TUCSON, Ariz., 11 Dec. 2006. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., won a $67.7 million U.S. Navy contract Dec. 8 to build 222 lot 7 production AIM-9X Sidewinder tactical missiles for the Navy and U.S. Air Force.

The AIM-9X is a short range heat-seeking weapon for offensive and defensive anti-aircraft operations. The multi-service air intercept missile (AIM) is a high off-boresight-capable missile for jet fighters.

This contract combines purchases for the Air Force, Navy, and Switzerland under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Awarding the contract is the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. The contract number is N00019-07-C-0008.

The AIM-9X improves on AIM-9M with a new seeker imaging infrared focal plane array, a high-performance airframe, and new signal processor for the seeker sensor.

The contract also provides for the procurement of 153 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) and 105 containers for the Navy, Air Force, and Switzerland.

The AIM-9X system design approach incorporates a fifth-generation staring focal plane array seeker for performance and IR countermeasures resistance, and jet vane control for agile turning.

The launch-and-leave air combat missile uses infrared (IR) sensor guidance, and complements longer-range radar-guided missiles such as the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

Work will be in Tucson, Ariz., and Andover, Mass., and will be finished in April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured.