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AIM-9P Sidewinder

2024-11-25T13:12:50Z

U109038889: elaborated on the "usage in battles" segment

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9J Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9P Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

As an export version of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, the AIM-9P delivers performance akin to that of the AIM-9J that allows for the AIM-9P to be used as a dogfighting missile against low-manoeuvring aircraft.

The AIM-9P-3 was designated as the '''RB24J''' in Swedish service, and as the '''Flz Lwf 63/80''' in Swiss service.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''AIM-9P Sidewinder'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-5}}{{Specs-Link|a_5c}}
{{Navigation-Line|T-2}}{{Specs-Link|t2_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|t2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-1}}{{Specs-Link|f1}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_adtw}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_iriaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''RB24J'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB 35}}{{Specs-Link|saab_j35d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|saab_j35xs}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB 37}}{{Specs-Link|saab_ja37}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|saab_ja37d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|saab_aj37}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|saab_ajs37}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Flz Lwf 63/80'''}}{{Specs-Link|hunter_f58_switzerland}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 76.93 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 40 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The AIM-9P is an export version of the US AIM-9J sold to China mostly. The AIM-9P has the same performance as the AIM-9J used in the American tech tree. Except with the addition of radar slaving.

{{AIM-9 Comparison Table}}

== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-9P Sidewinder can be used in battle as an air-to-air missile. The missle is most effective during top down attack at ~2.1 km (1.3 miles) or ~1.9 km (1.18 miles) on direct rear aspect shots. It is heavily affected by altitude, being able to launch nearly straight up, at around 2.6 km and still have enough energy to hit enemy aircraft. You may have to fire the missle a bit closer when engaging fast aircraft such as the MiG-23 or the F-104.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 20G maximum overload
* Simple point-lock-shoot user usage
* Good seeker FOV

'''Cons:'''

* Limited range

== History ==

When the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] began to be put into production in 1976 to replace other Sidewinder variants as the United States' main {{annotation|IR|infrared}} missile,<ref name="WestrumPG1">Westrum 2013, p.196</ref> a need was created for Sidewinders to offer to the United States' allies that did not need or were not allowed access to the newest AIM-9 Sidewinder variants and their associated features such as all-aspect locking.<ref name="ParschAIM9">Parsch 2008</ref>

The '''AIM-9P''' Sidewinder missile was developed as a family of export missiles. Sponsored by the US Air Force, this variant was based off the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]/N variants, though would be updated multiple times incorporating new features and improvements.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="KoppAUSAIM9">Kopp 2014</ref>
[[File:RB24B_RB24J_RB27_RB28.jpg|right|thumb|x350px|none|A row of Swedish missile armaments for aircraft. A [[RB24J]] (Swedish designation for an AIM-9P-3) is seen second from the left.]]

;Variants of the AIM-9P:

* '''AIM-9P''' - The first version, which is an improved AIM-9J model with greater engagement ranges. It also incorporates solid-state technology for better reliability and maintainability. Deliveries of this missile started in 1978.<ref name="GlobalSecAIM9">GlobalSecurity.org "AIM-9 Sidewinder"</ref>
* '''AIM-9P-1''' - Introduces an active optical target detector with the DSU-15/B AOTD laser proximity fuze, replacing the old infrared influence fuze.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="GlobalSecAIM9" />
* '''AIM-9P-2''' - Introduces a reduced-smoke rocket motor.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="GlobalSecAIM9" />
* '''AIM-9P-3''' - Alongside the reduced-smoke rocket motor like the preceding P-2, the P-3 also includes a new insensitive munitions warhead and improved guidance and control section. Fuzing appears to be a mix of the original infrared fuze or the active optical target detector as the P-1.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="GlobalSecAIM9" /> The AIM-9P-3 is also the basis of the Swedish [[RB24J]] missile.<ref name="GoebelAirVectors">Goebel 2021</ref>
* '''AIM-9P-4''' - Introduces {{annotation|ALASCA|All-Aspect Capability}} features and technology of the AIM-9L variants.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /> However, it is considered less agile to the AIM-9L variant.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" />
* '''AIM-9P-5''' - Introduces {{annotation|IRCCM|Infrared Counter Counter-measures}} incorporated in the AIM-9M variant.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /> This model is also the basis of the Swedish RB74, or RB24L, missile.<ref name="GoebelAirVectors" />

More than 21,000 AIM-9P models were built during its production, though many were rebuilt AIM-9B/E/J. Despite being slated for export use, most of the missiles are in US Air Force inventory.<ref name="ParschAIM9" />

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* <nowiki>GlobalSecurity.org</nowiki> "AIM-9 Sidewinder." ''<nowiki>GlobalSecurity.org</nowiki>'', [https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/aim-9.htm Website]. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210402165614/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/aim-9.htm Archive]).
* Goebel, Greg. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." ''Air Vectors'', 01 Mar. 2021, [http://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Website]. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210402164339/http://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Archive]).
* Kopp, Carlo. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." ''Air Power Australia'', 27 Jan 2014, [http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Website]. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210402165256/http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Archive]).
* Parsch, Andreas. "AIM-9." ''Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles'', Designation-Systems.Net, 09 July 2008, [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website]. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210402165800/http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Archive]).
* Westrum, Ron. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Naval Institute Press, 30 Sep. 2013.

