The development of the Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-9
Sidewinder began in the 1950s’ at a Navy facility in California known as the Naval
Ordnance Test Station (NOTS). Today it
is known as the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD).
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, short-range air-to-air missile which entered service in 1956. Many variants and upgrades have occurred in the past five decades. Used on aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, AV-8B, AH-1 and A-10 aircraft. Additionally, the Sidewinder is used by over 30 Foreign Militaries on over 12 different types of aircraft.
Missile components include items such as infrared homing guidance, active optical target detector, high-explosive warhead, and a rocket motor. This technology enables the missile to home on target aircraft engine exhaust. The infrared seeker permits pilots the ability to launch the missile, then leave the area or take evasive action while the missile guides itself to the target.
Newer versions include the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-9X Block II which is the most advanced short range air-air missile in the U.S. inventory. Thousands of individual NSN parts makeup the missile and many of the legacy components are incorporated into the newer models. Prime contractors include Raytheon & Ford Aerospace.
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