War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)

2023-12-24T23:31:02Z

U61288254: added pros and cons.

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000d_r1}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000_5f}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}
* {{Specs-Link|tornado_gr1}}
* {{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_de_assta1}}
* {{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_it_mod95}}

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

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

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros: One of Few guided bombs to have Inertial On-board Guidance'''

*

'''Cons: Bomb Seaker can't pick up laser point until around 3,500 meters'''

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== 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.''

{{Guided bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Mirage 2000-5F

2023-08-24T01:06:45Z

U61288254: /* Suspended armament */

{{About
| about = French jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mirage 2000 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mirage_2000_5f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', an advanced variant of the Mirage 2000 series, represents a pinnacle of French aviation technology. Developed by Dassault Aviation, this fighter jet first took its maiden flight in 1991, marking a significant milestone in the country's aerial capabilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapon systems, the Mirage 2000-5F played a pivotal role in various historical conflicts. Notably, during the Kosovo War in 1999, these aircraft showcased their precision and versatility by carrying out crucial ground attack and air-to-air missions. Armed with a range of sophisticated weapons, including Magic 2 air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs, the Mirage 2000-5F demonstrated its adaptability and effectiveness in both aerial combat and ground support roles. Over the years, this fighter jet has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of the French Air Force's fleet, embodying a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and combat-proven performance.

It was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]]. The Mirage 2000-5F showcases impressive air-to-air combat capabilities, notably highlighted by its utilization of the Matra Magic 2 missile system. Armed with the Matra Magic 2, an advanced short-range infrared-guided missile, the aircraft excels in engaging close-range airborne targets. The Matra Magic 2 missile's infrared seeker technology enables it to home in on heat sources emitted by enemy aircraft, ensuring accurate target tracking and engagement even in challenging scenarios.

Complementing its missile armament, the Mirage 2000-5F's radar, the Thales RDY (Radar Doppler Multi-target), plays a pivotal role in target detection and tracking. This radar system facilitates rapid target acquisition, enhancing the aircraft's effectiveness in engaging multiple adversaries simultaneously. The Mirage 2000-5F's agility is another critical aspect of its air-to-air prowess, allowing pilots to outmaneuver opponents and gain advantageous positions during dogfighting encounters.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,246 || 2,174 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 26.6 || 155.7 || 144.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,453 || 2,351 || 23.9 || 25.0 || 238.1 || 195.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓* 
|-
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Installing countermeasures blocks the deployment of the chute.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,512  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~13 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | SNECMA M53-P2 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,550 kg || colspan="3" | 267 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,515 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,552 kg || 9,513 kg || 10,494 kg || 10,889 kg || 14,105 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,200 kgf || 9,688 kgf
| 1.13 || 1.02 || 0.92 || 0.89 || 0.69
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,083 kgf (1,512 km/h) || 13,406 kgf (1,512 km/h)
| 1.57 || 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.23 || 0.95
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Mirage 2000-5F exhibits commendable survivability through a combination of advanced features that enhance its chances of evading threats and successfully completing tasks. One key aspect is its electronic warfare suite, which includes radar warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers as jamming capabilities. These systems collectively enable the aircraft to detect, identify, and counter incoming threats such as radar-guided missiles and hostile radars. Additionally, the Mirage 2000-5F's advanced avionics and sensors, including the Thales RDY radar and DAMOCLES targeting pod, contribute to its situational awareness, allowing pilots to monitor and respond to potential threats effectively. The aircraft's agility and high-speed capabilities provide pilots with the means to maneuver out of danger swiftly. In terms of design, the Mirage 2000-5F's aerodynamic structure is optimized to reduce its radar cross-section, minimizing its vulnerability to enemy radar systems. This feature, coupled with its electronic warfare systems, helps enhance its overall survivability in contested environments. The Mirage 2000-5F also boasts an impeccably designed and advanced cockpit that significantly enhances its combat capabilities. The cockpit's streamlined layout not only enhances pilot comfort and ergonomics but also contributes to reduced clutter, allowing pilots to focus on mission-critical tasks with heightened efficiency. The cockpit's intuitive arrangement of displays and instruments empowers pilots to swiftly access crucial information and swiftly make informed decisions during high-stress situations. Furthermore, the cockpit's advanced Heads-Up Display (HUD) system projects essential flight data directly onto the pilot's line of sight, eliminating the need for frequent glances down at instruments. This enhances the pilot's ability to maintain spatial awareness and engage targets without diverting their attention from the external environment.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|DEFA 554 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 554 cannons, belly-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 554 cannons + 90 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Mirage_2000C-S5.png]]</div>
|-
! [[DEFA 554 (30 mm)|30 mm DEFA 554]] cannons (300 rpg)
| || || || || 2 || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SAMP Type 25 200 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25 200]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[BGL-1000 (970 kg)|970 kg BGL-1000]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || 1 || || || 2 || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)|1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[PGM 500 (404 kg)|404 kg PGM 500]] bombs
| || 1 || || || 1 |||| || 1 ||
|-
! [[PGM 2000 (1,060 kg)|1,060 kg PGM 2000]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 18 || || || || || || 18 || 18
|-
! [[AS-30L Nord]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Matra Super 530D]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Matra Super 530F]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! DAMOCLES targeting pod
| || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! 1,300 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 1,300 l drop tank
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 554 cannon (600 rpg)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles
* 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles
* 2 x Matra Super 530D missiles
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 10 x 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 9 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (2,250 kg total)
* 9 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (2,250 kg total)
* 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 1 x DAMOCLES targeting pod + 5 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,385 kg total)
* 1 x DAMOCLES targeting pod + 1 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bomb (1,092 lb total)
* 1 x DAMOCLES targeting pod + 1 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x DAMOCLES targeting pod + 1 x 970 kg BGL-1000 bomb (970 kg total)
* 1 x DAMOCLES targeting pod + 2 x AS-30L Nord missiles
* 3 x 404 kg PGM 500 bombs (1,212 kg total)
* 1 x 1,060 kg PGM 2000 bomb (1,060 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

