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AAM-1
AAM-1 model
TypeShort-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service1969-1986
Used byJapan
Production history
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Unit cost• ¥3,000,000 (1968)
• ¥4,190,000 (1969)
Produced1969
No. builtaround 400
Specifications
Mass80 kg (180 lb)
Length2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Diameter15 cm (6 in)

Operational
range
5 km (3 mi)
Maximum speed 1.7 Mach
Guidance
system
infrared homing
Launch
platform
Aircraft:

The Mitsubishi AAM-1 was a Japanese infrared homing air-to-air missile developed from the AIM-9B Sidewinder missile.

Operational history

Starting in 1969, the AAM-1 was produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 400 produced in total. It served as the standard armament for Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-104J while used on North American F-86F and Mitsubishi F-1. Being slightly shorter and lighter compared to the AIM-9E Sidewinder, the AAM-1 had inferior performances compared to the American missile which was entering service in Japan. The unit cost of an AIM-9B purchased through Foreign Military Sales was about 1 million yen, while that of AAM-1 was about 3.5 million yen in 1968 and about 4.19 million yen in 1969. Due to higher cost and inferior characteristics, the procurement of the AAM-1 was halted in 1972 with the last examples withdrawn for service in 1986. [1]

Operators

See also

References