TITLE:
AA-12 (R-77)
TYPE:
Medium range radar guided, air-to-air missile.
DEVELOPMENT:
AA-12 is the NATO designator for this new Russian
air-to-air missile which was first seen in Minsk in
February 1992. The aviation press quickly named the
missile 'AMRAAMSKI', because earlier reports indicated
the missile was not unlike AMRAAM in appearance and
likely performance, but the Russian development
designator is R-77 and it is believed that the
programme started in 1982. The rear fins are believed
to be based upon the design for terminal phase control
fins of both the SS-21 'Scarab' and SS-23 'Spider'
short range ballistic missiles, but with the fins for
AA-12 designed to be much lighter as they do not have
to withstand such high velocities. Such fins could give
several advantages: lighter weight; less flow
separation at high angles of attack; produce a greater
aerodynamic moment force; and probably require less
actuator power and movement. AA-12 has been designed
to
attack manoeuvring aircraft, helicopters and cruise
missiles
DESCRIPTION:
The AA-12 has straight rectangular long cord, narrow
span wings (not unlike the French MICA air-to-air
missile) and an unusual set of four rectangular control
fins at the rear. The missile is 3.6 m long, with a
body diameter of 200 mm, a wingspan of 0.35 m, and has
a launch weight of 175 kg. The guidance is inertial
with mid-course updates from the launch aircraft,
followed by a terminal active radar phase from an
acquisition range of about 20 km.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 3.60 m
Body diameter: 200 mm
Wingspan: 0.35 m
Launch weight: 175 kg
Warhead: 30 kg HE fragmentation
Fuze: Active radar
Guidance: Inertial, command and active radar
Propulsion: Solid propellant
Range: 50 km