Biggerhammer.net - Aircraft, Vehicles and Equipment Factfile > AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile

AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile


Primary function: Close-range, air-to-air missile.
Length: 9 feet, 6 inches (2.89 meters)
Weight: 186 pounds (84.44 kilograms)
Span: 2 feet (60.96 centimeters)
Diameter: 5 inches (12.7 centimeters)
Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket
Guidance: Infrared homing
Warhead: Conventional
Speed: Mach 2.5
Platforms: F/A-18, AV-8, AH-1
Unit Replacement Cost: $83,000

Features: The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range, air-to-air missile that uses an infrared seeker, enhanced warhead, and guidance permitting all-angle attacks. It is the most widely used air-to-air missile in the West, with more than 110,000 missiles produced for 27 nations excluding the U.S. The AIM-9X follow-on variant is planned as a high-off-boresight replacement/upgrade to current missile.


Date last modified: 11/29/95


Last Modified on June 17, 1999
aalbert@biggerhammer.net