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AIM-9J Sidewinder

2024-07-14T01:54:10Z

U137259550:

{{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-9J 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 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The USAF's AIM-9J was an improved [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]]. It had partial solid-state electronics, a longer-burning gas generator (increasing flight time), and more powerful actuators which drove new square-tipped double-delta canards. The latter feature doubled the single-plane "G"-capability of the missile. About 10,000 AIM-9Js were eventually built from 1972 on, mostly by converting existing AIM-9B/E missiles.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


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

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 76 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
|- J
| '''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 ===


Like most Sidewinders, the missile features a 4.5 kg warhead that makes it an effective air-to-air missile. In general, a direct hit will either destroy or critically damage an enemy aircraft. If a near miss is achieved, the damage will be sharply decreased.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

Compared to other Sidewinders, the AIM-9J is miles better than the preceding AIM-9E, and is on a similar playing field to the Navy's AIM-9H, being slightly less suited for ranged launches, but superior in dogfight scenarios.

{| class="wikitable"
!Missile Characteristics !! AIM-9J !! AIM-9E !! AIM-9H
|-
| '''Mass''' || 76 kg || 76 kg || 88 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR || IR || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear || Rear || Rear
|-
| '''Seeker Head''' ||Uncaged (radar slavable)|| Uncaged || Uncaged (radar slavable)
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km || 5.5 km || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km || 18 km || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G || 10 G || 18 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 40 s || 20 s || 60 s
|-
| '''Explosive Mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq || 7.62 kg TNTeq || 3.53 kg TNTeq
|}
When comparing the AIM-9J to the most common analogues such as [[R-60]] and [[Matra R550 Magic 1|R550 Magic]], the AIM-9J tends to fall in the middle to high range of effectiveness, most accurately described as Jack of all trades, master of none. Mid-range TNT load, decent launch range, good acceleration and a perfectly sufficient seeker make it a good all-rounder, usable in a wide variety of engagements.

== Usage in battles ==


'''Overview'''

The AIM-9J is a great tool for any situation where a gun cannot suffice or the pilot has no time to engage. After having used other infrared missiles, the AIM-9J takes virtually no time to get used to.

'''Deploying the AIM-9J in combat'''

The AIM-9J is best used when having to chase an enemy fighter that is accelerating away from you, or is outside of effective gun range. Timing is key to success when using the AIM-9J, since unlike any other type of armament, the AIM-9J requires 1 second to warm up before readiness for launch, after which the missile seeker will remain active for 20 seconds. The AIM-9J is most effective in distances from 0.75-3 km at altitudes below 4 km, or 1-4 km above 4 km of altitude. Furthermore, it is recommended to only fire the AIM-9J against the targets rear, preferably with an active afterburner to ensure continuous tracking towards the AIM-9J's upcoming flight. However, when attempting to engage a target moving on a tangent to the launch aircraft, it is recommended to lead the missile slightly towards the target, to ensure the track is sustained throughout the flight.The only threat to the AIM-9J worth mentioning are heavily turning targets, due to its maximum G-load of 20G, therefore making it not an impossible task to dodge the AIM-9J.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great 20G maximum overload
* Tracks targets well
* Seeker has a good FOV

'''Cons:'''

* Does not follow hard turning targets well
* Seeker cannot be slaved to an aircraft’s radar
* Has little guidance delay that may have trouble guiding towards hard-turning targets

== History ==

===Development===
As the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] was entering the Southeast Asia in the conclusion of Operation ''Rolling Thunder'',<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg1">Siemann 1974, p.10-11</ref> the development for the next generation of Sidewinders was undergoing in the US Air Force. In November 1968, the testing for an AIM-9E "Extended Performance" missile began. The missile, designed to give pilots a more capable close-range heat-seeking weapon against a manoeuvring target, would be designated the '''AIM-9J'''.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg2">Siemann 1974, p.15-16</ref> The missiles featured a new "double delta canards (stabilizing fins) and a torque feedback servo unit (a signal processing device)", which helped improve capabilities in higher G-forces.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg3">Siemann 1974, p.16</ref> Other improvements were in its integration of solid-state electronics and a longer burning gas generator to increase its flight time.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9">Kopp 2014</ref><ref name="ParschAIM9">Parsch 2008</ref>

