Difference between revisions of "AIM-9J Sidewinder"

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{{About
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| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
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}}
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9J Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9J Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
 
[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9J Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9J Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
 
{{Break}}
 
{{Break}}
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''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.''
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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"]].
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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 ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
  
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* {{Specs-Link|a_7d}}
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{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
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* {{Specs-Link|f-4e}}
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* {{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}
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{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mirage_5ba}}
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* {{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}
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{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}
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{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}
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{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
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{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
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{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.''
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<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.'' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
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|-
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| '''Mass''' || 76 kg
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|-
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| '''Guidance''' || IR
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|-
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| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
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|-
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| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
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|- J
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| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
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|-
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| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
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|-
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| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G
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|-
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| '''Missile guidance time''' || 40 secs
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|-
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| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
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|-
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|}
  
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
=== Effective damage ===
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=== 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.'' -->
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When comparing AIM-9J to the most common analogues such as [[R-60]] and [[Matra R550 Magic 1|R550 Magic]], 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.
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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.
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{{AIM-9 Comparison Table}}
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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 ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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'''Overview'''
 
'''Overview'''
  
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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.
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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.
  
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'''Deploying AIM-9J in combat'''
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'''Deploying the AIM-9J in combat'''
  
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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 AIM-9J, since unlike any other type of armament, AIM-9J requires 5 seconds to warm up before readiness for launch, after which the missile seeker will remain active for 10 seconds. So it is recommended to plan a missile launch shortly ahead of warmup, such as picking out the target ahead in time and then positioning the engagement to your advantage. 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 AIM-9J against the targets rear, preferably with an active afterburner to ensure continuous tracking towards 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. In most cases though, the excellent seeker of AIM-9J will stay on target, even when flares or other countermeasures are deployed. The only threat to AIM-9J worth mentioning are heavily turning targets, due to its limited maximum G-load of 20G, therefore making it not an impossible task to dodge AIM-9J.
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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 and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* TNT load sufficient to kill any aircraft it hits when compared to opposing aircrafts missiles such as R-60
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* Great 20G maximum overload
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* Accurate seeker hard to distract with flares
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* Tracks targets well
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* Radar can assist the missile to pick the right target before launch
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* Seeker has a good FOV
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
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* Does not follow hard turning targets well unlike R-60 or R550
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* Does not follow hard turning targets well
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* Seeker remains warmed up for only 10 seconds
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* Seeker cannot be slaved to an aircraft’s radar
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* Has little guidance delay that may have trouble guiding towards hard-turning targets
  
 
== 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>.''-->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
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As the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] were 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 for 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 maneuvering 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>
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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>
  
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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"/>
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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===
 
===AIM-9J in combat===
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To prove the AIM-9J in combat, they 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 new weapon in combat was given in 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.
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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.
  
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The AIM-9J first victories was 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>
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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>
 
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>
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Related development
  
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* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
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* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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=== References ===
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* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
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* ''other literature.''-->
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;Citations
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;References:
 
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
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;Bibliography:
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;Bibliography
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* Futrell, R. Frank; et al. ''United States Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965–1973: Aces and Aerial Victories''. Air University; Headquarters USAF, 1976.
 
* 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].
 
* 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. "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.
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* Siemann, John W. ''Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. COMBAT SNAP (AIM-9J Southeast Asia Introduction)''. Defense Technical Information Center, 24 Apr 1974.
  
 
{{Missiles}}
 
{{Missiles}}
  
 
[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
 
[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Latest revision as of 00:03, 28 October 2024

This page is about the American air-to-air missile AIM-9J Sidewinder. For other versions, see AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family).

Description

The AIM-9J Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)


The AIM-9J Sidewinder is an American 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. 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

Vehicles equipped with this weapon
Jet fighters  F-5E · F-16A · ▄Mirage 5BA
F-4  F-4E Phantom II · ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F
F-104  ◄F-104G · ␗F-104G · ▄F-104G · F-104S
Strike aircraft 
A-7  A-7D · A-7K

General info

Missile characteristics
Mass 76 kg
Guidance IR
Aspect Rear-aspect
Lock range (rear-aspect) 5.5 km
Launch range 18 km
Maximum speed 2.5 M
Maximum overload 20 G
Missile guidance time 40 secs
Explosive mass 7.62 kg TNTeq

Effective damage

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.

