AIM-9P Sidewinder
Contents
Description
The AIM-9P Sidewinder is a infra-red (IR) homing missile used on a variety of aircraft. An export version of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, the AIM-9P delivers performance akin to that of the AIM-9J that allow for the AIM-9P's use as a dog-fighting missile against low-manoeuvring aircraft.
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
General info
| Missile characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Mass | 76 kg |
| Guidance | IR |
| Aspect | Rear-Aspect |
| Lock range in rear-aspect | 5.5 km |
| Launch range | 18 km |
| Maximum speed | 2.5 M |
| Maximum overload | 20 G |
| Maximum overload during launch | 7 G |
| Missile guidance time | 40 secs |
| Explosive mass | 7.62 kg TNTeq |
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,[1] 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.[2]
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.[2][3]
- 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.[4]
- AIM-9P-1 - Introduces an active optical target detector with the DSU-15/B AOTD laser proximity fuze, replacing the old infrared influence fuze.[2][4]
- AIM-9P-2 - Introduces a reduced-smoke rocket motor.[2][4]
- 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.[2][4] The AIM-9P-3 is also the basis of the Swedish RB24J missile.[5]
- AIM-9P-4 - Introduces ALASCA features and technology of the AIM-9L variants.[2] However, it is considered less agile to the AIM-9L variant.[3]
- AIM-9P-5 - Introduces IRCCM incorporated in the AIM-9M variant.[2] This model is also the basis of the Swedish RB74, or RB24L, missile.[5]
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.[2]
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.
