Tactical Aim Missiles

Abstract

The AIM-9X Block II/II+ Sidewinder (AIM-9X Blk II/II+) continues the evolution of the AIM-9 series of missiles. This missile program delivers a launch and leave, air combat munition that uses passive Infrared (IR) energy to acquire and track enemy air targets and complements the radar guided Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). F/A-18 first shot, first kill opportunities while conducting basic fighter maneuvering (dogfighting) Within Visual Range (WVR) are essential for aircrew survival. The AIM-9X provides these opportunities with unmatched offensive and defensive capabilities against threats WVR, even when IR countermeasures are employed. The AIM-9X also provides air superiority in the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air battle. Anti-tamper features have been incorporated to protect improvements inherent in this design. The AIM-9X Block II missile is critical for projecting power and winning decisively against threats identified in Defense Planning Guidance and the Navy's Navigation Plan. AIM-9X is a Post Milestone C, Acquisition Category IC (ACAT-IC) joint service program led by the Department of the Navy. The Block II program has completed independent operational testing and found to be operationally effective and operational/suitable. The program achieved Navy Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2015 and received Full Rate Production decision in August 2015. The first Full Rate Production Lot contract was awarded in September 2015. This budget line will continue technical refresh of critical obsolete components, implement cost reduction initiatives, improve insensitive munitions performance, correct deficiencies, and increase capabilities through software enhancements, and conduct testing to ensure platform integration onto threshold US Navy aircraft. This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. The USN & USAF require additional quantities beyond the approved APB (Change 1: 31 Aug 2015); an update is in staffing for approval.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
0207161N_7_1319_PB_2020
Change Summary Explanation
In March 2018, the prime System Improvement Program contract with Raytheon was modified to add scope to mitigate Missile Processor obsolescence. The program schedule has been updated to incorporate the additional scope for the processor upgrade and the accompanying v10.4 software which will complete in first quarter FY22. Consequently, the Critical Design Review is now planned for second quarter FY20 and the Lot 20 Engineering Change Proposal in second quarter FY21.
Service Agency Name
Navy

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Cost Reductions
  • Counter Countermeasures
  • Countermeasures
  • Defense Planning
  • Engineering
  • Insensitive Explosives
  • Munitions
  • Navy Aircraft
  • Product Development
  • Software Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

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