AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air Missile The AIM-9 is a 200-pound supersonic air-to-air missile carried by A-10, F-4, F-15, F-16 and F-111 aircraft. It is a "heat seeking" missile with a range of 1-2 miles and is generally used during the day in clear weather conditions. The Sidewinder has been continually improved since entering service in the 1950s. The missile shown here is an AIM-9E; Desert Storm aircraft used improved AIM-9L and AIM-9M versions. Click here to return to the Cold War Gallery.