R-77

The Vympel NPO R-77 missile (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder) is a Russian active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It is also known by its export designation RVV-AE. It is the Russian counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.[7]

R-77/RVV-AE
AA-12 Adder
TypeMedium-range, active radar homing air-to-air BVR missile
Service history
In service2002 (R-77)
Production history
ManufacturerVympel
Specifications
Mass175 kg (R-77), 190 kg (R-77-1)
Length3.6 m (R-77), 3.71 m (R-77-1)
Diameter200 mm
Warhead22.5 kg HE fragmenting (R-77)
Detonation
mechanism
laser proximity fuse
EngineSolid fuel rocket motor (R-77), air-breathing ramjet (R-77-PD)
Wingspan700 mm
Operational
range
  • R-77, RVV-AE: 80 kilometres (50 mi)[1][2]
  • R-77-1, RVV-SD: 110 kilometres (68 mi)[3][4]
  • R-77M: 193 kilometres (120 mi)
Flight altitude5–25 km (16,000–82,000 ft)
Maximum speed Mach 4,[5] Mach 5 for K-77PD (RVV-AE-PD)[6]
Guidance
system
Inertial with mid-course update and terminal active radar homing/infrared homing (R-77T)
Launch
platform
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21-93/LanceR/Bison, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27, Mikoyan MiG-29, Mikoyan MiG-31, Mikoyan MiG-35, Sukhoi Su-27, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-33, Sukhoi Su-34, Sukhoi Su-35, HAL Tejas, Yakovlev Yak-141, Chengdu J-10
Future Platforms:
Sukhoi Su-57

The R-77 was marked by a severely protracted development. Work began in the 1980s, but was not completed before the Soviet Union fell. For many years, only the RVV-AE model was produced for export customers.[8] Production was further disrupted when the Russian intervention in Ukraine resulted in a Ukrainian arms embargo against Russia, severing supply chains. The Russian Air Force finally entered the R-77-1 (AA-12B) into service in 2015.[8][9] It was subsequently deployed by Su-35S fighters in Syria on combat air patrols.[8] Export model of R-77-1 called RVV-SD.[4]

Development

Work on the R-77 began in 1982. It represented Russia's first multi-purpose missile for tactical and strategic aircraft for fire-and-forget use against a aircraft from hovering helicopters to high-speed, low-altitude aircraft. Gennadiy Sokolovski, general designer of the Vympel Design Bureau, said that the R-77 missile can be used against medium and long range air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-54 Phoenix, as well as SAMs such as the Patriot. The munition has a laser-triggered proximity fuze and an expanding rod warhead that can destroy targets of various sizes. It can be used against cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). First seen in 1992 at the Moscow Airshow (MAKS) 1992, the R-77 was immediately nicknamed Amraamski by Western journalists. The basic R-77 is known as the izdeliye 170, while the export variant is known as the izdeliye 190 or RVV-AE. The R-77 and RVV-AE have a range of 80 km (50 mi).[1][10][2] Vympel did not have adequate funding during the 1990s and the first part of the following decade to support further evolution of the R-77, either for the Russian air force or the export market. The basic version of the R-77 is not thought to have entered the Russian air force inventory in significant numbers.[3]

The R-77 can be used by upgraded Su-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31 variants in Russian Air Force service. Some variants of the Su-27 in China's People's Liberation Army Air Force, including the domestically produced J-11 variants, can also employ the missile. The newer Su-30MKK has a N001 (Su-27 radar) with a digital bypass channel incorporating a mode allowing it to use R-77s. The export RVV-AE has been sold widely, with China and India placing significant orders for the munition, as was the case for the R-73. The baseline R-77 was designed in the 1980s, with development complete by around 1994. India was the first export customer for the export variant, known as the RVV-AE, with the final batch delivered in 2002.[11][12]

There are other variants under development. One has an upgraded motor to extend a range at high altitudes to as much as 120–160 km; it is known as the RVV-AE-PD (Povyshenoy Dalnosti—improved range). This variant has been test-fired and uses a solid-fuel ramjet engine. Its range puts it in the long-range class and is equivalent in range to the AIM-54 Phoenix. In another version of the R-77, a terminal infrared homing seeker is offered. This is in line with the Russian practice of attacking targets by firing pairs of missiles with different homing systems. This complicates end-game defensive actions for the target aircraft, as it needs to successfully defeat two homing systems. If a radar-guided medium-range missile is fired at an enemy jet aircraft outside the non-escape attack zone, the target aircraft may be able to escape through emergency maneuver. But at this moment, in fact, the infrared guidance has an advantage: once the jet aircraft turns to escape, the engine nozzle is exposed, and the infrared characteristics are exposed. This method of attack may not always be available as IR seekers typically have less range and less resistance to poor weather than radar seekers, which may limit the successful use of mixed seeker attacks unless the IR missile is initially directed by radar or some other means.[13][14]

