[quote][b][url=/v3/forum/europe-14/topic/forces-a%C3%A9riennes-suisses-118/?post=18430#post-18430]pilou[/url] a dit le 15/12/2007 à 11:49 :[/b]

[url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.31619593.1197401367.uyjZsH8AAAEAABXrHcgAAAAG&modele=jdc_34]Initial Delivery of AIM-9X Air-to Air Missiles[/url]

[quote][b]Initial Delivery of AIM-9X Air-to Air Missiles[/b]
	
(Source: Swiss Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport; issued Dec. 13, 2007)
	
	(Issued in French; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
	
	Armasuisse, the Swiss defence ministry’s procurement, technology and estate agency, has taken delivery of the first batch of AIM-9X infra-red guided air-to-air missiles procured under Armaments Program 2003 budget.  
 
They were delivered by a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft which today landed on the military air base at Payerne.  
 
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a latest-generation infra-red guided missile that will arm the Swiss Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft. Its homing head is capable of detecting the infra-red energy (heat) given off by targets, for example the high temperature of engines powering flying objects, even in difficult weather conditions, and at high off-boresight angles.  
 
Once locked on to a target, the missile sends an acoustic signal to the pilot. After firing, the missile automatically tracks its target at supersonic speeds.  
 
The AIM-9X replaces the previous AIM-9P Sidewinder model, which is now obsolete. The United States have equipped their air forces with large numbers of AIM-9X missiles, which will now enter service with the Swiss Air Force.  
 
Armaments Program 2003 earmarked 115 million Swiss francs for this acquisition. The number of missiles being procured is classified. Given the current security situation, and financial constraints, only the minimal number of missiles needed to maintain essential capabilities was acquired.  
 
In Switzerland, the F/A-18 combat aircraft is armed with the AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missile, a short-range Ingra-red guided missile (now the AIM-9X) and a 20mm cannon.  [/quote][/quote]