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The Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 'Archer') developed by Vympel machine Building Design Bureau, is the most modern Russian short-range air-to-air missile. It is generally considered one of the most formidable modern dogfight weapons.
Development
The R-73 was developed to replace the earlier R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid') weapon for short-range use by Soviet fighter aircraft. Work began in 1973, and the first missiles entered service in 1985.
The R-73 is an infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile with a sensitive, cryogenic cooled seeker with a substantial "off-boresight" capability: the seeker can "see" targets up to 60° off the missile's centerline. It can be linked to a helmet-mounted sight, allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. Minimum engagement range is about 300 meters, with maximum aerodynamic range of nearly 30 km (18.75 mi) at altitude.
The R-73 is a highly maneuverable missile that in many respects is believed to be superior to the United States AIM-9M Sidewinder, prompting the development of Sidewinder successors like AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T and an enhanced AIM-9X now entering squadron service.
From 1994 the R-73 has been upgraded in production to R-74EM standard (originally R-73M), which entered CIS service in 1997. The R-74EM has greater range and a wider seeker angle (to 60° off-boresight), as well as improved ECCM (Electronic Counter-Counter Measures).
The weapon is used by the MiG-29, Su-27 and Su-35, and can be carried by some older MiG-21, MiG-23, Sukhoi Su-24, and Su-25 aircraft. It can also be carried by Russian attack helicopters, including the Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-28, and Kamov Ka-50.
External links
Air-to-air missiles of the Soviet Union | Air-to-air missiles of Russia
"Vympel R-73"