sidewinder that downed su-22 in 1981,wich version of the ir missile

[Davide Calzolari]

do u remember the fist confrontation usa vs lybia in 1981?

 

f-14A  of vf 41 dowened the two su-22 in few seconds launchign toward them two sidewinder

 

the verison was the at the time yet famous 9L or more ageing 70's version with smaller wings on the cone seen in some pic?

 

for what i've seen usn never managed the more recognizable verison P/J versions, those ones that have spin very arrow type

 

 

any help appreciated

[Jabba]

According to the "Detail and Scale" book on the F-14A&B it was the L version of the Sidewinder that was used to shoot down the Su-22s

[Cookenbacher]

There is an excellent first hand account of the event (and a few more F-14 engagements) here.

 

Due to various malfunctions, the only operable weapons aboard the F-14 at the time of the shootdown were a single AIM-9L and the gun.

[Davide Calzolari]

ok! thnx- -but the former version of sidewidner on usn supercarrier,wich was?G, H or  E? surely not j or p

Edited September 13, 2018 by Davide Calzolari

[Giorgio N]

The AIM-9 versions specifically used by the USN were the D, G and H, each an improved version of the previous. The C was also a USN only variant but was used for a very short time. The variant used before the introduction of the L was the H

The E and J were USAF only variants.

[Davide Calzolari]

ok thank you giorgio-but the P variant was very similar to the J, hu?often i saw written "J/P variant"

[Parabat]

It was definitelythe Lima or L version, this was in service from 1977 and was the all aspect missile, so could be firedhead on at an acquired target if need be.

[Giorgio N]

12 minutes ago, Davide Calzolari said:

ok thank you giorgio-but the P variant was very similar to the J, hu?often i saw written "J/P variant"

 

The P is an update of the J and N. The original program was sponsored by the USAF was to offer an improved N (itself an updated J) for export  While developed for export, a number ended in USAF inventory. It's externally identical to the J and N and many P were rebuilds of Sidewinders originally built as previous variants.