AIM-9 Sidewinder vs AIM-9X Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-9X Sidewinder are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a range of 35 km — 2.1x the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 17 km. The AIM-9 Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,087 km/h for the AIM-9X Sidewinder. The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a 10.2 kg warhead vs 9 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 85 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder. The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance, while the AIM-9X Sidewinder relies on Imaging infrared homing. The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in 110,000 units vs 110,000 for the AIM-9X Sidewinder. Unit cost is $0.4M for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs $0.4M for the AIM-9X Sidewinder.
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1956, uses infrared homing to track its target. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Service year | 1956 |
| Number produced | 110,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.4 million |
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1956, utilizes imaging infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Company |
| Service year | 1956 |
| Number produced | 110,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.4 million |
| Range | 17.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 85 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 10.2 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.85 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing focal plane array |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 35.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 85 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 9.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.02 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing |
| Warhead type | Annular blast-fragmentation |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a longer range at 35 km compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 17 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
Both the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-9X Sidewinder have the same maximum speed of Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a larger warhead at 10 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 9 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
Both the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-9X Sidewinder have the same weight of 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is longer at 3.02 meters compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 2.85 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-9X Sidewinder use?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance while the AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
Both the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service in the same year: 1956.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-9X Sidewinder?
Both the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-9X Sidewinder have been produced in equal numbers with 110,000 units each.