Difference between revisions of "AIM-9M Sidewinder"

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== Description ==
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The '''AIM-9M Sidewinder''' is an American [[Air-to-air missiles#Infrared homing .28heat-seeking.29 missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in[[Update "Sons of Attila"| Update 2.29 "Sons of Attila"]]
+
''The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a renowned family of short-range air-to-air missiles used by global air forces. Among its iterations, the AIM-9M, introduced in the 1980s, stands out. This version was tailored to offer enhanced resistance to infrared countermeasures, making it harder for enemy aircraft to elude or deceive. The AIM-9M also features a reduced-smoke rocket motor, minimizing the risk of the launching aircraft being spotted. Its deployment in various conflicts has cemented its reputation as a formidable air-to-air weapon.''
−
 
 
−
The AIM-9M entered service in 1983 as much improved AIM-9L with much better background rejection and a form of IRCCM. The AIM-9M is responsible for all 10 Sidewinder kills in the 1991 Gulf War
 
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
The AIM-9M Sidewinder is the first sidewinder to have IRCCM, and it achieves this by suspending the seeker if it detects flare countermeasures. and resorting to INS navigation and a reduced/low smoke motor. It is directly based on the USN/AF AIM-9L
+
The most Notable characteristics are:
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
# '''Resistance to Countermeasures''': The AIM-9M's guidance system was improved to provide enhanced resistance to infrared countermeasures. This feature makes it harder for adversary aircraft to deploy flares or other means to deceive or divert the missile.
−
! colspan="2" |'''Missile characteristics'''
+
# '''Reduced-smoke Rocket Motor''': The AIM-9M comes with a motor that produces less visible smoke. This characteristic is vital tactically, as it reduces the chances of the missile giving away the position of the launching aircraft.
−
|-
+
# '''Reliability''': Over the years and through various upgrades, the Sidewinder family has developed a reputation for reliability, and the AIM-9M embodies this trait.
−
|'''Mass'''
 
−
|84.5 kg
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Guidance'''
 
−
|IR
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Aspect'''
 
−
|All-aspects
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Lock range in rear aspect'''
 
−
|11km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Lock range in all aspect'''
 
−
|3km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''ECCM'''
 
−
|Yes
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Launch Range'''
 
−
|18km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Maximum Speed'''
 
−
|2.5M
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Maximum Overload'''
 
−
|30G
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Missile Guidance time'''
 
−
|60.0s
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Explosive mass'''
 
−
|4.58kg TNTeq
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
=== Effective damage ===
−
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''
+
4.6kg warhead, making at average but still reliable at crippling enemy planes with its splash.
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
−
Compared to the AIM-9L it is practically the exact same expect for the IRCCM capabilities of it. It still has the same max G pull and the same range as the AIM-9L. While compared the R-73 it doesn't pull as hard but for better IRCCM capabilities from the front and side or at long range. The AIM-9M also has longer range then the R-73
+
In terms of flight characteristics, the missile is identical to the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]]
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
The IRCCM this missile uses (FoV shutoff) can only be found on helicopter AAMs, which are a different kind of missile.
−
!'''Missile Characteristics'''
+
 
−
!'''AIM-9M'''
+
The other comparable missiles of this generation are the [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] and [[r-73]]. Both also have IRCCM, however they use an FOV type IRCCM, where once it is fired, the inner FOV of the seeker, becomes way smaller.
−
!'''R-73'''
 
−
!'''Magic 2'''!!'''AIM-9L'''
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Mass'''
 
−
|84 kg
 
−
|105 kg
 
−
|89 kg||84 kg
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Guidance'''
 
−
|IR
 
−
|IR
 
−
|IR||IR
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Aspect'''
 
−
|All-Aspect
 
−
|All-Aspect
 
−
|All-aspects||All-Aspect
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Seeker Head'''
 
−
|Uncaged (radar slavable)
 
−
|Uncaged (radar slavable)
 
−
|Uncaged (radar slavable)||Uncaged (radar slavable)
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''
 
−
|11 km
 
−
|11 km
 
−
|6 km||11 km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''
 
−
|3 km
 
−
|3.4 km
 
−
|3 km||3 km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''ECCM'''
 
−
|Yes
 
−
|Yes
 
−
|Yes
 
−
|No
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''ECCM Type'''
 
−
|Suspended Animation
 
−
|FOV Gating
 
−
|FOV Gating
 
−
|N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Thrust Vectoring'''
 
