AIM-9P Sidewinder

Description

The AIM-9P Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)

Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• F-1
• ␗F-5A
• F-104J

General info

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Effective damage

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Comparison with analogues

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Usage in battles

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Pros and cons

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Pros:

Cons:

History

When the AIM-9L Sidewinder began to be put into production in 1976 replace other Sidewinder variants as the United States' main IR missile, a need was created for Sidewinders to offer to the United States' allies that did not need or were not allowed access to the newest AIM-9 Sidewinder variants and their associated features such as all-aspect locking.

The AIM-9P Sidewinder missile was developed as a family of export missiles. Sponsored by the US Air Force, this variant was based off the AIM-9J/N variants, though will be updated multiple times incorporating new features and improvements.

Variants of the AIM-9P

• AIM-9P - The first version, which is an improved AIM-9J model with greater engagement ranges. It also incorporates solid-state technology for better reliability and maintainability. Deliveries of this missile starts in 1978.
• AIM-9P-1 - Introduces an active optical target detector with the DSU-15/B AOTD laser proximity fuze, replacing the old infrared influence fuze.
• AIM-9P-2 - Introduces a reduced-smoke rocket motor.
• AIM-9P-3 - Alongside the reduced-smoke rocket motor like the preceding P-2, the P-3 also includes a new insensitive munitions warhead and improved guidance and control section. Fuzing appears to be a mix of the original infrared fuze or the active optical target detector as the P-1. The AIM-9P-3 is also the basis of the Swedish RB24J missile.
• AIM-9P-4 - Introduces ALASCA features and technology of the AIM-9L variants. However, it is considered less agile to the AIM-9L variant.
• AIM-9P-5 - Introduces IRCCM incorporated in the AIM-9M variant. This model is also the basis of the Swedish RB74, or RB24L, missile.

More than 21,000 AIM-9P models were built during its production, though many were rebuilt AIM-9B/E/J. Despite being slated for export use, most of the missiles are in US Air Force inventory.

Media

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See also

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

External links

References

Bibliography

• GlobalSecurity.org "AIM-9 Sidewinder." GlobalSecurity.org, Website. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 (Archive).
• Goebel, Greg. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." Air Vectors, 01 Mar. 2021, Website. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 (Archive).
• Kopp, Carlo. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." Air Power Australia, 27 Jan 2014, Website. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 (Archive).
• Parsch, Andreas. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Designation-Systems.Net, 09 July 2008, Website. Accessed 02 Apr 2021 (Archive).
• Westrum, Ron. Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake. Naval Institute Press, 30 Sep. 2013.