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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-
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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)
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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
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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.