The AIM-9M is an improved AIM-9L inheriting the all-aspect capability of the L model, but providing all-around higher performance. Having a better background rejection and infrared countermeasures discrimination (WGU-4/B), a low-smoke motor to reduce the visual signature of the weapon, and improved guidance control section with counter-countermeasures and improved maintainability and producibility. The AIM-9M uses an annular blast fragmentation warhead. These modifications increase ability to locate and lock-on a target and decrease the missile's chances for detection.
It was deployed in large numbers during the 1991 Gulf War, the AIM-9M was responsible for all 10 Sidewinder kills recorded during that conflict. The AIM-9M was used by the RAAF's being their standard dogfight AAM, carried by the F/A-18 and F-111.
| WPN Class | rksla3_wpn_aim9m | Mass | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mag Class name | rksla3_mag_aim9m_lau127x1 | Hardpoint | RKSLA3_AIM9M_LAU127 | 125.46 |
| rksla3_mag_aim9_lau114x2 | RKSLA3_AIM9M_LAU114 | 274.5 | ||
| rksla3_mag_aim9_lau7x1 | RKSLA3_AIM9M_LAU7 | 126.80 | ||
| rksla3_mag_aim9m_directx1 | RKSLA3_AIM9M_DIRECT | 86 | ||
| Ammo Class | rksla3_ammo_aim9m | 86 | ||
| submunitionAmmo | NONE | N/A | ||