Click to see full-size image. (Telegram)
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) has begun to arm its fighter jets with a deeply upgraded version of the R-77 beyond visual range air-to-air missile.
Photos showing a Su-35S of the VKS armed with the new version of the missile, dubbed the R-77M or “izdeliye 180,” surfaced online on July 24. The fighter jet was reported on a combat mission in the special military operation zone in Ukraine when the photos were taken.
Click to see full-size image. (Telegram)
Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation, also known as KTRV, began developing the R-77M around 2010 especially for the Su-57 stealth fighter jet. It is unclear, however, when the development of the missile was completed.
The R-77M features a dual-pulse motor configuration with a range over 190 kilometers. It is also reported to use an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker with active, passive and semi-active modes. AESA antennas can scan a wide area rapidly and accurately. It also offers superior resistance to jamming and can be used for high-bandwidth data links.
The missile can be easily distinguished by its conventional rear fins which replaced the R-77’s original lattice fins. This modification is thought to improve the maneuverability of the missile, especially in subsonic speeds.
The R-77M has already seen its first active use in the special military operation zone, according to Ukrainian media which shared a photo showing the wreckage of one such missile.
Click to see full-size image. (Telegram)
The new missile will give the VKS even more advantage against Ukraine’s struggling air force. It is not yet known, however, if it will completely replace older R-77 versions currently in production.
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