AIM-9X makes operational debut

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (ACCNS) --   The newest version of the Sidewinder missilethe AIM-9Xwas fired for the first time in an operational environment March 17 at Tyndall AFB, Fla., during an air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program mission.

This was the 67th AIM-9X launch, with the previous 66 conducted by test aircraft and test pilots. The missile achieved initial operational capability in November 2003.

The AIM-9X is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile that can be fired day or night. It is presently carried by the F-15 Eagle, with future plans for the F-16, F/A-22 and F-18.

The first operational shot was a huge success, according to Lt. Col. David Uzzell, 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron commander. The 83rd FWS is the unit responsible for conducting the Air Forces air-to-air WSEP for all Combat Air Force aircraft.

The first step for the 83rd FWS was to upgrade the current AIM-9 telemetry equipment for the X model.

The innovative efforts of 83rd personnel in completing training requirements and procuring new equipment while saving over $100,000 enabled mission accomplishment, said Colonel Uzzell. It was a total team effort and Im really proud of the 83rd and applaud them. Its great to see a year and a half worth of effort come together on schedule.

Other challenges included building a new special-interest profile database, configuring computers to run real-time displays, and deconflicting frequencies for scoring, said 2nd Lt. Gregory Wooley, AIM-9X lead missile analyst for the 83rd FWS.

These modifications allowed us to start testing the missile against design specifications that will help verify that the pilots Weapons Employment Zone gives an accurate depiction of the AIM-9Xs capabilities, said Lieutenant Wooley. Our main objective in this shot was to evaluate the missiles improved performance over the baseline AIM-9M model and to start validating the new single-shot kill criteria. Were off to a good start.

A few spectators, key players from the Joint Program Manager's office, were even on-hand to see the missiles start at WSEP.

Navy Capt. Scott Stewart said the St. Patricks Day test had far-reaching influence.

(The missile test) will affect all services as we make software updates and the missiles capability grows in response to different threats and different potential countermeasures, said Captain Stewart, Navy program manager for air-to-air missiles. Todays test was one to stress its performance capabilitiesto really test it hard to see if it could perform.

The first operational shot was taken by an F-15C pilot and student currently attending the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

Students in the Weapons School are required to write papers on weapons and tactics as part of their curriculum, so a paper on AIM-9X employment using information gathered by this shot will serve to educate everyone in the Combat Air Forces, said Col. Derek Hess, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group commander. And, of course, they will carry unique employment experience to their next operational units.

The $275,000 missile is on the path to changing the face of aerial combat, according to Captain Stewart, who said he expects it to have a huge impact on warfighter tactics throughout the Air Force and other branches of service.

The Air Force is pairing the AIM-9X with the Helmet-Mounted Cueing System. The HMCS visor displays key data to the pilot and links the aircrafts sensors and weapons. This combination will enable the pilot to aim and shoot the missile simply by looking in the direction of his target.

With this combination (helmet and missile), I can look at the enemy, turn my head and cue the missile to look (at a target) and then launch, said the Navy captain. Pilots wont have to use as much dog fighting and turning and maneuvering in order to put the aircraft in a lethal launch acceptability region with the missile the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System with the AIM-9X is like a sidewinder on steroids.

The time it takes to attack and kill an enemy aircraft will also be reduced by the HMCS/AIM-9X combination, according to Navy Cmdr. Roger Budd, AIM-9 Sidewinder office.

So now, the pilot can attack and kill in a much shorter time period than before, he said. Which means the pilot is less vulnerable than before.

With the initial operational shot behind them, the 53rd WEG will continue to evaluate the AIM-9X as part of its WSEP, known as Combat Archer.

The AIM-9X is now in the mainstream inventory of the CAFs compliment of weapons, said Colonel Hess. Our goal is to make sure that the weapon continues to work as it should and ensure the Air Forces edge remains razor sharp.