AA-8 "Aphid-A"
| Date of Production | 1974 |
| Country of Origin | Russia (Former Soviet Union) |
| Proliferation: Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Georgia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Libya, Malaysia, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Peru, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Syria, Ukraine, Viet Nam | |
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Background
The Molniya (now Vympel) R-60 (NATO reporting name: AA-8 "Aphid") is a short-range lightweight infrared homing air-to-air missile designed for use by Soviet fighter aircraft. It has been widely exported, and remains in service with the CIS and many other nations. The R-60 was initially developed for the MiG-23. Work began on the weapon, under the bureau designation K-60 (izdeliye 62), in the late 1960s. Series production began in 1973. It entered service with the designation R-60 (NATO reporting name "Aphid-A"). When introduced, the R-60 was one of the world's lightest air-to-air missiles, with a launch weight of 44 kg (97 lb). It has infrared guidance, with an uncooled Komar (Mosquito) seeker head. Control is by forward rudders with large rear fins. The distinctive canards on the nose, known as "destabilizers," serve to improve the rudders' efficiency at high angles of attack. The R-60 uses a small, 3 kg (6.6 lb) tungsten expanding-rod surrounding a high explosive fragmentation warhead. Two different types of proximity fuze can be fitted: the standard Strizh (Swift) optical fuse, which can be replaced with a Kolibri active radar fuse. Missiles equipped with the latter fuse were designated R-60K.
Variants
General Characteristics
| Name | R-60; NATO: AA-8 Aphid-A |
| Type | Infrared Homing Air-to-Air Missile |
| Manufacturer | Vympel |
| Length | 2,090 mm |
|
Diameter
|
120 mm |
| Wingspan | 390 mm |
| Weight | |
| Warhead Weight | 3 kg |
| Engine | |
| Operational Range | 8 km |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.7 |
| Guidance System | infrared homing |
| Launch Platform(s) |
Threat Characteristics
| Rear Aspect Range | |
| Front Aspect Range | |
| Countermeasure Vulnerability | Moderate |
Threat Counter Tactics Discussion
The AA-2 Atoll is most dangerous when launched undetected. Counter tactics should emphasis visual lookout responsibilities and sanitization.
Threat Reactions
A maximum performance turn in excess of 3Gs while deploying flares has a high probability of defeating this threat.