AIM-9M Sidewinder/AIM-9X Next Generation Sidewinder

Current as of January 22, 2022

Mission
The AIM-9M Sidewinder is a short range air-to-air missile that provides neutralization of fixed-wing aircraft, rotary helicopter, and cruise missile airborne targets.  The AIM-9M is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an infrared guidance system. 

Features
The AIM-9M has a cylindrical body with a roll-stabilizing rear wing/roller-on assembly. Also, it has detachable, double-delta control surfaces behind the nose that improve the missile's maneuverability. Both roller-ons and control surfaces are in a cross-like arrangement. The AIM-9M is integrated on A-10, F-15A-E, and F-16A-D and is manufactured by Raytheon.

AIM-9X Next Generation Sidewinder

Mission

The AIM-9X is a short-range air-to-air missile that provides neutralization of fixed-wing aircraft, rotary wing helicopter, and cruise missile airborne targets. It also has surface attack capability with equipped aircraft. 

The AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder improves on the AIM-9X by incorporating updated processors within the Guidance Unit (GU) Electronics and improved AOTD with an integrated Data Link (AOTD/DL). Extended battery life and an Ignition Safety Device that replaces the manual SAFE-ARM assembly allows the GU to arm and initiate the RM. The AIM-9X and AIM-9X2 Air Force threshold aircraft are F-15C-D. The objective aircraft are F-16C-D, F-22 (internal), and F-35 (external).