AIM-9X Sidewinder vs R550 Magic II

The AIM-9X Sidewinder and the R550 Magic II are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 35 km for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs 20 km for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9X Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,334 km/h for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9X Sidewinder carries a 9 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic II. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the R550 Magic II relies on Infrared homing. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has been produced in 110,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic II. Unit cost is $0.4M for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic II. The AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service 30 years before the R550 Magic II (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, 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 35.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 2.5 â—‰
Weight 85 kg â—‰
Warhead 9.0 kg â—‰
Length 3.02 m â—‰
Diameter 127 mm â—‰
Guidance Imaging infrared homing
Warhead type Annular blast-fragmentation
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-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a longer range at 35 km compared to the R550 Magic II's 20 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.7 compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II 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 II?
The R550 Magic II is heavier at 89 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is longer at 3.02 meters compared to the R550 Magic II's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9X Sidewinder and R550 Magic II use?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the R550 Magic II uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9X 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-9X Sidewinder or R550 Magic II?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has been produced in greater numbers with 110,000 units compared to 11,300 units of the R550 Magic II.