info@mpmhobbies.com
Call: 1-(904) 507-3327
9297 Ford Rd.
Bryceville, Fl 32009
Add authentic early Cold War air-to-air capability to your 1/48 scale jet aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed AIM-9B Sidewinder missile set from MPM Hobbies. As the first truly effective heat-seeking air-to-air missile, the AIM-9B revolutionized aerial combat and became one of the most successful weapons in aviation history—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and other fighter aircraft.
The AIM-9B Sidewinder holds a distinguished place in aviation history as the first operational heat-seeking air-to-air missile and one of the most successful weapons ever developed. Introduced in the 1950s, the Sidewinder revolutionized air combat by allowing pilots to engage enemy aircraft without complex radar systems or direct pursuit positioning. The AIM-9B employed passive infrared target detection, homing in on the heat signature of enemy aircraft engines without emitting any detectable signals. This fire-and-forget capability, combined with its relatively simple design and low cost, made the Sidewinder an instant success. The AIM-9B saw its combat debut during the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958, where Taiwanese F-86 Sabres used it to shoot down Chinese MiG-15s and MiG-17s, proving the effectiveness of heat-seeking missile technology.
The AIM-9B is a supersonic, air-launched missile employing passive infrared target detection, proportional navigation guidance, and a torque balance control system. The missile's infrared seeker tracks the heat signature of enemy aircraft, typically locking onto engine exhaust. Once launched, the AIM-9B guides itself to the target without further input from the launching aircraft, allowing the pilot to immediately maneuver away or engage additional targets. Early AIM-9B variants had limitations, including a narrow seeker field of view that required near-perfect tail-chase positioning and susceptibility to being decoyed by the sun or ground heat sources. Despite these limitations, the Sidewinder proved highly effective in combat, particularly during the Vietnam War where it became the primary short-range air-to-air weapon for US fighters.
The AIM-9B Sidewinder was carried by numerous US and allied fighter aircraft. This missile set is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:
Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the missile to your aircraft's launcher rail before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles were finished in overall white or light gray with distinctive brown or tan seeker dome and black or dark gray stenciling. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
MPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For additional information about the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile family, visit the AIM-9 technical documentation at Bulletpicker.com as a way to find information about their products.
Bring Cold War air combat history to life with the authentic AIM-9B Sidewinder missile from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
