Type Anti-radiation missile In service 1986 Weight 195 lb (88.5 kg) | Place of origin United States Manufacturer Motorola Length 9 ft 5 in (2.870 m) | |
The AGM-122 Sidearm was an American air-to-surface anti-radiation missile produced between 1986 and 1990. Not as capable as newer anti-radiation missiles, they were cheaper and lighter in weight allowing more versatile deployment.
Development
The AGM-122 Sidearm was produced by the re-manufacture of AIM-9C missiles that had been taken out of service. The AIM-9C was a semi-active radar homing variant of the Sidewinder, developed for the US Navy's Vought F-8 Crusader, but used for only a limited period of time. Conceived and developed at China Lake NAWC, the Sidearm was first tested in 1981. In 1984, Motorola was issued a contract to convert and upgrade AIM-9Cs to AGM-122A standard. A total of about 700 units were produced between 1986 and 1990.
Existing stocks of Sidearm have been depleted, and the missile is no longer in service. Proposals for new-build missiles, under the designation AGM-122B, have not been proceeded with to date.
The AGM-122 was less capable than newer antiradiation missiles, such as the AGM-88 HARM, but also substantially cheaper, and its lighter weight enabled it to be carried by combat helicopters as well as fighter aircraft and fighter bombers.