The Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder has successfully completed its first operational assessment test, scoring a direct hit on a McDonnell Douglas QF-4 target. The air-to-air missile, fitted with an imaging infrared seeker, was fired from a Boeing F/A-18C Hornet using the aircraft's radar to cue the missile for a long range acquisition. The AIM-9X was launched at a high off-bore sight angle at maximum range and executed a high-g square turn before intercepting the target.
Four more test firings are planned during the operation assessment phase leading up to a low rate initial production decision later this year.
The picture shows the image seen by the imaging infrared seeker moments before impact.
Source: Flight International