Sky Sword II Taiwan AAM

The TC-2 Sky Sword II is a radar guided air-to-air missile developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) in Taiwan Republic of China (ROC) during the 1990s for the ROC Air Force. The TC-2 is intended as the mid-range supplement of the IR guided Sky Sword I (TC-1), and both are currently deployed on the ROCAF's F-CK-1 fighters.

The TC-2's seeker head is based on Motorola-Raytheon design, initially a competitor to the AIM-120 contract, which was later won by Hughes. CSIST is reported to have purchased 200 TC-2 seeker head "kits" from Raytheon. This led to speculation that the ROCAF would have no more than 200 TC-2's in its inventory.

On March 17, 2004, Jane's Defense Weekly reported that CSIST had produced an air-launched anti-radiation (ARM) missile, named Tien Chien IIA (TC-2A). The TC-2A is reported to have a new seeker head and guidance package, possibly with dual-mode passive RF and IR sensors, and an improved extended-range rocket motor. The updated missile, with its new seeker head, indicates that CSIST's TC-2/TC-2A production is not limited to the original Raytheon order.

General characteristics (TC-2)

• Primary Function: Air-to-air missile
• Power Plant: Solid propellant
• Length: 3.60 m
• Weight: 190 kg
• Diameter: 203 mm
• Warhead: 30 kg Blast/fragmentation
• Guidance: midrange inertial guidance, terminal radar guidance
• Range: 60 km
• Date Deployed: 1999

Bisnovat R-40 Russian AAM

The Bisnovat R-40 (AA-6 'Acrid') was a long-range air-to-air missile developed in the 1960s by the Soviet Union for use by interceptor aircraft.

The Bisnovat design bureau began development of a long-range air-to-air missile in 1962. The resulting R-40 was initially matched with the Smerch-A ('Tornado-A') radar of the MiG-25. It was built in semi-active radar homing (R-40R) and infrared-homing (R-40T) versions.

Following the defection of PVO pilot Viktor Belenko in 1976, Vympel developed an improved version of the missile with a better infrared countermeasures (IRCM) resistance and more sensitive seekers. The upgraded missiles were designated with the suffix -D (for 'development', "finalized"). Later -D1 versions were also developed.

Production of the R-40 ended in 1991, but it remains in limited service arming surviving MiG-25 and some MiG-31 interceptors.

Bisnovat R-40
Type	Air-to-air missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1970- present
Used by	Soviet Union, Syria, Iraq
Wars	Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch
Production history
Designed	1959
Produced	1960s- 1991
Specifications
Weight	(R-40TD) 450 kg (990 lb); (R-40RD) 461 kg (1,020 lb)
Length	(R-40TD) 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in); (R-40RD) 6.22 m (20 ft 5 in)
Diameter	31 cm (12 in)
Warhead	blast fragmentation
Warhead weight	70 kg (154 lb)
Detonation mechanism	Radar and active laser fuzes
Engine	solid-propellant rocket motor
Wingspan	1,450 mm (4 ft 9 in)
Operational range	30–60 km (19–37 mi)
Speed	Mach 4.5
Guidance system	(R-40TD) infrared homing; (R-40RD) semi-active radar homing
Launch platform	MiG-25, MiG-31

Molniya R-60 Russian AAM

The Molniya R-60 or 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. It entered service with the designation R-60 (NATO 'Aphid-A').

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 "destabilizers," 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 fuze 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.

According to Russian sources, practical engagement range is about 4,000 m (4,400 yd), although "brochure range" is 8 km (5 mi) at high altitude. The weapon was at until recently one of the most agile air to air missiles, and can be used by aircraft maneuvering at up to 9g against targets maneuvering at up to 8g. A tactical advantage is the short minimum range of only 300 m (328 yd).

Considering that Soviet practice was to manufacture most air-to-air missiles with interchangeable IR-homer and semi-active radar homing seekers, NATO speculated that there might have been a SARH version of the 'Aphid.' However, it is clear that the small size of the 'Aphid' makes a radar-homing version with an antenna of reasonable size impractical, and no such weapon appears to have been contemplated.

An inert training version, alternatively designated UZ-62 and UZR-60, was also built.

An upgraded version, the R-60M (NATO 'Aphid-B'), using a nitrogen-cooled seeker with an expanded view angle of ±20°, was introduced around 1982. Although its seeker is more sensitive than its predecessor, the R-60M has only limited all-aspect capability. Minimum engagement range was further reduced, to only 200 m (218.7 yd). The proximity fuzes had improved resistance to ECM, although both optical and radar fuzes remained available (radar-fuzed R-60Ms with the Kolibri-M fuze are designated R-60KM). The R-60M is 42 mm (1.7 in) longer, and has a heavier, 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) continuous-rod warhead, increasing launch weight to 45 kg (99 lb). In some versions the warhead is apparently laced with about 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) of depleted uranium to increase the penetrating power of the warhead

Since 1999, a modified version of the weapon has been used as a surface-to-air missile (SAM) as part of the Yugoslav M55A3B1 towed anti-aircraft artillery system. It has also been seen carried on a twin rail mount on a modified M53/59 Praga armored SPAAG of (former) Czechoslovakian origin. These missiles have been modified with the addition of a first stage booster motor, with the missile's own motor becoming the sustainer. This was done in lieu of modifying the missile's motor for ground launch, as in the case of the US MIM-72 Chaparral.

