War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AIM-9G Sidewinder

2022-09-03T12:28:57Z

U133903657: fixed general info

AIM-9D Sidewinder

2022-09-03T12:23:15Z

U133903657: 16g, not 18g overload

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
[[File:Missile AIM-9D Fired.jpg|thumbnail|right|x250px|An AIM-9D being fired.]]

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9D Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9D 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 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


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

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4k}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4m_fgr2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f8u-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Mirage}}{{Specs-Link|mirage_3cj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

The AIM-9D is a member of the Sidewinder family of missiles. It incorporates a number of improvements over the [[AIM-9B]], from which it was developed. It should be noted that the [[AIM-9E]] was also a development of the AIM-9B rather than the AIM-9D; while the AIM-9D was developed for the US Navy, the AIM-9E was a separate development for the US Air Force. In game the AIM-9D is distinctly different from the [[AIM-9E]]. Due to its excellent characteristics, AIM-9D is decent in short-range combat, but where it really excels is at range; the long-burning engine gives AIM-9D good range and it can easily take opponents by surprise. Once activated, the missile search will last for a period of 20 seconds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 88 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 16 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 4.69 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

Like the AIM-9B & AIM-9E Sidewinders the AIM-9D is fitted with a 4.5 kg TNT warhead and 5 m proximity fuse. This amount of explosive mass is in the vast majority of cases enough to either outright destroy an enemy aircraft or cause non-survivable critical damage. There are some occasions where an enemy aircraft can survive a hit and make it back to base. If this is the case, however, they will be crippled, out of the fight, and an easy kill.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

==== Compared to other Sidewinders ====
The AIM-9D is a substantial improvement over the [[AIM-9B]]. The key improvements are:

* More effective fins
* Overload of 16 G instead of 10 G
* Rocket motor burns for 3.5 instead of 2.1 seconds
* Max speed of 1,000 m/s instead of 800 m/s
* Better IR seeker range
* Better tracking rate
* Smaller seeker circle

These changes make the AIM-9D a far superior all round missile. Once the missile is launched it tracks targets much better than the AIM-9B and has far superior speed and range. The only downside is that the AIM-9D’s seeker circle is actually smaller than that of the AIM-9B, which means you must be pointing slightly closer to an aircraft to get a lock.

The AIM-9D is very similar to the [[AIM-9E]], with the following key differences:

* More effective fins
* Overload of 16 G instead of 10 G
* Rocket motor burns for 3.5 instead of 2.1 seconds
* Max speed of 1,000 m/s instead of 800 m/s
* No uncaged seeker

The increased overload and improved fins mean the AIM-9D can track targets better than the AIM-9E. The other changes mean that the AIM-9D has a far superior effective range than the AIM-9E. While both missiles can theoretically fly 18,000 m from their point of launch; the AIM-9D's much longer burning motor and higher maximum speed means that it holds its speed much better at longer ranges and can remain effective at ranges where the AIM-9E would have lost too much speed to do so. It is not uncommon for AIM-9Ds to be able to hit targets in excess of 3- 5km from their point of launch (an even in excess of 7 km some times, depending on the conditions). However, unlike the AIM-9E, the AIM-9D does not have an uncaged seeker and therefore players cannot “lead” the missile.

==== Compared to other missiles ====
Compared to the Russian [[R-60]], the AIM-9D is a very different missile with a different playstyle. The R-60 has more effective fins than the AIM-9D, a higher maximum overload, and a much higher tracking rate (more than double that of the AIM-9D). All this makes the R-60 a far superior weapon for short range engagements against manoeuvring targets. However, the AIM-9D excels at longer range engagements, being able to engage targets at ranges far beyond what the R-60 could ever hope to, even in ideal conditions. Under ideal conditions the R-60 has a maximum engagement range of around 3.5 km, however in combat the effective range is usually less than 2.5 km; by comparison under combat conditions the AIM-9D routinely take out targets at ranges in excess of 5 km, with even kills on targets as far away as 9 km having been observed in combat. The rocket motor on the R-60 burns for 0.5 seconds less than the AIM-9D, while also producing less than half the thrust, which coupled with its lower top speed and much lower flight time and flight distance limits severely restrict its range.

The incredible range of the AIM-9D is what distinguishes it from other air-to-air missiles in the game. It is also among the more manoeuvrable missiles currently available to jet aircraft.