−
|No
 
−
|Yes
 
−
|No
 
−
|No
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Launch range'''
 
−
|18 km
 
−
|30km
 
−
|10 km||18 km
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Maximum speed'''
 
−
|2.5 M
 
−
|2.5 M
 
−
|3 M||2.5 M
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Maximum overload'''
 
−
|30 G
 
−
|40 G
 
−
|35 G||30 G
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Missile guidance time'''
 
−
|60 s
 
−
|25 s
 
−
|25 s||60 s
 
−
|-
 
−
|'''Explosive Mass'''
 
−
|4.06 kg TNTeq
 
−
|5.96 kg TNTeq
 
−
|9.6kg TNTeq||4.06 kg TNTeq
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
The AIM-9M is known for it's Great seeker and IRCCM as well and it's decent G overload. With the IRCCM features of the AIM-9M it makes it a very challenging opponent for the enemy planes It also has good range compared to other missiles.
+
The Aim-9M should be used to target enemy fighters. It's potential of destroying a target becomes exponentially higher when firing at a clueless or unsuspecting enemy, such as AFK players or those who don't know you are coming.
 +
 
 +
When an enemy is flaring, or ready to flare the missile, shooting it from side aspect is generally most reliable, with rear aspect being fairly reliable and front aspect not being reliable at all.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
−
* Best or one of the best IRCCM in the game.
 
  
−
* Great range
+
* Seeker shutoff IRCCM: Knowledge about how this type of IRCCM works is required to have a chance at evading this missile; meaning:  Very easy to score kills
 +
* Long range. Can reliably be fired from 2.5km when chasing a supersonic target at low altitude. up to 4.5km when at altitude, and even 6-7km if conditions allow for it.
 +
* Very maneuverable, it will not miss kinetically a target that is not flaring.
  
 
*
 
*
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Weak in a dogfight
+
* Seeker shutoff IRCCM: Knowledge about how this type of IRCCM works is required to have a chance at evading this missile; meaning:  Very hard to dodge
−
* Relatively low G overload
+
* It becomes "dumb" if the target keeps flaring, trying to hit the enemy based on right before seeker shut off due to flares.
−
* Relatively less explosive content than some counterparts
+
* As useless an an Aim9L against targets with alot of flares that know an aim9M is coming.
  
−
=== Defense ===
+
*
−
The AIM-9M requires new ways to flare the missile since it has a new type of IRCCM, there are 3 different ways to defeat against AIM-9M
 
  
−
==== Preflaring ====
+
== History ==
−
Preflaring involves flaring before the missile launch, to prevent the enemy pliot from gaining a targeting solution and firing on you. 
 
  
−
==== "Flare Flower" ====
+
# '''''Origins''': Conceived in the early 1950s at the U.S. Navy's Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, California, the Sidewinder was designed as an affordable and reliable infrared-homing missile.''
−
A "Flare Flower" involves making a sort of flower of flares for the AIM-9M to bite off on.
+
# '''''Evolution''': Over the years, several variants emerged. The AIM-9M, debuting in the 1980s, improved upon the AIM-9L, especially in counter-countermeasures capabilities.''
  
−
==== Direction change ====
+
'''''Combat Usage:'''''
−
Direction change involves flaring and then changing your direction of your plane into on that you were not going before. This exploits a weakness of the AIM-9Ms IRCCM as it shuts off and goes to your last known position.
 
  
−
*
+
# '''''Taiwan Strait Crisis (1958)''': First combat use, with Chinese Nationalist F-86s scoring kills against Chinese Communist MiG fighters.''
 +
# '''''Vietnam War''': Became the primary short-range air-to-air missile for U.S. aircraft, facing initial issues but seeing later improvement.''
 +
# '''''Middle East''': Used by multiple nations, notably by Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Egyptian and Syrian aircraft.''
 +
# '''''Falklands War (1982)''': British Harriers deployed Sidewinders effectively against Argentine aircraft.''
 +
# '''''Operation Desert Storm (1991)''': The AIM-9M showcased its enhanced capabilities, contributing to air superiority against Iraqi aircraft.''
  