The new AIM-9J was tested extensively during the "AIM-9J End Game II Development Program" in August 1970,<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpgx">Siemann 1974, p.x</ref> which was suspended after results found that improvements were still needed. The AIM-9J testing was resumed in 04 April 1972 under the program "Combat Snap",<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg17">Siemann 1974, p.17</ref> with conclusions in July 3rd that the AIM-9J improvements were suitable, but requiring a more in-depth testing before it can fully replace the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] and AIM-9E currently in service.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg21">Siemann 1974, p.21</ref> Production of the AIM-9J commenced, with more than 6,700 of the missile variant built or rebuilt from older AIM-9B units.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" />

===AIM-9J in combat===
To prove the AIM-9J in combat, the missiles were soon sent to the Southeast Asian theater under the Combat Snap evaluation program, Phase IIA. The first unit to receive the new AIM-9J was the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Once training was completed and the approval to use the weapon in combat was given on 31 July 1972, the unit would soon see combat service in the ongoing Operation ''Linebacker''. The first flight into combat with AIM-9J would be on 02 August 1972.

The AIM-9J first victories were in September 9th, when four F-4D Phantoms of "Olds" Flight from the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) encountered a [[MiG-21F-13|MiG-21]] and two [[MiG-19PT|MiG-19]] around Phuc Yen airfield. Though the MiG-21 was shot down with [[M61 (20 mm)|20 mm cannon fire]] by Olds 03, three AIM-9Js were launched by Olds flight lead (Aircraft Commander Captain John A. Madden and Weapon System Officer (WSO) Captain Charles B. DeBellevue) and accounted for the two MiG-19 shot down (one struck by the missile, the other pre-detonated a distance away but the plane was found crashed and burning at Phuc Yen airfield later that day). This battle also means that Captain DeBellevue becomes the second, and highest-scoring, air force ace of Vietnam with a total of six enemy aircraft shot down.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg23">Siemann 1974, p.23</ref><ref name="Futrell1">Futrell 1976, p.104-105</ref>

The third AIM-9J victory was done on September 16th, when "Chevy" Flight of [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]] from the 555th encountered a MiG-21 flying at low altitude at around 700 feet above ground level.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg24">Siemann 1974, p.24</ref><ref name="Futrell2">Futrell 1976, p.106</ref> A total of eight AIM-9J missiles were fired by Chevy lead and Chevy 03, with Chevy 03's last missile finally striking the MiG-21 (Chevy 03's aircrew were pilot Captain Calvin B. Tibbett and WSO 1st Lt. William S. Hargrove). The seven missed missiles revealed a problem in the AIM-9J that the missile's maximum range at low altitude was less than was expected. The last AIM-9J victory was on October 15th when Chevy flight located a MiG-21 that took off from Phuc Yen airfield. Chevy 01 (aircrew of pilot Majors Ivy J. McCoy and WSO Frederick W. Brown) fired off three [[AIM-7E Sparrow|Sparrow]] missiles at the target, with all missing. This was followed up by Chevy 03 firing three AIM-9Js, with the last one impacting the MiG-21.<ref name="Futrell3">Futrell 1976, p.110-111</ref> With the Vietnam cease-fire on 24 January 1973, the AIM-9J's combat tally for that conflict comes to a conclusion.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg24range">Siemann 1974, p.24-26</ref>

===Performance evaluation in Vietnam===
From its first engagement in September to the end of Operation ''Linebacker'' in December 1972, there were 31 attempted launches of the AIM-9J Sidewinder. Of these attempts, only four resulted in a confirmed hit on the enemy target (23 misses, four failed to launch).<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg26">Siemann 1974, p.26</ref> Though this gives the AIM-9J a 13% hit rate, this compares favorably in the track record of the AIM-7E-2 Sparrow (5%) and the AIM-9E Sidewinder (8%).<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg29">Siemann 1974, p.29</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

* Futrell, R. Frank; et al. ''United States Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965–1973: Aces and Aerial Victories''. Air University; Headquarters USAF, 1976.
* 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].
* Siemann, John W. ''Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. COMBAT SNAP (AIM-9J Southeast Asia Introduction)''. Defense Technical Information Center, 24 Apr 1974.

