AIM-9 Sidewinder vs R550 Magic
The AIM-9 Sidewinder and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 17 km for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 12 km for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9 Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a 10.2 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing. The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in 110,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic. Unit cost is $0.4M for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service 30 years before the R550 Magic (1956 vs 1986).
| 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 |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| Range | 17.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 â—‰ |
| Weight | 85 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 10.2 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.85 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 127 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing focal plane array |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 12.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 89 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.75 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 160 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has a longer range at 17 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic 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-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 10 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic is heavier at 89 kg compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is longer at 2.85 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9 Sidewinder and R550 Magic use?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service first in 1956, 30 years before the R550 Magic which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 11,300 units of the R550 Magic.