AIM-9M — AIM-9M

Designation

AIM-9M

Compatible aircraft

FA18C, AV8B

Primary Function: Air-to-air missile
Contractor: Raytheon
Power Plant: Hercules MK-36 solid-propellant rocket motor
Length: 9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Launch Weight: 190 pounds  (85.5 kg)
Diameter: 5 inches (.13 meter)
Wingspan: 2 feet, ¾ inches (0.63 meter)
Range: 10-18 miles
Speed: Supersonic Mach 2.5
Guidance System: Solid-state, infrared homing system
Warhead: Annular blast fragmentation

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an infrared heat-seeking guidance system. The Sidewinder was developed by the U.S. Navy for fleet air defense and was adapted by the U.S. Air Force for fighter aircraft use.

The AIM-9M has the all-aspect capability of the L model, but provides all-around higher performance. The M model has improved defense against infrared countermeasures, enhanced background discrimination capability, and a reduced-smoke rocket motor. These modifications increase ability to locate and lock-on a target and decrease the missile's chances for detection. Deliveries of the M model began in 1983.

The AIM-9M-9 has expanded infrared countermeasures detection circuitry.