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Python 3

2023-12-17T19:42:25Z

U137259550: The addition of the F-15A Baz

== Description ==

The '''Python 3''' is an Israeli heatseeking missile, being a further development of the [[Shafrir 2]]. Produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it was much improved and has seen widespread service. Notably in the 1982 Lebanon war, it performed very well, gaining between 35-50 kills to its name. The PLAAF was also enthused with it, liscensing it as the [[PL-8]].

The Python 3 was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], and comfortably sits as one of, if not the best short range IR missile. Compared to the [[AIM-9L]] and [[R-60M]], it is faster and at 40Gs, pulls much harder than both. It has better range than the R-60M, and in most cases the AIM-9L, although in theory at high altitude the AIM-9L will outrange it. It works well being shot at strange angles that enemies will not expect, to avoid being flared away.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}
* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}
* [[Baz]]

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.''

=== Effective damage ===

The Python 3 with 5 kg of HBX filler has around 8 kg TNTe. It will produce both explosion and shrapnel damage to enemy aircraft, penetrating airframes or blowing off parts off the aircraft.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
* [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] - Missile based on the AIM-9L equipped with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a low/reduced smoke motor.
* [[R-73]] - Soviet IR AAM with identical overload; while having lesser explosive content and a shorter combat radius.
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic-2]] - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slightly more guidance time and a faster flight speed; while having slightly less overload but identical head-on range.

== Usage in battles ==

As one of the most advanced IR AAM of its era, the Python 3 excels in terms of velocity, overload factor, and damage. The overall combat radius is also long enough for strikes even at 3 km and above, there are cases where the Python 3 could hit enemy targets at a higher altitude and long distance (thanks to lesser air density and its powerful rocket engine). The speed and damage of the missile at Mach 3.5 also helps it deliver fatal blow to careless enemies or sitting ducks which depleted their energy for an evasive manoeuvre. Although carriers of the Python 3 currently lack HMD unlike its Chinese cousin, up to 6 x Python 3 on F-16A Netz can still be an ultimate nightmare for enemy jets. Be sure not to fire them within 1.2 km radius when in a head-on as these missiles doesn't have thrust vectoring for very tight manoeuvres, wasting a chance to take down enemies.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High overload factor of 40G
* High velocity on par with Soviet SARH-based missiles at Mach 3.5
* Long combat radius
* Loaded high explosive payload

'''Cons:'''

* Vulnerable to flares
* Heavier than its NATO/Warsaw Pact counterparts

== History ==

As the production of Israeli domestic AAM has gone smoothly after the production of Shafrir-1/2 in the 1970s, they have been proved very effective against enemy jets, especially when IAF shot down 89 jets with the Shafrir-2. However, the ongoing conflicts with surrounding Arabic countries and introduction of more advanced jets for these countries also called for a new IR AAM that can achieve head-on attacks - USAF by the time already has AIM-9L in 1977 while Soviet was still working on the R-60M variant (introduced in 1982). The development of the Python 3 started in 1978 where Rafael ditched Hebrew names for the missile family and opted for an English name instead. As soon as Israel started to be involved in the Lebanese War in 1982, the IAF launched the Operation Mole Cricket 19 where it achieved no losses against around 82 (up to 86 vary by sources) Lebanese/Syrian jets and destroying their SAM systems for further air superiority. During the "Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot", the IAF also introduced their head-on IR AAMs including US-built AIM-9Ls and their latest Python 3 in operation, where the latter scored around 50 victories among the 82 victories. Although being a missile from 1982, the Python 3 is now still used by IAF alongside with its more advanced cousins, Python 4 and 5.<ref>https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39648/israeli-f-15s-were-armed-with-old-missiles-during-b-52-escort</ref>

Soon after the "Turkey Shoot", Chinese military officials and engineers also deemed Python 3 as a good bargain to upgrade the PLAAF fleet with more advanced Western missiles before domestic alternatives were commissioned. The deal which included the production line and 1,500 missiles was set in 1983 under the name Project No.8 (八号工程), later renamed PL-8 as the project was finalized and the new missile entered service in 1986. The technologies used on Python 3 also set the foundation of future Chinese domestic missiles i.e. export-only PL-9 whose seeker was developed from the PL-8.

