How much does a sidewinder missile cost?

How Much Does a Sidewinder Missile Cost?

The Sidewinder missile is a short-range, air-to-air missile developed by the United States military. It has been in service since the 1950s and has undergone several upgrades over the years. The Sidewinder missile is a versatile weapon, capable of being launched from a variety of platforms, including aircraft, helicopters, and land-based systems. But how much does a Sidewinder missile cost?

Overview of the Sidewinder Missile

The Sidewinder missile is a medium-range, heat-seeking missile designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. It uses a heat-seeking guidance system to track and engage its targets. The missile has a maximum range of 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) and can reach speeds of up to 2,995 mph (4,823 km/h).

The Sidewinder missile is available in several variants, including:

• AIM-9M: This is the most common variant of the Sidewinder missile. It has a range of 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) and can be launched from a variety of platforms, including F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft.
• AIM-9L: This variant has a slightly longer range than the AIM-9M, reaching 65 miles (104.6 kilometers). It is also capable of being launched from a wider range of platforms.
• AIM-9M+: This is a upgraded version of the AIM-9M, featuring improved guidance and range.
• AIM-9X: This is the most advanced variant of the Sidewinder missile, featuring a dual-mode seeker (heat-seeking and imaging infrared) and a range of 80 miles (128.7 kilometers).

Cost of the Sidewinder Missile

The cost of a Sidewinder missile varies depending on the variant and the source. Here are some estimates:

• AIM-9M: The AIM-9M missile is estimated to cost around $250,000 to $300,000 per unit.
• AIM-9L: The AIM-9L missile is estimated to cost around $300,000 to $400,000 per unit.
• AIM-9M+: The AIM-9M+ missile is estimated to cost around $400,000 to $500,000 per unit.
• AIM-9X: The AIM-9X missile is estimated to cost around $600,000 to $800,000 per unit.

Total Cost of Ownership

The total cost of ownership for a Sidewinder missile includes more than just the cost of the missile itself. Here are some additional costs to consider:

• Missile guidance kits: The cost of missile guidance kits, which are required for the missile to function properly, is estimated to be around $50,000 to $100,000 per unit.
• Launchers and rails: The cost of launchers and rails, which are required for the missile to be launched, is estimated to be around $20,000 to $50,000 per unit.
• Maintenance and support: The cost of maintenance and support for the Sidewinder missile is estimated to be around $5,000 to $10,000 per unit per year.

Total Cost of Ownership Estimates

Here are some estimates for the total cost of ownership for the Sidewinder missile:

• AIM-9M: Total cost of ownership is estimated to be around $500,000 to $700,000 per unit over its lifespan of 10-15 years.
• AIM-9L: Total cost of ownership is estimated to be around $700,000 to $900,000 per unit over its lifespan of 10-15 years.
• AIM-9M+: Total cost of ownership is estimated to be around $1,000,000 to $1,200,000 per unit over its lifespan of 10-15 years.
• AIM-9X: Total cost of ownership is estimated to be around $1,800,000 to $2,400,000 per unit over its lifespan of 10-15 years.

Conclusion

The cost of a Sidewinder missile varies depending on the variant and the source. However, on average, the cost of a Sidewinder missile is estimated to be around $250,000 to $800,000 per unit. When considering the total cost of ownership, including guidance kits, launchers, maintenance, and support, the cost can range from $500,000 to $2,400,000 per unit over its lifespan of 10-15 years.

Here is a summary of the estimated costs:

Note: The costs listed above are estimates and may vary depending on the source and specific requirements.