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AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile

AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Infrared Homing
Maximum Speed Mach 2.5+
Launch Compatibility Fighter Aircraft / Rotary-Wing Aircraft
Warhead Technology HE Continuous-Rod with Proximity Fuse

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AIM-9M Sidewinder
Type / Role	Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Mid-1980s
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	Up to 18 km (Short Range)
Speed	Mach 2.5+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Not publicly disclosed
Accuracy (CEP)	Infrared homing; high accuracy
Warhead Type	HE Continuous-Rod

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Infrared Homing
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	F-16, F-15, F/A-18, AV-8B, etc.
Seeker Type	IR Seeker with CCM Enhancements

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	2.87 m
Diameter	0.127 m
Wingspan	0.63 m
Launch Weight	~85–90 kg
Propulsion	Solid-Fuel Rocket Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~9.4 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Continuous-Rod
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity / Impact Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short
Deployment Platform	Air
Target Types	Aircraft, Helicopters, UAVs
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	United States, 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

Highly reliable infrared fire-and-forget guidance
Combat-proven with decades of operational history
Wide compatibility with U.S. and allied aircraft
Strong counter-countermeasure performance
Low smoke motor improves aircraft survivability

CONS

Older design compared to AIM-9X
Limited off-boresight capability
Less effective against modern stealth aircraft
Requires favorable engagement angles
Not equipped with imaging infrared technology

AIM-9M Sidewinder Infrared Air-to-Air Missile

The AIM-9M Sidewinder remains one of the most recognizable and combat-proven short-range air-to-air missiles in U.S. aviation history. Designed for high-agility dogfighting and reliable target engagement, the missile has served as a core weapon on American fighter aircraft for decades. Known for its compact design, lethal warhead, and fire-and-forget infrared guidance, the AIM-9M represents a mature and trusted capability widely used across U.S. and allied forces.

Manufactured by Raytheon in the United States, the AIM-9M is an evolution of the earlier AIM-9L model, incorporating enhanced infrared counter-countermeasures, reduced smoke motor signatures, and improved seeker sensitivity. Its primary purpose is short-range aerial defense and offensive air-combat maneuvering, giving pilots a fast-reacting and highly reliable option during close-quarters engagements.

The AIM-9M features an infrared homing seeker, enabling passive tracking of target heat signatures without alerting the adversary. Operating at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, it delivers rapid interception capability, while its effective range of up to 18 km allows for flexible engagement envelopes. Its 9.4-kg high-explosive continuous-rod warhead provides lethal damage against enemy aircraft, supported by a proximity fuse for optimized detonation.

Operational across numerous U.S. platforms—including the F-16, F/A-18, F-15, AV-8B, and various rotary-wing aircraft—the AIM-9M continues to serve despite the emergence of newer models like the AIM-9X. Its proven combat history, ease of integration, and dependable performance make it a long-standing asset in U.S. airpower.

AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile Price in United State

Pricing varies widely due to contract size and configuration, but U.S. defense procurement records place AIM-9M unit costs generally in the $200,000–$300,000 range, depending on upgrade packages and integration requirements.

FAQs

What is the difference between the AIM-9X and AIM-9M?

The AIM-9X is the newest, most advanced Sidewinder variant, featuring imaging infrared (IIR) guidance, high off-boresight capability, thrust-vectoring control, and compatibility with helmet-mounted cueing systems.
The AIM-9M, by comparison, uses an older IR seeker, has limited off-boresight performance, and lacks thrust-vectoring. The AIM-9X is significantly more maneuverable, more resistant to countermeasures, and capable of engaging targets far outside the forward missile envelope.

What is the difference between the AIM-9L and AIM-9M?

The AIM-9L was the first fully “all-aspect” Sidewinder, capable of locking onto targets from any angle. The AIM-9M builds on the AIM-9L design with:
Improved counter-countermeasures (CCM)
Reduced-smoke rocket motor for better pilot visibility
Enhanced IR seeker sensitivity
Greater reliability in cluttered environments
The M-variant is essentially a refined, more survivable version of the L-variant.

Is the AIM-9M still in service?

Yes. While the AIM-9X is now the primary U.S. short-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-9M remains in limited service, mainly in training, legacy aircraft, and allied air forces. Some U.S. units still maintain stockpiles for secondary roles.

How much does the AIM-9M missile cost?

Costs vary by contract year and upgrade package, but historical U.S. procurement data places the unit price between $200,000 and $300,000. Refurbished or life-extended versions can differ depending on configuration.

AIM-9M in War Thunder – What should players know?

In War Thunder, the AIM-9M is typically represented as an upgraded infrared-guided missile with better flare resistance, higher tracking performance, and reduced smoke, compared to older Sidewinder variants. Players value it for its improved seeker and reliability, making it effective in close-range engagements, especially against maneuvering opponents.

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