== Usage in battles ==
What the AIM-9D truly excels is in longer range engagements. Ideally you should fire the AIM-9D at a target 2 km or more away from you. The AIM-9D has a stated maximum locking distance of 5 km; in practice this means that from the rear you can lock on to most non-afterburning jets at about 4.5 km; however as afterburners produce a lot of heat you can lock on to an afterburning jet as far away as 10 km (with a small possibility of even hitting them). The missile has decent manoeuvrability and may be launched at a closer range, but this increases the chance of the enemy seeing and dodging the missile; doing so isn’t fully exploiting the AIM-9D’s capabilities.

When engaging a target with the AIM-9D, further really is better (to an extent). The more distance the missile has, the better it is able to follow a flight path leading it to the target, and the more likely it is that the enemy will be unaware of your presence. Keep in mind that at higher altitudes, missiles gain more range due to lessened drag, so the higher you go, the longer the range of the missile gets. At lower levels, you can routinely engage targets located 3km away from you, and at altitude (>5000m), missile launches at 5km have a good chance of hitting (assuming the enemy doesn’t take evasive action). Although kills at 9 km have been observed, you are definitely "trying your luck" at those ranges, so it’s recommended not to try it.

At very short ranges (typically a bit less than 1,000 m) the AIM-9D can lock on to an afterburning jet from the front, while this is usually of little use (it cannot really manoeuvre at that sort of range and angle of attack), it can be useful in head-on attacks.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good range, can hit targets up to 4 km away from you
* Slightly more powerful and much longer burning (2.1 vs 3.5 seconds) rocket motor than the [[AIM-9E]]
* Has a very good 18 G overload

'''Cons:'''

* Tiny seeker circle, even smaller than that of the AIM-9B
* Has a much lower tracking rate than the [[R-60]], making it less effective at tracking targets in comparison

== History ==

===Development===
The missile's history starts at the Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) at China Lake in 1947.<ref name="Goebel2019">Goebel 2019</ref> Under William B. McLean, the missile conception sprang from mating lead-sulfide proximity fuzes that were sensitive to infrared radiation with a guidance system to home onto the infrared source.<ref name="HollwayFOX2">Hollway "The AIM-9 Sidewinder: Fox Two!"</ref> Initially his own private project, McLean eventually received approval by Admiral William S. Parsons for development.<ref name="Goebel2019" />These missiles were first test fired in 1951, with the first air-to-air hit was made on 11 September 1953 on a drone.<ref name="ParschAIM9">Parsch 2008</ref> This experimental missile would be designated as the ''XAAM-N-7''. The missile would also earn the name "Sidewinder" by the development team, named after the desert rattlesnake that senses its prey's heat and moves in a winding motion.<ref name="Goebel2019" /><ref name="HollwayFOX2" />

Initially a US Navy project, the US Air Force was urged into participating by Howard Wilcox, the next project lead after McLean was promoted to upper management at NOTS in 1954.<ref name="Goebel2019" /> This culminated in a shoot-off in June 1955 between the Navy's Sidewinder against the Air Force's GAR-2 Falcon missile. The Sidewinder's performance in this event resulted in the US Air Force putting their support in the Sidewinder.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /> By May 1956, the missile was officially adopted as the ''AAM-N-7'' for the US Navy and the ''GAR-8'' for the US Air Force.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="GervasiArsenal">Gervasi 1984, p.256</ref> These designation would remain until 27 June 1963, when the Sidewinder's designations were standardised across all armed services as the '''AIM-9'''.<ref name="ParschDesignation">Parsch 2020</ref>

===AIM-9D===
[[File:AIM-9B-9D-9C NAN3-71.jpg|x250px|right|thumb|none|A rack of Sidewinder missiles used by the US Navy. From top to bottom: [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]], [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]], and [[AIM-9C Sidewinder|AIM-9C]].]]

Recognizing the limitations the initial production [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|Sidewinder]] had, the US Navy set to work to improve the missile. The construction of the missile nose was changed into a streamlined ogival nose. The optical seeker was improved with a wider field of view, and the infrared seeker with a reduced field of view to downplay background noise.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="KoppAUSAIM9">Kopp 2014</ref> A new nitrogen cooling system was installed for the fuse, which enhanced head sensitivity for the missile.<ref name="HollwayFOX2" /><ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" /> Manoeuvrability was improved with a faster seeker tracking rate, as well as a new actuator system.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" /> The Sidewinder's missile range was improved with new Hercules MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor that allowed the missile to have a 18 km range.<ref name="ParschAIM9" /> Finally, a new Mk 48 continuous-rod warhead was fitted to the missile for increased lethality, which also allowed for an infrared or a radio proximity fuse.<ref name="Goebel2019" /><ref name="ParschAIM9" /><ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" /> These improvements were settled into the '''AIM-9D''' variant for the US Navy. About 1,000 AIM-9D units were produced between 1965 and 1969.<ref name="ParschAIM9" />

