Difference between revisions of "R-73"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
−
The '''R-73''' (NATO: AA-11 Archer) is a Soviet [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]] which was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]]. It is an advanced IR-guided AAM in game and served as the missile of choice of Soviet/Russian jets since mid-1980s, as well as countries that received the type of missile with its export version, R-73E i.e. Mainland China and East Germany. With one of the highest overload among IR AAMs and ECCM capabilities, the R-73 will strike fear and makes enemy jets think twice before heading-on with jets equipped with it.
+
The '''R-73''' (NATO reporting name: AA-11 ''Archer'') is a Soviet [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]] introduced in the [[Update "La Royale"]]. It serves as an advanced infrared-guided Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in the game and has been the preferred missile for Soviet/Russian jets since the mid-1980s. Additionally, it has been adopted by countries that received its export version, the '''R-73E''', including Mainland China and East Germany.
 +
 
 +
Boasting one of the highest overload capacities among infrared AAMs and equipped with Infra-Red Counter-Countermeasures (IRCCM) capabilities, the R-73 instils fear and prompts second thoughts in enemy jet pilots before engaging with aircraft armed with this missile.
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
  
−
* {{Specs-Link|su_25_558arz}}
+
;R-73
−
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}  
+
 
 +
* {{Specs-Link|su_25_558arz}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|su_25t}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|su_25t}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|su_25tm}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|su_25tm}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|su_25sm3}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|su_27sm}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
 +
 +
;R-73E <small>(Export)</small>
 +
 +
* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_bison}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|j_11a}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.''
+
The R-73, a Soviet infrared Air-to-Air Missile (IR AAM), became operational in 1982 and entered service by 1984, designed as a successor to the outdated R-60 (NATO reporting name: AA-8 ''Aphid''). Notably, it marked a significant advancement in Soviet missile technology, being the first in its class to incorporate thrust vectoring, High Off Boresight (HOB) capabilities, and the ability to withstand forces up to 40 G.
  
 +
This missile was engineered to address the limitations of its predecessor and enhance the combat effectiveness of Soviet/Russian fighter jets. The incorporation of thrust vectoring allowed for improved manoeuvrability, enabling the missile to change direction rapidly during flight. The High Off Boresight capabilities enable the R-73 to engage targets even when not directly in its line of sight, offering increased flexibility in combat scenarios.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="2" |Missile characteristics
 +
|-
 +
|'''Mass'''||105
 +
|-
 +
|'''Guidance'''||IR
 +
|-
 +
|'''Aspect'''||All-aspects
 +
|-
 +
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''||11 km
 +
|-
 +
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''||3.4 km
 +
|-
 +
|'''Launch range'''||30km
 +
|-
 +
|'''Maximum speed'''||2.5 M
 +
|-
 +
|'''Maximum overload'''||40 G
 +
|-
 +
|'''Missile guidance time'''||25 sec
 +
|-
 +
|'''Explosive mass'''||5.96 kg TNTeq
 +
|}
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' -->
−
The R-73 is equipped with a payload of 5.96 kg TNTe. It is able to destroy almost every plane in one hit.
+
The R-73 is equipped with a payload of 5.96 kg TNTeq. It can destroy almost every plane in one hit.
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 +
 
* [[Python 3]]/[[PL-8]] - Israeli/Chinese (licensed) IR AAM at higher speed, long guidance time and explosive content; while having shorter head-on range and being heavy.
 
* [[Python 3]]/[[PL-8]] - Israeli/Chinese (licensed) IR AAM at higher speed, long guidance time and explosive content; while having shorter head-on range and being heavy.
 +
* [[R-60M]][[R-60MK|(K)]] - USSR/Eastern Block IR AAM is the predecessor to the R-73 with limited range and speed but is very light.
 
* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
 
* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
−
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic-2]] - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slight more guidance time and flies faster; while having slightly less overload and head-on range.  
+
* [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] - AIM-9L-based Missile equipped with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a Low/reduced smoke motor.
 +
* [[AAM-3]] - Japanese advanced IR AAM with with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a low/reduced smoke motor; while having the same overload factor and roughly the same range.
 +
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic 2]] - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slightly more guidance time and flies faster; while having a slightly less overload and head-on range.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!'''Missile Characteristics'''
 +
! AIM-9M !! R-73 !! R-60M !! Magic 2 !! AIM-9L
 +
|-
 +
|'''Mass'''
 +
| 84 kg || 105 kg || 44 kg || 89 kg || 84 kg
 +
|-
 +
|'''Guidance'''
 +
| IR || IR || IR || IR || IR
 +
|-
 +
|'''Aspect'''
 +
| All-Aspect || All-Aspect || All-Aspect || All-Aspect || All-Aspect
 +
|-
 +
|'''Seeker Head'''
 +
| Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''
 +
|11 km || 11 km || 7.4km || 6 km || 11 km
 +
|-
 +
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''
 +
|3 km || 3.4 km || 2 km || 3 km || 3 km
 +
|-
 +
|'''IRCCM'''
 +
| Yes || Yes || No || Yes || No
 +
|-
 +
|'''IRCCM Type'''
 +
|Suspended Animation || FOV Gating || - || FOV Gating || -
 +
|-
 +
|'''Thrust Vectoring'''
 +
| No || Yes || No || No || No
 +
|-
 +
|'''Launch range'''
 +
| 18 km || 30 km || 10 km || 10 km || 18 km
 +
|-
 +
|'''Maximum speed'''
 +
| 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 3 M || 2.5 M
 +
|-
 +
|'''Maximum overload'''
 +
| 30 G || 40 G || 30 G || 35 G || 30 G
 +
|-
 +
|'''Missile guidance time'''
 +
|60 sec || 25 sec || 25 sec || 25 sec || 60 sec
 +
|-
 +
|'''Explosive Mass'''
 +
| 4.06 kg TNTeq || 5.96 kg TNTeq || 1.35 kg TNTeq || 9.6kg TNTeq|| 4.06 kg TNTeq
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' -->
−
The R-73 is famous for its advanced heat seeker with ECCM capabilities, as well as its very high overload factor and slightly longer head-on range than its NATO counterparts.  With such features, if players can make sure their missiles lock onto the target instead of its flares and lead enough for the seeker, the R-73 has very high chance to take down the target in one take without another round, which could be fatal in a heated battlefield. Be sure to launch with some distance (at least 1 km) so the missile can turn, since it is not a thrust-vectoring missile like SRAAMs after all.  
+
The R-73 is famous for its thrust vectoring, advanced heat seeker with IRCCM capabilities, and its very high overload factor and slightly longer head-on range than its NATO counterparts.  With such features, if players can make sure their missiles lock onto the target instead of its flares and lead enough for the seeker, the R-73 has a very high chance of taking down the target in one take without another round, which could be fatal in a heated battlefield.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 34: Line 124:
  
 
* High G overload factor (40G)
 
* High G overload factor (40G)
−
* Equipped with ECCM
+
* Equipped with IRCCM
 +
* Thrust Vectoring for sharper turns
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Flies slower than NATO counterparts
 
* Flies slower than NATO counterparts
−
* Heavier to NATO counterparts albeit lighter than Python-3/PL-8  
+
* Heavier to NATO counterparts albeit lighter than Python-3/PL-8
 