Another improvement program was designated the R-77M, which made the missile longer and heavier, making use of a two-stage motor as well as an improved seeker.[15] A further product-improvement of the R-77, designated the R-77M1 and then the R-77-PD, was to feature a ramjet propulsion device. This missile was destined for the MiG 1.44 that for the MFI program. The munition has a laser fuse and an expanding rod warhead that can destroy the variable sized targets. However, due to funding shortage and eventual cancellation of the MiG 1.44, development of this model may have stopped by 1999; no information or announcement regarding the R-77M and R-77-PD has appeared since.

Further development

Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation, also known as TRV (Takticheskoe Raketnoe Vooruzhenie – Тактическое Ракетное Вооружение), unveiled the RVV-SD and RVV-MD missiles for the first time at the Moscow Air Show (MAKS) in August 2009. The RVV-SD is an improved version of the R-77, while the RVV-MD is a variant of the R-73. The RVV-SD includes the upgrades associated with the izdeliye 170-1, or R-77-1.[1] The RVV-SD, along with the RVV-MD, seem to be part of Russia's bid for India's medium multirole combat aircraft competition. Both designations were included by MiG on a presentation covering MiG-35 Fulcrum armament during Aero India Air Show in February. The initial RVV-SD offering is likely no more than a stopgap to try to maintain its position, and to provide a credible radar-guided weapon to offer as part of fighter export packages and upgrade programs.[3]

According to specifications, the R-77-1 and its export variant RVV-SD is 15 kg (33 lb) heavier than the basic R-77 / RVV-AE, weighing 190 kg (420 lb) rather than 175 kg (386 lb). Maximum range is increased to 110 km (68 mi) from 80 km (50 mi).[4] The missile is also slightly longer at 3.71 m (12.2 ft), rather than the 3.6 m (11.8 ft) of the basic variant. Additional improvements include upgrades to the missile's radar seeker and boat tail rear section to reduce drag. Russian missile manufacturer Agat previously confirmed it was working on seeker upgrades for the R-77, implying that at least two projects were underway, one for export and one for the Russian air force.[3][1]

Vympel, a which had merged to be part of TRV, has been developing a more extensive upgrade of the missile than the R-77-1. Designated the izdeliye 180, or K-77M, this missile is a mid-life upgrade for the missile and is intended to be the main medium-range missile for the Sukhoi Su-57. This upgrade aims to provide a further improvement in range, with the design including a dual-pulse motor configuration. The izdeliye 180 will use an Active electronically scanned array seeker and conventional rear fins instead of the R-77's lattice fins. This missile is intended to match the performance of the latest AIM-120 variants.[3][1] Though it uses a similar designation as the earlier R-77M improvement program, it is not known if these two missiles are the same or are related.

On October 4th, 2020 footage of Su-57 fighter flying with R-77M missile was revealed in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 929th Chkalov State Flight-Test Center[16][17]

Design description
Seeker Head of Vympel R-77 at 2009 MAKS Airshow

The aerodynamics are novel, combining vestigial cruciform wings with grid fins used as tail control surfaces (similar devices are used on the OTR-23 Oka, and USAF uses them on MOAB). The flow separation which occurs at high angles of attack enhances its turning ability, giving the missile a maximum turn rate of up to 150° per second. However, updated variants of the R-77, such as the izdeliye 180 that is destined for the Sukhoi Su-57, will use conventional fins instead.[1]

The missile uses a multi-function doppler-monopulse active radar seeker developed by OAO Agat.[18] The radar features two modes of operation, over short distances, the missile will launch in an active "fire-and-forget" mode. Over longer distances the missile is controlled by an inertial guidance auto pilot with occasional encoded data link updates from the launch aircraft's radar on changes in spatial position or G of the target. As the missile comes within 20 km (12 mi) of its target, the missile switches to its active radar mode. The host radar system maintains computed target information in case the target breaks the missile's lock-on.

