ground targets further enhances its value in modern combat scenarios. Its integration into a wide range of platforms, including fighter jets and surface-to-air missile systems, ensures that the AIM-9X remains a critical asset in maintaining air superiority. The missile is designed for use on a wide range of aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35. Additionally, the AIM-9X is integrated into the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to provide a short-range layer of defense in surface-launch missions.
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