In 1963, the US Army's Missile Command (MICOM) were interested in the US Navy's development of the AIM-9D and looked into a possible conversion of the missile into a surface-to-air role. The feasibility was seen as possible by 1965 and so the US Army looked into making the AIM-9D the main armament of their ''Chaparral'' program.<ref name="ParschMIM-72">Parsch 2002</ref> These modified AIM-9D Sidewinders were delivered in 1967 and designated ''XMIM-72A'', which were later approved as the ''MIM-72A''.<ref name="ParschMIM-72" /> The only major difference to the missile is that only two of the four fins have rollerons (stabilising gyros), while the other two were made non-moving.<ref name="Goebel2019" /><ref name="ParschMIM-72" />

Continual improvements over the AIM-9D version eventually developed into the [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] in the 1970s.<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)]]

;Similar-performing missiles

* [[R-60]]
* [[R-60M]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Gervasi, Tom. ''America's War Machine: the Pursuit of Global Dominance: Arsenal of Democracy III''. Grove Press, Inc., 1984.
* Goebel, Greg. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." ''Air Vectors'', 01 Apr. 2019, [http://www.airvectors.net/avsdaam.html#m5 Website].
* Hollway, Don. "The AIM-9 Sidewinder: Fox Two!" ''HistoryNet'', [https://www.historynet.com/fox-two.htm Website].
* 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].
* 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].
* Parsch, Andreas. "Current Designations of U.S. Unmanned Military Aerospace Vehicles." ''U.S. Military Aviation Designation Systems'', Designation-Systems.Net, 30 March 2020, [http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/missiles.html Website].
* Parsch, Andreas. "MIM-72." ''Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles'', Designation-Systems.Net, 20 Feb. 2002, [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-72.html Website].

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-9H Sidewinder

2022-09-02T20:37:39Z

U133903657: see last edit

AIM-9H Sidewinder

2022-09-02T20:36:39Z

U133903657: Misidentified 9H as having Caged seeker instead of uncaged

AIM-9L Sidewinder

2022-09-02T14:18:18Z

U133903657: Added table under analogues comparison

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

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9L Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9L 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 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

The AIM-9L entered service in 1977 as the first Sidewinder with all-aspect capabilities. It was first used by a pair of F-14 Tomcats in 1981, successfully destroying two Libyan Su-22s. Its first large scale usage was by the United Kingdom during the Falklands War, with an 80% launch-to-kill ratio.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
* {{Specs-Link|ah_1z}}
* {{Specs-Link|ah_64a}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 84 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-Aspects
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 6 km
|-
| '''Lock range in all-aspect''' || 3 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 4.06 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

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

=== Comparison with analogues ===
The Lima variant of the Sidewinder is the first sidewinder since the Bravo variant to be jointly used by the USAF and the USN, and was jointly developed by the two branches as well. It is directly based on the USN AIM-9H, but features improvements utilized in the USAF AIM-9J, including a new radar-slavable uncaged seeker head. It features an intermediary payload between the two previous branches of Sidewinder, and an intermediary weight. Compared to every other Sidewinder in-game, it has a ludicrous maximum overload of over 30 Gs, 10Gs short of what it could pull in real life, an incredible motor burn time, a slightly longer rear aspect lock range, and is the only Sidewinder to feature all-aspect IR lock, although forward aspect locks are especially immune to flares.

