AIM-9 Sidewinder

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a small, infrared-guided air-to-air missile used by military aircraft. It is designed to target and destroy enemy aircraft by detecting their heat signatures, such as from engines. Launched from a jet, the Sidewinder can maneuver toward its target, making it effective in close-range dogfights. First developed in the late 1950s, it has evolved through various versions, enhancing its accuracy and capabilities. The Sidewinder is widely used by many nations and remains a key component of aerial combat strategy today.