In air-to-air combat scenarios, the Mirage 2000-5F's strengths lie in its exceptional agility and advanced avionics. Employing the Matra Magic 2 short-range infrared-guided missiles and benefiting from the Thales RDY radar, the aircraft can excel in dogfights and engage opponents in close-range encounters. Its advanced radar systems provide pilots with crucial situational awareness, granting them a significant advantage in these high-stakes aerial engagements.

When transitioning to air-to-ground missions, the Mirage 2000-5F demonstrates remarkable versatility. Armed with an array of guided weaponry such as the BGL-1000, PGM-500, PGM-2000, GBU-16, and GBU-12, the aircraft becomes a precise and lethal platform for striking ground targets with pinpoint accuracy. The integration of the DAMOCLES targeting pod significantly enhances the aircraft's ability to deliver laser-guided ordnance, including the AS-30L missile. This pod provides sophisticated targeting capabilities, allowing pilots to designate and guide laser-guided bombs and the AS-30L missile with exceptional precision. The Mirage 2000-5F truly shines when combining its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. This synergy is evident in scenarios where the aircraft engages in both roles within a single mission. For instance, in a close air support mission, the aircraft can effectively neutralize enemy ground threats with laser-guided bombs like the GBU-12 or GBU-16, or launch AS-30L missiles at high-value targets, while still retaining the capability to defend itself against potential aerial threats using its Matra Magic 2 missiles and advanced radar systems. This dual-purpose adaptability underscores the Mirage 2000-5F's value as a truly multirole fighter. The Mirage 2000-5F also possesses significant anti-shipping capabilities, bolstered by the use of the PGM-2000, a potent weapon in its arsenal. With its advanced guidance and armor-penetrating capability of up to 111mm, the PGM-2000 is a formidable threat against heavily armored ships, including aircraft carriers. In War Thunder, aircraft carriers hold strategic importance as power projection platforms in Enduring Confrontation missions. The Mirage 2000-5F's ability to engage and potentially sink these carriers with precision strikes using the PGM-2000 underscores its role, disrupting enemy naval capabilities and potentially reducing the possibility of a mobile spawn point. This multirole versatility reinforces the Mirage 2000-5F's adaptability across various scenarios, making it a crucial asset in shaping battle dynamics.