  • 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
USA flag.png AIM-9B Sidewinder IR Rear 20 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 4 10 1.7 10 72 7.62
USA flag.png AIM-9C Sidewinder SARH Front 60 Icon RedXCross.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 9 18 2.5 18 95 4.69
USA flag.png AIM-9D Sidewinder[note 1] IR Rear 20 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 5.5 18 2.5 18 88 4.69
USA flag.png AIM-9E Sidewinder[note 2] IR Rear 20 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png 5.5 18 2.8 10 76 7.62
USA flag.png AIM-9G Sidewinder IR Rear 60 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 5.5 18 2.5 18 88 3.53
USA flag.png AIM-9H Sidewinder IR Rear 60 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 5.5 18 2.5 18 88 3.53
USA flag.png AIM-9J Sidewinder[note 3] IR Rear 40 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png 5.5 18 2.5 20 76 7.62
USA flag.png AIM-9L Sidewinder IR All 60 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 11 18 2.5 30 84 4.58
USA flag.png AIM-9M Sidewinder IR All 60 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 11 18 2.5 30 84 4.58
USA flag.png AIM-9P Sidewinder IR Rear 40 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 5.5 18 2.5 20 76.93 7.62
USA flag.png AIM-9P4 Sidewinder IR All 40 Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png 11 18 2.5 20 76.93 7.62
FRG flag.png AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder IR Rear 20 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 5.5 10 1.7 10 72 7.62
Israel flag.png Shafrir IR Rear 20 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 7 10 1.7 11 65 7.62
Sweden flag.png RB24 IR Rear 20 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 4 10 1.7 10 72 7.62
USSR flag.png R-3S IR Rear 21 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 9 10 1.7 10 75 8.8
China flag.png PL-2 IR Rear 21 Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png 9 10 1.7 10 75 8.8
  1. ↑ Successor to the AIM-9B
  2. ↑ Successor to the AIM-9B
  3. ↑ Upgrade modification often found on aircraft with AIM-9B

When comparing the AIM-9J to the most common analogues such as R-60 and 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,[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] Other improvements were in its integration of solid-state electronics and a longer burning gas generator to increase its flight time.[4][5]

The new AIM-9J was tested extensively during the "AIM-9J End Game II Development Program" in August 1970,[6] 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",[7] 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 and AIM-9E currently in service.[8] Production of the AIM-9J commenced, with more than 6,700 of the missile variant built or rebuilt from older AIM-9B units.[4]

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-21 and two MiG-19 around Phuc Yen airfield. Though the MiG-21 was shot down with 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.[9][10]

The third AIM-9J victory was done on September 16th, when "Chevy" Flight of F-4E from the 555th encountered a MiG-21 flying at low altitude at around 700 feet above ground level.[11][12] 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 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.[13] With the Vietnam cease-fire on 24 January 1973, the AIM-9J's combat tally for that conflict comes to a conclusion.[14]

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).[15] 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%).[16]

Media

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

See also

Related development

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.10-11
  2. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.15-16
  3. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.16
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kopp 2014
  5. ↑ Parsch 2008
  6. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.x
  7. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.17
  8. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.21
  9. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.23
  10. ↑ Futrell 1976, p.104-105
  11. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.24
  12. ↑ Futrell 1976, p.106
  13. ↑ Futrell 1976, p.110-111
  14. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.24-26
  15. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.26
  16. ↑ Siemann 1974, p.29
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, Website.
  • Parsch, Andreas. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Designation-Systems.Net, 09 July 2008, Website.
  • Siemann, John W. Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. COMBAT SNAP (AIM-9J Southeast Asia Introduction). Defense Technical Information Center, 24 Apr 1974.