* Relatively less explosive content than some counterparts
 
* Relatively less explosive content than some counterparts
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
−
After seeing advances in western development of short-range IR missiles during the early 1970s, such as the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] (and later the AIM-9M, which entered service one year before the R-73) and their success in combat, primarily the Sidewinder in Middle Eastern conflicts arming Israeli aircraft, and also seeing the shortcomings (primarily range and flare resistance) of their own "Dogfight missiles" in the form of the [[R-60]] and [[R-60M]], the Soviet Union set out to develop and deploy a new class of missile, which would combine the advantages of both the Dogfight missiles such as the [[SRAAM]] and R-60s, while maintaining the advantageous capabilities of contemporary short-range missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and [[R-13M]].
+
After observing the advancements in Western short-range infrared (IR) missile development during the early 1970s, exemplified by the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] (later followed by the AIM-9M), and their success in combat, particularly the Sidewinder's role in Middle Eastern conflicts arming Israeli aircraft, the Soviet Union recognized the limitations of their own "Dogfight missiles" like the [[R-60]] and [[R-60M]]. These Soviet missiles faced challenges, primarily in terms of range and flare resistance. Motivated to bridge the gap, the Soviet Union embarked on developing a new class of missiles that would amalgamate the strengths of both Dogfight missiles (such as the [[SRAAM]] and R-60) and contemporary short-range missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder and [[R-13M]].
 +
 
 +
In response to a directive from the Soviet government, Vympel OKB initiated development in 1973 to create a new generation, all-aspect "Kill on sight" missile, designated  '''''Izdeliye'' 730''' (Project 730). This missile aimed to combine the high manoeuvrability and instantaneous tracking of older dogfight missiles with the reliable range and tracking capabilities of short-range missile designs. The R-73 emerged as the first air-to-air missile to incorporate a hybrid control system, utilizing thrust vectoring for high angles of attack and instantaneous manoeuvring, along with conventional aerodynamic controls through fins and destabilizers. This innovative design not only improved manoeuvrability over older models like the R-60M but also allowed for a larger size, accommodating more fuel and a stronger motor to achieve ranges comparable to contemporary missiles like the AIM-9L.
  
−
Under a directive from the Soviet government, development began in 1973 by Vympel OKB to create a new generation of all-aspect "Kill on sight" missile, called '''''Izdeliye'' 730''' (Project 730). The "Kill on sight" missile was to incorporate the best of both worlds of missile designs, such as the high manoeuvrability and instantaneous "off the rail" tracking of the older dogfight missiles such as the R-60 and R-60M, while also including the reliable range and tracking of short range missile designs like the R-13M and the prototype all-aspect R-14 missile (which would be later cancelled in favour of the R-73). Unfortunately, by design principle, the missile either had to be large with a long burning motor to attain acceptable ranges, or small and lightweight to be manoeuvrable like a dogfight missile at the cost of range. The R-73 would be the first air-to-air missile to use a hybrid control system, utilizing not only thrust vectoring capability to attain high angles of attack and instantaneous manoeuvring, similar to older western projects (AIM-95 and SRAAM, both of which failed), but also utilized more conventional aerodynamic controls through fins and destabilizers to retain control even after the motor shuts down. This design allowed the missile to not only retain its "Dogfight missile" manoeuvrability (even improving it over older designs like the R-60M), but also allowed it to be larger in size, enough to fit more fuel and a stronger motor to attain similar ranges to contemporary missiles of the time, such as the AIM-9L. The second aspect of the "Kill on sight" missile doctrine was the helmet-mounted targeting system, which was developed in parallel to the R-73. This system would allow the missile's seeker to be targeted at "High off-boresight" without having to manoeuvre the aircraft to position the target inside the missile's seeker, providing a massive advantage in a dogfight over contemporary missiles. Almost an entire decade of development later, Project 730 would finally be completed in 1982, entering trials almost immediately as the R-73 missile.<ref>Gordon, Yefim. ''Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two,'' Midland Publishing, 2004.</ref>
+
The second aspect of the "Kill on sight" missile doctrine was the development of a helmet-mounted targeting system, which allowed the missile's seeker to target "High off-boresight" without requiring the aircraft to manoeuvre and position the target within the missile's seeker, providing a significant advantage in dogfights. Project 730, culminating in the R-73 missile, was completed in 1982 after almost a decade of development and immediately entered trials.<ref>Gordon, Yefim. ''Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two,'' Midland Publishing, 2004.</ref>
  
−
[[File:Inert R-73.jpg|alt=Close-up image of an R-73 missile mounted on the outer pylon (Station 4) of a upgraded MiG-21 prototype demonstrator, on static ground display during the 1999 MAKS airshow. There is a R-77 visible on the inner pylon (Station 3)|thumb|R-73 Missile on display at MAKS 1999]]
+
[[File:Inert R-73.jpg|alt=Close-up image of an R-73 missile mounted on the outer pylon (Station 4) of an upgraded MiG-21 prototype demonstrator, on static ground display during the 1999 MAKS airshow. There is a R-77 visible on the inner pylon (Station 3)|thumb|R-73 Missile on display at MAKS 1999]]
−
After trials, the missile would enter service in 1984, and receive the NATO reporting name AA-11 ''Archer'', and shortly after, a export variant (R-73E) would be produced and sold to most allies of the USSR operating their new [[MiG-29]] fighters. The R-73 would go on to become a staple of Soviet (and later Russian) missile design, with the USSR and later the Russian Federation upgrading it into many new variants to modify and/or improve its performance, starting with the R-73L and ending most recently with the R-74M1.
+
Following successful trials, the R-73 officially entered service in 1984, receiving the NATO reporting name AA-11 ''Archer''. Shortly thereafter, an export variant (R-73E) was produced and sold to most allies of the USSR operating the new [[MiG-29]] fighters. The R-73 became a staple in Soviet (and later Russian) missile design, evolving into numerous variants to modify and improve its performance, including the R-73L and the most recent R-74M1.
  
−
In 1990, when Germany was re-unified, the Luftwaffe found itself with a lot of leftover ex-[[MiG-29 (Germany)|East German MiG-29]] aircraft, and alongside them, their stockpiles of R-73 missiles. In 1994, a dissimilar air combat training between USAF [[F-16A]]<nowiki/>s of the 510th Fighter Squadron and Luftwaffe MiG-29s took place in a NATO airbase in Aviano, Italy. After an overwhelming victory from the German MiG-29s, utilizing the R-73 and their helmet-cued targeting, the USA and the rest of the NATO countries realized that they had underestimated the R-73's capabilities, and found that it had better manoeuvrability, tracking, and seeker acquisition than the contemporary NATO missiles at the time (AIM-9L and AIM-9M)<ref>Menon, KB., ''Evolution of the Air-To-Air Missiles: Options for the IAF", IDR Publishing, 2012''</ref>, which prompted the US and NATO countries to develop their own advanced contemporaries, namely the AIM-9X, AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, and the MICA Infrarouge.
+
In 1990, after Germany's reunification, the Luftwaffe inherited a surplus of ex-[[MiG-29 (Germany)|East German MiG-29]] aircraft, along with stockpiles of R-73 missiles. A dissimilar air combat training in 1994 between USAF [[F-16A]]s aircraft and Luftwaffe MiG-29s showcased the overwhelming superiority of the German MiG-29s, equipped with the R-73 and helmet-cued targeting. This revelation prompted the realization that the R-73 possessed better manoeuvrability, tracking, and seeker acquisition than contemporary NATO missiles (AIM-9L and AIM-9M).<ref>Menon, KB., ''Evolution of the Air-To-Air Missiles: Options for the IAF", IDR Publishing, 2012''</ref> The US and NATO countries, recognizing the need for advanced counterparts, subsequently developed missiles such as the AIM-9X, AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, and the MICA Infrarouge.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''-->
 +
 
 +
;Related Development
 +
 
 +
* [[R-13M]] / [[R-13M1]]
 +
* [[R-60]] / [[R-60M]] / [[R-60MK]]
 +
 
 +
;Analogues
  
−
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
+
* [[AIM-9L]] / [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]]
−
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2]]
 +
* [[Python 3]] / [[PL-8]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 22:42, 30 October 2024

Description

The R-73 (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer) is a Soviet infrared homing air-to-air missile introduced in the Update "La Royale". It serves as an advanced infrared-guided Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in the game and has been the preferred missile for Soviet/Russian jets since the mid-1980s. Additionally, it has been adopted by countries that received its export version, the R-73E, including Mainland China and East Germany.

Boasting one of the highest overload capacities among infrared AAMs and equipped with Infra-Red Counter-Countermeasures (IRCCM) capabilities, the R-73 instils fear and prompts second thoughts in enemy jet pilots before engaging with aircraft armed with this missile.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

R-73
R-73E (Export)

General info

The R-73, a Soviet infrared Air-to-Air Missile (IR AAM), became operational in 1982 and entered service by 1984, designed as a successor to the outdated R-60 (NATO reporting name: AA-8 Aphid). Notably, it marked a significant advancement in Soviet missile technology, being the first in its class to incorporate thrust vectoring, High Off Boresight (HOB) capabilities, and the ability to withstand forces up to 40 G.

This missile was engineered to address the limitations of its predecessor and enhance the combat effectiveness of Soviet/Russian fighter jets. The incorporation of thrust vectoring allowed for improved manoeuvrability, enabling the missile to change direction rapidly during flight. The High Off Boresight capabilities enable the R-73 to engage targets even when not directly in its line of sight, offering increased flexibility in combat scenarios.

Missile characteristics
Mass 105
Guidance IR
Aspect All-aspects
Lock range (rear-aspect) 11 km
Lock range (all-aspect) 3.4 km
Launch range 30km
Maximum speed 2.5 M
Maximum overload 40 G
Missile guidance time 25 sec
Explosive mass 5.96 kg TNTeq

Effective damage

The R-73 is equipped with a payload of 5.96 kg TNTeq. It can destroy almost every plane in one hit.

Comparison with analogues

  • Python 3/PL-8 - Israeli/Chinese (licensed) IR AAM at higher speed, long guidance time and explosive content; while having shorter head-on range and being heavy.
  • R-60M(K) - USSR/Eastern Block IR AAM is the predecessor to the R-73 with limited range and speed but is very light.
  • AIM-9L - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
  • AIM-9M - AIM-9L-based Missile equipped with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a Low/reduced smoke motor.
  • AAM-3 - Japanese advanced IR AAM with with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a low/reduced smoke motor; while having the same overload factor and roughly the same range.
  • Magic 2 - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slightly more guidance time and flies faster; while having a slightly less overload and head-on range.
Missile Characteristics AIM-9M R-73 R-60M Magic 2 AIM-9L
Mass 84 kg 105 kg 44 kg 89 kg 84 kg
Guidance IR IR IR IR IR
Aspect All-Aspect All-Aspect All-Aspect All-Aspect All-Aspect
Seeker Head Uncaged (radar slavable) Uncaged (radar slavable) Uncaged (radar slavable) Uncaged (radar slavable) Uncaged (radar slavable)
Lock range (rear-aspect) 11 km 11 km 7.4km 6 km 11 km
Lock range (all-aspect) 3 km 3.4 km 2 km 3 km 3 km
IRCCM Yes Yes No Yes No
IRCCM Type Suspended Animation FOV Gating - FOV Gating -
Thrust Vectoring No Yes No No No
Launch range 18 km 30 km 10 km 10 km 18 km
Maximum speed 2.5 M 2.5 M 2.5 M 3 M 2.5 M
Maximum overload 30 G 40 G 30 G 35 G 30 G
Missile guidance time 60 sec 25 sec 25 sec 25 sec 60 sec
Explosive Mass 4.06 kg TNTeq 5.96 kg TNTeq 1.35 kg TNTeq 9.6kg TNTeq 4.06 kg TNTeq

Usage in battles

The R-73 is famous for its thrust vectoring, advanced heat seeker with IRCCM capabilities, and its very high overload factor and slightly longer head-on range than its NATO counterparts. With such features, if players can make sure their missiles lock onto the target instead of its flares and lead enough for the seeker, the R-73 has a very high chance of taking down the target in one take without another round, which could be fatal in a heated battlefield.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High G overload factor (40G)
  • Equipped with IRCCM
  • Thrust Vectoring for sharper turns

Cons:

  • Flies slower than NATO counterparts
  • Heavier to NATO counterparts albeit lighter than Python-3/PL-8
  • Relatively less explosive content than some counterparts

History

After observing the advancements in Western short-range infrared (IR) missile development during the early 1970s, exemplified by the AIM-9L (later followed by the AIM-9M), and their success in combat, particularly the Sidewinder's role in Middle Eastern conflicts arming Israeli aircraft, the Soviet Union recognized the limitations of their own "Dogfight missiles" like the R-60 and R-60M. These Soviet missiles faced challenges, primarily in terms of range and flare resistance. Motivated to bridge the gap, the Soviet Union embarked on developing a new class of missiles that would amalgamate the strengths of both Dogfight missiles (such as the SRAAM and R-60) and contemporary short-range missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder and R-13M.

In response to a directive from the Soviet government, Vympel OKB initiated development in 1973 to create a new generation, all-aspect "Kill on sight" missile, designated Izdeliye 730 (Project 730). This missile aimed to combine the high manoeuvrability and instantaneous tracking of older dogfight missiles with the reliable range and tracking capabilities of short-range missile designs. The R-73 emerged as the first air-to-air missile to incorporate a hybrid control system, utilizing thrust vectoring for high angles of attack and instantaneous manoeuvring, along with conventional aerodynamic controls through fins and destabilizers. This innovative design not only improved manoeuvrability over older models like the R-60M but also allowed for a larger size, accommodating more fuel and a stronger motor to achieve ranges comparable to contemporary missiles like the AIM-9L.

The second aspect of the "Kill on sight" missile doctrine was the development of a helmet-mounted targeting system, which allowed the missile's seeker to target "High off-boresight" without requiring the aircraft to manoeuvre and position the target within the missile's seeker, providing a significant advantage in dogfights. Project 730, culminating in the R-73 missile, was completed in 1982 after almost a decade of development and immediately entered trials.[1]

Close-up image of an R-73 missile mounted on the outer pylon (Station 4) of an upgraded MiG-21 prototype demonstrator, on static ground display during the 1999 MAKS airshow. There is a R-77 visible on the inner pylon (Station 3)
R-73 Missile on display at MAKS 1999

Following successful trials, the R-73 officially entered service in 1984, receiving the NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer. Shortly thereafter, an export variant (R-73E) was produced and sold to most allies of the USSR operating the new MiG-29 fighters. The R-73 became a staple in Soviet (and later Russian) missile design, evolving into numerous variants to modify and improve its performance, including the R-73L and the most recent R-74M1.

In 1990, after Germany's reunification, the Luftwaffe inherited a surplus of ex-East German MiG-29 aircraft, along with stockpiles of R-73 missiles. A dissimilar air combat training in 1994 between USAF F-16As aircraft and Luftwaffe MiG-29s showcased the overwhelming superiority of the German MiG-29s, equipped with the R-73 and helmet-cued targeting. This revelation prompted the realization that the R-73 possessed better manoeuvrability, tracking, and seeker acquisition than contemporary NATO missiles (AIM-9L and AIM-9M).[2] The US and NATO countries, recognizing the need for advanced counterparts, subsequently developed missiles such as the AIM-9X, AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, and the MICA Infrarouge.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related Development
Analogues

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.

References

  1. ↑ Gordon, Yefim. Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two, Midland Publishing, 2004.
  2. ↑ Menon, KB., Evolution of the Air-To-Air Missiles: Options for the IAF", IDR Publishing, 2012