−
== History ==
+
''Throughout its lifespan, the Sidewinder, especially the AIM-9M, has evolved to meet the demands of modern aerial warfare, seeing widespread use in numerous global conflicts.''
−
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
*''[[R-73]]''
+
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
−
*''[[R-60M]]''
+
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
−
*''[[AIM-9L Sidewinder]]''
 
−
 
 
−
*''[[AIM-9H Sidewinder]]''
 
−
 
 
−
*''[[Matra R550 Magic 2]]''
 
−
*''[[Matra R550 Magic 1]]''
 
−
 
 
−
*''[[PL-8]]''
 
−
*''[[Python 3]]''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 09:43, 3 October 2023

Description

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a renowned family of short-range air-to-air missiles used by global air forces. Among its iterations, the AIM-9M, introduced in the 1980s, stands out. This version was tailored to offer enhanced resistance to infrared countermeasures, making it harder for enemy aircraft to elude or deceive. The AIM-9M also features a reduced-smoke rocket motor, minimizing the risk of the launching aircraft being spotted. Its deployment in various conflicts has cemented its reputation as a formidable air-to-air weapon.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

The most Notable characteristics are:

  1. Resistance to Countermeasures: The AIM-9M's guidance system was improved to provide enhanced resistance to infrared countermeasures. This feature makes it harder for adversary aircraft to deploy flares or other means to deceive or divert the missile.
  2. Reduced-smoke Rocket Motor: The AIM-9M comes with a motor that produces less visible smoke. This characteristic is vital tactically, as it reduces the chances of the missile giving away the position of the launching aircraft.
  3. Reliability: Over the years and through various upgrades, the Sidewinder family has developed a reputation for reliability, and the AIM-9M embodies this trait.

Effective damage

4.6kg warhead, making at average but still reliable at crippling enemy planes with its splash.

Comparison with analogues

In terms of flight characteristics, the missile is identical to the AIM-9L Sidewinder

The IRCCM this missile uses (FoV shutoff) can only be found on helicopter AAMs, which are a different kind of missile.

The other comparable missiles of this generation are the Matra R550 Magic 2 and r-73. Both also have IRCCM, however they use an FOV type IRCCM, where once it is fired, the inner FOV of the seeker, becomes way smaller.

Usage in battles

The Aim-9M should be used to target enemy fighters. It's potential of destroying a target becomes exponentially higher when firing at a clueless or unsuspecting enemy, such as AFK players or those who don't know you are coming.

When an enemy is flaring, or ready to flare the missile, shooting it from side aspect is generally most reliable, with rear aspect being fairly reliable and front aspect not being reliable at all.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seeker shutoff IRCCM: Knowledge about how this type of IRCCM works is required to have a chance at evading this missile; meaning: Very easy to score kills
  • Long range. Can reliably be fired from 2.5km when chasing a supersonic target at low altitude. up to 4.5km when at altitude, and even 6-7km if conditions allow for it.
  • Very maneuverable, it will not miss kinetically a target that is not flaring.

Cons:

  • Seeker shutoff IRCCM: Knowledge about how this type of IRCCM works is required to have a chance at evading this missile; meaning: Very hard to dodge
  • It becomes "dumb" if the target keeps flaring, trying to hit the enemy based on right before seeker shut off due to flares.
  • As useless an an Aim9L against targets with alot of flares that know an aim9M is coming.

History

  1. Origins: Conceived in the early 1950s at the U.S. Navy's Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, California, the Sidewinder was designed as an affordable and reliable infrared-homing missile.
  2. Evolution: Over the years, several variants emerged. The AIM-9M, debuting in the 1980s, improved upon the AIM-9L, especially in counter-countermeasures capabilities.

Combat Usage:

  1. Taiwan Strait Crisis (1958): First combat use, with Chinese Nationalist F-86s scoring kills against Chinese Communist MiG fighters.
  2. Vietnam War: Became the primary short-range air-to-air missile for U.S. aircraft, facing initial issues but seeing later improvement.
  3. Middle East: Used by multiple nations, notably by Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Egyptian and Syrian aircraft.
  4. Falklands War (1982): British Harriers deployed Sidewinders effectively against Argentine aircraft.
  5. Operation Desert Storm (1991): The AIM-9M showcased its enhanced capabilities, contributing to air superiority against Iraqi aircraft.

