The multi-purpose potential of Kh-31 missiles in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
The Russian combat aviation is equipped with several versions of Kh-31 missiles for carrying out different combat missions. For example, the Kh-31P anti radiation missile is directly used to destroy enemiesradar. In addition, the reserve also includes Kh-31A, which is used to annihilate large surface vessels. There are several improved versions of both basic missiles. Therefore, the Kh-31 has strong potential and occupies an important position in the arsenal.
The advanced Kh-31 "air to surface" missile family was developed by the "Star" experimental design bureau in the suburbs of Moscow in the mid-1970s. The initial goal of the plan was to develop a new anti radiation missile, the Kh-31P, which would be superior to existing models. A few years later, the design of the Kh-31A anti-ship missile began based on this equipment.
Missile flight tests began in 1982 and lasted for a long time. Until 1988-1989, two newMissileWe have just passed the inspection and suggest production and assembly. The new Kh-31P/A is included in the combat base of several fighter jets and bombers.
The improvement work of missiles was initiated in the early 1990s. Individual components have been replaced with new solutions aimed at improving technology and combat performance. In addition, during this period, the MA-31 target missile and its extended range MA-31D were developed for training air defense combat teams. In summary, five models with different characteristics were developed based on the Kh-31P/A prototype.
The first batch of missiles were deployed to the former Soviet Air and Navy in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Later, the Russian military ordered new equipment. In addition, this weapon is provided to multiple foreign clients. Several batches of MA-31 target missiles delivered to the United States are of concern.
After the appearance of Kh-31 in the arsenal of the Air Force Navy, it is often used for various exercises and drills. In addition, there are reports that this weapon was used in Russia's 2008 operation to force peace in Georgia. However, it was only this year that large-scale combat applications began within the framework of special military operations in Ukraine.
The initial reports on the use of the Kh-31P anti radiation missile appeared in mid March. In the video officially released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, a Su-35S fighter bomber carrying the Kh-31P appeared. In mid May, a new video not only showcased the Su-35S carrying this weapon, but also presented the launch process of this missile.
On July 11th, TASS reported on the new usage details of the Kh-31P. It is reported that the Su-30SM fighter bomber was used as a missile carrier. We launched a surprise attack on the enemy's radar and annihilated the target with high precision.
It should be pointed out that the news only mentioned the Kh-31P series anti radiation missile. At present, the Kh-31A anti-ship missile has not been mentioned. In theory, this weapon should be used in the first few days of a special military operation to annihilate all Ukrainian naval vessels. Afterwards, anti-ship missiles had no targets and therefore had no place to use them.
All Kh-31 missile families have similar appearances. Adopting a high aspect ratio cylindrical projectile with a pointed arch shaped wave transmitting fairing at the head. There are protruding air intakes on the projectile,MissileThe recognition of the appearance is high, and the components include wings and rudder.
The basic Kh-31P/A is 4.7 meters long, with a projectile diameter of 360 millimeters and a rudder wingspan of 1.1 meters. The launch weight is about 600 kilograms. In the deeply improved Kh-31PD/AD scheme, it has been extended to 5.43 meters and weighs 710-715 kilograms. The next plan, Kh-31PK, has no significant changes in size, with a length of only 4.8 meters, which is several kilograms heavier than the basic model.
The missile family is equipped with a ramjet engine with a lateral inlet and a tail nozzle. The speed can reach 1000 meters per second; The average speed in the trajectory does not exceed 650-700 meters per second. The initial Kh-31P had a range of 110 kilometers, while the Kh-31A had a range of 70 kilometers. After improvement, the range of PD and AD schemes is 250 kilometers and 160 kilometers respectively.
The initial Kh-31P used PRGS-4VP/5VP/6VP passive radar guidance heads with different operating frequency bands. With the help of the above-mentioned guidance head, different radars in the enemy's air defense system can be found and tracked. The new broadband guidance head was used in the Kh-31PD scheme, replacing the previous equipment and increasing the interception distance.
Kh-31A anti-ship missile uses ARGS-31 active missileradarGuidance head. With its help, missiles can lock onto and intercept large surface targets at all working distances. The Kh-31A scheme uses a supplementary inertial navigation system to transport missiles to the boundary where the seeker intercepts the target.
Anti radiation missiles are equipped with killing explosive warheads, and anti-ship missiles are equipped with explosive penetrating warheads. Early missiles used warheads weighing 90-95 kilograms, and later heavier warheads weighing 110 kilograms were used. Anti radiation missiles use non triggered detonation. The anti-ship missile warhead detonates after a certain delay and intrusion into the target structure. The Kh-31A missile is capable of sinking ships with a displacement of 4500 tons.
The Kh-31 missile family has achieved compatibility with Russian frontline aviation aircraft. Older MiG-29, Su-27, more advanced Su-30SM, Su-35S, Su-34, etc. can all be used. Obviously, this missile will also be included in the future combat base of the Su-57.