The current Russian dogfight missile is the Vympel R-73 (AA-11 'Archer'), but large numbers of 'Aphids' remain in service.

Molniya R-60
Type	Short-range Air to Air Missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1974- present
Production history
Manufacturer	Vympel
Specifications
Weight	43.5 kg (96 lb)
Length	2090 mm (6 ft 10 in)
Diameter	120 mm (4¾ in)
Warhead	3 kg (6.6 lb)
Detonation mechanism	proximity
Engine	solid-fuel rocket engine
Wingspan	390 mm (15¼ in)
Operational range	8 km (5 mi)
Flight altitude	20,000 m (65,615 ft)
Speed	Mach 2.7
Guidance system	infrared homing
Launch platform	MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29, MiG-31, Su-15, Su-17, Su-20, Su-22, Su-24, Su-25, Yak-28, Yak-38, Yak-141, Mi-24, BAE Hawk

Vympel R-33 Russian AAM

The Vympel R-33 (AA-9 Amos) is a long-range air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It is the primary armament of the MiG-31 interceptor, intended to attack large high-speed targets such as the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-1 Lancer bomber, and the B-52 Stratofortress.

Generally similar to the U.S. Navy's retired AIM-54 Phoenix, it uses a combination of semi-active radar homing for initial acquisition and mid-course updates, and inertial navigation to reach the target at extreme range. The Zaslon phased array radar of MiG-31 allows four missiles to be guided simultaneously at separate targets.

The R-33 AAM remains in service with the CIS and Russian forces (See MiG-31 operators). It may have been deployed during the chechen conflicts as MiG-31's provided Air defense in conjunction with A-50 AWACS planes.

Vympel R-33
Type	air-to-air missile
Specifications
Weight	490 kg (1,080 lb)
Length	4.15 m (13 ft 7 in)
Diameter	380 mm (15 in)
Warhead	47.5 kg (104 lb)
Wingspan	1.16 m (3 ft 8 in)
Operational range	160 km (R-33), 130 km (R-33E), 228 km (R-33S)
Speed	Mach 4.5
Guidance system

Vympel R-27 Russian Air to Air Missile

The Vympel R-27 missile (NATO name: AA-10 Alamo) is a medium-to-long-range air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It remains in service with the Russian Air Force and air forces of the former Commonwealth of Independent States.

The R-27 is manufactured in infrared-homing (R-27T), semi-active-radar-homing (R-27R), and active-radar-homing (R-27AE) versions, in both Russia and the Ukraine. The R-27 missile is carried by the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 fighters, and some of the later-model MiG-23MLD fighters have also been adapted to carry it. The R-27 missile is also license-produced in the PRC, though the production license was bought from Ukraine instead of Russia. The Chinese versions have a different active radar seeker taken from the Vympel R-77 missile, which was sold to the PRC by Russia.

Vympel R-27Variants

• R-27R AA-10 Alamo-A, semi-active radar homing. Launch range from Mach 1.4, 11 km altitude: 60 km (head-on) / 21 km (tail-on). Minimum launch range under same conditions 2 km (head-on) / 0.5 to 0.6 km (tail-on). Up to 80 km under optimal conditions
• R-27T AA-10 Alamo-B, infrared homing, passive homing using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) IR seeker head. Weight 248 kg. Range is said to be 70 km under optimal conditions. The R-27T missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
• R-27ER AA-10 Alamo-C, the semi-active-radar homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider. Range up to 130 km under optimal conditions Entered service 1990.
• R-27ET AA-10 Alamo-D, the infrared-homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider, range of 120 km under optimal conditions using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) seeker head. Weight 348 kg. Entered service in 1990. The R-27ET missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
• R-27AE AA-10 Alamo-E, active-radar-homing long-range version. Range 1.0 km to 130 km. Weight 349 kg.
• R-27EM, naval version. Semi-active-radar homing with an upgraded seeker head, enabling it to engage targets flying at three meters above the sea. Maximum range is 170 km against a head-on target.
• R-27P, a passive anti-radiation missile, similar to the US/NATO "Shrike" missile.

