Difference between revisions of "AIM-9G Sidewinder"
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| + | {{About | ||
| + | | about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| + | | usage = other versions | ||
| + | | link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
== Description == | == 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.'' --> | <!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
| − | The AIM-9G is | + | [[File:WeaponImage AIM-9D Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9G 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 "Raining Fire"]]. | ||
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon === | === Vehicles equipped with this weapon === | ||
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' --> | <!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' --> | ||
| − | + | {{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}} | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | {{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_canard}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}} | |
| − | + | {{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4jk}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4k}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4m_fgr2}} | |
| + | |||
| + | {{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|buccaneer_s2b}} | ||
| + | {{Navigation-Line|Harrier}}{{Specs-Link|av_8a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_gr3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_frs1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_frs1_early}} | ||
| + | {{Navigation-Line|Jaguar}}{{Specs-Link|jaguar_gr1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|jaguar_gr1a}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| − | ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.'' | + | <!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.'' --> |
| + | The AIM-9G is part of the AIM-9 Sidewinder family of short-range infrared-guided [[air-to-air missiles]] designed by the US Navy during the early 1950s. The Golf variant improves on the previous [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]] model by heaving more reliable electronics. The lock-on range, speed, and launch range remain the same as with the Delta. However, the Golf model has a reduced explosive mass as compared to the Delta, although this shouldn't affect its performance too much. As with all Sidewinder variants pre-Lima model they can only attain rear-aspect locks consistently. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Note that you won't be able to use the Delta variant on USAF aircraft; contemporary USAF aircraft may equip the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] instead. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {| 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''' || 18 G | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | '''Explosive mass''' || 3.53 kg TNTeq | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |} | ||
=== Effective damage === | === Effective damage === | ||
| − | ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' | + | <!-- ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' --> |
| + | The AIM-9G uses a newer continuous rod warhead with an improved proximity fuse, this allows less explosives to be used while increasing all around damage. The missile usually guarantees a knock-out at most angles due to the continuous rod warhead. | ||
=== Comparison with analogues === | === Comparison with analogues === | ||
| − | ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' | + | <!-- |
| + | ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' --> | ||
| + | {{AIM-9 Comparison Table}} | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' | + | <!-- ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' --> |
| + | The AIM-9G is primarily a short-range air-to-air missile which requires a rear aspect IR signature to lock on to a target. The Golf models have an improved acquisition envelope making target tracking easier and at steeper angles. The missile is also able to sustain higher Gs which increases horizontal engagement hit ratios and target lock. As a short-range missile, recommended rear engagement distance is around 1-5 km, any closer launches may not give adequate time for the missile to track and manoeuvre. With horizontal engagement, lock-on distance is around 1-2 km depending on the approach angle. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When locking on, ensure that the target track is not a friendly or the sun, as the IR missile cannot differentiate between heat signatures. The most ideal engagement is a rear aspect as the enemy's engine will provide a perfect source of thermal energy for the seeker. The AIM-9G can handle offset horizontal engagements better then previous models due to the higher G load and improved seeker envelope. However you will still have difficulty acquiring the thermal signature of an aircraft unless you are within 1.5-2 km, at this shorter distance the heavier missile may not be able to manoeuvre fast enough or acquire the target. | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.'' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.'' --> |
| − | |||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * | + | * Higher max G-load at 18G |
| + | * Improved acquisition envelope | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * | + | * Heavier missile at 88 kg compared to previous models |
| + | * Reduced explosive mass at 2.76 kg | ||
