Production

Kh-31 high-speed anti-radar missile

The development of Kh-31 high-speed anti-radar missile started in 1977 in the Development Design Bureau “ZVEZDA” under the direction of V. Bugayskiy. It’s designed to hit the radar emitters 3RK of long and medium range, as well as ground-based and sea-based radars, operating in corresponding wavelength band. Turaevo Machine-building Design Bureau “SOYUZ” was given the task of engine designing. Detail design was ready in 1979.

The missile is in service since 1988-1990, now it’s operating as a part of modern airborne weapon systems such as Su-24M, Su-32, Su-35, Su-30MKI, Su-30KN, Su-30MK, MiG-29.

It has three changeable modules of passive radar homing head, which blocks off all radar-targets frequency coverage and high explosive fragmentation warhead. It’s powered by combined power plant consisting of solid-fuel booster und ramjet sustainer running on kerosene.

The missile features normal aerodynamic design with X-shaped location of wing panels and fins.

Aircraft passive sensor or missile’s homing head conducts target acquisition. After the target was detected, pilot turns in to the target and enters the targeting indication to the missile. If there are signals that confirm the target lockon by missile’s homing head, as well as the being in authorized missiles launching zone, then pilot releases the missile. After the missile is launched, it ascends to desired altitude in accordance with the program, reaches precise antenna look angle, and finally makes dive turn. Along with this the target acquisition is carried out by homing head signals.