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AIM-7 Sparrow vs AIM-9X Sidewinder

AIM-7 Sparrow vs AIM-9X Sidewinder at a glance β€” range 70 vs 35 km, speed 4,939 vs 3,087 km/h, warhead 39 vs 9 kg, launch weight 228 vs 85 kg.

Specifications
AIM-7 Sparrow AIM-9X Sidewinder
Origin πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Air-to-Air Air-to-Air
Type Radar-guided air-to-air missile Short-range air-to-air missile
Manufacturer Raytheon Raytheon Company
Service year 1958 1956
Number produced 70,000 units 110,000 units
Estimated unit price $0.1 million $0.4 million
Range 70.0 km 35.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 4.0 Mach 2.5
Weight 228 kg 85 kg
Warhead 39.0 kg 9.0 kg
Length 3.68 m 3.02 m
Diameter 203 mm 127 mm
Guidance Semi-active radar homing Imaging infrared homing
Warhead type High Explosive Annular blast-fragmentation
Scale Comparison
AIM-7 SPARROW 3.68 m AIM-9X SIDEWINDER 3.02 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-7 Sparrow has a longer range at 70 km compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 35 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a larger warhead at 39 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 9 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is heavier at 228 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is longer at 3.68 meters compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 3.02 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9X Sidewinder use?
The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service first in 1956, 2 years before the AIM-7 Sparrow which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 70,000 units of the AIM-7 Sparrow.