| + | * Same range with little improvements to avionics | ||
== History == | == 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>.'' | + | <!--''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>.''--> |
| + | {{main|AIM-9D_Sidewinder#History|l1=History of the AIM-9D Sidewinder}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | As the United States Navy improved on their [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|initial Sidewinder model (AIM-9B)]] to the AIM-9D, another feature that the China Lake development team, headed by Chuck Smith, wanted to introduce into the missile was the Sidewinder Expanded Acquisition Mode (SEAM).<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen">Westrum 2013, p.187</ref> SEAM allowed the Sidewinder to follow the aircraft's radar search pattern and target acquisition.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref> Being able to seek around a 25 degree angle in a circular scan, the Sidewinder would have a better chance of acquiring targets than earlier models that just aimed straight ahead. This feature, along with some solid-state module upgrades, were incorporated in the US Navy's next Sidewinder model, the '''AIM-9G'''. The improvement was sufficient that the initial order of 5,000 AIM-9D seekers was cut at 1,850 units and the rest were built in AIM-9G seeker specifications.<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen" /> A total of 2,120 AIM-9G missiles would be built by Raytheon between 1970 to 1972.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> As the AIM-9G consisted upgrades to the seeker and electrical components, it did not differ externally from the AIM-9D variant. | ||
| + | [[File:F-4J VF-96 Showtime 100 armed from below.jpg|right|thumb|300px|none|A F-4J Phantom II from VF-96, attached to the ''USS Constellation'' (CVA-64), equipped with either AIM-9D or AIM-9Gs (their external features are identical).]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | The AIM-9G would see use alongside the AIM-9D as the US Navy's choice for IR missile during the Vietnam War. A total of fourteen aircraft were claimed to have been downed by AIM-9Gs fired from a US Navy [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4J Phantom II]] plane, seven of which were [[MiG-17]]s and the other seven [[MiG-21_(Family)|MiG-21]]s.<ref name="MiGKillers">McCarthy 2009, p.148-157</ref> During Operation Linebackers I and II in 1972, the US Navy recorded a high 46% hit rate with their AIM-9G, which is credited both to the missile design and USN fighter pilot training from the Navy's Fighters Weapon School, also known as TOPGUN.<ref name="CanadianAirForceJournal">Moulton 2013, p.66-68</ref> The United States Air Force attempted to obtain AIM-9Gs from the US Navy due to poor experience with their AIM-9 Sidewinders models [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|B]], [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|E]], and [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|J]]. However, the US Navy's AIM-9s were not compatible with US Air Force's Sidewinder launchers due to the differences in cooling mechanisms (the US Navy's Sidewinder cooled by a nitrogen gas container installed on the launcher that the USAF did not have).<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | While the AIM-9G was thought to have been the peak of the Sidewinder's capability at the time, several engineers at Philco-Ford (some of which helped create the first Sidewinder at China Lake) were brought in to continue improving the AIM-9 reliability, and one proposal was to convert all remaining missile electronic components to solid-state.<ref name="Westrum_ChinaLakeAIM9_2ndGen" /> The AIM-9G converted to an all solid-state technology, as well as an increased seeker tracking rate of 20 degrees/second, was designated the ''[[AIM-9H Sidewinder|AIM-9H]]''. This was introduced into the Navy in 1972 and 7,700 units would be produced between 1972-1974 by Philco-Ford and Raytheon.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| Line 41: | Line 96: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| − | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
| − | + | ;Related development | |
| − | * | + | |
| + | * [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as: |
| + | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| + | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * '' | + | === References === |
| − | * '' | + | |
| − | * '' | + | ;Citations |
| + | <references /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Bibliography | ||
| + | |||
| + | * McCarthy, Donald J. Jr. ''MiG Killers, A Chronology of U.S. Air Victories in Vietnam 1965–1973''. Specialty Press, 2009. | ||
| + | * Moulton, Richard. "Review: CLASHES: AIR COMBAT OVER NORTH VIETNAM 1965–1972" ''The Royal Canadian Air Force Journal'', vol. 2, issue no.4, Fall 2013, pg. 66-68. | ||
| + | * 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 on 20 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211120225021/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}} | {{Missiles}} | ||
[[Category:Suspended armaments]] | [[Category:Suspended armaments]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:49, 22 October 2024
| This page is about the American air-to-air missile AIM-9G Sidewinder. For other versions, see AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family). |
Contents
Description
The AIM-9G Sidewinder is an American infrared homing air-to-air missile. It was introduced in Update "Raining Fire".
