October 17, 2024 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began to use the new AIM-9X Block II aviation missiles. This is the most modern short-range air-to-air missile. Espresso tells what the AIM-9X is, its history, technical characteristics and how the missile will be used in Ukraine.
What is AIM-9.
AIM-9 Sidewinder (from the English side wind) is an American short-range air-to-air supersonic missile. It was developed by the Raytheon company in the mid-1950s. After the adoption of the AIM-9 in service in 1956, the missile was improved many times (it has 18 versions) and it is still in serial production.
AIM-9 was adopted in the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia and dozens of other countries. Since 2023, this missile is also used by the Armed Forces. In particular, Canada was the first (in the spring of 2023) to transfer the AIM-9 to Ukraine.
More than 200,000 missiles have been launched since 1955, making the AIM-9 one of the most massively produced air-to-air missiles in history. This missile also holds a record – 270 aircraft were shot down by “Sidewinders” – more than any other air-to-air missile.
Most AIM-9 modifications are equipped with an infrared homing system. A passive infrared non-contact detonator allows the warhead to detonate near an enemy aircraft and disable it. During detonation, the rods are scattered in the shape of a toroid, which increases the probability of a hit. A semi-active radar homing system is also provided.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder can be carried by most modern fighters, including the F-16, F-15, as well as the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighters.
Photo: Raytheon
What is AIM-9X Block II
9X2 is the most modern modification of the missile. The penultimate version – AIM-9X – was adopted by the US Air Force in 2003. Later, this version was updated twice more.
“During the significant upgrade, the missile received an infrared sensor with a 90° field of view, compatible with American helmets, and increased maneuverability in turns. Using the JHMCS helmet, the pilot or operator can adjust the missile’s guidance simply by looking at the target, thereby increasing the effectiveness of air combat, and as well as a locking system after startup,” writes IT Community.
In 2015, the second modification of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles with better homing and improved software was presented. It was launched from a land-based multi-purpose launcher (MML) as part of the defense program against cruise missiles and drones. The US Army has recognized the AIM-9X Block II as the best solution for combating cruise missiles and UAVs thanks to its passive infrared homing system. The third modification of missiles received more modern components, a warhead with a lower probability of accidental detonation, as well as a 60% longer range.
AIM-9X Block II has a modernized detonator and a digital fuse that guarantees safety in flight. The peculiarity of the Block II version is that, thanks to the controllable thrust vector of the engine, it was possible to significantly improve the maneuverability of the missile. The 9X2 has a fixed front wing and fins that are smaller than previous versions, which improves flight characteristics. The speed and range of hitting targets of the new missile are classified.
AIM-9X2 has the best characteristics in terms of countering thermal traps that try to knock missiles off course, and can also bypass radio-electronic jamming.
Technical characteristics of AIM-9X Block II
- Length – 3 m,
Diameter – 0.13 m,
Wingspan – 0.35 m,
Rudder span – 0.45 m,
Mass – 85.3 kg,
Warhead – 9.4 kg,
Range – up to 35 km,
The maximum speed is over Mach 2.5 (3000+ km/h)
The price is up to $500,000.
AIM-9X Block II in Ukraine
The first official footage of the AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles was released on October 11, 2024. The weapon appeared in the video of the Center Air Command.
screenshot from the video
Official information on how many missiles were transferred to Ukraine was not made public. It is known only about the increase in the production of rockets. In the summer of 2004, the Pentagon announced a contract for the production of 571 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
According to the US Defense Ministry, 257 missiles will be transferred to the US Air Force, 91 to the US Navy, and another 223 units will be “distributed among foreign customers.” The contract runs until August 2026.
As part of the agreement, the manufacturing company will supply weapons systems, as well as containers, spare parts and support equipment.
Photo: Aerocontact
How AIM-9X Block II will be used in Ukraine
“These missiles should significantly strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation, including F-16 pilots,” commented the confirmation of the use of X2 in Ukraine by the “Military” portal.
However, not all observers are convinced that the AIM-9X Block II is needed by the Armed Forces specifically for fighters. Thus, Defense Express experts drew attention to the fact that after a report by enemy propagandists that a Russian Su-34 allegedly shot down an F-16, and the release of a video with American missiles, this topic was picked up by Western commentators. They decided to compare this news and noted that the Su-34 shot down the Ukrainian F-16 with AIM-9X Block II missiles. The publication calls this version unrealistic.
“The main thing to understand about the characteristics of the AIM-9X Block II is that it is a short-range air-to-air missile with a launch range of about 20-40 kilometers when used from an aircraft. Accordingly, the main conclusion is that the Russian Su- 34 could be shot down by an AIM-9X Block II missile with such a dangerously short firing range should be dismissed as unrealistic,” writes Defense Express.
Launch of an AIM-9X missile from the Ukrainian NASAMS 3 launcher, Photo: United24
The publication admits that even older AIM-9 missiles can be used by the Ukrainians to fire from aircraft by integrating them into Soviet fighters. However, it is more likely that “sidewinders” will be used for air defense systems. US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin also spoke about it.
By the way, the latest, third version of NASAMS is adapted to launch AIM-9X Block II missiles. Ukraine has been using such a complex since at least the spring of this year. NASAMS-3 was created in 2019. It received a new fire control point, and the launchers were adapted not only for medium-range missiles, but also for short ones – this is, in fact, the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II with an infrared homing head, as well as new long-range AMRAAM-ER missiles with radar guidance , which increase the maximum range of hitting targets to 50–60 km. Adaptation of these rockets for use with NASAMS took place quite recently (tests were held as early as 2022).
If the 9X2 has a range of about 35 km from an airplane, then from the ground, according to various data, up to 10 or up to 20 km. Such an indicator may not be enough to consider it a missile that will actively shoot down enemy aircraft. However, it will be an effective tool against Russian missiles and kamikaze drones of the Shahed type. Especially since AIM-9X Block II can partially solve the problem with the shortage of anti-aircraft missiles for Ukrainian air defense.
“This missile also holds a record – 270 aircraft were shot down by “Sidewinders” – more than any other air-to-air missile.”
Let’s hope that the AFU can up the record significantly with this great missile.