Operational history

At the beginning of February 2016, four Su-35S were deployed to Syria[19][20] as part of the Russian aerial expeditionary force to the country. Tasked with air to air duties, the Su-35S were extensively documented while armed with a couple of R-77 missiles, between IR seeking R-27T under the inner pylons and R-73 under the outer ones.[21]

Variants
R-77 variants:
R-77 (RVV-AE),
R-77PD (RVV-PD),
RVV-ZRK,
K-77M (izdeliye 180),
K-77ME (izdeliyе 180-BD)
  • R-77 (izdeliye 170) – Standard model.
  • RVV-AE (izdeliye 190) – Export model of the R-77. The missile has a maximum range of 80 kilometres (50 mi) with 22.5 kg warhead.[2]
  • R-77-1 (izdeliye 170-1) – Russian-built variant with a streamlined nose, 9B-1248 (Izdeliye-50-1) active radar seeker head, and new fins.
  • RVV-SD – Export model of the R-77-1. The missile has a maximum range of 110 kilometres (68 mi) with 22.5 kg warhead.[4]
  • R-77P / RVV-PE – Passive homing model.[22]
  • R-77T / RVV-TE – Infrared homing model.[23]
  • R-77-SRK – Ship-to-air variant.
  • R-77-ZRK / RVV-AE-ZRK – RVV-ZRK Surface-to-air variant.
  • R-77-PD / RVV-AE-PD – Ramjet model.
  • R-77-PD ZRK / RVV-AE-ZRK – RVV-(PD-)ZRK Surface-to-air variant.
  • K-77M (izdeliye 180) – Version under development for the Sukhoi Su-57 with AESA seeker,[8] conventional fins, and two-pulse motor.
  • K-77ME (izdeliye 180-BD) – Ramjet model of the K-77M.[24]

Operators
Map with R-77 operators in blue

Current operators

See also

References
Citations
  1. Butowski, Piotr. Russia and CIS Observer. 17 June 2007.
  2. "RVV-AE". Rosoboronexport. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  3. Barrie, Douglas and Pyadushkin, Maxim. "R-77, R-73 Missile Upgrades Emerge". Aviation Week. 13 August 2009
  4. "RVV-SD". Rosoboronexport. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  5. "R-77". www.deagel.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  6. "К-77ПД / РВВ-АЕ-ПД" (in Russian). 15 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 October 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  7. "Federation of American Scientists - "AA-12 ADDER R-77"". Archived from the original on 4 December 2004. Retrieved 19 August 2006.
  8. International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) (14 February 2018). "The Military Balance 2018". The Military Balance. Routledge. 118.
  9. Cooper, Tom. "Russia's Most Feared Air-to-Air Missile Is Actually Kind of a Dud". War is Boring. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  10. "Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC". Archived from the original on 9 January 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  11. "R-77 (AA-12) Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile". SinoDefence.com. 20 October 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  12. "International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > PLAAF Equipment Trends". Strategycenter.net. 30 October 2001. Archived from the original on 17 November 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  13. "Heat Seeking Missile Guidance". Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  14. Dr Carlo Kopp (21 August 2012). "PLA Air to Air Missiles". Ausairpower.net. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  15. Reed Business Information Limited. "Vympel updates its R-77". Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  16. Butowski, Piotr. "Russia Unveils Video Of Modernized Air-To-Air Missile". Aviation week.
  17. "Russian Air-To-Air Missile Tests Signal Potential New Capabilities For Flanker and Felon". theWarzone.
  18. "OAO Agat Website". Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  19. "Russia redeployed advanced Su-35S fighter jets to Syria — defense ministry". TASS. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  20. "Russia's advanced Su-35S fighter jet: premier performance over Syrian skies". tass.ru. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  21. "Su-35S in Syria with new air-to-air R-77-1 missiles (AIM-120C-7 equivalent) • r/syriancivilwar". reddit. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
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  23. "R-77T". www.deagel.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  24. "T-50 completes early flight and bench tests". Aviation International News. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
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  26. "R-77". www.deagel.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2013.
  27. "ВВС Индии подписали контракт на закупку в России свыше 700 авиационных управляемых ракет" [Indian air force signs contract for purchase of over 700 aircraft guided missiles in Russia] (in Russian).
  28. Bedi, Rahul; Fediushko, Dmitry (31 July 2019). "India signs USD700 million deal with Russia for 1,000 additional air-to-air missiles".
  29. 2011 Annual Report of Tactical Missile Corporation, "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 August 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  30. "Sukhoi TNI AU dan Rudal R-77". JakartaGreater. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  31. "Russia Signs $35-Mln Missile Contract with Malaysia". Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  32. "Gobierno eliminaría misiles rusos R-77". Archived from the original on 19 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  33. https://iz.ru/1051494/anton-lavrov-roman-kretcul/istrebitelskii-spros-vks-poluchat-noveishie-rakety-po-rekordnomu-kontraktu
  34. http://tangosix.rs/2016/23/12/vucic-za-mig-ove-uzimamo-82-rakete/
  35. "Russia Sells Advanced MiG-29 Fulcrums To Sudan And Yemen". Archived from the original on 7 December 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  36. "Russia helps keep Syria's MiG-29s flying". Archived from the original on 12 June 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  37. "Thủ tướng kiểm tra tên lửa cho Su-30MK2". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
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Bibliography
  • Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1.

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