AIM-9G Sidewinder
Contents
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
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
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Comparison with analogues
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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. [1]
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
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- topic on the official game forum;
- encyclopedia page on the weapon;
- other literature.
