Posted on 12/10/2009 4:54:20 PM PST by Jet Jaguar
During a Sept. 23 test, an AIM-9X fired from a U.S. Air Force F-16C fighter sank a rapidly moving target boat in the Gulf of Mexico.
Raytheon thus demonstrated the capability to employ the AIM-9X Sidewinder advanced infrared-guided air-to-air missile to attack surface targets.
"With a software upgrade, AIM-9X retains its air-to-air capabilities and gains an air-to-surface capability," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "AIM-9X now has the potential to take on an additional mission at a very affordable cost."
The test marks the third time an AIM-9X engaged moving surface targets. In April 2008, a U.S. Air Force F-16 launched an AIM-9X and sank a maneuvering boat, and in March 2007, a U.S. Air Force F-15C fired an AIM-9X and destroyed a fast-moving armored personnel carrier.
The AIM-9X was launched for the first time from an F-16 Fighting Falcon on April 9th 2004.
F-16 Ping.
Somali pirates mother ships are legitimate targets
fire at will
Can it distinguish turbans from similarly shaped rocks?
The next episode of Dogfights: The Death of the Iranian Navy
Why can’t they just learn how to use their Vulcan or FFAR
My first question is ditto yours. A few pounds of hx would be insufficient for anything over 40 feet or so. Just too little a bang. Air Force desperate for a mission?
Think of this technology in the hands of the wrong people. Not good for those serving as sea in the Navy.
"AIM-9X now has the potential to take on an additional mission at a very affordable cost."
More waste of tax dollars!
Understand this. The AIM9X can fire at a target at 9 o’clock or 8 o’clock and hit it. In order to hit a target with the gun, it has to be at 12 o’clock.
Guide itself to target while the launch platform is headed elsewhere.............
I want a car roofrack mounted version, for them slow idiots in the fast lane.............
Couldn’t this same task been accomplished about 30 years ago with an F-16?
Not with targeting by looking at the target even if it is behind you.
A MOAB is more effective and definitely sends a message. :-)
You are saying a 20mm can hit from 11 miles out? News to me...
Oops. Re-read the original post after posting last one, and it said “destroyed” the APC.
Great bang for the buck.
The only technology that this country produces anymore is for the military. Rather see money go here than ACORN or the Clinton's political advisor's.
Hmmmmm.....cigarette boats.....Somali pirates.....Hmmmm
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.