Vympel R-27R
Type	Medium-range, air-to-air tactical missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1983- present
Production history
Manufacturer	Vympel
Unit cost	N/A
Specifications
Weight	253 kg (560 lb)
Length	4.08 m (13.4 ft)
Diameter	230 mm (9.1 in)
Warhead	blast/fragmentation, or continuous rod
Warhead weight	39 kg (86 lb)
Detonation mechanism	radar-proximity and impact fuzes
Engine	High performance, w. directed-rocket motor Solid-fuel rocket motor
Wingspan	772 mm (30.4 in)
Operational range	R-27R: up to 80 km R-27T: up to 70 km R-27ER: up to 130 km R-27ET: up to 120 km R-27AE up to 130 km R-27EM: up to 170km
Flight altitude	N/A
Speed	Mach 2.5 to 4.5 (Depending on altitude and weather conditions.)
Guidance system	semi-active radar homing
Launch platform	the fighter planes Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, Su-35, MiG-29, Mig-23, Yak-141

Vympel R-73 Russian AAM

The Vympel R-73 (NATO name: AA-11 Archer) developed by Vympel machine-building design bureau, is the most modern Russian short-range air-to-air missile.

The Vympel R-73 was developed to replace the earlier R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid') weapon for short-range use by Soviet fighter aircraft. Work began in 1973, and the first missiles entered service in 1982.

The Vympel R-73 is an infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile with a sensitive, cryogenic cooled seeker with a substantial "off-boresight" capability: the seeker can "see" targets up to 60° off the missile's centerline. It can be targeted by a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. Minimum engagement range is about 300 meters, with maximum aerodynamic range of nearly 30 km (18.75 mi) at altitude.

The Vympel R-73 is a highly maneuverable missile and mock dogfights have indicated that the high degree of "off-boresight" capability of the R-73 would make a significant difference in combat. The missile also has a mechanically simple but effective system for thrust-vectoring. Altogether this prompted the development of the Sidewinder and other SRM successors like AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, MICA IR, Python IV and the latest Sidewinder variant, AIM-9X, that entered squadron service in 2003.

From 1994 the R-73 has been upgraded in production to the R-73M standard, which entered CIS service in 1997. The R-73M has greater range and a wider seeker angle (to 60° off-boresight), as well as improved IRCCM (Infra-Red Counter-Counter-Measures).

An improved version of the R-73M, the R-74M features fully digital and re-programmable systems, and is intended for use on the MiG-35 or MiG-29K/M/M2 and Su-27SM, Su-30MK and Su-35BM.

The weapon is used by the MiG-29, MiG-31, Su-27, Su-34 and Su-35, and can be carried by newer versions of the MiG-21, MiG-23, Sukhoi Su-24, and Su-25 aircraft. India is looking to use the missile on their HAL Tejas. It can also be carried by Russian attack helicopters, including the Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-28, and Kamov Ka-50.

Vympel R-73
Type	short-range air-to-air missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1982-present
Production history
Manufacturer	Vympel
Specifications
Weight	105 kilograms (230 lb)
Length	2.93 metres (9 ft 7 in)
Diameter	165 millimetres (6.5 in)
Warhead	7.4 kilograms (16 lb)
Engine	solid-fuel rocket engine
Wingspan	510 millimetres (20 in)
Operational range	R-73E: 20 kilometres (12 mi) R-73M1: 30 kilometres (19 mi) R-73M2: 40km (24.7 miles)
Speed	Mach 2.5
Guidance system	All-aspect infrared homing
Launch platform	MiG-21(Upgraded), MiG-23-98, MiG-29, MiG-31, MiG-35 Sukhoi Su-24, Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-35, Su-34, Su-47 Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-28, Kamov Ka-50, Yak-141 HAL Tejas, J-10

Vympel R-77 Russian AAM

The Russian Vympel R-77 (RVV-AE) Missile (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder) is a medium range, air-to-air, active radar-guided missile system. It is the Russian counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, thus gaining a nickname: Amraamski.

The aerodynamics are novel, combining vestigial cruciform wings with tail control surfaces of a lattice configuration (similar devices are used on the R-400 Oka). Each surface consists of a metal frame containing a blade-like grid assembly which combines a greater control area, and thus lifting force, with reduced weight and size. The development for this control concept took three years of theoretical work and testing. Referred to by the Russians as gas dynamic declination devices, these surfaces require less powerful actuators than conventional fins, and have a lower RCS. The flow separation which occurs at high angles of attack enhances its turning ability, giving the missile a maximum turn rate of up to 150º per second.

The missile uses a multi-function doppler-monopulse active radar seeker developed by OAO Agat. The radar features two modes of operation, over short distances, the missile will launch in an active "fire and forget" mode. Over longer distances the missile is controlled by an inertial auto pilot with occasional encoded data link updates from the launch aircraft's radar on changes in spatial position or G of the target. As the missile comes within 20 km (12.42 mi) of its target, the missile switches to its active radar mode. The host radar system maintains computed target information in case the target breaks the missile's lock-on.

If the seeker is jammed, it switches automatically to a passive mode and homes on the source of jamming. Fired against high-altitude non-maneuvering targets approaching head-on, the R-77RVV-AE has a range of 100 km (62 mi), with the seeker locking on at around 15 km (9.3 mi), and a maximum speed of Mach 4 (3,045 mph (4,900 km/h)). At short range, it can engage targets maneuvering at up to 12g. The basic version of this missile is said to have a maximum range of 90 km (55 mi). The missile can also be used from internal carriages where the control fins and surfaces will fold flat until it is catapulted clear of the aircraft for motor ignition. Future plans call for increasing the missile range well beyond 150 kilometres (93 mi).

