PARIS, June 19 (UPI) -- Raytheon reports a milestone in its AIM-0X Sidewinder air-to-air missile program -- the delivery of 5,000 units to U.S. and allied military forces.
The Sidewinder is an infrared-guided missile using a focal plane array sensor for target acquisition and tracking. It also features jet vane control technology for enhanced maneuverability.
"The 400 Raytheon employees and the hundreds of employees who work for our suppliers around the world helped achieve this significant milestone," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "The hard work of the industry and government team has resulted in more than 5,000 AIM-9X Block I and II missiles being delivered to the U.S. and allied warfighter."
The Block II model of the missile has a redesigned fuse and a digital ignition safety service for safer ground handling and updated electronics. It is on track to complete operational testing and is expected to be cleared for U.S. military use in the next year.
Raytheon announced the milestone at the Paris Air Show.