{| class="wikitable"
!Missile Characteristics
!'''AIM-9L'''
!'''AIM-9H (USN basis)'''
!'''AIM-9J (USAF predecessor)'''
|-
|'''Mass'''
|84 kg
|88 kg
|'''76 kg'''
|-
|'''Guidance'''
|IR
|IR
|IR
|-
|'''Aspect'''
|All-Aspect
|Rear
|Rear
|-
|'''Seeker Head'''
|'''Uncaged (radar slavable)'''
|Caged
|'''Uncaged (radar slavable)'''
|-
|'''Tracking Rate'''
|'''20 deg / s'''
|'''20 deg / s'''
|16.5 deg / s
|-
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''
|'''6 km'''
|5.5 km
|5.5 km
|-
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''
|'''3 km'''
|N / A
|N / A
|-
|'''Launch range'''
|18 km
|18 km
|18 km
|-
|'''Maximum speed'''
|2.5 M
|2.5 M
|2.5 M
|-
|'''Maximum overload'''
|'''30 G'''
|18 G
|20 G
|-
|'''Missile guidance time'''
|'''60 s'''
|'''60 s'''
|40 s
|-
|'''Motor burn time'''
|'''5.2 s'''
|'''3.5 s'''
|2.5 s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|4.06 kg TNT eq.
|3.53 kg TNT eq.
|'''7.62 kg TNT eq.'''
|}
== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-9L is best used in rear-aspect within a 3 km range from the target. It is best used against targets who are unaware, do not have flares, or have low energy.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can pull hard with a 30G Max G-overload
* Up to 5 km in which the missile can turn (5.2 s of burn time)
* Retains the long range of the AIM-9D/G
* Occasionally completely ignores flares

'''Cons:'''

* Still fairly vulnerable to flares, especially when launched head-on
* Low track rate means it can be defeated by moderate manoeuvres

== History ==

===Development===
The experience with the AIM-9 Sidewinders in the Vietnam War and Yom Kippur War showed that there were still many improvements that could be made to the Sidewinder's performance. Low-altitude performance was poor due to environmental interferences on the Sidewinder's IR seeker, and the IR seeker was only able to attack from the rear to lock onto the engine exhaust of an enemy aircraft. Improving the Sidewinder's seeker capabilities to solve these issues became the key improvement for the next Sidewinder generation.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder">Kopp 2014</ref>
[[File:Cutaway_of_the_AIM-9L.png|x250px|right|thumb|none|An AIM-9L missile on display. The canard fin shape is the most distinctive external feature of the AIM-9L.]]

The United States Navy had their own development team within China Lake that set to work improving their Sidewinders, which has so far culminated from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] to the [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]], [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] and their latest [[AIM-9H Sidewinder|AIM-9H]]. The US Air Force had their own development of the Sidewinder splitting off from the US Navy's AIM-9B to the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] and [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]. The US Navy and US Air Force's Sidewinder models were not compatible between the two service branches due to differences in seeker cooling methods. The United States Air Force desired to continue their own missile program named "CLAW", which called for the use of smaller, cheaper missiles so more could be fired at a time. William Perry, the Defense Department's deputy director of research and engineering, disapproved of this path and told the US Air Force to work with the US Navy to work together on a common IR missile for both service branches. The US Air Force, therefore, cooperated with the US Navy's China Lake team to share specifications and technology to produce the next missile. The US Navy would designate this program as the ''AIM-9H Product Improvement Package'' (PIP).<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L">Westrum 2013, 191-193</ref>

The package prioritized improving the seeker with an indium antimonide seeker, which could detect the longer-wavelength infrared radiation given out of warm surfaces of aircraft parts, allowing the missile to obtain all-aspect capability (ALASCA) in acquiring targets.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Other improvements with the AIM-9H PIP were the long-span pointed double-delta canards, a new MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor, WDU-17/B warhead featuring double-layer continuous-rod scheme, and a DSU-15/B Active Optical Target Detector (AOTD) laser proximity fuse system <ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder">Goebel 2021</ref><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref> The cooling system was improved to a TMU/72/B argon-gas cooling system that was contained within the missile's seeker, which allowed for use on both USAF and USN missile launchers.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /> The one feature that complicated the US Navy and US Air Force cooperation with the missile was the reticle seeker, with the US Navy desiring an amplitude-modulated (AM) seeker while the US Air Force desired a frequency-modulated (FM) seeker. An AM-FM system was developed by Raytheon,<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" />, which allowed the Sidewinder to use both traditional AM reticle that is effective in cloudy backgrounds with the benefit of the FM reticle reducing seeker error signal inputs from the target's increasing size as the seeker gets closer.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Westrum_AMSeeker">Westrum 2013, 137</ref>
[[File:Breakout of the AIM-9L.png|x200px|left|none|thumb|An exploded diagram of the AIM-9L and its components.]]