R-77/RVV-AE (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder)
Type	Medium-Range Active-Radar Homing Air-to-Air Missile
Service history
In service	1994 (R-77)
Production history
Manufacturer	Vympel
Specifications
Weight	175 kg (R-77), 226 kg (R-77M1)
Length	3.6 m (R-77)
Diameter	200 mm
Warhead	22 kg HE, fragmenting
Detonation mechanism	laser proximity fuze
Engine	Solid fuel rocket motor (R-77), air-breathing ramjet (R-77M1)
Wingspan	350 mm
Operational range	Strongly varying according to source: R-77:40 km (21.6 nm) - 50 km (27 nm) - 80 km (43.2 nm) R-77M1:60 km (32.4 nm) - 80 km (43.2 nm) - 160 km (86 nm)
Flight altitude	5 m-25 km (16.5-82,000 ft)
Speed	Mach 4.5 (R-77)
Guidance system	Inertial with mid-course update and terminal active radar homing
Launch platform	Mikoyan MiG-21-93/Lance/Bison, Mikoyan MiG-29, Mikoyan MiG-31, Mikoyan MiG-35, Sukhoi Su-27SM, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-34, Sukhoi Su-35, Sukhoi Su-37, Sukhoi Su-47, Yakovlev Yak-141 Future Platforms: HAL Tejas, Sukhoi PAK FA

Vympel R-37 Russian AAM

The Vympel R-37 or AA-X-13/AA-13 Arrow is a Russian air-to-air missile with an extremely long range. It has also had the names K-37, Izdeliye 610 and R-VD (Raketa-Vysokaya Dalnost, "Very Long Range Missile"), and the NATO codename 'Andi'.

It was designed to shoot down AWACS and other C4ISTAR aircraft whilst keeping the launch platform out of range of any fighters that might be protecting the target. Although it was first tested from a MiG-31M, the R-37 is not a replacement for the Vympel R-33 missiles carried by that aircraft; rather, the R-37 is intended for the Su-35BM, PAK FA, and other future fighters.

The Vympel R-37 was developed from the Vympel R-33. For compatibility with aircraft that did not have the MiG-31's sophisticated radar, the semi-active seeker was replaced with a variant of the Agat 9B-1388 active seeker; mid-body strakes enhance lift and hence range, and folding tail controls allow semi-conformal carriage on planes that are not as big as the MiG-31. According to Defence Today the range depends on the flight profile, from 80 nautical miles (150 km) for a direct shot to 215 nautical miles (398 km) for a cruise glide profile. According to Jane's there are two variants, the R-37 and the R-37M; the latter has a jettisonable rocket booster that increases the range to "300-400km" (160–220 nm).

The Vympel R-37 is now in production to equip upgraded Russian MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptors, and export MiG-31BM aircraft for Syria. Despite the early intent to integrate the weapon on the Flanker, this has yet to be reported.

Vympel R-37
Type	air-to-air missile
Place of origin	Russia
Specifications
Weight	600 kilograms (1,320 lb)
Length	4.20 metres (13 ft 9 in)
Diameter	38 centimetres (15 in)
Warhead	HE, fragmenting
Warhead weight	60 kg (135 lb)
Wingspan	0.7 m (2 ft 4 in)
Propellant	Solid rocket
Operational range	80–215 nm (150–398 km)
Speed	Mach 6
Guidance system	Inertial with mid-course update, semi-active and active radar homing

PL-12 PiLi-12 China AAM

The PL-12 (PiLi-12), also designated SD-10 (ShanDian-10), is a radar-guided air-to-air missile developed by China's Luoyang Electro-Optical Technology Development Center. PL-12 is in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and its export version, SD-10, is expected to enter service with the Pakistan Air Force.

The new PL-12 active guided air-launched anti-aircraft missile uses the radar and data link from Russia's very capable Vympel R-77, combined with a Chinese missile motor. Some sources claim the resulting combination has a greater range than the Russian missile, and a fire-and-forget active guidance (from R-77) capability comparable to the modern U.S. AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The PL-12 is outwardly very similar to the US-designed AIM-120 AMRAAM. The two share a comparable aerodynamic configuration, although the PL-12 is a little longer, wider and heavier than the AMRAAM. The PL-12 has four rear-mounted control fins that each have a very distinctive notch cut into their base. These fins are longer and more prominent than those of the AMRAAM and are cropped at an angle (rather than in line with the missile body). Four larger triangular fins are fixed to the mid-section of the missile. Internally, the leading edge of the centrebody fins is in line with the start of the missile's rocket motor. That motor is a variable-thrust solid rocket booster, that offers two levels of motive power for different sections of the flight envelope link building service.