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-9H Sidewinder

2024-11-25T13:05:18Z

U109038889: added an extra pro (occasional flare rejection under .90km)

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9D Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9H Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4s}}

== General info ==

The AIM-9H is a further development of the AIM-9G, retaining all of the AIM-9Gs characteristics with a better tracking rate.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | '''Missile characteristics'''
|-
|'''Mass'''|| 88 kg
|-
|'''Guidance'''|| IR
|-
|'''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
|-
|'''Lock range'''|| 5.50 km
|-
|'''Launch range'''|| 18 km
|-
|'''Maximum speed'''|| 2.5 M
|-
|'''Maximum overload'''|| 18 G
|-
|'''Missile guidance time'''|| 60 secs
|-
|'''Explosive mass'''|| 3.53 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The AIM-9H, like all of its competitors, uses a high-explosive warhead to shower the target in shrapnel.

Similarly to nearly every missile in the game, a direct hit from the missile will most likely destroy the target aircraft either through the explosion itself or the resulting damage and/or fire.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The most similar thing to the AIM-9H is the AIM-9G, borrowing the same degrees of boresight and rocket motor, but the AIM-9H features a better track rate. Compared to the USAF Juliet model, it has a longer guidance time and motor burn time, but has a slightly lower G limit, making the Hotel inferior in dogfight scenarios but slightly more suited to ranged launches. It can be radar slaved, like the Juliet.

{{AIM-9 Comparison Table}}

== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-9H is most effective against unaware or occupied enemy aircraft from about 2.4 km or less (1.5 miles) from the rear or side aspects, able to tackle many opponents who are even attempting to evade the missile.

Depending on the encountered aircraft, the AIM-9H can occasionally lock an enemy aircraft from head-on, allowing a skilled player to launch said missile from the front.

Most players will be expecting an AIM-7 from your aircraft, so an AIM-9 would sufficiently confuse the enemy and net you a good hit.

Using the AIM-9H is situational however, as a misjudged shot could either result in a miss, or worse, a friendly fire incident. Good judgement and timing will net you many rewards, but the IR seeker will not differentiate between friend or foe when it matters most.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Long lasting rocket motor allowing for shots beyond 3 km
* Large seeker ring making off boresight shots more effective
* No G limit when launching the missile so you can launch the missile when turning at an high angle of attack
* Front-aspect locks are occasionally possible
* Occasionally rejects flares ~0.90 km and below (0.55 miles)

'''Cons:'''

* Small explosive warhead
* IR Seeker sometimes tracks friendlies

== History ==

{{main|AIM-9G_Sidewinder#History|l1=History of the AIM-9G Sidewinder}}

The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] variant of the Sidewinder was thought by some engineers at China Lake to be the pinnacle of Sidewinder designs. Compared to the preceding [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]], the AIM-9G introduced the "Sidewinder Expanded Acquisition Mode" (SEAM) that allowed the Sidewinder to be slaved to the aircraft's radar or perform a circular scan of around 25 degrees. Though some engineers thought the AIM-9G was perfect, others engineers involved with the Sidewinder project since its [[AIM-9B|inception]] like William McLean (originator of the Sidewinder weapon) and Walter LaBerge (Sidewinder's missile engineer) believed that the AIM-9G's reliability could be further enhanced.<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen">Westrum 2013, p.187</ref>

In December 1965, McLean and LaBerge (who is at the time employed by Philco-Ford) got together to consider options of improving the missile's reliability. One proposal was to convert all remaining missile electronic components to solid-state gradually. While the US Air Force was open to this gradual replacement of electronics into solid-state, the proposal to the US Navy by engineer Walt Freitag was instead a complete the transition to solid-state all at once.<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen" /> The tracking rate was improved from 12 degrees/second into 20 degrees/second to complement the missile's more powerful actuators. The new missile, designated the '''AIM-9H''', was introduced into the US navy service in 1972 at the tail end of the Vietnam War, though sources are mixed on whether they were used in combat before the US withdrawal in 1973. A total of 7,700 AIM-9H units would be produced between 1972-1974 by Philco-Ford and Raytheon.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref>

Projects after the Vietnam War to continue improving the AIM-9s led to using the AIM-9H as the basis of the improvements. China Lake started the program as the ''AIM-9H Product Improvement Package (PIP)''. The United States Air Force, also seeking a missile improvement from their [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] and [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]] models of the Sidewinder, became involved with the US Navy's AIM-9H PIP under direction the Pentagon. The variety of improvements input by both service branches led to the missile that would be designated as the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]].<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9L">Westrum 2013, p.191</ref>

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Parsch, Andreas. 2008. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Last modified July 09, 2008. [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107172850/http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Archive])
* Westrum, Ron. 2013. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]