A new video launched by the Russian Ministry of Protection signifies that the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS or RuAF] are progressively counting on the R-77-1 Vympel air-to-air missile. Lately, related footage exhibited a modernized Su-30SM Flanker-C fighter outfitted with two such missiles beneath its wings.
Such a footage is rare; the final recorded occasion of a Russian fighter jet photographed with this missile was in October of the earlier 12 months. Each then and now, the footage originates from the identical air base – Yeysk. Situated in southwestern Russia close to the namesake metropolis of Yeysk within the Krasnodar Territory, this base sits on the coast of the Sea of Azov and is house to a portion of the strike aviation of the VKS.
The R-77-1 Vympel shouldn’t be a novel design. Recognized by its NATO designation because the AA-12 Adder, its growth began within the Eighties and it was inducted into service within the Nineteen Nineties. The reappearance of this missile on a Russian jet attracts curiosity as, throughout the inception of its manufacturing, a large a part of the parts had been sourced from Ukraine. After the 2014 battle ensuing from Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian military carried out an embargo on Russia, severing provide chains. Nevertheless, evidently the manufacturing was rejuvenated after its second look as an armament on a Russian jet.
The weird within the R-77-1 Vympel
A lot of Russian air-to-air missiles deploy their warheads on a direct hit to the goal. What’s uncommon in regards to the R-77-1 Vympel is that its warhead might be discharged in proximity to an aerial goal, with out requiring a direct hit. That is facilitated by the built-in detonation mechanism of the laser fuse current within the missile.
A laser sight operates by directing a laser beam at a goal. The beam is mirrored again to the missile by the goal or surroundings. The fuse then quantifies the time wanted for the beam to return, facilitating it to calculate the goal’s distance. As quickly because the goal is inside a set vary, the fuse prompts the detonation of the missile’s warhead.
In comparison with contact fuzes, which necessitate a direct hit on the goal, laser fuzes present a considerable benefit. They allow the missile to inflict harm even when it doesn’t hit the goal immediately. This proves significantly helpful in opposition to fast-moving or evasive plane, growing the potential of inflicting harm or destroying the goal. Moreover, the laser fuse is much less vulnerable to countermeasures than different sorts of fuzes. It’s tough to jam or mislead, solidifying it as a dependable alternative for contemporary air-to-air missiles.
It was utilized in Syria
In contrast to some Russian air-to-air ordnance, the R-77-1 Vympel doesn’t have a wealthy historical past. There aren’t any excellent details from open sources concerning its use within the conflict in Ukraine.
There is just one operational historical past of the R-77-1 within the public area, however there isn’t any proof that the missile has ever been used. In early February of 2016, 4 Su-35S had been dispatched to Syria as a part of the Russian Air Pressure Expeditionary Pressure within the nation. Tasked with air-to-air obligation, quite a few photographs doc that the Su-35S had been armed with an assortment of R-77 missiles, positioned between the R-27T for infrared firing beneath the inside pylons and the R-73 beneath the outer pylons.
When discussing the Su-35S, it’s noteworthy to think about which fighters can accommodate this missile. Along with the beforehand talked about Su-30SM and Su-35C, the MiG-21UPG, MiG-29, Su-27, Sukhoi Su-34, and Sukhoi Su-57 platforms may also carry it. The R-77-1 is a actually common air-to-air missile. Curiously, this missile can be discovered beneath the wings of Ukrainian fighter jets. As a part of the provision chain, Ukraine possesses portions of this missile. Nevertheless, the actual amount accessible to the Ukrainian Air Pressure stays unknown, based on publicly accessible sources.
The misplaced R-77-1
There could also be restricted insights into how Russia employs the R-77-1 in precise fight. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that this missile is repeatedly showcased beneath the wings of Russian fight plane. As unusual as it could appear, one of many earliest confirmed usages of this missile really pertains to a malfunction, not a profitable deployment. In keeping with Voenniy Osvedimitel’s social media posts, a Russian fighter jet inadvertently dropped the “categorized” air-to-air missile throughout operations in northern Ukraine in June 2022.
Curiously sufficient, the Ukrainian emergency providers had been in a position to find and safe fragments of the Russian-produced R-77-1 medium-range air-to-air missile, often known as Product 170-1, within the Zhytomyr area. It seems that considered one of Russia’s most superior missiles was misplaced amidst the battle in northern Ukraine as a result of a mechanical situation.
The selection shouldn’t be random
As we strategy summer season 2024 and enterprise into the second half of the 12 months, it’s clear that Russia attentively anticipates the arrival of the primary American-manufactured F-16 fighter jets. This comes after a number of European nations, together with the Netherlands and Denmark, introduced their plans to have the primary Ukrainian F-16s hovering over Ukraine throughout this time.
Primarily for patrol or safety duties, Russia deploys Su-30SMs together with Su-27 or Su-35S items. They play an important position in safeguarding Su-34 or MiG-31 missiles and bomb launchers. Ceaselessly, in addition they function decoys in opposition to Ukrainian air defenses, successfully diverting consideration away from the bombers.
As per stories from Ukrainian pilots, the Russian Su-30 and Su-35 are deemed extra superior than the Ukrainian MiG-29 or Su-27. Whereas it’s believed that an air-to-air missile with a contact fuse might neutralize them, the effectiveness of those methods in opposition to the upcoming F-16s stays unsure. The anticipated arrival of the F-16s has most likely spurred the Russian VKS to prioritize the event of a laser fuse, which might doubtlessly assure them enhanced effectiveness.
R-77-1 Vympel
The R-77-1 Vympel, often known as the RVV-SD, is a medium-range air-to-air missile developed by the Russian Federation. It’s typically in comparison with the US AIM-120 AMRAAM as a result of its related operational position. The R-77-1 is definitely the Russian model of the unique R-77. The distinction is that it’s designed with a streamlined nostril, lively radar head 9B-1248 [Izdelie-50-1], and new fins.
The R-77-1 Vympel [Pennant] missile is characterised by its lively radar homing system, which permits it to take care of goal engagement even when the launching plane maneuvers or disengages. By way of dimensions, the R-77-1 Vympel missile is roughly 3.6 meters lengthy, with a diameter of about 200 millimeters. The rocket’s wingspan is round 350 millimeters, and its weight is roughly 175 kilograms.
The operational vary of the R-77-1 Vympel missile is one other notable function. It is able to hitting targets at a distance of as much as 110 kilometers, relying on the altitude and velocity of the launching plane.
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