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
| Vehicles equipped with this weapon | |
|---|---|
| Jet fighters | F-14A Early · Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 · Nesher |
| F-4 | F-4J Phantom II · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000 · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 |
| Strike aircraft | A-6E TRAM · A-7E · Buccaneer S.2B |
| Harrier | AV-8A · AV-8C · Harrier GR.3 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) |
| Jaguar | Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A |
General info
The AIM-9G is part of the AIM-9 Sidewinder family of short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missiles designed by the US Navy during the early 1950s. The Golf variant improves on the previous AIM-9D model by heaving more reliable electronics. The lock-on range, speed, and launch range remain the same as with the Delta. However, the Golf model has a reduced explosive mass as compared to the Delta, although this shouldn't affect its performance too much. As with all Sidewinder variants pre-Lima model they can only attain rear-aspect locks consistently.
Note that you won't be able to use the Delta variant on USAF aircraft; contemporary USAF aircraft may equip the AIM-9E instead.
| 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 | 18 G |
| Missile guidance time | 60 secs |
| Explosive mass | 3.53 kg TNTeq |
Effective damage
The AIM-9G uses a newer continuous rod warhead with an improved proximity fuse, this allows less explosives to be used while increasing all around damage. The missile usually guarantees a knock-out at most angles due to the continuous rod warhead.
Comparison with analogues
- AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder - A European-licensed version of the AIM-9B with their own improvements; however the performance in-game are quite similar.
- R-3S/PL-2 - Infamous as a reverse-engineered variant of the AIM-9B, the R-3 missile shares many of its in-game performances with the AIM-9B, only falling slightly short in locking and launching range.
- Shafrir - Shares in-game performance values despite their design differences
- Rb24 - Licensed-produced version of the AIM-9B for the Swedish, and as such shares in-game performance values.
| Missile | Guidance | Lock range (rear-aspect)(km) |
Launch range (km) |
Maximum speed (Mach) |
Maximum overload (g) |
Mass (kg) |
TNT Equivalent (kg) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Aspect | Time | Uncaged seeker | Radar slaving | ||||||||
|
AIM-9B Sidewinder | IR | Rear | 20 |  |
|
4 | 10 | 1.7 | 10 | 72 | 7.62 |
|
|
AIM-9C Sidewinder | SARH | Front | 60 | |
 |
9 | 18 | 2.5 | 18 | 95 | 4.69 |
|
|
AIM-9D Sidewinder[note 1] | IR | Rear | 20 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.5 | 18 | 88 | 4.69 |
|
|
AIM-9E Sidewinder[note 2] | IR | Rear | 20 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.8 | 10 | 76 | 7.62 |
|
|
AIM-9G Sidewinder | IR | Rear | 60 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.5 | 18 | 88 | 3.53 |
|
|
AIM-9H Sidewinder | IR | Rear | 60 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.5 | 18 | 88 | 3.53 |
|
|
AIM-9J Sidewinder[note 3] | IR | Rear | 40 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.5 | 20 | 76 | 7.62 |
|
|
AIM-9L Sidewinder | IR | All | 60 | |
|
11 | 18 | 2.5 | 30 | 84 | 4.58 |
|
|
AIM-9M Sidewinder | IR | All | 60 | |
|
11 | 18 | 2.5 | 30 | 84 | 4.58 |
|
|
AIM-9P Sidewinder | IR | Rear | 40 | |
|
5.5 | 18 | 2.5 | 20 | 76.93 | 7.62 |
|
|
AIM-9P4 Sidewinder | IR | All | 40 | |
|
11 | 18 | 2.5 | 20 | 76.93 | 7.62 |
|
AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder | IR | Rear | 20 | |
|
5.5 | 10 | 1.7 | 10 | 72 | 7.62 |
|
Shafrir | IR | Rear | 20 | |
|
7 | 10 | 1.7 | 11 | 65 | 7.62 |
|
RB24 | IR | Rear | 20 | |
|
4 | 10 | 1.7 | 10 | 72 | 7.62 |
|
R-3S | IR | Rear | 21 | |
|
9 | 10 | 1.7 | 10 | 75 | 8.8 |
|
PL-2 | IR | Rear | 21 | |
|
9 | 10 | 1.7 | 10 | 75 | 8.8 |
Usage in battles
The AIM-9G is primarily a short-range air-to-air missile which requires a rear aspect IR signature to lock on to a target. The Golf models have an improved acquisition envelope making target tracking easier and at steeper angles. The missile is also able to sustain higher Gs which increases horizontal engagement hit ratios and target lock. As a short-range missile, recommended rear engagement distance is around 1-5 km, any closer launches may not give adequate time for the missile to track and manoeuvre. With horizontal engagement, lock-on distance is around 1-2 km depending on the approach angle.
