AIM-9 Product Improvement

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). The missile provides first shot, first kill opportunities while conducting air combat maneuvering Within Visual Range (WVR) which is 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 current and emerging threats. 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 Air Force Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in September 2016 and received Full Rate Production (FRP) decision in August 2015. In December 2017, the program began to procure a third variant of the missile labeled the AIM-9X Block II PLUS (Block II+) to satisfy the requirements of the Joint Strike Fighter platform. For contracting purposes, the nomenclature of the AIM-9X Block II missile is identified as AIM-9X2 or AIM-9X-4, and the AIM-9X Block II+ missile is identified as AIM-9X3 or AIM-9X-5. The AIM-9X-4/5 variant are the Systems Improvement Program (SIP) III configuration with upgraded hardware for obsolescence that cut into Lot 21. The first FRP Lot contract was awarded in September 2015. This budget line will continue technical refresh of critical obsolete components, implement cost reduction initiatives, correct deficiencies, and increase capabilities through software enhancements, and conduct testing to ensure platform integration onto threshold US Air Force aircraft. Leverages Digital acquisition tenets of open, agile and digital. This may include providing funds to prime contractors; program office contract support; facility, security and IT upgrades; common component development with other weapon systems to reduce redundant costs. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, or 0606398F. In FY22, 0.00 were expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY23, 0.00 are forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This FY 2024 funding request was reduced by $1.219 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 674132_0207161F_7_3600_PB_2024

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Missile Defense Systems.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.