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AIM-9 Sidewinder

Country of Origin: USA

The simple, effective infrared-homing (IR) Sidewinder is the most widely used air-to-air missile (AAM) outside of the former Soviet Union, with more than 200,000 produced.

Its unique "rolleron" stabilization system consists of air-driven wheels fitted in the rear outside corner of the rear fins. The spinning wheels gyroscopically stabilize the missile effectively with few moving parts and at low cost. See "Variants" for changes in seeker, warhead and motor.

It is used by a variety...

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