R-73, Russia's No. 1 air-to-air missile

Designed for aerial melee combat, the emergence of R-73 - Russia's No. 1 air-to-air missile, surprising many countries because of its superior technical and tactical capabilities. .

R-73 is a short-range, modern air-to-air missile, developed by the National Design Institute Vympel in the late 1970s, NATO called AA-11 Archer.

R-73 was developed to replace the Molniya R-60 short-range missile (NATO called AA-8 'Aphid') used on Soviet fighters.

R-73 is Russia's shortest, most modern air-to-air missile today.

R-73 was first put into service in the Russian army in 1985. In 1997, the upgraded R-73M was equipped in the Russian army with more advanced features such as greater range, angle. Broader detection and better ability to jam enemy radar.

As a rated missile capable of operating very large, in many ways superior to the generation of modern air-to-air missiles of the US AIM-9M Sidewinder.

This has forced the United States and Western countries to study and launch a series of air-to-air missiles such as AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, MBDA MICA, Python IV and later versions of Sidewinder AIM. -9X, this type began to be equipped in 2003.

Comparison of the target observation device between Russia's Su-27 and the US F / A18A shows that the combat capability of R-73 is much greater than the American AIM-9M.

Besides the preeminent features of tactical tactics, missiles are directly connected on the pilot's display screen, allowing the selection and locking of the target in the direction of the pilot's eyes.

This is an advanced technology, because for traditional navigation systems, pilots cannot select the desired target at the last minute before the rocket leaves the plane.

In the early versions, R-73 had a maximum range of 30 km, the lowest altitude of 300m. The missile's range has been improved through many different versions and currently reaches the maximum range of 40 km.

If aerial combat, both sides launched missiles, the Russian R-73 easily destroyed the enemy in the case of a small attack angle.

R-73 weighs 105 kg, 2,900 mm long, 170 mm diameter, 510 mm wide wingspan, uses an explosive weighing 7.4 kg, traveling at a speed of 2.5M. R-73 uses an infrared guidance system.

Since 1997, when upgraded versions of the Russian military, the R-73M or R-73EE models (for export) are equipped with an observation system, which detects targets that allow searching for items. pepper in 60 ° angle range and IRCCM infrared anti-jamming system.

The rocket uses solid fuel, is designed to include many different modules, including: navigation system, dynamic gas control system, autopilot system, proximity system, warhead, engine , aerodynamic control system and tail drive system.

Thanks to the combination of aerodynamic and aerodynamic systems, rockets have special maneuverability. During flight, the deflection and throwing problems are controlled by four small wings placed near the rocket's head. The stability of the rocket is controlled by small wings mounted on the wings.

The aerodynamic system helps R-73 to function perfectly in the air.

An outstanding advantage over other Western air-to-air missiles is that R-73 allows to equip different types of flying vehicles, including those that have not yet advanced shooting systems. such as: MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, Su-32 and Su-35.

Even, R-73 can carry on Russian attack helicopters, including Mi-24, Mi-28, and Kamov Ka-50.

According to military experts, the R-73 is still valid for modern air combat, used to attack attack planes, bombers, drones and cruise missiles of enemy.

Enabled missiles can reach targets from all directions, under all weather, day and night conditions, in normal combat environments or in a heavily disturbed environment. R-73 implements a "shoot and forget" mechanism.

R-73 can equip various aircraft, including on combat helicopters.Photo is a Ka-50 that can mount R-73 missiles

Passive infrared navigation mode supports pilots who can lock targets before pressing the rocket launch button.

Flight guidance to the expected location is done by proportional driving. The missile's combat device consists of an explosive end near active mode, an impact explosion and the next part of the warhead.

R-73 rocket at a Chinese air base.

The R-73EE export version is available in many Asian countries, including China and India. In 2008, Chinese troops purchased a large amount of R-73 to equip Su-27 and Su-30MKK fighters.