R-27R
| This page is about the semi-active radar homing missile R-27R. For other versions, see R-27 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The R-27R (and its export version R-27R1), known as Izdelie 470-1 (Product 470-1), GRAU code 9-A-1101 or by its NATO codename AA-10 Alamo-A, is a Soviet Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile first introduced in Update "Apex Predators". As part of the Soviet's new generation interceptors, MiG-29 and Su-27 series, Vympel Design Bureau was granted the development of K-27 missile with provisions for a radar-homing and infrared-homing variant for both interceptors by 1974; the overall development of the missile was rather long with first flight test in 1979, then live-fire test in 1980 and eventually certified in 1984 for VVS/PVO service. Likely due to the overall performance of the missile was vastly outdated by its introduction, Vympel eventually introduced the improved R-27ER(1) for Soviet air forces, Warsaw-Pact countries, as well as customers like Mainland China and India on their Russian-built jets.
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
- R-27R
- R-27R1
General info
| Missile characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Mass | 253 kg |
| Guidance | SARH+IOG+DL |
| Signal | CW |
| Lock range | 25 km |
| Launch range | 55 km |
| Maximum speed | 3.5 M |
| Maximum overload | 35 G |
| Missile guidance time | 60 secs |
| Explosive mass | 24 kg TNTe |
Effective damage
The R-27R is equipped with a very powerful 24 kg TNT warhead, which will almost always destroy any aircraft if hit directly.
Comparison with analogues
The R-27R is a very powerful and reliable SARH missile. It is very fast and has great manoeuvrability - comparable to the AIM-7F - which makes the missile very hard to dodge. But still, it is less powerful and slower then the R-27ER, and the American counterparts AIM-7F and AIM-7M.
| R-27R | R-27ER | |
|---|---|---|
| Mass | 253 kg | 350 kg |
| Guidance | SARH+IOG+DL | SARH+IOG+DL |
| Signal | CW | CW |
| Lock range | 25 km | 25 km |
| Launch range | 55 km | 100 km |
| Maximum speed | 3.5 M | 5.8 M |
| Maximum overload | 35 G | 35 G |
| Missile guidance time | 60 secs | 60 secs |
| Explosive mass | 24 kg TNTe | 24 kg TNTe |
Usage in battles
The R-27R is best suited for high-altitude, long-range engagements and can be launched from over 20 km. Before firing the missile off, the player should climb to a higher altitude than the target and exceed Mach 1, as this will provide the missile more speed when being fired. But since the missile is slower than most of its counterparts, it is not advisable to use it in a head-on when engaging a MiG-29, F-16, or F-14.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Very fast
- Large warhead
- Very manoeuvrable
- Long range
- Keeps its energy well
Cons:
- Slower than most counterparts
- You need to keep a radar lock on the target until the missile hits, since it's not fire-and-forget
History
As the development of F-15 and F-16 series that would have threaten Soviet Armed Forces by late-1970s, the two air forces in Red Army (VVS and PVO) also commenced their equivalent to USAF's new threats since 1969 under the Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"; leading to Su-27) and Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter"; leading to MiG-29) program. This program also called for a new missile family for both jets to replace the earlier R-23/24 series; by 1972, Vympel Design Bureau brought in their preliminary design, K-27 while Sukhoi and GosNIIAS (State Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Systems) considered for different ranges on the same missile platform. This concept was then certified by different party of developers in 1973 where the missile would be develop into a family of missiles, of which Vympel was granted the contract for the new AAM in 1975. K-27, now oversaw by a special council for the development of this missile, eventually led to two different missiles, the K-27 and K-27E with extended range in 1977 for MiG-29 and Su-27 respectively which the results of the former would become the basis for the E series. For better performance of the missile, Vympel brought in its very unique "butterfly", inverted trapezium wing design while NIIP brought in three-axis stabilization antenna for the homing head, analogue computer for ECCM, as well as redesigned flight logic where the missile would be guided by the aircraft before entering 25 km radius from the target, then the homing head would fire up and tracks on the target, further increasing the range to around 60 km with new logic.[1]
After two years since K-27 was approved by VVS Commission in 1977, a modified MiG-23ML became the testbed of K-27 which conducted its live-firing test in 1980; then development works continued on the prototypes of MiG-29 while the R-27R and T would be produced by Artem Production Association in Ukrainian SSR, eventually entering VVS/PVO service in 1984.[2] It was also exported to different countries under the R1 designation, for example, Mainland China, Iran (which were spotted on IRIAF F-14As with modified adapter for the AKU-470 pylon) and Warsaw Pact countries.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
- Related development
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- other literature.
