 The AIM-9L introduced yet another new guidance
system making it a true all-aspect missile (which means it doesn't
need to be aimed at the exhaust of the target but can also lock
on e.g. wing edges heated by air friction), and an annular blast-fragmentation
warhead surrounded by a sheath of pre-fragmented rods. It uses
a proximity-fuze, consisting of a ring of GaAs (Gallium-Arsenide)
laserdiodes and corresponding photodiodes. If the target is close
enough to reflect the emitted light back to the receiving photodiodes,
the warhead is fired. This improved optical fuze increases the
missileös lethality and resistance to electronic countermeasures.
Despite its basic design, the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder still
remains a potent threat, exceeded in effectiveness perhaps only
by the Russian-built Molniya/Vympel R-73 (known in the West as
the AA-11 Archer) which combines aerodynamic and thrust-vectoring
control systems. The L model was the first Sidewinder with the
ability to attack from all angles, including head-on. Production
and delivery of the AIM-9L began in 1976. |
|
Seeker: All-aspect infrared Speed: Mach 2+ Length: 9 ft 7 in Weight: 198 lb Warhead: 22 lb blast fragmentation Range: 10 miles Diameter: 5 in |
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