AIM-9X

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.

AIM-9X is the newest variant of Sidewinder. The AIM-9X has the same rocket motor and warhead as the AIM-9M. Major physical changes from previous versions of the missile include fixed forward canards, and smaller fins designed to increase flight performance. The guidance section has been redesigned and features an imaging infrared seeker. The propulsion section now incorporates a jet-vane steering system for enhanced post-launch agility. The X model is also compatible with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, which is designed for ease of target acquisition and decreased aircrew workload.

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