R-27T
This page is about the infrared homing missile R-27T. For other versions, see R-27 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The R-27T (and its export version R-27T1), known as Izdelie 470-1 (Product 470-3), GRAU code 9-A-1023 or by its NATO codename AA-10 Alamo-B, is a Soviet infrared homing air-to-air missile. It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators". Parallel to the R-27R series developed for new generation Soviet interceptors in 1970s (the later MiG-29 and Su-27 family), to utilize the HMD and IRST system on the two designs, an infrared homing variant of R-27 was also developed for both interceptors which could be considered as a "supersize IR AAM" with very long engage range and concealment from enemy RWR systems.
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
- R-27T
- R-27T1
General info
Missile characteristics | |
---|---|
Mass | 245.5 kg |
Guidance | IR |
Aspect | All-aspects |
Lock range (rear-aspect) | 18 km |
Lock range (all-aspect) | 4.8 km |
IRCCM | Yes |
Launch range | 50 km |
Maximum speed | 3.5 M |
Maximum overload | 35 G |
Missile guidance time | 60 secs |
Explosive mass | 24 kg TNTe |
Effective damage
The R-27T has the same damage as its SARH contemporary, the R-27R. One missile will often be enough to destroy an aircraft entirely, and rarely does the R-27T only critically damage an aircraft.
Comparison with analogues
Its most common contemporaries are the AIM-9L, PL-8, and Python-3, though all of these missiles are better at shorter ranges due to the R-27T's long acceleration, which makes it sluggish during the burner's duration; so it's best used when in engagements beyond 1.5 km. The PL-8 and Python-3 will outmanoeuvre the R-27T by a long shot, but their shorter burn time makes them poorer at longer range IR scenarios. The R-27T is also unique in its ability to counteract the Su-25T/Su-39s Infrared Countermeasure system, making it useful for rear aspect engagements against those aircraft.
Usage in battles
The R-27T is useful while engaging unaware opponents who are either preoccupied with other engagements or are not good at their surroundings. The R-27T offers some of the best IR tracking in the game, able to lock all-aspect from 6 km away and from a rear-aspect shot, it can be almost impossible to flare off.
The proper use of the R-27T depends on the skill of the player using it. As an IR tracking missile, it will engage a friendly's engine or flares just as easily as it engages an enemy's so proper positioning as to decrease the chance of the missile engaging a friendly is paramount to its success. Best used with the IRST function, it can silently lock onto any heat signature without an RWR notification. While possible to do front or side aspect shots, it is more liable to being flared off, but is still certainly able to get kills if the pilot knows what they are doing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- All-aspect targeting ability
- The aircraft fired upon has no RWR indicator of the incoming missile
- Very high overload
- Large explosive mass
Cons:
- Bleeds energy fairly quickly
History
See also: R-27R#History
The R-27T was the parallel project of R-27R, which was also designed for 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). The overall development history is mostly identical to R-27R but now installed with TGS-36T IR seeker and new set of nitrogen coolant tanks with 3 hours worth of coolant for the probe; both missiles entered VVS/PVO service by 1984.[1][2]
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.