Ракеты AIM-9 Sidewinder - модификации, отличия, эксплуатанты

Tali · August 4, 2019

Большая стать, посвященная семейству ракет ракет AIM-9 Sidewinder

http://thecombatworkshop.blogspot.com/2016/11/sidewinder-overview-part-i-aim-9b.html

Tali · July 20, 2020

Вот еще нашлось немножко на просторах...

The Sidewinder's history dates back to 1950, when the development of the XAAM-N-7 (later known as AIM-9A) began at the NOTS (Naval Ordnance Test Station) - later renamed as NWC (Naval Weapons Center) - at China Lake.

This post gives an overview for each model.

AIM-9A Sidewinder: the first ever guided missile in the USA, its development began in 1950 and production commenced in 1955. Production was not massed, as the next model was already being developed since the AIM-9A did not prove to be satisfactory. The XAAM-7 Sidewinder received the name "Sidewinder IA" or "AIM-9A" in 1956, when it entered US service. Only 240 were built, by General Electric. In service, it was mostly used on the F-11 Tiger.
AIM-9B Sidewinder: The next in development, it improved on the early prototype Sidewinders by mounting a more sophisticated rear section and by mounting more aerodynamical better frontal fins. However, the actuators, seeker, rocket motor and warhead remained the same. Since it beat the AIM-4 Falcon in every possible way, it was chosen to be the first main missile weapon in US inventory. Over 8000 made. The AIM-9B had a launch limit of 2G, a limit of 10G in the air and its tracking rate was 10-11 degrees per second.
AIM-9C Sidewinder: in parallel with the AIM-9D, the AIM-9C was developed from it as a semi-active radar-homing version. It was developed for radars that weren't compatible with the Sparrow, namely the one of the F-8. As such, it wasn't very successful, since it was only used on the F-8 as a Sparrow replacement for all-weather missions. It had a Hercules Mk 36 motor with 1306 kgf (2880 lbf) of power, its maneuverability was up to 16.5G at sea level, and its guidance duration lasted for a minute. About 1000 produced.
AIM-9D Sidewinder: the heat-seeking version of the AIM-9C, the AIM-9D was developed for the US Navy. It was nitrogen-cooled, had an FOV of only 2.5*, but a higher tracking rate of 12 degrees per second. Between 1965 and 1969, about 1000 produced. G load remained the same as the C model.
AIM-9E Sidewinder: developed from the AIM-9B, the E model was exclusively used by the USAF, featuring a new seeker and electric cooling. This means that the AIM-9E had unlimited cooling, meaning it could be launched at any given time without needing to cool down. Since it received a new seeker, its tracking rate was improved from 10°/s (AIM-9B) to 12°/s, and the g load to 11G in the air. 5000 produced. However, the launch limit was still 2G; for maximum effectiveness, pilots still needed a stable straight flight path before launch.
AIM-9F (AIM-9B FGW.2) Sidewinder: a European development of the AIM-9B, it simply featured a new seeker. and was CO2-cooled. Its track rate (in comparison to the AIM-9B) was improved to 16°/s, but its gimbal limit remained the same; it did not have an uncaged seeker. Most AIM-9Bs exported to Europe were converted to this standard. Most notably used on the German F-104G Starfighter.
AIM-9G Sidewinder: a notable USN Sidewinder missile during the Vietnam War was also the AIM-9G. The AIM-9D and AIM-9G scored a total of 82 kills in the conflict. It shared the same rocket motor and track rate as the AIM-9D, however the maximum g load at sea level was increased to 18G, and SEAM (Sidewinder Expanded Acquisition Mode), which allowed the optics either to be slewed through a search pattern, or to be slaved to the aircraft's radar to acquire a target. With this mode, pilots had the option of combing their aircraft's radar with their missiles, giving the fired missile better lead / the coordinates of the enemy aircraft for a higher kill probability. This missile was nitrogen-cooled. Raytheon produced 2120 examples of this type from 1970 to 1972.
AIM-9H Sidewinder: the last missile exclusively used by the Navy, the AIM-9H was a more reliable AIM-9G, the difference also being located in the solid-state electronics in the guidance and control system. The tracking rate was improved from 12°/s to 20°/s, but the G limits remained the same: 18G at sea level, and a launch limit of 5-7G. 7700 AIM-9Hs were produced by Philco-Ford and Raytheon between 1972 and 1974.
AIM-9J/P Sidewinder: the baby AIM-9Ls essentially, they were cheaper alternativess, meant to be used in less demanding situations and for absolutely less trusted allies. The USAF had 10,000 units of these in their inventory; from 1972 and onward, mostly by converting existing AIM-9B/E missiles. Speaking of which, they were a heavy development of the AIM-9B and AIM-9E. They had partial solid-state electronics, a longer-burning gas generator (increasing flight time), and more powerful actuators which drove new square-tipped double-delta canards. The latter feature doubled the single-plane "G"-capability of the missile.While the AIM-9L fulfilled the role of the frontline all aspect dogfight missile, a need still existed for a second tier weapon for use in less demanding situations, and also suitable for export to less than absolutely trusted allies. This requirement was fulfilled by the AIM-9P family, derivatives of the AIM-9J/N.
