AIM-9 Sidewinder - e-HAF

Operation Guide 


AIM-9 Sidewinder 

AIM-9 Sidewinder 

www.vojenskeletectvi.cz


Contents: 

The Weapon 

Characteristics 

History 

Specifications 

Shootdowns by AIM- 9 

Similar types comparison 

Integration into the F-16 

A-A Master Mode, AIM-9 HUD Symbology 

Modes 

F-16 AIM-9 Loadout 

Engagement in CRM mode 

Engagement in ACM mode 

Engagement w ithout radar lock 

Resources & Links 

AIM-9 Sidewinder 2 www.vojenskeletectvi.cz


1. The Weapon 

Characteristics 

The AIM-9 (Air I ntercept Missile - 9) Sidewinder is an air-to-air short range 

supersonic heat-seeking missile developed by the U.S. Navy and being in service 

since the 1950 s in a variety of versions. 

History 

The development program of AIM-9 was initiated by the U.S. Naval Weapons 

Centre in the early 50 s in order to provide the U.S. naval interceptor aircraft 

with a heat-seeking missile. Its name, the Sidewinder, was chosen after a desert 

rattlesnake because of its ability to detect other animals by sensing their heat 

emissions. 

One of the earliest versions was the AIM-9B, that, having no serious competitor 

in its time, was adopted by the U.S. Air Force and became a standard weapon of 

NATO. However, this version had a lot of limitations, such as the range limit of 

2.6 NM, speed of M 1.7 and an uncooled seeker, that was very often locking on 

to the sun or clouds. Therefore the probability of kill was only a couple of tens of 

percent. Despite this from today s point of view poor quailty, more than 80,000 - 

9B missiles were built. 

Knowing of these limitations, the U.S. Navy proceeded in Sidewinder s 

developement. This effort led to the development of so-called Navy Sidewinders 

designated as AIM-9D, G and H. The speed was increased to M 2.5+, which 

together with the mission time of 60 seconds, gave the effective range of more 

than 14 NM. More than 10,000 D/ G/H missiles were built during the time. The H 

model showed as the most succesfull of the early versions, having the best kill 

ratio among all air-to-air missiles used in the Vietnam war. 

If we take a look on the USAF s use of the winder that time, we see that the 

AIM-9B, which was originaly designed for bomber-interception missions, showed 

as not very convenient for close-range engagments of North Vietnamese agile 

MiG-17s. During 1965-1968 there were 175 missiles fired by F-4C/D fighters, 

from which only 28 destroyed their target. The U.S. Air Force not being much 

impressed by the AIM-9B s performance in Vietnam decided to develop a new 

version that would be better suited for fighter-type targets engagement. This 

resulted into the creation of the E version and its follow-on types the J and N 

models. In comparison with the Navy D model, the E version had a better track 

rate of 16.5 deg/s (the -9N s one is 12.0 deg/s) and had a blast/fragmentation 

warhead. 

The above listed models (B,D,G,H,E,J,N) are all rear-aspect. The poor 

performance of these in low altitudes and the need for a missile that could be 

used against a maneuvering target from all aspect angles indicated the 

developement of a new version with a new fuse and better optical and cooling 

systems. This brand-new all-aspect L version was based on the very succesfull 

Navy -9H model, differing from it by having an active laser fuse and being fitted 

with an Argon cooled Indium Antimonide detector element. Thid type can be 

easily distinguished by double delta canards with a pointed tip. The AIM-9L 

played a key role in the Falkland war, where it achieved a kill probability of more 

than 80% per launch. This model still remains a very efficient air-to-air close- 



range weapon system. The AIM-9M is an improved L version with a countercountermeasure 

capability and a low-smoking motor. Since 1982, over 7,000 - 

9M missiles have been built. 

While the AIM-9L is a derivative of the previous H model, the rear-aspect AIM-9P 

export version comes out of the J and N types. The AIM-9P-2 and - 3 were 

introduced in the mid 70 s and were equipped with a new active optical fuse, an 

improved guidance system and a new engine. The latter - P-4 and - P- 5 models 

have a counter-countermeasure capability on top of this. 

One of the most interesing versions of sidewinder are the less-known radarhoming 

and imaging models. The AIM-9C is an U.S. Navy type, that uses a semiactive 

conically scanning radar seeker and was carried on the F8U Crusader 

airframes. However, there is no record of combat usage of this type. 

The AGM- 122A Sidearm is a rebuilt AIM-9C designed for dive attacks on ground 

radar-wave emittors. The efficiency of this anti-radiation missile is very doubtful. 

