R-77

R-77/RVV-AE
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), 190 kg (R-77-1)
Length 3.6 m (R-77), 3.71 m (R-77-1)
Diameter 200 mm
Warhead 22.5 kg HE fragmenting (R-77)
Detonation
mechanism
 laser proximity fuze
Engine Solid fuel rocket motor (R-77), air-breathing ramjet (R-77-PD)
Wingspan 700 mm
Operational
range

80 km (R-77), 110 km (R-77-1)[1]

>193km (K-77M)
Flight altitude 5–25 km (16,000–82,000 ft)
Speed Mach 4[2]
Guidance
system
 Inertial with mid-course update and terminal active radar homing/infrared homing (R-77T)
Launch
platform
 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21-93/LanceR/Bison, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27, Mikoyan MiG-29, Mikoyan MiG-31, Mikoyan MiG-35, Sukhoi Su-27, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-33, Sukhoi Su-34, Sukhoi Su-35, HAL Tejas, Yakovlev Yak-141, Chengdu J-10
Future Platforms:
Sukhoi Su-57

The Vympel NPO R-77 missile (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder) is a Russian medium range, active radar homing air-to-air missile. It is also known by its export designation RVV-AE. It is intended as the Russian counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.[3]

The R-77 was marked by a severely protracted development. Work began in the 1980s, but was not completed before the Soviet Union fell. For many years, only the RVV-AE model was produced for export customers.[4] Production was further disrupted when the Russian intervention in Ukraine resulted in a Ukrainian arms embargo against Russia, severing supply chains. The Russian Air Force, which had previously operated only a small amount R-77 (izdeliye 170) missiles for testing purposes, finally entered the R-77-1 (AA-12B) into service in 2015.[5][4] It was subsequently deployed by Su-35S fighters in Syria on combat air patrols.[4]

Development

Work on the R-77 began in 1982. It represented Russia's first multi-purpose missile for both tactical and strategic aircraft for fire-and-forget use against a range of aircraft from hovering helicopters to high speed, low altitude aircraft. Gennadiy Sokolovski, general designer of the Vympel Design Bureau, said that the R-77 missile can be used against medium and long range air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-54 Phoenix, as well as SAMs such as the Patriot. The munition has a laser-triggered proximity fuze and an expanding rod warhead that can destroy variable sized targets. It can be used against cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). First seen in 1992 at the Moscow Airshow (MAKS) 1992, the R-77 was immediately nicknamed Amraamski by Western journalists. The basic R-77 is known as the izdeliye 170, while the export variant is known as the izdeliye 190, or RVV-AE. The R-77 and RVV-AE have a range of 80 km.[6][7] Vympel did not have adequate funding during the 1990s and the first part of the following decade to support further evolution of the R-77, either for the Russian air force or the export market. The basic version of the R-77 is not thought to have entered the Russian air force inventory in significant numbers.[1]

The R-77 can be used by upgraded Su-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31 variants in Russian Air Force service. Some variants of the Su-27 in China's People's Liberation Army Air Force, including the domestically produced J-11 variants, can also employ the missile. The newer Su-30MKK has a N001 (Su-27 radar) with a digital bypass channel incorporating a mode allowing it to use R-77s. The export RVV-AE has been sold widely, with China and India placing significant orders for the munition, as was the case for the R-73. The baseline R-77 was designed in the 1980s, with development complete by around 1994. India was the first export customer for the export variant, known as the RVV-AE, with the final batch delivered in 2002.[8][9]

There are other variants under development. One has an upgraded motor to extend a range at high altitudes to as much as 120–160 km; it is known as the RVV-AE-PD (Povyshenoy Dalnosti — improved range). This variant has been test-fired and uses a solid-fuel ramjet engine. Its range puts it in the long-range class and is equivalent in range to the AIM-54 Phoenix. In another version of the R-77, a terminal infrared homing seeker is offered. This is in line with the Russian practice of attacking targets by firing pairs of missiles with different homing systems. This complicates end-game defensive actions for the target aircraft, as it needs to successfully defeat two homing systems. This method of attack may not always be available as IR seekers typically have less range and less resistance to poor weather than radar seekers, which may limit the successful use of mixed seeker attacks unless the IR missile is initially directed by radar or some other means.[10][11]

Another improvement program was designated the R-77M, which made the missile longer and heavier, making use of a two-stage motor as well as an improved seeker.[12] A further product-improvement of the R-77, designated the R-77M1 and then the R-77-PD, was to feature a ramjet propulsion device. This missile was destined for the MiG 1.44 that for the MFI program. The munition has a laser fuse and an expanding rod warhead that can destroy the variable sized targets. However, due to funding shortage and eventual cancellation of the MiG 1.44, development of this model may have stopped by 1999; no information or announcement regarding the R-77M and R-77-PD has appeared since.

