| − | The '''AIM-9 Sidewinder''' is an air-to-air, short range, heat-seeking missile that was the first AAM to be used in aerial combat. It is named after a [[United States]] rattlesnake that detects prey by sensing body heat. It was developed in the 1950s by the Raytheon Corporation. It flies at a speed of Mach 2.5 and has a 20 lb warhead. Early models had to be fired from behind the target to home in on an enemy plane's exhaust, but newer models are "all-aspect," meaning they can home in from any angle. | + | The '''AIM-9 Sidewinder''' is an air-to-air, short range, heat-seeking missile that was the first AAM to be used in aerial combat. It is named after a [[United States]] rattlesnake that detects prey by sensing body heat. It was developed in the 1950s by the Raytheon Corporation. It flies at a speed of Mach 2.5 and has a 20 lb warhead. Early models had to be fired from behind the target to home in on an enemy plane's exhaust, but newer models are "all-aspect," meaning they can home in from any angle. The Sidewinder is still in service today as the AIM-9L Super Sidewider. |