The
Kaliningrad K-8 (R-8) (NATO reporting name AA-3 'Anab') is a
medium-range air-to-air missile that was developed by the Soviet Union for
interceptor aircraft use.
The K-8's development began in 1955, known as R-8 in service.
Like
most Soviet air-to-air missiles, it was made with a choice of
semi-active radar homing or infrared seeker heads. The original
missile was compatible with the Uragan-5B radar.
It was upgraded to R-8M standard in 1961, giving the SARH weapon the
capability for head-on intercepts. In 1963 it was further upgraded to
the R-8M1, making it compatible with the RP-11 Oriol-D radar of the
Sukhoi Su-11 and Sukhoi Su-15 and Yakovlev Yak-28P.
Subsequent development led in 1965 to R-8M2, with longer range and
improved seekers, compatible with the upgraded RP-11 Oriol-M radar.
The final variant, introduced from 1973, was the R-98M1 with better
countermeasures resistance and longer range, matched to the Taifun-M
radar of the Su-15TM and Yak-28PM interceptors.
AA-3 Specifications |
Type |
Medium range intercept missile |
Manufacturer |
Kaliningrad (Moscow Oblast) Series Production Plant |
Weight |
275kg |
Warhead |
40kg blast fragmentation |
Length |
4m |
Diameter |
0.3m |
Performance |
Max speed Mach 3, max range 19km, guidance
semi-active I-band and J-band radar homing or passive infra-red homing |