The S&A device attaches to the target detector and
is located between the TD section and the warhead
section. The S&A device contains an interrupted firing
train that is aligned by an acceleration arming device. It
contains the necessary high explosives, switches, and
circuits to initiate detonation of the warhead.
The WDU-17/B warhead (used in the AIM-9L
configuration) is an annular blast fragmentation
warhead that consists of a case assembly, two booster
plates, an initiator, high explosive, and fragmentation
rods. The explosive output from the S&A device is
transferred through the initiator to the booster plates.
The initiation is then transferred through the
explosive-loaded channels of the booster plates to the
booster pellets at each end of the warhead. Detonation
of the booster pellets sets off the high explosive, causing
warhead detonation.
The WDU-9A/B warhead (used in the ATM-9L-1
configuration) is mechanically interchangeable with the
WDU-17/B tactical warhead The WDU-9A/B contains
a smoke-flash mix with CH-6 booster to provide visual
observation of the missile/target hit.
The Mk 36 Mod 7 rocket motor uses a single-grain
propellant. A nonpropulsive head closure, located on
the forward end of the motor tube, blows out if the motor
is accidentally ignited without the warhead installed,
making the motor nonpropulsive (a fire hazard vice a
missile hazard). The Mk 36 Mod 8 rocket motor is
basically identical to the Mod 7 motor except that the
Mod 8 motor is equipped with a safe-arm ignition
assembly. The purpose of this assembly is to prevent
accidental or inadvertent rocket motor ignition. The
safe-arm ignition assembly must be manually rotated to
the armed position before flight. This is accomplished
by the use of a hex-head T-handle.
Four Mk 1 Mod 0 or Mod 1 wings are attached to
the aft end of the motor tube. They provide
aerodynamic lift and stability during flight. Each wing
has a rolleron assembly that provides pitch, yaw, and roll
stabilization during free flight. When the missile is
fired, the rolleron is uncaged by acceleration and is free
to move through its longitudinal axis during flight. The
rolleron wheel is designed so that the passing airstream
causes it to spin at a very high speed, thus acting as a
gyroscope, which helps to stabilize the missile and
reduce roll during flight.
For further information about the AIM-9L/M and
ATM-9L-1 Sidewinder guided missile, you should refer
to the Sidewinders Guided Missile AIM-9L and Training
Missile, NAVAIR 01-AIM9-2.
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air
Missile (AMRAAM)
The AMRAAM is an all-weather missile (fig. 3-10).
Aircraft currently scheduled to carry the missile are the
Figure 3-10.—AIM-120 AMRAAM guided missile
3-13