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

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
<references />

Python 3

2023-12-17T19:39:49Z

U137259550: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */

== Description ==

The '''Python 3''' is an Israeli heatseeking missile, being a further development of the [[Shafrir 2]]. Produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it was much improved and has seen widespread service. Notably in the 1982 Lebanon war, it performed very well, gaining between 35-50 kills to its name. The PLAAF was also enthused with it, liscensing it as the [[PL-8]].

The Python 3 was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], and comfortably sits as one of, if not the best short range IR missile. Compared to the [[AIM-9L]] and [[R-60M]], it is faster and at 40Gs, pulls much harder than both. It has better range than the R-60M, and in most cases the AIM-9L, although in theory at high altitude the AIM-9L will outrange it. It works well being shot at strange angles that enemies will not expect, to avoid being flared away.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}
* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}
* Baz

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.''

=== Effective damage ===

The Python 3 with 5 kg of HBX filler has around 8 kg TNTe. It will produce both explosion and shrapnel damage to enemy aircraft, penetrating airframes or blowing off parts off the aircraft.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
* [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] - Missile based on the AIM-9L equipped with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a low/reduced smoke motor.
* [[R-73]] - Soviet IR AAM with identical overload; while having lesser explosive content and a shorter combat radius.
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic-2]] - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slightly more guidance time and a faster flight speed; while having slightly less overload but identical head-on range.

== Usage in battles ==

As one of the most advanced IR AAM of its era, the Python 3 excels in terms of velocity, overload factor, and damage. The overall combat radius is also long enough for strikes even at 3 km and above, there are cases where the Python 3 could hit enemy targets at a higher altitude and long distance (thanks to lesser air density and its powerful rocket engine). The speed and damage of the missile at Mach 3.5 also helps it deliver fatal blow to careless enemies or sitting ducks which depleted their energy for an evasive manoeuvre. Although carriers of the Python 3 currently lack HMD unlike its Chinese cousin, up to 6 x Python 3 on F-16A Netz can still be an ultimate nightmare for enemy jets. Be sure not to fire them within 1.2 km radius when in a head-on as these missiles doesn't have thrust vectoring for very tight manoeuvres, wasting a chance to take down enemies.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High overload factor of 40G
* High velocity on par with Soviet SARH-based missiles at Mach 3.5
* Long combat radius
* Loaded high explosive payload

'''Cons:'''

* Vulnerable to flares
* Heavier than its NATO/Warsaw Pact counterparts

== History ==

As the production of Israeli domestic AAM has gone smoothly after the production of Shafrir-1/2 in the 1970s, they have been proved very effective against enemy jets, especially when IAF shot down 89 jets with the Shafrir-2. However, the ongoing conflicts with surrounding Arabic countries and introduction of more advanced jets for these countries also called for a new IR AAM that can achieve head-on attacks - USAF by the time already has AIM-9L in 1977 while Soviet was still working on the R-60M variant (introduced in 1982). The development of the Python 3 started in 1978 where Rafael ditched Hebrew names for the missile family and opted for an English name instead. As soon as Israel started to be involved in the Lebanese War in 1982, the IAF launched the Operation Mole Cricket 19 where it achieved no losses against around 82 (up to 86 vary by sources) Lebanese/Syrian jets and destroying their SAM systems for further air superiority. During the "Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot", the IAF also introduced their head-on IR AAMs including US-built AIM-9Ls and their latest Python 3 in operation, where the latter scored around 50 victories among the 82 victories. Although being a missile from 1982, the Python 3 is now still used by IAF alongside with its more advanced cousins, Python 4 and 5.<ref>https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39648/israeli-f-15s-were-armed-with-old-missiles-during-b-52-escort</ref>

Soon after the "Turkey Shoot", Chinese military officials and engineers also deemed Python 3 as a good bargain to upgrade the PLAAF fleet with more advanced Western missiles before domestic alternatives were commissioned. The deal which included the production line and 1,500 missiles was set in 1983 under the name Project No.8 (八号工程), later renamed PL-8 as the project was finalized and the new missile entered service in 1986. The technologies used on Python 3 also set the foundation of future Chinese domestic missiles i.e. export-only PL-9 whose seeker was developed from the PL-8.

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

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
<references />