Another improvement Raytheon introduced in the AIM-9H PIP was a rate bias that caused the missile to aim slightly ahead of an aircraft's hot afterburner. Issues arose when the missiles' rate bias adjusts too far ahead and missed the aircraft from the front. Consultation with General Dynamics revealed similar issues had arose during the development of the [[AIM-92 Stinger|FIM-92 Stinger]] missile, and the proper adjustments were made to solve the issue.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Sometime prior to 1975, the AIM-9H PIP would be designated as the '''AIM-9L'''. By 1975, the AIM-9L was tested in a joint navy-air force evaluation. Satisfied with the results, the AIM-9L missile was put into production in 1976 with both Raytheon and Ford Aerospace for a missile that was now jointly serving the United States Air Force and Navy.<ref name="Westrum_9LAcceptance">Westrum 2013, 196</ref>

Foreign users were also sought out for the AIM-9L. In one case, the AIM-9L was contested against the German company Bodensee Geratechnik (BGT), which had developed an ALASCA seeker for a proposed Viper missile. To resolve this and bring BGT to help produce AIM-9Ls to European allies, the US Navy and Raytheon waived license and R&D fees for the AIM-9L, causing the end of the Viper missile development and provided AIM-9Ls to Great Britain, Norway, and Germany. Japan were also given the license to produce AIM-9Ls, which was performed by Mitsubishi. Between Raytheon, Ford, BGT, and Mitsubishi, more than 16,000 AIM-9L Sidewinders have been built since their production started.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

===Combat===
The AIM-9L would see action in separate theaters by different users in the 1980s.
[[File:F-14A_VF-143_with_Sidewinder_and_Sparrow_missiles.jpg|left|x250px|thumb|none|A [[F-14A Early|F-14A]] equipped with a complement of AIM-9L Sidewinders and AIM-7 Sparrows.]]
On 19 August 1981, two US Navy's [[F-14A Early|F-14A Tomcats]] from VF-41 were engaged by two Libyan [[Su-22M3|Su-22]] in an event that would be known as the Gulf of Sidra incident.<ref name="GuardiaF14Variant">Guardia 2019, 20</ref><ref name="Westrum_F14Combat">Westrum 2013, 1-2</ref> As the Su-22s closed in, the lead plane fired a [[R-3S|AA-2 "Atoll]] missile at the F-14s, but missed.<ref name="GuardiaSidra">Guardia 2019, 30-35</ref> After evading the missile, the F-14s manoeuvred behind the Su-22s and, equipped with AIM-9L Sidewinders, each destroyed a Su-22 with the Sidewinders. The combat was concluded within 45 seconds.<ref name="Westrum_F14Combat" />

In 1982, the British would extensively use AIM-9L during the Falkland War on Sea Harriers. Procuring and using the AIM-9L were difficult as when the British carrier task force set sail to the Falklands in 05 April 1982, only 19 AIM-9L were in inventory. Moreover, the new canards on the AIM-9L did not fit the Sea Harrier's launch rails below the wings, though this was solved by filing down the launch rails for the AIM-9L to fit.<ref name="White_AIM9L">White 2020</ref> Sea Harriers equipped with AIM-9L fought in engagements against Argentine [[A-4B|A-4 Skyhawks]], Super Etendards, and [[Mirage IIIE|Mirage III]]s.<ref name="YoungSidewinder">Young 2021</ref> By the end of the conflict, a total of 27 AIM-9Ls were launched which scored 24 hits on Argentine aircraft, which translates to an 88% success rate for the AIM-9L missile.<ref name="Herbert_1982wars">Herbert 2007</ref>

Another conflict in 1982 that saw AIM-9Ls being used was the Israeli-Lebanon war. The Israelis launched Operation Mole Cricket 19 on 09 June 1982 to eliminate a Syrian air defense network set up in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The success of the Israeli operation forced the Syrians to commit their [[MiG-21bis|MiG-21s]] and [[MiG-23MLD|MiG-23s]] to prevent the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from achieving aerial superiority. The IAF, consisting of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, retained control of the sky as Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft informed Israeli pilots of the presence of Syrian jets, which were then intercepted and destroyed at visual range with AIM-9Ls, [[Shafrir]], or Python missiles. The AIM-9L reportedly earned a kill rate of 85% during this conflict and contributed to the Israeli claim of destroying more than 80 Syrian aircraft, which only had [[R-13M|K-13 missiles]] to fight back against the IAF aircraft.<ref name="YoungSidewinder" /><ref name="Herbert_1982wars" />

===Future Sidewinder variants===
[[File:AH-1W_VX-5_launching_AIM-9L_1987.jpg|right|thumb|none|An AH-1W SuperCobra fires a AIM-9L from a wing-mounted missile launcher at China Lake.]]

