Quote:
Originally Posted by GGTharos
The AIM-9X tracks the brightest, largest blob of pixels, together with some additional filters (motion tracking etc); there are films of seeker footage on youtube.
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No, the seeker head for the Sidewinder-9X is an 'imaging' infra-red seeker (IČR). It doesn't look for a blob but, rather an infra-red image that to us looks like a negative for a black and white photo. The "9X" has in its memory all aspects of any potential opponent. By detecting the image, then comparing it to the images in its memory looking for certain features, it recognizes the aircraft. Then rotating the image in its memory and compares it to the image being detected until the two coincide. That gives the computer the "true aspect" of the target to the position of the missile at that time. The computer then selects the appropriate algorithm for the most efficient course for a successful intercept.
The best websites for the "-9X" were discontinued once the production contract was awarded. Some contained great videos of the missile's capability.
You Tube Video "AIM-9x SIDEWINDER Trial" [Look up -AIM-9X]
YouTube - AIM-9x SIDEWINDER Trial
Adrian