When locking on, ensure that the target track is not a friendly or the sun, as the IR missile cannot differentiate between heat signatures. The most ideal engagement is a rear aspect as the enemy's engine will provide a perfect source of thermal energy for the seeker. The AIM-9G can handle offset horizontal engagements better then previous models due to the higher G load and improved seeker envelope. However you will still have difficulty acquiring the thermal signature of an aircraft unless you are within 1.5-2 km, at this shorter distance the heavier missile may not be able to manoeuvre fast enough or acquire the target.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Higher max G-load at 18G
- Improved acquisition envelope
Cons:
- Heavier missile at 88 kg compared to previous models
- Reduced explosive mass at 2.76 kg
- Same range with little improvements to avionics
History
As the United States Navy improved on their initial Sidewinder model (AIM-9B) to the AIM-9D, another feature that the China Lake development team, headed by Chuck Smith, wanted to introduce into the missile was the Sidewinder Expanded Acquisition Mode (SEAM).[1] SEAM allowed the Sidewinder to follow the aircraft's radar search pattern and target acquisition.[2] Being able to seek around a 25 degree angle in a circular scan, the Sidewinder would have a better chance of acquiring targets than earlier models that just aimed straight ahead. This feature, along with some solid-state module upgrades, were incorporated in the US Navy's next Sidewinder model, the AIM-9G. The improvement was sufficient that the initial order of 5,000 AIM-9D seekers was cut at 1,850 units and the rest were built in AIM-9G seeker specifications.[1] A total of 2,120 AIM-9G missiles would be built by Raytheon between 1970 to 1972.[2] As the AIM-9G consisted upgrades to the seeker and electrical components, it did not differ externally from the AIM-9D variant.
The AIM-9G would see use alongside the AIM-9D as the US Navy's choice for IR missile during the Vietnam War. A total of fourteen aircraft were claimed to have been downed by AIM-9Gs fired from a US Navy F-4J Phantom II plane, seven of which were MiG-17s and the other seven MiG-21s.[3] During Operation Linebackers I and II in 1972, the US Navy recorded a high 46% hit rate with their AIM-9G, which is credited both to the missile design and USN fighter pilot training from the Navy's Fighters Weapon School, also known as TOPGUN.[4] The United States Air Force attempted to obtain AIM-9Gs from the US Navy due to poor experience with their AIM-9 Sidewinders models B, E, and J. However, the US Navy's AIM-9s were not compatible with US Air Force's Sidewinder launchers due to the differences in cooling mechanisms (the US Navy's Sidewinder cooled by a nitrogen gas container installed on the launcher that the USAF did not have).[1]
While the AIM-9G was thought to have been the peak of the Sidewinder's capability at the time, several engineers at Philco-Ford (some of which helped create the first Sidewinder at China Lake) were brought in to continue improving the AIM-9 reliability, and one proposal was to convert all remaining missile electronic components to solid-state.[1] The AIM-9G converted to an all solid-state technology, as well as an increased seeker tracking rate of 20 degrees/second, was designated the AIM-9H. This was introduced into the Navy in 1972 and 7,700 units would be produced between 1972-1974 by Philco-Ford and Raytheon.[2]
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
- Related development
External links
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- McCarthy, Donald J. Jr. MiG Killers, A Chronology of U.S. Air Victories in Vietnam 1965–1973. Specialty Press, 2009.
- Moulton, Richard. "Review: CLASHES: AIR COMBAT OVER NORTH VIETNAM 1965–1972" The Royal Canadian Air Force Journal, vol. 2, issue no.4, Fall 2013, pg. 66-68.
- Parsch, Andreas. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Designation-Systems.Net, 09 July 2008, Website. Accessed on 20 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
- Westrum, Ron. Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake. Naval Institute Press, 30 Sep. 2013.
