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AIM-9L Sidewinder Missile

AIM-9L Sidewinder Missile

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Infrared Homing
Maximum Speed Above Mach 2
Launch Compatibility Fighter Aircraft / Multirole Jets
Warhead Technology HE Continuous-Rod Warhead

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AIM-9L Sidewinder
Type / Role	Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon
Service Entry / Year Introduced	1977–1978
Operational Status	Limited Service / Export Use

2. Performance & Range

Range	Approx. 18 km (Short Range)
Speed	Above Mach 2
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Not officially disclosed
Accuracy (CEP)	Fire-and-forget, seeker dependent
Warhead Type	HE Continuous-Rod

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Infrared Homing
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	Fighter Aircraft
Seeker Type	All-Aspect IR Seeker

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~2.85 m
Diameter	0.127 m
Wingspan	0.63 m
Launch Weight	~86 kg
Propulsion	Solid-Fuel Rocket Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~10 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Continuous Rod
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity / Impact Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional Only

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short
Deployment Platform	Air
Target Types	Enemy Aircraft
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	U.S., UK, NATO partners

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

All-aspect engagement capability
Proven combat effectiveness
High agility and maneuverability
Wide platform compatibility
Reliable fire-and-forget operation

CONS

Older seeker technology compared to AIM-9X
Limited off-boresight capability
Reduced effectiveness against modern countermeasures
Shorter range by today’s standards
Requires cooling systems for seeker operation

AIM-9L Sidewinder: All-Aspect Short-Range Missile

The AIM-9L Sidewinder represents one of the most significant upgrades in the history of the Sidewinder family, redefining short-range air combat for U.S. and allied fighter aircraft. Introduced in the late 1970s, the AIM-9L was the first Sidewinder variant capable of true all-aspect engagement, allowing pilots to lock onto targets from virtually any direction rather than relying on rear-aspect heat signatures. This capability made it a decisive evolution in dogfight weaponry.

Developed jointly by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, with production led by Raytheon, the AIM-9L was designed to enhance kill probability, expand engagement envelopes, and provide a highly reliable fire-and-forget weapon for modern fighters. The missile features a solid-fuel rocket motor, a high-explosive continuous-rod warhead, and an upgraded infrared seeker, giving it improved resistance to countermeasures and stronger lock-on capabilities.

The AIM-9L typically achieves speeds above Mach 2 and is effective at short ranges, generally up to 18 km depending on launch conditions. Its agility and off-boresight capability allow fighters such as the F-14, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and A-10 to engage maneuvering targets with high precision.

Operationally, the AIM-9L earned a strong combat reputation during conflicts such as the Falklands War and numerous U.S. air operations throughout the 1980s. Its improvements over earlier variants—including enhanced seeker cooling, better target tracking, and greater lethality—made it the foundation for later Sidewinder generations.

While newer versions like the AIM-9M and AIM-9X now dominate frontline service, the AIM-9L remains a widely recognized benchmark in short-range missile development.

AIM-9L Missile Price in United State

Pricing for the AIM-9L varies by contract volume and modernization package, but U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) data historically places the unit cost in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on configuration and support services.

FAQs: AIM-9L Sidewinder Missile

What is the AIM-9L?

The AIM-9L Sidewinder is a U.S.-made short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile introduced in the late 1970s. It was the first Sidewinder variant capable of all-aspect targeting, meaning it could lock onto an enemy aircraft from the front, side, or rear. The AIM-9L significantly improved dogfighting capability for U.S. and NATO fighters and remains one of the most influential designs in the Sidewinder family.

How many Gs can the AIM-9L pull?

The AIM-9L can typically withstand up to 30–35 Gs during high-maneuver engagements. This agility allows the missile to pursue fast-moving, evasive targets at short range, especially when launched from high-performance fighters like the F-16, F-15, and F/A-18.

Are AIM-9M missiles better than the AIM-9L?

Yes. The AIM-9M is an improved derivative of the AIM-9L. While both share similar airframe characteristics, the AIM-9M features:
A more advanced infrared seeker
Greater resistance to countermeasures
Reduced smoke motor for lower visual signature
Improved reliability and electronics
Overall, the AIM-9M offers better survivability and tracking performance, making it superior in modern combat environments.

How much does 1 AIM-9 cost?

Costs vary by variant and production year. Historically:
AIM-9L and AIM-9M: typically $200,000–$400,000 per unit through foreign military sales.
AIM-9X Block II/III: can exceed $400,000–$500,000+ depending on configuration and support packages.
Exact pricing depends on contract volume, support equipment, and integration services.

What is the AIM-9L in War Thunder?

In War Thunder, the AIM-9L is modeled as a highly capable all-aspect infrared missile with strong tracking and high agility. It provides players with a major advantage in close-range air combat since it can lock onto targets from the front. The in-game performance reflects its real-world reputation as a major leap in Sidewinder capability.

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