What type of warhead does the AIM-9M use?

The AIM-9M Sidewinder missile employs an annular blast fragmentation warhead, which is specifically designed for air-to-air combat. This type of warhead features a unique design that allows for a more efficient yield of explosive force and maximizes the lethality against aerial targets.

The annular design means that the warhead has a hollow space or channel around its core, which allows the explosive material to be distributed in a way that produces a blast wave complemented by a lethal shrapnel effect. Upon detonation, the resulting blast primarily propagates outward and is accompanied by a variety of fragments that can effectively damage or destroy enemy aircraft within close proximity.

This design is particularly advantageous in aerial engagements where minimizing collateral damage while achieving maximum effectiveness is crucial. It enables the AIM-9M to engage fast-moving targets with high precision, increasing the likelihood of scoring a kill while maintaining a safer operational footprint.

Understanding the specific type of warhead and its characteristics, such as the annular blast fragmentation used in the AIM-9M, is critical for understanding its operational effectiveness in the field.