odc recent activities 2009

Polish Air Force Training, Part of the “Peace Sky” Program

20 February 2009

Poles learn how to maintain the AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile

As part of the Polish F-16 Block 52+ “Peace Sky” program, Raytheon Missile Systems provided Maintenance Sectionalization training to Polish Air Force personnel, with U.S. government observers, from January 26 to February 6, 2009 at the Łask Air Base. This training provided Polish maintenance personnel with the necessary skills to maintain the AIM-9X Infrared Missiles.  “The AIM-9X is a critical system for employing the F-16,” said Lt Col Wallace of the Office of Defense Cooperation, which coordinated the assistance visit.  This training allows the missile to be more easily repaired, keeping systems ready for training and, should they ever be necessary, combat use.  The AIM-9X is the newest variant of Sidewinder, a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile in use in both the US Navy/Air Force as well as the Polish Air Force. This version of the missile has been significantly redesigned and features an imaging infrared seeker.  It is also compatible with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, also purchased by Poland as part of Peace Sky.  The AIM-9X combined with the Helmet Mounted Cueing System supports ease of target acquisition and decreased aircrew workload.  U.S. personnel trained four maintenance teams from the Polish Air Force.