The Vympel R-27 missile (NATO name: AA-10 Alamo) is a medium-to-long-range air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It remains in service with the Russian Air Force and air forces of the former Commonwealth of Independent States.
The R-27 is manufactured in infrared-homing (R-27T), semi-active-radar-homing (R-27R), and active-radar-homing (R-27AE) versions, in both Russia and the Ukraine. The R-27 missile is carried by the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 fighters, and some of the later-model MiG-23MLD fighters have also been adapted to carry it. The R-27 missile is also license-produced in the PRC, though the production license was bought from Ukraine instead of Russia. The Chinese versions have a different active radar seeker taken from the Vympel R-77 missile, which was sold to the PRC by Russia.
Vympel R-27Variants
- R-27R AA-10 Alamo-A, semi-active radar homing. Launch range from Mach 1.4, 11 km altitude: 60 km (head-on) / 21 km (tail-on). Minimum launch range under same conditions 2 km (head-on) / 0.5 to 0.6 km (tail-on). Up to 80 km under optimal conditions
- R-27T AA-10 Alamo-B, infrared homing, passive homing using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) IR seeker head. Weight 248 kg. Range is said to be 70 km under optimal conditions. The R-27T missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
- R-27ER AA-10 Alamo-C, the semi-active-radar homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider. Range up to 130 km under optimal conditions Entered service 1990.
- R-27ET AA-10 Alamo-D, the infrared-homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider, range of 120 km under optimal conditions using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) seeker head. Weight 348 kg. Entered service in 1990. The R-27ET missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
- R-27AE AA-10 Alamo-E, active-radar-homing long-range version. Range 1.0 km to 130 km. Weight 349 kg.
- R-27EM, naval version. Semi-active-radar homing with an upgraded seeker head, enabling it to engage targets flying at three meters above the sea. Maximum range is 170 km against a head-on target.
- R-27P, a passive anti-radiation missile, similar to the US/NATO "Shrike" missile.
| Vympel R-27R | |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-range, air-to-air tactical missile |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1983- present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Vympel |
| Unit cost | N/A |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 253 kg (560 lb) |
| Length | 4.08 m (13.4 ft) |
| Diameter | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| | |
| Warhead | blast/fragmentation, or continuous rod |
| Warhead weight | 39 kg (86 lb) |
| Detonation mechanism | radar-proximity and impact fuzes |
| | |
| Engine | High performance, w. directed-rocket motor Solid-fuel rocket motor |
| Wingspan | 772 mm (30.4 in) |
| Operational range | R-27R: up to 80 km R-27T: up to 70 km R-27ER: up to 130 km R-27ET: up to 120 km R-27AE up to 130 km R-27EM: up to 170km |
| Flight altitude | N/A |
| Speed | Mach 2.5 to 4.5 (Depending on altitude and weather conditions.) |
| Guidance system | semi-active radar homing |
| Launch platform | the fighter planes
|
