AIM-4 Falcon

…the AIM-4 (for air-intercept missile) Falcon, the AIM-9 Sidewinder, and the AIM-7 Sparrow. The widely imitated Sidewinder was particularly influential. Early versions, which homed onto the infrared emissions from jet engine tailpipes, could approach only from the target’s rear quadrants. Later versions, beginning with the AIM-9L, were fitted with more…

…directed the development of the Falcon family of air-to-air guided missiles, which were used in the Korean War and became the major weapon on many fighter aircraft.