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AIM-4 Falcon vs AIM-9 Sidewinder

AIM-4 Falcon vs AIM-9 Sidewinder at a glance β€” range 10 vs 17 km, speed 3,675 vs 3,087 km/h, warhead 3 vs 10 kg, launch weight 61 vs 85 kg.

Specifications
AIM-4 Falcon AIM-9 Sidewinder
Origin πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Air-to-Air Air-to-Air
Type Air-to-air missile Infrared-guided air-to-air missile
Manufacturer Hughes Aircraft Raytheon
Service year 1956 1956
Number produced 48,100 units 110,000 units
Estimated unit price NA $0.4 million
Range 10.0 km 17.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.0 Mach 2.5
Weight 61 kg 85 kg
Warhead 3.0 kg 10.2 kg
Length 2.02 m 2.85 m
Diameter 160 mm 127 mm
Guidance Infrared homing Imaging infrared homing focal plane array
Warhead type High explosive High Explosive
Scale Comparison
AIM-4 FALCON 2.02 m AIM-9 SIDEWINDER 2.85 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has a longer range at 17 km compared to the AIM-4 Falcon's 10 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-4 Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a larger warhead at 10 kg compared to the AIM-4 Falcon's 3 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is heavier at 85 kg compared to the AIM-4 Falcon's 61 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is longer at 2.85 meters compared to the AIM-4 Falcon's 2.02 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-4 Falcon and AIM-9 Sidewinder use?
The AIM-4 Falcon uses Infrared homing guidance while the AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
Both the AIM-4 Falcon and AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service in the same year: 1956.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-4 Falcon or AIM-9 Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 48,100 units of the AIM-4 Falcon.