AIM-9X is a substantially modified version of the AIM-9 Sidewinder which uses the same engine and launchers, but employs a new seeker, flight control, and fin configuration. The AIM-9X program began in December 1994, Low-Rate Initial Production (LR.IP) was awarded in November 2000, and initial procurement funding was included in the FY02 budget. The first full rate production award took place in November 2004. Initial delivery began in the spring of 2002, and deployment began in 2002 on the F-15 and in 2003 on the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet. Initial operational capability was reached by the US Air Force on 13 November 2003. Some missiles were deployed in 2003 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, their first combat deployment.
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