AIR TO AIR MISSILES

AA-3

 

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 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