AIM-9L/M Sidewinder Seeker Head Color

by Dave Roof

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Here are six close up photographs of the AIM-9L/M, and a drawing of the missile.

These photos were taken at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii in 1997. Of special note is the date of manufacture for them. They were built in late 1979! We (VMFA-134) fired them at LUU-2 flares dropped from our squadron's F/A-18A's over the Pacific.

Image 1

Photo

Our missile "tree" with four Sidewinders ready to be loaded on a beautiful morning in Hawaii. Note the various colors of the missiles components. Photographic proof that there is no such thing as a "standard" color for missiles.

Image 2 (also see title photo)

Close up shots of the seeker head. The access door in photo 1 is for the US Air Forces Argon coolant bottle, which cools the seeker head in flight. The USN / USMC does not use this system.

Image 3

Close up shot of the warhead. Barely visible is the load date of May 1979.

Image 4:

Overall shot of the missile body aft of the seeker head.

Image 5:

Close up shot of the tail section of the missile. The "rollerons" on the corners are to help stabilize the missile in flight.

Drawing

Drawing with dimensions in inches for the AIM-9H/L/M.
 

Text and Images Copyright © 2003 by Dave Roof
Page Created 14 March, 2003
Last updated 14 March 2003

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