AA-11 ARCHER / R-73 RVV-MD - Variants
Currently, there are two variants of this missile: R-73 RMD-1 and R-73M RMD-2, differing mainly in target designation angles: 45 ° for the RMD-1 variant and 60 ° for the RMD-2 variant. In addition to increasing targeting angles, the RMD-2 homing head has increased noise immunity against IR countermeasures and is built on a digital element base, which makes it easy to reprogram the tracking and interception algorithms.
The R-73RMD-2 missile model has the ability to launch into the rear hemisphere of the carrier aircraft and can be used against air-to-air missiles. Improved attack capabilities of low-flying targets. R-73 RMD-2 can serve for the organization of anti-curise missile defense.
The training version of the rocket with the recorder is called UZR-73, the export version of the rocket is R-73E. A variant of the R-73M was also developed, equipped with a seeker with a multi-site dual-band photodetector of increased noise immunity with twice the sensitivity and capture range. The target designation zone of the R-73M has been expanded to + 90 °, and to increase the damaging effect, the autopilot directs it from the engine torch to the central part of the aircraft when approaching the target. The R-73 is one of the world's first all-aspect short-range missiles, capable of striking targets not only on catch-up, but also on colliding courses. The missile attacks the target at any of its initial positions, allows it to intercept targets flying in a wide range of altitudes and speeds.
The export version of the rocket is called R-73E. Russia has offered the export-version R-7EE air-to-air missile system for sale so that it can be fitted to foreign-made fighter aircraft. Developed by the Vympel state-sector engineering and design bureau, the R-7EE is designed for close-quarters aerial combat. Vympel specialists have developed a way of ensuring that the missile system can be fitted to virtually any type of aircraft. It can be fitted to older aircraft, which feature heavily in third-world countries' air forces.
Russia's Vympel weapons designers developed a one-of-a-kind air-to-air missile for use on foreign fighter planes. Techically and militarily the new missile, meant for quick-action dogfights, leave its foreign analogues far behind. Vympel experts have also made it possible for the new missile to be easily installed on all available types of aircraft. The AA-11 can also be used on older planes which will now be able to effectively handle the US' highly maneuverable F-15 and F-16 jets. The AA-11 missile is based on all-new components, use new high-energy solid fuel and an advanced guidance and control system which has made it possible to minimize their size. Their exceptionally high accuracy is ensured by the missile's main secret, the so-called transverse control engine, which rules out misses during the final approach trajectory. The transverse control engine is still without parallel in the world.
In the nineties, Vympel State Enterprise in the course of a number of international exhibitions has repeatedly demonstrated various directions of improving the R-73 missiles. In particular, pictures of flight tests for the implementation of a "reverse launch" of a missile to defend attack aircraft from an attack from the rear hemisphere were published. Materials were also presented on the use of a rotary nozzle, which, at the same level of control forces, reduced thrust losses by up to 3% compared to 5% when using standard spoilers. In addition, the proprietary brochures advertised an improved version of the rocket with an increase in targeting angles from 45 ° to 65 ° and an increase in the maximum range to 40 km with an increase in the mass of the rocket by only 5 kg.
At Mosaeroshow-97, the K-74ME rocket with a maximum range of 40 km, equipped with a new seeker with a pumping angle increased to 120 °, was presented . It is stated that the rocket has been tested since 1994 and is ready for mass production. In 1999. the R-73L rocket (in the export version R-73LE) with a laser fuse was demonstrated at Mosaeroshow.
The newest air-to-air missile based on the R-73 has been developed, and its deliveries to the troops have already begun, Yuri Klishin, general director of the Dux missile manufacturer, told RIA Novosti 02 June 2016. He stressed that the new rocket differs from the base one in a number of basic characteristics. Klishin told RIA Novosti that the rocket should have an infrared guidance head with improved characteristics. It will have expanded launch range capabilities in terms of angle of attack, overloads, capture of the guidance head, as well as increased protection against various kinds of traps. In addition, the developers have increased the reliability, autonomy and versatility of the new weapon. All this will increase the effectiveness of the rocket by 25-30%.
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