Military

AA-5 ASH
R-4

In 1959 the Bisnovat design team began work on the K-80 missile (Object 36 -- later called the R-40) as part of the the Tu-128S-4 interception system. This strategic air defense system consiste of the Tu-128 long-range interceptor fighter aircraft, a Smerch [Tornado] on-board radar set (the letter S in the system designation), and the R-4 missiles (the digit 4 in Tu-128S-4). Two variants of the R-4 missile were developed: the R-4R using a semiactive radar set with a PARG-10-88 homing head and the R-4T using infrared homing with the T-80NM seeker head. Apart from the Tu-128, only the Mikoyan E-152M experimental aircraft carried the R-4 missiles. The R-4 missile entered series-production in 1963, although significant development efforts remained, as was also the case with the Smerch radar set. In 1973 production began of the improved K-80M (R-4TM and R-4RM variants) for the Tu-128S-4M system, consisting of the Tu-128M aircraft, the Smerch-M radar set, and the R-4M missile. In the West the K-80 missile and its modifications are called The AA-5 Ash R-4 missile was withdrawn from service along with the remaining Tu-128 aircraft around the end of the Cold War.