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The AIM-9X is infrared imaging based rather than heat signature based. The pilot resolves that contrast between the object and sky before firing the missile and

The AIM-9X is infrared imaging based rather than heat signature based. The pilot resolves that contrast between the object and sky before firing the missile and missile targets the object based on the image.

lost_tourist 4y ago
Do you know what sets it off? Seems like it wouldn't be from impact as these balloon materials couldn't be comparable to say hitting another plane, right?
- s1artibartfast 4y ago
  Adding to janderwogs response, air intercept missiles don't really deal damage with the explosion. The missiles are built with shrapnel payloads propelled by the explosion. These are what actually damage the aircraft on the receiving end.
- justin66 4y ago
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_fuze https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_fuze
- r00fus 4y ago
  These payloads are duds - all you need to do is to pierce the balloon.
  - pixl97 4y ago
    A little research on the Canadian Ballon shootdown a number of years back show that isn't exactly the case. A larger balloon was shot with a (20mm I believe) cannon and continued to float a long distance.
  - implements 4y ago
    ‘Duds’ is an odd way of putting it. Sidewinders usually have an ‘exploding ring of metal rod’ warhead, I believe - and that was replaced by something else better suited to destroying the balloon while leaving the payload intact enough for technical analysis.
- jandrewrogers 4y ago
  All modern missiles use a proximity fuse that selects the optimum position relative to the target to detonate, it isn't based on contact. One thing to consider is that the warhead is not in the nose -- that is where the sensors are -- but further back on the missile. These warheads often us an annular (ring-like) blast pattern, hence why positioning and orientation relative to the target at detonation time is important to maximize damage.
- dharmab 4y ago
  The AIM-9X uses an IR proximity fuse.
bmitc 4y ago
> The AIM-9X is infrared imaging based rather than heat signature based. Isn't heat detected by infrared? What's the difference?
- hammock 4y ago
  Yes warm bodies put off infrared, but so does the sun, and the suns IR rays are reflected by objects just as they are in the visible range. These reflections used for imaging
- Sharlin 4y ago
  Cloudless sky is cold, and at 30,000 feet extremely cold. Anything not-sky is going to contrast against the sky, even if it has no internal heat source (and remember: if it has electric things in it, it produces heat).
- aembleton 4y ago
  The balloon reflects IR, just as it reflects visible light

lost_tourist 4y ago

Do you know what sets it off? Seems like it wouldn't be from impact as these balloon materials couldn't be comparable to say hitting another plane, right?

s1artibartfast 4y ago
Adding to janderwogs response, air intercept missiles don't really deal damage with the explosion. The missiles are built with shrapnel payloads propelled by the explosion. These are what actually damage the aircraft on the receiving end.
justin66 4y ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_fuze https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_fuze
r00fus 4y ago
These payloads are duds - all you need to do is to pierce the balloon.
- pixl97 4y ago
  A little research on the Canadian Ballon shootdown a number of years back show that isn't exactly the case. A larger balloon was shot with a (20mm I believe) cannon and continued to float a long distance.
- implements 4y ago
  ‘Duds’ is an odd way of putting it. Sidewinders usually have an ‘exploding ring of metal rod’ warhead, I believe - and that was replaced by something else better suited to destroying the balloon while leaving the payload intact enough for technical analysis.
jandrewrogers 4y ago
All modern missiles use a proximity fuse that selects the optimum position relative to the target to detonate, it isn't based on contact. One thing to consider is that the warhead is not in the nose -- that is where the sensors are -- but further back on the missile. These warheads often us an annular (ring-like) blast pattern, hence why positioning and orientation relative to the target at detonation time is important to maximize damage.
dharmab 4y ago
The AIM-9X uses an IR proximity fuse.

bmitc 4y ago

> The AIM-9X is infrared imaging based rather than heat signature based. Isn't heat detected by infrared? What's the difference?

hammock 4y ago
Yes warm bodies put off infrared, but so does the sun, and the suns IR rays are reflected by objects just as they are in the visible range. These reflections used for imaging
Sharlin 4y ago
Cloudless sky is cold, and at 30,000 feet extremely cold. Anything not-sky is going to contrast against the sky, even if it has no internal heat source (and remember: if it has electric things in it, it produces heat).
aembleton 4y ago
The balloon reflects IR, just as it reflects visible light