The AIM-9R comes out of the M model and is very similar to it, except of the 

seeker, which works in the same manner as TV guided Mavericks, that is on the 

principle of a contrast lock. This provides a high probability of counter-measure 

(flares) avoidance. 

The latest developement in the winder family is the AIM-9X, a missile to keep 

track with its eastern and european competitors. Its construction dates back to 

1992. AIM-9X is a strongly enhanced M version with more efficient countercountermeasure 

capability, better maneuverability and improved high offborsight 

angle capability. Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) mode of fire is also 

possible with this type, giving it a 360 degrees engagement capability. One of 

the reasons of integrating LOAL into the -9X was the fact, that these missiles are 

supposed to be operated from the F-22 s and F-35 s bomb bays. The AIM-9X 

represents a revolutionary design in the sidewinder family. Its tail control system 

uses a set of 11 span cruciform movable fins arranged in a 60°/120° pattern. 

Also, one of the most significant differences between -9X and its predeccesors is 

very small canards. 

Specifications 

AIM-9M 

photo: NAMSA (namsa.nato.int) 

Length: 2.85 m 

Fin span: 63 cm 

Weight: 86 kg 

Speed: M 2.5+ 

Mission time: 60 sec 

Range: 17.7 km / 10 NM 

Warhead: 9.4 kg 

Production: 7,000 

Aspect: All 

Gimbal limit: 25 degrees 



AIM-9P 

Photo: FAS (fas.org) 



Weight: 78 kg 

Speed: M 2.5+ 

Mission time: 60 sec 

Range: 17.7 km / 10 NM 

Aspect: Rear hemisphere 

Gimbal limit: ~ 25 degrees 

AIM-9X 

Photos: Raytheon (raytheon.com) 



Weight: 85 kg 

Range: 40+ km / 22+ NM 

Warhead: 9.4 kg 

Aspect: All 

Gimbal limit: 90 degrees 



2. Shootdowns by AIM- 9 

U.S. air-to-air victories by AIM-9 during the Vietnam war 

Airframe Kills 

F-4B 18 

F-4C 23 

F-4D 4 

F-4E 8 

F-4J 17 

F-8C 4 

F-8E 8 

F-8H 2 

F-105D 3 

Total: 87 victories by AIM-9 

U.S. air-to-air victories by AIM-9 during the Cold War, in Yugoslavia and 

during anti-terror operations 

Date Airframe Sidwinder version Target 

Sep 80 F-14A AIM-9? F-4E 

19 Aug 81 F-14A AIM-9L Su-22-M2K 

19 Aug 81 F-14A AIM-9L Su-22-M2K 

28 Feb 94 F-16C AIM-9M J-21 

28 Feb 94 F-16C AIM-9M J-21 


U.S. & RSAF air-to- air victories by AIM-9 during Operation Desert Storm 

Airframe Sidewinder version Target 

F/A-18C AIM-9M MiG-21bis 

F/A-18C AIM-9? MiG-21 

F-15C AIM-9M MiG-23MF 

F-15C AIM-9M MiG-23MF 

F-15C AIM-9M MiG-21bis 

F-15C AIM-9M MiG-21bis 

F-15C AIM-9M Su-25K 

F-15C AIM-9M Su-25K 

F-15C AIM-9? Su-22 

F-15C AIM-9? Su-22 

RSAF F-15C AIM-9? Mirage F.1 

RSAF F-15C AIM-9? Mirage F.1 

F-14A AIM-9M Mi-17 


Israeli air-to-air victories by AIM- 9 


F-4E 21 

RF-4E 2 

F-15 3 

F-15A 5 

F-15C 1 

F-16 3 



F-16A 16 

Mirage IIIBJ 2 

Mirage IIICJ 9 

Nesher 1 

Nesher 61 1 


British air-to-air victories by AIM-9 during the Falkland war 


Harrier 20 1) 

Total: 20 1) victories by AIM-9 

1) some sources say 25 

Pakistani Air Force air-to-air victories by AIM- 9 


F-104A 7 

F-86E 9 

F-86F 1 

F-6 3 

Mirage IIIEP 9 

Sabre F.Mk.6 1 

F-16A 18 

F-16B 1 


3. Similar types comparison 

Type Length Fin span Weight Range Seeker s Speed Platforms 

[mm] [mm] [kg] [NM] FOV 

IRIS-T 2936 447 87.4 ? +/- 90° ? F-16, F/A-18, 

Typhoon, 

Gripen, 

Tornado 

Python 4 3096 640 103.6 8 +/- 90° M 3.5 F-4, F-5, F-15, 

F-16, F/A-18, 

Mirage 

Python 5 3096 640 103.6 18 +/- 90° M 4 ? 

