What is AIM-9 Sidewinder?
[[File:Sidewider missile 20040710 145400 1.4.jpg|thumb|right|180px|An AIM-9 Sidewinder]] The '''AIM-9 Sidewinder''' is a short-range air-to-air [[missile]], which means it is shot from an [[aircraft]] to hit another aircraft. It is a heat seeking [[infrared]] missile, which locks on to something that gives out a large heat signature. It first flew in [[1953]], and went into air forces in [[1956]]. It was used during the [[Vietnam War]] along with the [[AIM-7 Sparrow]]. The AIM-9 of that time was made for shooting at an enemy from behind and homing in on the engine. In Vietnam it hit only 10-20% of the time, and could be fooled. Sometimes it could lock on to the [[sun]] or other bogus heat source and not an enemy airplane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-9.html|title=Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder|website=www.designation-systems.net}}</ref> Later versions are better. They can see the enemy aircraft from all directions, not just from behind. They have a good hitting rate and can hit from 11 miles. Sidewinders are carried on many different aircraft around the world.<ref>{{cite journal | url=http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html | title=The Sidewinder Story; the Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile | journal=Australian Aviation | date=April 1994 | volume=1994 | issue=April | last1=Kopp | first1=Carlo }}</ref> == References == <references/> {{US missiles}} {{authority control}} [[Category:Missiles]] [[Category:Military aviation]]