While not as capable as newer anti-radiation missiles, they were cheaper and lighter in weight allowing more versatile deployment.

The AIM-9C was a semi-active radar homing variant of the Sidewinder, developed for the US Navy's Vought F-8 Crusader, but used for only a limited period of time.

The weapon retained the same warhead of the AIM-9C, which gave it a fairly limited destructive ability against armored vehicles.

However, due to the nature of radiation homing missiles, the AGM-122 aimed for the radar emitter directly, all but guaranteeing the operational elimination of the target.

The Sidearm was primarily intended for use against short-range radar guided anti-aircraft artillery and shorter range SAMs, including those fired by vehicles.