Further development

Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation, also known as TRV (Takticheskoe Raketnoe Vooruzhenie - Тактическое Ракетное Вооружение), unveiled the RVV-SD and RVV-MD missiles for the first time at the Moscow Air Show (MAKS) in August 2009. The RVV-SD is an improved version of the R-77, while the RVV-MD is a variant of the R-73. The RVV-SD includes the upgrades associated with the izdeliye 170-1, or R-77-1.[6] The RVV-SD, along with the RVV-MD, seem to be part of Russia's bid for India's medium multirole combat aircraft competition. Both designations were included by MiG on a presentation covering MiG-35 Fulcrum armament during Aero India Air Show in February. The initial RVV-SD offering is likely no more than a stopgap to try to maintain its position, and to provide a credible radar-guided weapon to offer as part of fighter export packages and upgrade programs.[1]

According to specifications, the R-77-1 and its export variant RVV-SD is 15 kg (33 lb) heavier than the basic R-77 / RVV-AE, weighing 190 kg (420 lb) rather than 175 kg (386 lb). Maximum range is increased to 110 km (68 mi) from 80 km (50 mi). The missile is also slightly longer at 3.71 metres (12.2 ft), rather than the 3.6 metres (11.8 ft) of the basic variant. Additional improvements include upgrades to the missile's radar seeker and boat tail rear section to reduce drag. Russian missile manufacturer Agat previously confirmed it was working on seeker upgrades for the R-77, implying that at least two projects were underway, one for export and one for the Russian air force.[1][6]

Vympel, a which had merged to be part of TRV, has been developing a more extensive upgrade of the missile than the R-77-1. Designated the izdeliye 180, or K-77M, this missile is a mid-life upgrade for the missile and is intended to be the main medium-range missile for the Sukhoi Su-57. This upgrade aims to provide a further improvement in range, with the design including a dual-pulse motor configuration. The izdeliye 180 will use an Active electronically scanned array seeker and conventional rear fins instead of the R-77's lattice fins. This missile is intended to match the performance of the latest AIM-120 variants.[1][6] Though it uses a similar designation as the earlier R-77M improvement program, it is not known if these two missiles are the same or are related.

Design description

Seeker Head of Vympel R-77 at 2009 MAKS Airshow

The aerodynamics are novel, combining vestigial cruciform wings with grid fins used as tail control surfaces (similar devices are used on the OTR-23 Oka, and USAF uses them on MOAB). 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. These surfaces require less powerful actuators than conventional fins. The flow separation which occurs at high angles of attack enhances its turning ability, giving the missile a maximum turn rate of up to 150° per second. However, updated variants of the R-77, such as the izdeliye 180 that is destined for the Sukhoi Su-57, will use conventional fins instead.[6]

The missile uses a multi-function doppler-monopulse active radar seeker developed by OAO Agat.[13] 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 guidance 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 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.

Operational history

At the beginning of February 2016, four Su-35S were deployed to Syria[14][15] as part of the Russian aerial expeditionary force to the country. Tasked with air to air duties, the Su-35S were extensively documented while armed with a couple of R-77 missiles, between IR seeking R-27T under the inner pylons and R-74 under the outer ones.[16]

Variants

R-77 variants .
R-77 (RVV-AE),
R-77PD (RVV-PD),
RVV-ZRK,
K-77M (izdeliye 180),
K-77ME (izdeliyе 180-BD)
  • R-77 (izdeliye 170) - Standard model.
  • RVV-AE (izdeliye 190) - Export model of the R-77.
  • R-77P / RVV-PE - Passive homing model.[17]
  • R-77T / RVV-TE - Infrared homing model.[18]
  • R-77-1 (izdeliye 170-1) - Russian-built variant with a streamlined nose, 9B-1248 (Izdeliye-50-1) active radar seeker head, and new fins.
  • RVV-SD - Export model of the R-77-1.
  • R-77-SRK - Ship-to-air variant.
  • R-77-ZRK / RVV-AE-ZRK - RVV-ZRK Surface-to-air variant.
  • R-77-PD / RVV-AE-PD - Ramjet model.
  • R-77-PD ZRK / RVV-AE-ZRK - RVV-(PD-)ZRK Surface-to-air variant.
  • K-77M (izdeliye 180) - Version under development for the Sukhoi Su-57 with AESA seeker,[4] conventional fins, and two-pulse motor.
  • K-77ME (izdeliye 180-BD) - Ramjet model of the K-77M.[19]

Operators

Map with R-77 operators in blue

Current operators

  •  Peru - between 12-30 missiles delivered for MiG-29SE and MiG-29SMP aircraft [26]
  •  Russia - basic variant never officially introduced in series, R-77-1 in service since 2015[4]
  •  Serbia - Serbia ordered 100 missiles for modernized Mig-29SMT.[27]
  •  Sudan - for MiG-29SE aircraft[28]
  •  Syria[29]
  •  Uganda[4] (reported)
  •  Venezuela -[4] 100 missiles ordered for Su-30MK2 aircraft
  •  Vietnam - for Su-30MK2V aircraft[30]
  •  Yemen - 100 missiles delivered by 2005 for MiG-29SMT aircraft [31]

See also

References

Citations
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Barrie, Douglas and Pyadushkin, Maxim. "R-77, R-73 Missile Upgrades Emerge". Aviation Week. 13 August 2009
  2. ↑ "R-77". www.deagel.com.
  3. ↑ "Federation of American Scientists - "AA-12 ADDER R-77"". Retrieved 2006-08-19.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) (14 February 2018). "The Military Balance 2018". The Military Balance. Routledge. 118.
  5. ↑ Cooper, Tom. "Russia's Most Feared Air-to-Air Missile Is Actually Kind of a Dud". War is Boring.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Butowski, Piotr. Russia and CIS Observer. 17 June 2007.
  7. ↑ "Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "R-77 (AA-12) Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile". SinoDefence.com. 20 October 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  9. ↑ "International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > PLAAF Equipment Trends". Strategycenter.net. 2001-10-30. Retrieved 2013-01-12.
  10. ↑ "Heat Seeking Missile Guidance". Retrieved 2010-04-10.
  11. ↑ Dr Carlo Kopp, SMAIAA, SMIEEE, PEng (2012-08-21). "PLA Air to Air Missiles". Ausairpower.net. Retrieved 2013-01-12.
  12. ↑ Reed Business Information Limited. "Vympel updates its R-77". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  13. ↑ "OAO Agat Website". Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  14. ↑ http://tass.ru/en/defense/853613
  15. ↑ "Russia's advanced Su-35S fighter jet: premier performance over Syrian skies". tass.ru.
  16. ↑ "Su-35S in Syria with new air-to-air R-77-1 missiles (AIM-120C-7 equivalent) • r/syriancivilwar". reddit.
  17. ↑ "R-77P". www.deagel.com.
  18. ↑ "R-77T". www.deagel.com.
  19. ↑ "T-50 completes early flight and bench tests". Aviation International News. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  20. ↑ "R-77". www.deagel.com.
  21. ↑ "Egyptian Armed Forces". defence.pk.
  22. ↑ http://www.deagel.com /Air-to-Air-Missiles/R-77_a001032001.aspx
  23. ↑ 2011 Annual Report of Tactical Missile Corporation, "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-08-21. Retrieved 2013-07-31.
  24. ↑ "Sukhoi TNI AU dan Rudal R-77". JakartaGreater. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  25. ↑ "Russia Signs $35-Mln Missile Contract with Malaysia". Retrieved 2012-10-28.
  26. ↑ "Gobierno eliminaría misiles rusos R-77". Retrieved 2014-05-18.
  27. ↑ http://tangosix.rs/2016/23/12/vucic-za-mig-ove-uzimamo-82-rakete/
  28. ↑ "Russia Sells Advanced MiG-29 Fulcrums To Sudan And Yemen". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  29. ↑ "Russia helps keep Syria's MiG-29s flying". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  30. ↑ "Thủ tướng kiểm tra tên lửa cho Su-30MK2". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  31. ↑ "SIPRI Trade Register". Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
Bibliography

  • Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1.

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