In summary, the Mirage 2000-5F is a versatile and potent asset that can excel in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and combined missions. Its use of guided weaponry, including the BGL-1000, PGM-500, PGM-2000, GBU-16, GBU-12, and AS-30L missile, coupled with the DAMOCLES targeting pod, empowers the aircraft with precise targeting and engagement capabilities. This multirole prowess, combined with its agility and advanced avionics, makes the Mirage 2000-5F a formidable platform capable of adapting to a wide range of operational requirements.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Upgraded radar (RDY radar) with excellent capabilities
* Good ground capability with access to long range AGM
* Good acceleration
* Great manoeuvrability
* DEFA 554 deal heavy damage
* Powerful targeting pod (Damocles) with a 3rd gen thermal imagery and a strong magnifier
* Access to Magic 2 missiles stock

'''Cons:'''

* Poor energy retention
* Magic 2 has limited range
* Carries a maximum of only 4 air-to-air missiles
* DEFA 554 has slow muzzle velocity (820 m/s)

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_2000_5f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1_Ikp4Zbjp8|'''The Shooting Range #362''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Mirage 2000 (Family)]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Dassault}}
{{France jet aircraft}}

AIM-9D Sidewinder

2021-08-20T16:51:40Z

U61288254: /* Pros and cons */

[[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 '''AIM-9D''' 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 ===


* {{Specs-Link|f8u-2}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4k}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4m_fgr2}}

== 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 generally similar to the [[AIM-9E]], but there are distinct differences between the two.

The AIM-9D has the best effective range of any missile currently found on fixed wing aircraft in the game.

=== 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; however there are some occasions where an enemy aircraft can survive a hit and make it back to base.

=== 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
* Has an uncaged seeker
* Better IR seeker range
* Seeker gimbal limit of 40° instead of 25°
* Better tracking rate

These changes make the AIM-9D a far superior all round missile. The uncaged seeker makes maintaining a lock prior to launch much easier and allows you to lead the missile. Once the missile is launched it tracks targets much better than the AIM-9B and has far superior speed and range.

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

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 it's 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 5 - 6 km from their point of launch (an even in excess of 7 km some times). However unlike the AIM-9E the AIM-9D cannot be slaved to an aircraft's radar.

==== Compared to other missiles ====
Compared to the [[R-60]] the AIM-9D is a very different missile with a different play style. 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 it's lower top speed and much lower flight time and flight distance limits severely restrict it's 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 ==

The AIM-9D is a radical departure from the [[SRAAM]] you will have grown accustomed to while playing the [[Hunter F.6]]; the SRAAM has far superior manoeuvrability and maximum effective range of an SRAAM is comparable to the bare minimum range you want to be using the AIM-9D at. The AIM-9D is not built for very short range combat; most of the time the missile will not hit it's target when fired from within 1 km, the missile needs to gain speed for the fins to become fully effective, by which point it has usually overtaken its target when fired from this range.

Where 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, and if the target is manoeuvring you should use the uncaged seeker to "lead" the missile (although this starts becoming less important at longer ranges. 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 (and possibly even hit them too).

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. You can routinely engage afterburning targets located 5 - 7 km away from you with the AIM-9D; and although kills at 9 km have been observed you are probably "trying your luck" by the time you get to those sorts of ranges.

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 uncaged seeker and good seeker gimbal limits
* Has a very good 18 G overload

'''Cons:'''

* Cannot be slaved to the radar
* 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.]]

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 ==


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

== External links ==


;References
<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]]