What is AIM-9X Sidewinder? A standard short-range infrared air-to-air missile for NATO.
Global Counterparts
| Missile | Manufacturer / Country | Range | Seeker |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIM-9X Block II | Raytheon — 🇺🇸 | ≈35 km | Infrared guidance |
| BOZDOĞAN | TÜBİTAK SAGE — 🇹🇷 | ≈25 km | Infrared guidance |
| IRIS-T | Diehl — 🇩🇪 | ≈25 km | Infrared guidance |
| ASRAAM | MBDA — 🇬🇧 | ≈50 km | Infrared guidance |
| MICA IR | MBDA — 🇫🇷 | ≈30 km | Infrared guidance |
| R-73 / RVV-MD | Vympel — 🇷🇺 | ≈40 km | Multi-infrared |
| PL-10 | CAIG — 🇨🇳 | ≈20 km | Infrared guidance |
| Python-5 | Rafael — 🇮🇱 | ≈20 km | Infrared guidance |
Origin of the name Sidewinder: it is the rattlesnake that lives in the desert (Sidewinder rattlesnake). The snake finds its target through heat signature; AIM-9 does the same with its infrared seeker that hunts the heat signature of the enemy aircraft’s engine. The name summarizes the design philosophy.
SourcesWikipedia · Raytheon (RTX)
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