Soviet Air-Launched Missile Projects of the 1980s

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Air-to-Air Missiles

K-30 (Idzeliye 611)

Years: 1986-
Developer: Vympel
Lenght: 3 m
Diameter: 0.17 m
Wingspan: 0.27 m
Launch Weight: 105-110 kg
Maximum Range: 35 km
Maximum Speed:
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket
Guidance: Imaging IR
Warhead:

The K-30 was designed as a close-range AAM for the MFI fighter project. Production was originally scheduled for 1997. Similar configuration to the French MICA, with four tail fins and a gimballed rocket nozzle that reduces thrust losses during vectoring. Imaging IR seeker and control systems designed in the Ukraine. A variant with passive radar homing was also planned.

R-72 (Idzeliye 172)

Years: 1991-
Developer: Novator
Lenght: 6.0 (7.4) m
Diameter: 0.4 (0.51) m
Wingspan:
Launch Weight: 700 kg
Maximum Range: 400 km
Maximum Speed:
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket booster + solid-propellant rocket sustainer
Guidance: Inertial with command updates + active radar terminal homing
Warhead: 50 kg HE fragmentation

Based on the second stage of the 3M83 SAM used with the S-300V air defense system. First shown as a mock-up in 1993. The export version has a range of only 300 kilometers. Can engage targets at altitudes from 3 to 30,000 meters flying at up to 4,000 km/h and manoeuvring at up to 12 g. Can be used to engage AWACS and J-STARS type aircraft.

Air-to-Surface Missiles

Kh-32

Development of the Kh-22 with new propulsion system and warhead. It has longer range, improved capacity against ground targets, and terminal manoeuvring capability. Intended for the Tu-22M5 upgrade of Tu-22M3 bombers.

Kh-36/Kh-38

Possible Kh-25M replacement. Weight 300 kg, Imaging IR or passive radar guidance

Kh-61

Years:
Type: Anti-ship missile
Developer: NPO Mashinnostrenya
Lenght: 6.1 m
Diameter: 0.7 m
Wingspan: 1.7 m
Launch Weight: 2,500 kg
Maximum Range: 300 km (hi-lo), 120 km (lo)
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.5
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket booster + 3D55 ramjet sustainer
Guidance: Inertial + active or passive radar terminal homing
Warhead: 200 kg HE
Platforms: MiG-29K, Su-34, Tu-142M

The Kh-61 Yakhont-A is the air-launched version of the P-800 supersonic anti-ship missile. The air intake of the ramjet engine is closed by an aerodynamic fairing that is jettisoned on launch. The seeker of the missile can be used for target acquisition before launch.

Kh-65/Kh-65SE

Years:
Type: Land-attack cruise missile/anti-ship missile
Developer: Raduga
Lenght: 6.04 m
Diameter: 0.77 m
Wingspan: 3.1 m
Launch Weight: 1,250 kg
Maximum Range: 600/280 km
Maximum Speed: 750 km/h
Propulsion: R-95-300 turbofan
Guidance: Inertial + TERCOM/inertial + active radar terminal homing
Warhead: HE/410 kg SAP
Platforms: Tu-95MS/Tu-142M, Su-35

The development of the Kh-65 began in the mid-1980s as a tactical land-attack cruise missile development of the Kh-55. Its design featured increased low-observability measures. The Kh-65SE anti-ship cruise missile derivative was revealed in 1993. The missiles can be launched from altitudes of 100 to 12,000 meters and at speeds of 540 to 1,050 km/h. Cruise flight altitude is 40 to 110 meters.

Main sources:

Michael Taylor (Ed.), Brassey's World Aircraft and Systems Directory (Brassey's, London 1995).
True Supersonics
Nuclear Threat Initiative
Key Publishing Forums

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