What is placed on the AFT of the AIM-9X to help steer in flight?

The AIM-9X air-to-air missile utilizes fins located at the aft (rear) of the missile to aid in steering during flight. These fins are critical for maneuverability and guidance, providing the necessary aerodynamic forces that allow the missile to adjust its trajectory toward its target.

Specifically, the fins work by altering the airflow around the missile, enabling it to bank and change direction effectively. This is particularly important for a missile like the AIM-9X, which is designed to perform high-speed maneuvers to engage agile aerial threats.

Understanding the role of the fins is essential in grasping how the AIM-9X achieves its impressive performance in intercepting and destroying enemy aircraft, making them integral components of the missile's design. In contrast, other elements like rudders, wings, and control surfaces serve different purposes or may not be present in the same capacity on this specific missile.