AIM-9P-2 and P-3 were introduced in the mid seventies and use improved guidance electronics, a new rocket motor and an active optical fuse. While not receiving the publicity of the AIM-9L, the success of the weapon is testified to by the fact that no less than 21,000 have been built, with substantial numbers in the USAF inventory.
The AIM-9P is a USAF sponsored development of the AIM-9J/N family, to provide a missile for use in less demanding applications. The AIM-9P has evolved through the P-2, P-3 to the all aspect P-4, and the P-5 with additional counter-countermeasures capability. Large numbers of various AIM-9P subtypes are in use with the USAF and many export customers. The missile retains the conical nosecone and characteristic double delta canards first used in the Vietnam era USAF AIM-9E. The AIM-9P-4 is an incremental development of the AIM-9P-3, with an all aspect seeker using some of the technology developed for the AIM-9L. In comparison with its cousin, it is less agile but still a very effective missile. The AIM-9P-5 is further improved by the addition of a counter-countermeasures capability. The wide range of types which can carry the P-3/4/5 suggest that the gas coolant is carried on board, as with the L/M.
Their maneuvering capabilities were also impressive, although they were still rear aspect missiles (excluding AIM-9P-4/5): 22G at sea level, 7G launch limit and 16°/s of track rate. Electronic-cooled.
AIM-9L Sidewinder: the first all-aspect missile in the US, a joint development between the USN and USAF. The AIM-9L had new long-span pointed double-delta canards, a modified MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor (MODs 8 through 11), and a new AN/DSQ-29 solid-state guidance and control section. Additional improvements include a completely new Argon-cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) seeker, a DSU-15/B AOTD (Active Optical Target Detector) laser proximity fuze, and an improved 9.4 kg (20.8 lb) WDU-17/B annular blast-fragmentation warhead. All AIM-9L features resulted in a vastly improved missile which could acquire targets at all aspects, and had a much improved tracking, manoeuvering, terminal homing, and killing performance. Production started in 1978, and more than 16000 AIM-9Ls have been built by Philco-Ford, Raytheon, BGT (Germany), and Mitsubishi (Japan). The AIM-9L was used very successfully by the Royal Navy in the Falklands War during 1982. Its g load at sea level was 30-35G, its gimbal limit as an impressive 60-67° and its tracking rate was 20-30°/s. Argon-cooled.
AIM-9M Sidewinder: the AIM-9M is a development of the AIM-9L and replaced the latter on the production line. It features a reduced-smoke rocket motor, an improved guidance section designated WGU-4/B, better countermeasures resistance (IRCCM - Infrared Counter-Countermeasures), and improved overall reliability. Production began in 1982, and so far more than 7000 missiles have been built by Raytheon in subtypes numbered AIM-9M-1 through AIM-9M-10. The principal current production versions are the AIM-9M-8 (USN) and AIM-9M-9 (USAF). They have further improved IRCM detection circuitry, and the latest versions of the rocket motor (MK 36 MOD 11), guidance section (WGU-4E/B), and AOTD (DSU-15B/B). The AIM-9M-10 is a slightly modified -9M-8 for use by the F/A-18E/F Hornet. Most existing AIM-9Ms will be upgraded to -9M-8/9 standard. In Operation Desert Storm in 1991, 13 air-to-air kills were attributed to the Sidewinder, all of which were probably AIM-9M missiles.
AIM-9R Sidewinder: this modification of the AIM-9M rocket is equipped with an optical guidance system. The development was carried out by the US Navy Arms Center. In addition to the new guidance system, a new control unit was installed on the rocket, all other elements of the rocket remained unchanged. The new WGU-19 guidance seeker uses a three-plane stabilized platform with an optical sensor in the visible range. The sensor consists of an array of 256x256 sensitive elements made of antimony indium or having a high resolution silicon silicate. It's located in a container cooled by ammonia to ensure stable operation in the range of 4 microns. The video signal generated by the sensor is digitized and processed by a digital graphics processor that monitors the target and issues the necessary commands to the autopilot.
AIM-9X Sidewinder: currently the most advanced Sidewinder in USN and USAF inventory, the AIM-9X has incredible tracking characteristics. Production commenced in 2002, each example costing 84,000$. Since it's new and classified, there is little about it to be said.