Which component provides flight control for the AIM-9X?

The flight control for the AIM-9X is managed by the fin actuator unit (FAU). This component is crucial because it directly controls the movement and positioning of the fins that are part of the missile's aerodynamic design. The fins are responsible for steering the missile during flight, allowing it to make sharp turns and adjustments to maintain its trajectory towards the target.

The fin actuator unit is designed to receive commands from the missile's guidance system and then adjust the position of the fins accordingly. This capability is essential for the performance of the AIM-9X, particularly in scenarios where rapid maneuverability is required to engage fast-moving or evasive targets.

Other components, such as the control actuator unit and the flight control computer, play supportive roles in the overall operation of the missile. The flight control computer processes data and sends commands for flight adjustments, while the control actuator unit helps in the overall control mechanism but does not directly actuate the fins as the FAU does. The stabilizer control surface aids in the stability of the missile during flight but does not provide the precise control needed for guidance and maneuvering in the same way that the fin actuator unit does.