By Doris G. Lance, NAVAIR Weapons Division

Fifty years ago a small innovative team, headed up by Dr. Bill McLean, decided an air-to-air missile could be guided accurately using infrared radiation from the target. That was the birth of the Sidewinder Missile at China Lake, Calif.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) China Lake will host a celebration, Nov. 1 through 3, 2002 to recognize this development and what it did for the U.S. military in protecting our Nation's freedom.

Open to the public, the events will include historical weapons exhibits, museum and laboratory tours, evening gala, golf tournament and presentations.

Further information is available at the following websites: www.nawcwd.navy.mil/~sw50, www.nawcwpns.navy.mil, www.chinalakemuseum.org keyword Sidewinder 50th. Or call (760) 939-2002.

Years have passed and Sidewinder has evolved to AIM-9, one of the most widely used series of air-to-air missiles in the world.