Though AIM-9L was a successful Sidewinder variant, there were still more features and improvements to be introduced into the model. Infrared Counter-Countermeasure (IRCCM) capability, a smaller smoke signature from the motor, and an improved WGU-4/B guidance system were implemented into the AIM-9L PIP that became the ''AIM-9M'', which saw use during the Gulf War.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The next significant AIM-9 variant to be developed was the ''AIM-9R'', which attempted to evolve the AIM-9 design with the use of a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, allowing the missile to use an imaging system to track the target. However, cost overruns, staff mismanagement, use of expensive and complicated components, and the fact the imaging system could not work in the night caused the backers of the program to lose faith and the missile was cancelled by the US Navy in December 1991.<ref name="Westrum_9R">Westrum 2013, 198-203</ref>

The AIM-9L and future variants introduced many radical features that the United States deemed too sensitive for all allies, and export variants were produced that lacked some of the newer features. These export variants were labeled as ''AIM-9N'', ''[[AIM-9P Sidewinder|AIM-9P]]'', and ''AIM-9S''.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

[[File:AIM-9X_F-15C_2002.jpg|x200px|left|thumb|none|An AIM-9X Sidewinder on an F-15C.]]
The most recent Sidewinder variant to see use is the ''AIM-9X'', which uses the Mk 36 motor and WDU-17/B warhead from the AIM-9M, but the airframe had been redesigned with smaller fins and canards for lower drag and better flight performance. Rollerons have been removed from the Sidewinder's design as the flight control system was sophisticated enough to no longer need them. The WPU-17/B propulsion section uses a jet-vane steering system to steer the Sidewinder with thrust-vectoring. The result was a more compact missile that could fit within a fighter's internal bay, such as the F-22 and F-35.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The biggest improvement of the AIM-9X over the predecessors was the guidance, using a seeker that was developed for the AIM-132 {{Annotation|ASRAAM|Advanced Short-Range Anti-Air Missile}} with an imaging infrared array, cooled by a Stirling-cycle cryocooler.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /> The AIM-9X also introduced an "Off-Boresight" capability, allowing the missile to be used with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to acquire target with the pilot's helmet.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> Continually seeing development as late as 2019,<ref name="Drive_AIM9X">Rogoway et al. 2019</ref> the AIM-9X looks to be the main Sidewinder model for the 21st century aerospace.

== Media ==

[[File:AIM-9L.png|thumb|none|none|An AIM-9L Sidwinder hangs off a F-14 Tomcat.]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

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

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Goebel, Greg. 2021. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." Air Vectors. Last modified July 01, 2021. [https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html#m6 Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173258/https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Archive]).
* Guardia, Mike. 2019. ''Tomcat Fury: A Combat History of the F-14''. Maple Grove, MN: Magnum Books.
* Herbert, Adam J. 2007. "The Wars of Eighty-Two". Air Force Magazine. Last modified April 01, 2007. [https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107183859/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Archive]).
* Kopp, Carlo. 2014. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." Air Power Australia. Last modified January 27, 2014. [http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173023/http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Archive])
* 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])
* Rogoway, Tyler and Josephy Trevithick. 2019. "The AIM-9X Sidewinder May Finally Evolve Into A Completely New And Longer-Range Missile". The Drive. Last modified September 03, 2019. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183940/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Archive]).
* Westrum, Ron. 2013. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.
* White, Roland. 2020. "Her Majesty's Death Ray: How The AIM-9L Sidewinder Vanquished The Argentine Air Force." The Drive. Last modified October 07, 2020. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Website]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107182645/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Archive])
* Young, James. 2021. "Freedom's "Flying Snake": The AIM-9 Sidewinder in the Cold War". Marine Corps University. Accessed January 07, 2022. [https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107192115/https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Archive]).

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-9G Sidewinder

2022-09-02T12:36:03Z

U133903657: Added table under comp. with analogues for sidewinder models.

AIM-9J Sidewinder

2022-09-02T12:33:18Z

U133903657: Added table under comparison with analogues for comp. with sidewinder models.

AIM-9H Sidewinder

2022-09-02T12:25:28Z

U133903657: Added comparison table under analogues section for comparison with preceding USN sidewinder and contemporary USAF sidewinder

AIM-9G Sidewinder

2022-09-02T12:00:11Z

U133903657: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */