Спойлер
P.s. sorry for web translation
note: article from 2006
Спойлер
The main weapon of close air combat of modern Russian fighters are short-range missiles R-73 (“product 72”). This missile, which was put into service almost a quarter of a century ago, in 1983, was recognized as the best in its class and served as a “model of perfection” when creating similar weapons abroad. Today , the Russian Air Force is in service and there are two main options for export deliveries R-73 missiles – with a non-contact radar fuse “Krechet” and with a laser non-contact fuse “Yantar”. Both variants were created during the existence of the USSR. Serial production of missiles was established at the Moscow plant “Kommunar” (now – JSC “Duks”). The thermal homing head (TGS) “Mayak-80” and its modifications are made at the State Enterprise “Arsenal” in Kiev. The missile control system (autopilot) for the R-73 was created at JSC MNPK Avionics (Moscow), and the solid-fuel rocket engine RDTT-295 was developed by the Iskra ICD (Moscow). Checking the rocket during its operation and preparation for combat use is carried out at the technical position “Gurt”, created in the Kiev State Design Bureau “Luch”. Thus, Russia does not fully have all the rights to manufacture and supply this missile and to a certain extent depends on Ukrainian allies. Work on the modernization of the R-73 after the collapse of the USSR and the related political problems of interaction with Ukrainian partners could not be carried out actively for many years. Despite this, it was at this time that a “transitional” modified version of the rocket appeared with an improved TGS “Mayak-80M” with a range of target designation angles increased to ± 60o (for serial P-73 this parameter is ± 45o ) and increased energy. In the summer of 1997, a full-size mock-up of such a rocket, called K-74ME, was demonstrated at the exposition of the GosMKB “Vimpel” at MAKS-1997. It was reported at the exhibition that the rocket had been tested since 1994 and was ready for mass production by the time of the air show. The further development of the R-73 and K-74ME should be an upgraded rocket, referred to in the report of Gennady Sokolovsky as “product 760”. This UR being created as part of the “second stage of modernization” of the R-73 missile family, it is considered by its creators as a “weapon of equal opportunities” with foreign analogues – the British ASRAAM and the American AIM-9X. The characteristics of the rocket are increased by equipping it with a combined control system consisting of a TGS, an inertial control system (ISU) and a radio correction line receiver, as well as an improved RTT with an increased pulse traction. In addition, to ensure placement in the internal compartments of the carrier’s armament, the transverse transport dimension of the missile has been reduced. The capture of the target by the homing head of the upgraded missile will be able to be carried out after launch, on the trajectory, according to the target designation from the ISU. By the time the report was published, the rocket was on the verge of starting flight tests, it could enter service around 2010.
