AIM-9 is a type of sidewinder
Indeed
The AI had seemingly perfect shots set up but did not fire
AI has some hard time to get themselves into a position within the AIM-9B engagement envelope.
Remember they have to be within range limits (not too close, ~500m is the lowest limit, not too far, ~4km limit here), rear hemisphere of the target, no more than 25 degrees off course to the target, and - and this is the point AI misses 99% of the time - no more than 2G load during that manoeuvre (in jets AI usually pulls much more Gs, around 4G is nothing special for AI during attack).
Since the AI code logic won't launch missiles unless the situation is promising enough, the result simply is that AI takes most missiles back home.
In order to change that, AI base classes need some modifications. That's WIP within the 1956 Jet War package.
what are the chances the F-86J will be in the next UP version?
0%? Maybe less.
The F-86J is currently put on halt since I'm working together with the other guys here to get the 1956 Jet War package done, which will have much nicer F-86 versions, including AIM-9 Sidewinders, a few other guided missiles etc., with improved code, physics, specs, capabilities, limitations etc.
That pack has a much higher chance to become part of UP once it's done.
Best regards - Mike