[Righty_McRight]

The AIM-9X is the latest member of the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range missile family currently in use by more than 40 nations around the world. It is a joint U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force program and was approved for full rate production in May 2004.

The AIM-9X program delivers evolutionary improvements to the AIM-9 series missile through revolutionary advancements. The result from leveraging an in-production seeker and a rich legacy of commitment to advanced technologies is a low-risk weapon that is affordable and lethal.

AIM-9X is a launch and leave, air combat missile that uses passive infrared (IR) energy for acquisition and tracking, which can be employed in near beyond visual range (NBVR) and within visual range (WVR) arenas. Complimented with the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the warfighter has unparalleled offensive firepower compared to any other weapon system in the world.

It has extremely high off-boresight capability which gives a pilot first-shot, first-kill dominance. It provides greatly enhanced acquisition ranges in blue sky and clutter and IR countermeasures deliver the capacity to resist ever-changing threats. The AIM-9X has a highly agile airframe and its fifth-generation seeker and thrust vectoring control provide unprecedented performance.

AIM-9X, the next-generation Sidewinder missile, has truly changed the rules of air combat.

http://www.raytheon.com/products/static/node4725.html

[USNBandit]

The X is an amazing weapon. It truly lives up to the advertising. Combined with the Joint Helmet it is unmatched.

[ProudVet77]

That was a fast 1000. Approved in May 2004, and they already have 1000. It's a major asset, similar to the Python-5 that the Israelis have.
Our military is moving ahead at full steam. People moan and groan about holding off on a carrier for a year, but tools like this are far more important.

[Squantos]

If ya get a chance this is an awesome read ..... I remember a article in the WSJ about the test where competitors brought test gear , instruments, hundreds of support folks etc etc .... Bill McLean asked to borrow a step ladder and a screw driver to present his AIM-9 prototype for evaluation.

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/sidewinder_book.htm