AIM-9X
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 air combat maneuvering 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 limited short range capability in the Beyond Visual Range 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 completing fighter aircraft loadout in order to enable engagement of threats identified in the National Defense Strategy and the Chief of Naval Operations Guidance. This line item continues technical refresh of components and software, as well as incorporates advanced development products and capabilities, to meet threshold requirements of the capabilities production document. Specifically, the program will redesign, develop and integrate components facing obsolescence, implement cost reduction initiatives, enhance insensitive munitions performance, incrementally improve operational flight software to fully utilize capabilities of the missile, and improve anti-tamper and cyber security technology. In addition, the program will evaluate and begin risk reduction efforts that will address hardware and software improvements to facilitate follow-on capability and mitigate obsolescence. The program strategy is to complete missile software improvements (software version 9.4) and release it into all production and fielded missiles. The software will provide improved enemy flare rejection (infrared counter-countermeasures), partial and degraded cueing, beyond visual range engagement capabilities, small target acquisition cruise missile and Unmanned Air Vehicle, and provide surface attack capability over land and sea. The program will also continue development of an improved processor, an improved Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and a version 10.4 software rehost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 0457_0207161N_7_1319_PB_2022
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