CATIC is known to be developing X-band and Ku-band active radar seekers, which may be intended for the PL-12. However the latest reports confirm that China has been co-operating closely with Russia's AGAT Research Institute, based in Moscow, and that AGAT is the source of the PL-12's essential active seeker. This joint development effort (perhaps with the name 'Project 129') has reportedly seen the supply of AGAT's 9B-1348 active-radar seeker (developed for the Vympel R-77, AA-12 'Adder') to China for integration with the Chinese-developed missile. Alternatively, technology from AGAT's 9B-1103M seeker family may be offered to China. Russia is also the source for the missile's inertial navigation system and datalink.

The PL-12 has four engagement modes. To take the greatest advantage of its maximum range it will use a mix of command guidance (via a datalink) plus its own inertial guidance before entering the active radar terminal guidance phase. The missile can also be launched to a pre-selected point, using its strap-down inertial system, before switching on its own seeker for a terminal search. Over short ranges the missile can be launched in a 'fire-and-forget' mode using its own active seeker from the outset. Finally, the PL-12 has a 'home-on-jam' mode that allows it to passively track and engage an emitting target, without ever using its own active radar or a radar from the launch aircraft. This capability is the foundation on which the capability of anti-radiation missile is developed. The seeker is connected to a digital flight control system that uses signal processing techniques to track a target. The missile's warhead is linked to a laser proximity fuse.

The PL-12 is claimed to have an operational ceiling of at least 21 km, with a maximum effective range of 100 km and a minimum engagement range of 1,000 m. The missile has a 38+ g manoeuvering limit and, according to CATIC, it has been tested for a 100-hour captive 'live flight' life. According to Chinese claims, PL-12 is more capable than the American AIM-120 A/B, but slightly inferior than the AIM-120C.

The PL-12 can be deployed by the Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-8F, Shenyang J-11 and JF-17 combat aircraft.

Three new variants of the PL-12 have been unveiled with newer ones in development:

• PL-12B: with improved guidance system
• PL-12C: with foldable tailfins for internal carriage on 5th-generation fighters
• PL-12D: with a belly inlet and ramjet engine for even longer range attacks, similar to the PL-21

PL-12 SD-10
Type	Air-to-air missile Surface-to-air missile
Place of origin	People's Republic of China
Service history
In service	2007
Used by	People's Liberation Army Air Force People's Liberation Army Ground Force People's Liberation Army Navy Pakistan Air Force
Production history
Manufacturer	CATIC
Unit cost	$84,000 USD
Produced	2002
Specifications
Weight	438 lbs (199 kg)
Length	12.89 ft (3.93 m)
Diameter	203 mm (8 in)
Warhead	High explosive fragmentation warhead
Detonation mechanism	Proximity fuse
Engine	Solid fuel dual-thrust rocket motor
Wingspan	670 mm
Propellant	Solid fuel
Operational range	100+ km
Flight ceiling	21 km
Flight altitude	0-21 km
Speed	Mach 4
Guidance system	Inertial / Data-link (mid-course) Active radar homing (terminal phase)
Launch platform	Shenyang J-15 J-11B / J-11BS / J-11BH / J-11BSH J-10A / J-10S / J-10B J-8II JF-17 Type 054, Type 054A frigates

Mitsubishi AAM 3, 4, 5

The Mitsubishi AAM-3 (Type 90 air-to-air missile) is a short-range air-to-air missile developed in Japan. It has been operated since 1990, and is expected to ultimately replace the US AIM-9 Sidewinder, the missile upon which the AAM-3 is based.

• Length: 3.1 m
• Diameter: 127 mm
• Weight: 91 kg
• Guidance: Infrared homing
• Range: 13 km

The Mitsubishi AAM-4 (Type 99 air-to-air missile) is a medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile developed in Japan and intended to replace the semi-active radar homing AIM-7 Sparrow missile in service. It has been operational since 1999.

• Length: 3,667 mm
• Diameter: 203 mm
• Wing span: 800 mm
• Weight: 222 kg
• Guidance: data link + active radar
• Range: 100 km
• Speed: Mach 4 - 5

The Mitsubishi AAM-5 (Type 04 air-to-air missile) is a short-range air-to-air missile developed in Japan. According to a report by Janes.com dated January 31, 2007, the XAAM-5 is a prototype that is undergoing testing and is expected to enter service in 2008.

• Length: 2,860 mm
• Diameter: 126 mm
• Wing span: 440 mm
• Weight: 83.9 kg
• Guidance: Infrared homing
• Range: 35 km
• Speed: Mach 3

Novator K-100 Russia - India AAM

The Novator K-100 is a Russian air-to-air missile designed as an "AWACS killer" at ranges up to 300–400 km (160-210 mi). The missile has had various names during its troubled history, including Izdeliye 172 ('Article 172'), AAM-L (RVV-L), KS–172, KS-1, 172S-1 and R-172. The airframe appears to have been derived from the 9K37 Buk surface-to-air missile (SAM) but development stalled in the mid-1990s for lack of funds. It appears to have restarted in 2004 after a deal with India, who wants to produce the missile in India for their Su-30MKI fighters.