Magic 

R.550 

2750 ? 89 8 ? M 2.7 All French Air 

Force and Navy 

fighters 

AIM-132 

ASRAAM 

2730 450 100 8 +/- 90° M 3+ RAAF F/A-18 

AA-11 

Archer 

(R-73) 

2900 510 105-115 

(dpns. 

on ver.) 

10-20 

(dpns. 

on ver.) 

+/- 45 ° 

to 

+/- 60° 

M 2.5 

Su-27/30, MiG- 

29/31/33 Yak- 

141, Ka-50/52 

AIM-9M 2850 629 86 10 +/- 25° M 2.5+ Most 

U.S.&allied 

fighters 

AIM-9P 3070 560 78 10 ? M 2.5+ Most U.S. & 

allied fighters 

AIM-9X 3020 280 85 20+ +/- 90° ? Most U.S. & 

allied fighters 



4. Integration into the F- 1 6 

AA Mode AIM-9 HUD Symbology: 

T-D Box & seeker 

diamond 

Missile Reticle 

MLE 

Range 

Target 

aspect 

Missile 

Launch 

Envelope 

Rmax2 

Rmin2 

Prelaunch 

time to 

intercept 

Target 

Slant 

Range 

A/A Missile type & 

number remaining 

Target closure 

rate & range caret 

Modes: (select on SMS page on MFD via OSB 19, OSB 18, OSB 3) 

SLAV Missile s seeker head is slaved to the radar (be aware of gimbal limit) 

BORE Seeker head is pointed forward 

TD Missile will be automatically uncaged when the IR signature rises above 

the present level 

BP Bypasses the TD mode (no automatic uncage) 

SPOT The seeker (HUD diamond) has to be placed over the target 

SCAN Provides you with a larger FOV of the seeker 



F-16 AIM- 9 Loadout 

One sidewinder can be loaded on each of stations 1,2,3,7,8,9. 

AIM- 9 X 

Stations 3,7 

AIM-9P 

Stations 2,8 

AIM-9M 

Stations 1,9 

(wingtip) 



5. Engagement in CRM mode 

Check MASTER ARM ON 

Set AA MASTER MODE 

Set CRM RADAR MODE 

Select AIM-9 

If AIM-9L/M/X selected, turn COOLING ON via OSB8 

Lock target with radar 

In order to have the seeker head slaved to the radar, SLAVE mode has to 

be set (OSB 19) 

Check NCTR 



Check AIM-9 RDY 

If AIM-9L/M/X selected, check COOL 

When GOOD TONE, uncage missile 

Check diamond tracking target 

Check DLZ - target within range 

Tracking 

Between 

Rmax2 and 

Rmin2 

Call FOX 2 

Pickle the missile 



6. Engagement in ACM mode 


Enter DGFT MASTER MODE 


Lock target with radar 

In order to have the seeker head slaved to the radar, SLAVE mode has to 

be set (OSB 19) 

Target Range 

(clock position = 

thousands of feet) 

Check NCTR 







Check DLZ target within range 

Tracking 

Between 

Rmax2 and 

Rmin2 

Call FOX 2 




7. Engagement without radar lock 


Enter either BVR or DGFT mode 


If in BVR and AIM-9L/M/X selected, turn COOLING ON via OSB8 





Place diamond over target 



Check target attitude (you have no DLZ at this point) 

Call FOX 2 


Note: Be aware of AIM-9P being a rear-aspect missile. Check target aspect 

angle prior to launch. 



8. Resources & Links 

Resources: 

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/aim9.html 

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/python4.html 

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_armament_article1.html 

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-9.html 

http://www.acig.org/ 

http://www.raytheon.com/ 

http://www.fas.org/ 

http://namsa.nato.int/ 

http://www.globalsecurity.org/ 

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/ 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRIS-T 

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-132.html 

http://users.skynet.be/bs999158/F4download.htm 

Armadni Technicky Magazin 8/2004 

F-16A/B MLU The Pilot s Guide 

Copyrights of the images above belong to their respective owners. 

This guide was made by ICEMAN. You can contact me at iceman@vojenskeletectvi.cz or at Frugal s World 

Forum (1ceman). Another military aviation and Falcon 4 related stuff can be found at my website 

www.vojenskeletectvi.cz 

Useful links: 

www.vojenskeletectvi.cz 

www.frugalsworld.com 

www.freefalcon.com 

www.f4hq.com 

www.checksix.fr 

www.raytheon.com 

www.designation-systems.net 

www.sci.fi/~fta 

http://users.skynet.be/bs999158/F4download.htm 


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