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This is a Sidewinder air-to-air missile, also designated AIM-9E. The blue stripe indicates it was a training model. The Sidewinder has been one of the most successful short-range, air-to-air missiles and was the first heat-seeking guided missile to become operational.

Many models have been produced since the mid-1950s. A variety of aircraft have carried Sidewinders, and variants have been adopted by about 40 countries. They have been used extensively in combat, including the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 2003 by the U.S. Air Force Museum.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Cold War Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Cold War Aviation
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Lockheed - Martin
 Dimensions Overall: 1 ft. 3 1/4 in. × 9 ft. 10 1/2 in. × 5 in., 65.8kg (38.7 × 301 × 12.7cm, 145lb.)
Wing span diagonal 21"
 Materials Body, non-ferrous, probably magnesium; warhead, steel, probably fragmentable; tip. optical glass; front fins, steel; rear fins, aluminum; electrical connector plug, black insulated plastic, with plastic protective cover; windows around missile, at top, glass; lugs, steel; longeron wheels and fasteners for same, steel.
 Alternate Name Sidewinder Missile Inventory Number A20030007000 Credit Line Transferred from United States Air Force Museum Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.