The mockup shown in 1993 had a strong resemblance to the Buk airframe, but since the Indians became involved there have been some changes. An Indian magazine gave the specifications of the KS–172 in April 2004 as a core 6.01m long and 40 cm in diameter with a wingspan of 61 cm, with a booster of 1.4m, and 748 kg total weight. It had a solid fuel tandem rocket booster capable of speeds up to 4,000 km/h (2,500 mph), 12g manoevring, and an adaptive HE fragmentation warhead. Development would concentrate on the seeker head, autopilot, resistance to jamming and a steering system with 3D thrust vector control (TVC).

In May 2005 it was reported that there were two versions, with and without a rocket booster, with ranges of 400 km and 300 km respectively. At the MAKS airshow in August 2005, a range of 300 km was quoted for a streamlined missile with a small booster and fins on both booster and fuselage. However the model shown at the 2007 MAKS airshow under the name K-100 was closer to the original 1993 mockup in the photo above, with different-shaped fins that were further up the fuselage, and an even larger booster with TVC vents. At the same show it was shown under the wing of a Su-35BM, implying that at least two could be carried by Flanker-class aircraft rather than just one on the centreline.

Guidance is by inertial navigation until the missile is close enough to the target to use active radar for terminal homing. The K-100 has an enlarged (350 mm (14 in)) derivative of the Agat 9B-1103M seeker used in the Vympel R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo'). It has a lock-on range of 40 km (22 nmi), described by an Agat designer as "one fifth or less of the overall range".

Novator K-100-1
Type	air-to-air missile
Place of origin	Russia & India
Production history
Manufacturer	NPO Novator & DRDO
Specifications
Weight	748 kg (1,650 lb) (KS–172)
Length	6.01 m (19.7 ft) + 1.4 m (4.6 ft) (KS–172)
Diameter	40 cm (16 in) (KS–172)
Warhead	HE fragmentation (KS–172)
Warhead weight	50 kg (110 lb)
Engine	Solid-propellant tandem rocket booster (KS–172)
Wingspan	61 cm (24 in) (KS–172)
Operational range	At least 200km, possibly 300–400 km (160-210 nmi)
Flight altitude	3 m (9.8 ft)–30,000 m (98,000 ft) (KS–172)
Speed	"up to" 4,000 km/h (2,500 mph) (KS–172)
Guidance system	inertial navigation with midcourse guidance and active radar for terminal homing (KS–172)
Launch platform	Su-27, Su-30, Su-35, Su-30MKI

DRDO Astra BVRAAM - Indian AAM

DRDO Astra BVRAAM is an active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. This is the first air-to-air missile developed by India---an advanced missile that enables fighter pilots to lock-on and shoot down enemy aircraft from a distance of more than 80 km away. As of May 2011, the missile is undergoing developmental trials and is expected to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces by 2014.

The maximum range of Astra is to be 80 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase. The missile could be launched from different altitudes - it can cover 110 km when launched from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when fired from an altitude of eight km and 21 km when the altitude is sea-level . It will have an active homing range of 25 km. The missile has a pre-fragmented warhead and is fitted with a proximity fuze. A radar fuse already exists for the Astra, but the DRDO is currently working on a new laser fuse. The Mark 2 version of Astra will have a maximum range of 150 km and tail chase range of up to 35 km.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing this advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) to arm the Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000H, MiG-29, Sea Harrier, Su-30MKI, MiG-21 Bison and HAL Tejas fighter aircraft. Astra resembles an elongated Matra Super 530. It uses an in-house developed solid fuel propellant, though DRDO is believed to be looking at rocket/ramjet propulsion similar to that used in its Akash surface-to-air missile project. This missile was successfully tested without control and guidance systems on May 9 to May 12, 2003. The missile was again successfully tested on 25 March 2007. On 27 March the vertical launch of the missile was carried out suggesting the use of the missile as a long range surface to air missile for the Indian Navy to arm its destroyers and frigates and for the Indian Air Force.

The ground testing of the Astra missile was successful. The missile was successfully tested on September 13, 2008. The missile will be able to intercept target aircraft at supersonic speed. Test flight of the missile from IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft will be carried out before induction of the missile into service. On 11 January 2010, India test-fired Astra in the Chandipur-on-sea area, off the Orissa coast however the test wasn't proved successful. A slight failure in electronic system of the missile was reported. Initially planned to arm Jaguar, MIG-29 and indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas, DRDO officials are now indicating that after user trials, the missile would be integrated with Indian Air Force's front-line fighter aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKIs and Mirage-2000s.

The testing of the dual-mode guidance was carried out in May 2009. Captive flight trials of Astra missile were carried out in November 2009. Another set of trials were conducted on 11 Jan 2010 at Balasore in Orissa.

