Sidewinder: Creative Missile Development at China Lake

Flight Journal, Aug 2000 by DeGroat, Robert S

Sidewinder: Creative Missile Development at China Lake by Ron Westrum. Naval Institute Press, 2062 Generals Hwy., Annapolis, MD 21401; (800) 233-8764; 352 pages; 19 b&w photographs; $32.95.

During an age in which "wonder" weapons can hit a target with nearly flawless precision, it is difficult to remember that one of the best weapons was created more than 40 years ago. The AIM-9 Sidewinder remains one of the finest airto-air missiles the United States has ever fielded-a weapon no one had requested, but everyone wanted.

This 190-pound, supersonic missile with a range of over 10 miles was first fired successfully in September 1953, and it began its military service with the U.S. Navy in July 1956. It has been continually improved, and more than 200,000 have been produced.

An outstanding weapon by any standards, the Sidewinder has been manufactured under license by U.S. allies and copied by various U.S. enemies. It was designed and built to be dependable, inexpensive and user-friendly.

Author Ron Westrum has used his considerable expertise to craft the engaging "Sidewinder: Creative Missile Development at China Lake." This book covers the Sidewinder's history and examines the unusual team who developed it; a small group of dedicated, overworked, underpaid scientists and engineers-- led by visionary Bill McLean-ultimately overcame Navy bureaucracy and other, more heavily funded "pet" projects.

The book offers a snapshot of a bygone era-one in which the American work ethic and "can-do" attitude were a vital part of weapons development. In these days of cost overruns and bureaucratic micromanagement, this revealing story about one of the most successful weapons in history should be of interest to specialist and enthusiast alike.