Missiles
USA 
AAM  AIM-54A Phoenix · AIM-54C Phoenix · ATAS (AIM-92) · AIM-120A · AIM-120B · Fakour-90 · Sedjeel
Sparrow  AIM-7C · AIM-7D · AIM-7E · AIM-7E-2 · AIM-7F · AIM-7M
Sidewinder  AIM-9B · AIM-9C · AIM-9D · AIM-9E · AIM-9G · AIM-9H · AIM-9J · AIM-9L · AIM-9M · AIM-9P
AGM  AGM-22 · APKWS II (M151) · APKWS II (M282) · BGM-71D TOW-2
Bullpup  AGM-12B Bullpup · AGM-12C Bullpup
Hellfire  AGM-114B Hellfire · AGM-114K Hellfire II
Maverick  AGM-65A · AGM-65B · AGM-65D · AGM-65E2 · AGM-65G · AGM-65L
ATGM  LOSAT/MGM-166A
TOW  BGM-71 · BGM-71A · BGM-71B · BGM-71C
SAM  FIM-92 Stinger · MIM-72 · MIM146
Naval SAM  RIM-24A
Germany 
AAM  AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder · AIM-9L/I Sidewinder · Flz Lwf 63 · Flz Lwf 63/80
AGM  9M14M Malyutka · Flz Lwf LB 82 · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · PARS 3 LR
AShM  AS.34 Kormoran
ATGM  HOT-K3S · Spike-LR II
SAM  Roland
Naval SAM  Strela-2M
USSR 
AAM  9M39 Igla · R-3R · R-3S · R-13M1 · R-23R · R-23T · R-24R · R-24T · R-27ER(1) · R-27ET(1) · R-27R(1) · R-27T(1) · R-60 · R-60M · R-60MK · R-73(E) · R-77
AGM  9K127 Vikhr · 9M17M Falanga · 9M120 Ataka · 9M120-1 Ataka
  Kh-23M · Kh-25 · Kh-25ML · Kh-29L · Kh-29T · Kh-29TE · Kh-29TD · Kh-66 · S-25L · S-25LD
ATGM  3M7 · 9M14 · 9M113 Konkurs · 9M114 Shturm · 9M123 Khrizantema · 9M133 · 9M133FM3 · 9M133M-2
SAM  95Ya6 · 9M311 · 9M311-1M · 9M331 · 9M37M
Naval SAM  Volna-M
Britain 
AAM  Fireflash · Firestreak · Red Top · Skyflash · Skyflash SuperTEMP · SRAAM · R-Darter
AGM  AGM-65E · AS.12 · ZT-6 Mokopa
AShM  AJ.168
ATGM  BAe Swingfire · MILAN · MILAN 2 · ZT3
SAM  Starstreak
Japan 
AAM  AAM-3 · AAM-4
AGM  Ki-148 I-Go Model 1B
ATGM  Type 64 MAT · Type 79 Jyu-MAT
SAM  Type 81 SAM-1C · Type 91
China 
AAM  PL-2 · PL-5B · PL-5C · PL-5EII · PL-7 · PL-8 · PL-12 · SD-10(A) · TY-90
AGM  AKD-9 · AKD-10 · Fire Snake 90A · HJ-8A · HJ-8C · HJ-8E · HJ-8H
ATGM  302 · HJ-73 · HJ-73E · HJ-9 · QN201DD · QN502CDD
SAM  HN-6
Italy 
AAM  Aspide-1A · MAA-1 Piranha
AGM  AGM-65H · CIRIT · L-UMTAS · Spike ER
ATGM  Spike-LR II
Naval AShM  Nettuno
SAM  Mistral SATCP
France 
AAM  AA-20 Nord · Matra R511 · Matra R530 · Matra R530E · Matra Super 530D · Matra Super 530F · Matra R550 Magic 1 · Matra R550 Magic 2 · Mistral · MICA-EM
AGM  9M14-2 Malyutka-2 · AS-20 Nord · AS-30 Nord · AS-30L Nord · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · Spike ER
ATGM  HOT · SS.11
SAM  Roland · VT1
Sweden 
AAM  RB24 · RB24J · RB71 · RB 74 · RB 74(M) · RB 99
AGM  Rb05A · RB 53 Bantam · RB 55B Heli TOW · RB 55C Heli TOW · RB 75 · RB 75T
ATGM  Rbs 55 · Rbs 56
SAM  Rbs 70
Israel 
AAM  Shafrir · Shafrir 2 · Python 3 · Derby
ATGM  Spike-LR II
  AAM = Air-to-Air Missile   AGM = Air-to-Ground Missile   AShM = Anti-Ship Missile   ATGM = Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Ground mounts)   SAM = Surface-to-Air Missile

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