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The Molniya
(now Vympel) R-60 (NATO reporting name AA-8 'Aphid') is a lightweight
air-to-air missile designed for use by Soviet fighter aircraft. It has
been widely exported, and remains in service with the CIS and many
other nations.
The R-60 was initially developed for the MiG-23. Work began on the
weapon, under the bureau designation K-60 (izdeliye 62), in the late
1960s. Series production began in 1973.
When introduced, the R-60 was one of the world's smallest air-to-air
missiles, with a launch weight of 44 kg (97 lb). It has infrared
guidance, with an uncooled Komar (Mosquito) seeker head. Control is by
forward rudders with large rear fins. The distinctive canards on the
nose, known as "destabilisers," serve to improve the rudders'
efficiency at high angles of attack. The R-60 uses a small, 3 kg (6.5
lb) expanding-rod high explosive warhead. Two different types of
proximity fuse can be fitted: the standard Strizh (Swift) optical
fuse, which can be replaced with a Kolibri active radar fuse. Missiles
equipped with the latter fuse were designated R-60K.
AA-8 Specifications |
Type |
Infrared
intercept missile |
Manufacturer |
Vympel |
Weight |
96lb (44kg) |
Warhead |
13lb (6kg) with proximity fuse |
Length |
Length 6ft 10in (2.2m) |
Diameter |
5in (120mm) |
Performance |
max speed Mach 2.7,
range 5 miles (8km), guidance infrared homing |
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