The night trials of the Astra was carried out successfully on 6 June 2010. Another test was carried out on 7 June 2010. Both were successful.

Further tests of Astra missile carried out on July 7, 2010, at both night and daytime under inclement weather conditions were successful.

India on May 20,2011, carried out the ballistic flight test of Astra -- Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile -- from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur."The main purpose of today's trial is to gauge the performance of the motor, propulsion system and the configurations of the vehicle and aero-dynamics evaluation," said a DRDO scientist. The missile, after its final trials, would be integrated with fighter aircraft Su-30 MKI.

Astra
Type	Air to Air Missile
Place of origin	India
Production history
Manufacturer	DRDO
Produced	Under development
Specifications
Weight	154 kg
Length	3570 mm
Diameter	178 mm
Warhead	15 kg (33 lb) HE fragmentation directional warhead
Detonation mechanism	Radar proximity fuze
Engine	Solid Fuel Rocket
Wingspan	254 mm
Operational range	80-100 km head on, 20 km tail chase
Flight ceiling	66,000 ft
Speed	Mach 4 +
Guidance system	Inertial, mid-course update and terminal active radar homing (15 km)
Launch platform	Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, PAK FA/ Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, Mirage 2000 and Mig-29.

AIM 2000 IRIS T

The AIM-2000 IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries. Any aircraft capable of carrying and firing Sidewinder is also capable of launching IRIS-T.

High ECM-Resistance, target discrimination and flare suppression and extreme close-in fight capability (60 g, 60°/s) and 5 to 8 times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L Sidewinder. Even targets behind the launching aircraft can be destroyed successfully by IRIS-T.

In 1995, Germany announced the IRIS-T development program, in collaboration with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada. Canada later dropped out.

Workshare arrangements for IRIS-T development are:

• Germany 46%
• Italy 19%
• Sweden 18%
• Greece 13%
• 4% split between Canada and Norway.

In 2003 Spain joined as a partner for procurement.

The Luftwaffe took first delivery of the missile on 5 December 2005.

AIM 2000 IRIS-T
Type	Air-to-air missile
Place of origin	multinational with Germany as lead
Service history
In service	December 2005
Production history
Manufacturer	Diehl BGT Defence
Unit cost	400,000 €
Specifications
Weight	87.4 kg
Length	2936 mm
Diameter	127 mm
Warhead	HE/Fragmentation
Detonation mechanism	Impact and active radar proximity fuze
Engine	Solid-fuel rocket
Wingspan	447 mm
Operational range	~25 km
Flight altitude	Sea level to 20,000 m
Speed	Mach 3
Guidance system	Infrared
Launch platform	Users: Germany: Typhoon, Tornado, F-4 Greece: F-16, F-4 Italy: Typhoon Norway: F-16 Sweden: Gripen Austria: Typhoon Spain: F-18, Typhoon South Africa: Gripen Saudi Arabia: Typhoon, Tornado

MBDA MICA France AAM

The MBDA MICA (Missile d’interception et de combat aérien, “Interception and Aerial Combat Missile”) is an anti-air multi-target, all weather, fire-and-forget short and medium-range missile system. It is intended for use both by air platforms as individual missiles as well as ground units and ships, which can be equipped with the rapid fire MICA Vertical Launch System. It is fitted with a thrust vector control (TVC) system.

It was developed from 1982 onward by Matra. The first trials occurred in 1991, and the missile was commissioned in 1996 to equip the Rafale and Mirage 2000. It is a replacement for both Super 530 (interception) and Magic II (dogfight). Two can be fired in a two-second interval.

There are two MICA variants; MICA RF has an active radar homing seeker and MICA IR has an imaging infra-red homing seeker. Both seekers are designed to filter out counter-measures such as chaff and decoy flares. A thrust vector control unit fitted to the rocket motor increases the missile's agility. It is capable of lock-on after launch (LOAL) which means it is capable of engaging targets outside its seeker's acquisition range.

MICA can also be employed as a short-range surface-to-air missile as the VL MICA SHORAD; in this form it is fired from a truck-mounted box launcher. On October 23, 2008, 15:30, at CELM, Biscarosse (Landes), a VL MICA missile successfully performed the last of its 14 test firings meaning it is now ready for mass production. The RPV was flying at low level, on the sea, 12 km away; despite this distance (roughly twice the range of Sea Wolf), MICA (with an active radar seeker) locked on the target and shot it down. Corvettes too small to have the costly Aster missile systems will be the best customer for this weapon, that basically is an Aster without its booster and PIF-PAF vectorial control (as example, the diameter and radar are roughly the same in both Mica and Aster).

The Armée de l'Air received its first MICA batch in the 1990s with its 37 Mirage 2000-5. The French Air Force and Navy have ordered a total of 1110 MICAs, divided equally between RF and IR versions; 1000 missiles had been delivered by November 2010. MICA is also offered for export, the first sale was made to Taiwan in 1992 when the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) ordered some 960 missiles in both RF and IR versions to arm its new Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft.

