AIM-9X Sidewinder vs R550 Magic
The AIM-9X Sidewinder and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a range of 35 km — 2.9x the R550 Magic's 12 km. The AIM-9X Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9X Sidewinder carries a 9 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has been produced in 110,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic. Unit cost is $0.4M for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic. The AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service 30 years before the R550 Magic (1956 vs 1986).
| 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 |
| 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 | 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 |
| Range | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a longer range at 35 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 9 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic is heavier at 89 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is longer at 3.02 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9X Sidewinder and R550 Magic use?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9X 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-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 11,300 units of the R550 Magic.