AIM-9G Sidewinder

Description

The AIM-9G is part of the AIM-9 Sidewinder family of short ranged infrared guided air to air missiles designed by the US during the early 1950s. The Golf variant improves on the previous Echo model by heaving more reliable electronics which allows it to sustain 16G loads compared to the 10G of the Echo. The lock on range, speed, and launch range remain the same as with the Echo. However, the Golf model has an increased weight at 88 kg and a reduced explosive mass of only 2.76 kg. As with all Sidewinder variants pre-Lima model they are still rear IR aspect guided.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• Jaguar GR.1
• Harrier GR.3
• AV-8A
• AV-8C

General info

The AIM-9G Sidewinder is a rear aspect IR guided short-ranged air-to-air missile. It functions similarly to previous variants of the AIM-9 but with more reliable avionics which allow it to sustain higher G-loads.

Effective damage

AIM-9G uses a newer continuous rod warhead with an improved proximity fuse, this allows less explosives to be used while increasing all around damage. The missile usually guarantees a one shot kill at most angles due to the continuous rod warhead.

Comparison with analogues

The Soviet R-3S aka K-13 missile and British SRAAM are comparable IR guided short range missiles. Compared to the Soviet R-3s the AIM-9G has better speed, range, and G load capabilities and is an all round superior missile. The SRAAM has superior avionics capabilities to the Sidewinder with better acquisition envelope, higher G load, and is able to better make horizontal shots, but has a shorter engagement range at only 2km.

Usage in battles

The AIM-9G is primarily a short range air-to-air missile which requires a rear aspect IR signature to lock on to a target. The Golf models have an improved acquisition envelope making target tracking easier and at steeper angles. The missile is also able to sustain higher Gs which increases horizontal engagement hit ratios and target lock. As a short range missile recommend rear engagement distance is around 1-4 km, any shots lower may not give adequate time for the missile to track. With horizontal engagement lock on distance is around 1-2km depending on the approach angle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Higher max G-load at 16G
• Improved acquisition envelope

Cons:

• Heavier missile at 88 kg compared to previous models
• Reduced explosive mass at 2.76 kg
• Same range with little improvements to avionics

History: AIM-9D/G/H Variants

The AIM-9D/G/H variants were designed by the US Navy incorporating experiences from the early models and from combat experience in Vietnam.

The Navy Sidewinder design progression went from the early production B model to the D model that was used extensively in Vietnam. The G and H models followed with new forward canard design improving ACM performance and expanded acquisition modes and improved envelopes. The "Hotel" model followed shortly after the "Golf" and featured a solid state design that improved reliability in the carrier environment where shock from catapult launches and arrested landings had a deteriorating effect on the earlier vacuum tube designs. The Ault report had a strong impact on Sidewinder design, manufacture, and handling.

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

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• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the weapon;
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