MBDA MICA
Type	Short to Medium-Range Air to Air Tactical Missile
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	1996 (MICA-EM) and 2000 (MICA-IR)
Production history
Manufacturer	MBDA
Specifications
Weight	112 kg
Length	3.1 m
Diameter	160 mm
Warhead	12 kg focused splinters HE warhead
Detonation mechanism	RF proximity fuze, impact fuze
Engine	One SNPE solid-propellant rocket motor
Wingspan	560 mm
Operational range	from < 500 m to > 60 km
Flight altitude	up to 11,000 m
Speed	Mach 4
Guidance system	Inertial guidance MICA-EM: Active radar homing MICA-IR: Imaging Infrared homing
Launch platform	Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000, F-16E Block 60

Matra Super 530D France AAM

The Matra Super 530 is a French short to medium-range air-to-air missile. The Super 530 series is an improved type of the Matra R530 missile.

• Super 530F is carried on the Dassault Mirage F1. It was introduced in 1979.
• Super 530D is carried on the Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000. It was introduced in 1988.

The Super 530 is being replaced by the MBDA MICA.

The Super 530D retains the same general aerodynamic features and internal layout as its Super 530F predecessor, with cruciform low aspect ratio wings and cruciform aft controls. However, the stainless steel body is longer to accommodate a new radome & seeker assembly and a new and more powerful dual-thrust solid propellant motor. The missile is 3.80 metres long, has a body diameter of 263 mm, a wing span of 0.62 metres and with the same warhead as the Super 530F missile, weighing 270 kg.

Guidance is by the mono-pulse AD26 CW Doppler semi-active seeker, which has improved ECCM capability, and improved capability against low-flying targets. The missile's guidance unit is also fitted with digital micro-processing, which enables the seeker to be reprogrammed against new threats. The missile has a claimed maximum interception altitude of 80,000 feet (24,400 metres), with a snap-up capability of 40,000 feet (12,200 metres), and a snap-down capability to targets at 200 feet (60 metres). The missile has a range of 40 km and a maximum speed of Mach 5.

Specifications of Matra Super 530

• Length: 3.80 metres
• Body Diameter: 263 mm
• Wing Span: 0.62 metres
• Launch Weight: 270 kg
• Warhead: 30 kg HE-FRAG
• Fuse: Active radar
• Guidance: Semi-active radar
• Propulsion: Solid propellant
• Range: 40 km.

R 550 Magic France AAM

The R.550 Magic is a short-range air to air missile designed in 1968 by French company Matra to compete with the American AIM-9 Sidewinder. On 11 January 1972, a Gloster Meteor of the centre for in-flight trials fired the R550 Magic and shot down a Nord CT20 target drone (unmanned aerial vehicle).

Mass-produced from 1976, the Magic was adopted by the French Air Force and the Navy.

The Argentine Air Force received "Magic 1" for its Mirage IIIEA during the 1982 Falklands War.

The Argentine Navy received "Magic 1" for its Super Etendards. However, they were procured after the 1982 Falklands War.

An upgraded version, the "Magic 2", replaced the original model in 1986. Now obsolete, 11,300 Magic 2 were produced and it was exported; notably to Iraq and Greece, who used them in actual combat.

The R.550 Magic has 8 fixed fins, and 4 movable fins. It has a solid-fuel engine, and can engage the target independently from the firing aircraft with its passive Infra-red guidance system. The Magic 2 replaced the AD3601 seeking head by the AD3633, allowing frontal fire on the target (the Magic 1 could only be fired from the rear on the target). The Magic 1 has a transparent dome on its nose, while the Magic 2 is opaque.

The R.550 Magic is still carried by the Dassault Rafale, Dassault Mirage 2000, F-16, Sea Harrier(FRS51), Super Étendard, Mirage F1, Mirage 5, and Mirage III.. It is gradually being replaced by the MBDA MICA.

Some 480 were sold to Taiwan and used by the Republic of China Air Force.

R 550 Magic
Type	Short-range air-to-air missile
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	1975 (Magic) and 1986 (Magic 2)
Used by	Abu Dhabi Argentina Magic 1 in Mirage IIIEA and Super Etendard Australia (retired) Brazil Ecuador Magic 2 in Mirage F-1 Egypt France Greece India Iraq Jordan Kuwait Libya Morocco Oman Pakistan Romania Peru South Africa Retired. Replaced by V3 series. Taiwan Venezuela
Production history
Manufacturer	Matra, MBDA
Specifications
Weight	89 kg
Length	2.72 m
Diameter	157 mm
Warhead	13 kg fragmentation
Detonation mechanism	IR
Engine	solid
Operational range	0.3 to 15 km
Flight altitude	up to 11000 m
Speed	Mach 3
Guidance system	IR
Launch platform	Dassault Rafale, Dassault Mirage 2000, F-16, Sea Harrier(FRS51), Super Étendard, Mirage F1, Mirage 5, Mirage III.