Missiles
USA 
AAM  AIM-54A Phoenix · AIM-54C Phoenix · ATAS (AIM-92) · AIM-120A · AIM-120B · Fakour-90 · Sedjeel
Sparrow  AIM-7C · AIM-7D · AIM-7E · AIM-7E-2 · AIM-7F · AIM-7M
Sidewinder  AIM-9B · AIM-9C · AIM-9D · AIM-9E · AIM-9G · AIM-9H · AIM-9J · AIM-9L · AIM-9M · AIM-9P
AGM  AGM-22 · APKWS II (M151) · APKWS II (M282) · BGM-71D TOW-2
Bullpup  AGM-12B Bullpup · AGM-12C Bullpup
Hellfire  AGM-114B Hellfire · AGM-114K Hellfire II
Maverick  AGM-65A · AGM-65B · AGM-65D · AGM-65E2 · AGM-65G · AGM-65L
ATGM  LOSAT/MGM-166A
TOW  BGM-71 · BGM-71A · BGM-71B · BGM-71C
SAM  FIM-92 Stinger · MIM-72 · MIM146
Naval SAM  RIM-24A
Germany 
AAM  AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder · AIM-9L/I Sidewinder · Flz Lwf 63 · Flz Lwf 63/80
AGM  9M14M Malyutka · Flz Lwf LB 82 · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · PARS 3 LR
AShM  AS.34 Kormoran
ATGM  HOT-K3S · Spike-LR II
SAM  Roland
Naval SAM  Strela-2M
USSR 
AAM  9M39 Igla · R-3R · R-3S · R-13M1 · R-23R · R-23T · R-24R · R-24T · R-27ER(1) · R-27ET(1) · R-27R(1) · R-27T(1) · R-60 · R-60M · R-60MK · R-73(E) · R-77
AGM  9K127 Vikhr · 9M17M Falanga · 9M120 Ataka · 9M120-1 Ataka
  Kh-23M · Kh-25 · Kh-25ML · Kh-29L · Kh-29T · Kh-29TE · Kh-29TD · Kh-66 · S-25L · S-25LD
ATGM  3M7 · 9M14 · 9M113 Konkurs · 9M114 Shturm · 9M123 Khrizantema · 9M133 · 9M133FM3 · 9M133M-2
SAM  95Ya6 · 9M311 · 9M311-1M · 9M331 · 9M37M
Naval SAM  Volna-M
Britain 
AAM  Fireflash · Firestreak · Red Top · Skyflash · Skyflash SuperTEMP · SRAAM · R-Darter
AGM  AGM-65E · AS.12 · ZT-6 Mokopa
AShM  AJ.168
ATGM  BAe Swingfire · MILAN · MILAN 2 · ZT3
SAM  Starstreak
Japan 
AAM  AAM-3 · AAM-4
AGM  Ki-148 I-Go Model 1B
ATGM  Type 64 MAT · Type 79 Jyu-MAT
SAM  Type 81 SAM-1C · Type 91
China 
AAM  PL-2 · PL-5B · PL-5C · PL-5EII · PL-7 · PL-8 · PL-12 · SD-10(A) · TY-90
AGM  AKD-9 · AKD-10 · Fire Snake 90A · HJ-8A · HJ-8C · HJ-8E · HJ-8H
ATGM  302 · HJ-73 · HJ-73E · HJ-9 · QN201DD · QN502CDD
SAM  HN-6
Italy 
AAM  Aspide-1A · MAA-1 Piranha
AGM  AGM-65H · CIRIT · L-UMTAS · Spike ER
ATGM  Spike-LR II
Naval AShM  Nettuno
SAM  Mistral SATCP
France 
AAM  AA-20 Nord · Matra R511 · Matra R530 · Matra R530E · Matra Super 530D · Matra Super 530F · Matra R550 Magic 1 · Matra R550 Magic 2 · Mistral · MICA-EM
AGM  9M14-2 Malyutka-2 · AS-20 Nord · AS-30 Nord · AS-30L Nord · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · Spike ER
ATGM  HOT · SS.11
SAM  Roland · VT1
Sweden 
AAM  RB24 · RB24J · RB71 · RB 74 · RB 74(M) · RB 99
AGM  Rb05A · RB 53 Bantam · RB 55B Heli TOW · RB 55C Heli TOW · RB 75 · RB 75T
ATGM  Rbs 55 · Rbs 56
SAM  Rbs 70
Israel 
AAM  Shafrir · Shafrir 2 · Python 3 · Derby
ATGM  Spike-LR II
  AAM = Air-to-Air Missile   AGM = Air-to-Ground Missile   AShM = Anti-Ship Missile   ATGM = Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Ground mounts)   SAM = Surface-to-Air Missile

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