JAPANESE DEFENCE MANUFACTURER MITSUBISHI has released configuration details of its AAM-3 short-range infra-red (IR)-guided missile which entered production for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force in 1990. The missile, shown carried on an FS-X wing-tip launch rail, resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder in general configuration, but the cruciform canards are distinguished by a compound sweep which ends in a sharp dog tooth. These are thought to produce a shock wave in front of the main canard-wing section, providing greater control authority from the surfaces. The rear wing surfaces would appear to have a reduced span in comparison with the AIM-9. Mitsubishi is now working on a follow-on dogfight missile, the AAM-X-5, which is likely to have imaging IR guidance.
Source: Flight International