Russian "AAM-15" air-to-air missile emerges?
The latest photos show that the Russian Air Force has already begun using the latest active phased array radar beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the Ukraine-Russia battlefield. This missile first appeared in 2019 and was displayed as "Product-180", also known as the R-77M missile.
The "Product 180" missile is clearly a deep improvement of the early version of "Product-170" (R-77). The Russian side claims that this missile uses the most advanced dual-pulse rocket engine, equipped with a new active radar seeker (AESA), and has a data link correction. The fence-type tail fin has been changed to four trapezoidal wing surfaces, which can fit into the stealth fighter Su-57's internal weapons bay.
The main technical features of the "Product 180" missile are very similar to China's PL-15.
After changing to four tail fins, the "Product-180" (R-77M) missile significantly reduces flight resistance, and combined with the dual-pulse rocket engine, the range increases greatly. The Russian side claims a maximum range of 190 kilometers, exceeding the 145 kilometers of China's PL-15E.
Of course, what is mentioned above is all Russian theoretical range. Everyone should not take it too seriously. The maximum range of Russian air-to-air missiles refers to the high altitude head-on attack range at a target speed of 1.2 Mach. The standard for the maximum range of Russian missiles is relatively low, different from that of China and the United States (both China and the United States use 1.5 Mach).
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838666019990531/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.