AIM-9 Sidewinder vs R550 Magic II

The AIM-9 Sidewinder and the R550 Magic II are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 17 km for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 20 km for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9 Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,334 km/h for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a 10.2 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic II. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance, while the R550 Magic II relies on Infrared homing. The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in 110,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic II. Unit cost is $0.4M for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service 30 years before the R550 Magic II (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, entered service in 1986, uses 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 20.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 2.7 â—‰
Weight 89 kg â—‰
Warhead 12.5 kg â—‰
Length 2.75 m â—‰
Diameter 157 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 II?
The R550 Magic II has a longer range at 20 km compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 17 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.7 compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II 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 II?
The R550 Magic II is heavier at 89 kg compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is longer at 2.85 meters compared to the R550 Magic II's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9 Sidewinder and R550 Magic II use?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance while the R550 Magic II uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service first in 1956, 30 years before the R550 Magic II which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 11,300 units of the R550 Magic II.