Throughout its lifespan, the Sidewinder, especially the AIM-9M, has evolved to meet the demands of modern aerial warfare, seeing widespread use in numerous global conflicts.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
  • references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Missiles
USA 
AAM  AIM-54A Phoenix · AIM-54C Phoenix · ATAS (AIM-92) · AIM-120A · AIM-120B · Fakour-90 · Sedjeel
Sparrow  AIM-7C · AIM-7D · AIM-7E · AIM-7E-2 · AIM-7F · AIM-7M
Sidewinder  AIM-9B · AIM-9C · AIM-9D · AIM-9E · AIM-9G · AIM-9H · AIM-9J · AIM-9L · AIM-9M · AIM-9P
AGM  AGM-22 · APKWS II (M151) · APKWS II (M282) · BGM-71D TOW-2
Bullpup  AGM-12B Bullpup · AGM-12C Bullpup
Hellfire  AGM-114B Hellfire · AGM-114K Hellfire II
Maverick  AGM-65A · AGM-65B · AGM-65D · AGM-65E2 · AGM-65G · AGM-65L
ATGM  LOSAT/MGM-166A
TOW  BGM-71 · BGM-71A · BGM-71B · BGM-71C
SAM  FIM-92 Stinger · MIM-72 · MIM146
Naval SAM  RIM-24A
Germany 
AAM  AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder · AIM-9L/I Sidewinder · Flz Lwf 63 · Flz Lwf 63/80
AGM  9M14M Malyutka · Flz Lwf LB 82 · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · PARS 3 LR
AShM  AS.34 Kormoran
ATGM  HOT-K3S · Spike-LR II
SAM  Roland
Naval SAM  Strela-2M
USSR 
AAM  9M39 Igla · R-3R · R-3S · R-13M1 · R-23R · R-23T · R-24R · R-24T · R-27ER(1) · R-27ET(1) · R-27R(1) · R-27T(1) · R-60 · R-60M · R-60MK · R-73(E) · R-77
AGM  9K127 Vikhr · 9M17M Falanga · 9M120 Ataka · 9M120-1 Ataka
  Kh-23M · Kh-25 · Kh-25ML · Kh-29L · Kh-29T · Kh-29TE · Kh-29TD · Kh-66 · S-25L · S-25LD
ATGM  3M7 · 9M14 · 9M113 Konkurs · 9M114 Shturm · 9M123 Khrizantema · 9M133 · 9M133FM3 · 9M133M-2
SAM  95Ya6 · 9M311 · 9M311-1M · 9M331 · 9M37M
Naval SAM  Volna-M
Britain 
AAM  Fireflash · Firestreak · Red Top · Skyflash · Skyflash SuperTEMP · SRAAM · R-Darter
AGM  AGM-65E · AS.12 · ZT-6 Mokopa
AShM  AJ.168
ATGM  BAe Swingfire · MILAN · MILAN 2 · ZT3
SAM  Starstreak
Japan 
AAM  AAM-3 · AAM-4
AGM  Ki-148 I-Go Model 1B
ATGM  Type 64 MAT · Type 79 Jyu-MAT
SAM  Type 81 SAM-1C · Type 91
China 
AAM  PL-2 · PL-5B · PL-5C · PL-5EII · PL-7 · PL-8 · PL-12 · SD-10(A) · TY-90
AGM  AKD-9 · AKD-10 · Fire Snake 90A · HJ-8A · HJ-8C · HJ-8E · HJ-8H
ATGM  302 · HJ-73 · HJ-73E · HJ-9 · QN201DD · QN502CDD
SAM  HN-6
Italy 
AAM  Aspide-1A · MAA-1 Piranha
AGM  AGM-65H · CIRIT · L-UMTAS · Spike ER
ATGM  Spike-LR II
Naval AShM  Nettuno
SAM  Mistral SATCP
France 
AAM  AA-20 Nord · Matra R511 · Matra R530 · Matra R530E · Matra Super 530D · Matra Super 530F · Matra R550 Magic 1 · Matra R550 Magic 2 · Mistral · MICA-EM
AGM  9M14-2 Malyutka-2 · AS-20 Nord · AS-30 Nord · AS-30L Nord · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · Spike ER
ATGM  HOT · SS.11
SAM  Roland · VT1
Sweden 
AAM  RB24 · RB24J · RB71 · RB 74 · RB 74(M) · RB 99
AGM  Rb05A · RB 53 Bantam · RB 55B Heli TOW · RB 55C Heli TOW · RB 75 · RB 75T
ATGM  Rbs 55 · Rbs 56
SAM  Rbs 70
Israel 
AAM  Shafrir · Shafrir 2 · Python 3 · Derby
ATGM  Spike-LR II
  AAM = Air-to-Air Missile   AGM = Air-to-Ground Missile   AShM = Anti-Ship Missile   ATGM = Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Ground mounts)   SAM = Surface-to-Air Missile

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