K-5 (missile)

In this article, we will explore the impact that K-5 (missile) has had on different aspects of modern society. From his influence on the economy to his role in popular culture, K-5 (missile) has left a deep mark on our world. We will analyze its evolution over time and the significant changes it has produced in various areas. Furthermore, we will examine the debates and controversies it has generated, as well as the possible future implications of its presence. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this article seeks to provide a broader and deeper understanding of K-5 (missile) and its relevance today.

Not to be confused with K-5 (ballistic missile).
K-5
AA-1 Alkali
K-5M
TypeShort-range air-to-air missile
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1957-1977
Used bySoviet Air Force
Production history
ManufacturerKaliningrad Series Production Plant
VariantsK-55
Specifications
Mass82.7 kg (182 lb)
Length2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)
Diameter200 mm (7.9 in)
WarheadHigh explosive
Warhead weight13 kg (29 lb)
EngineRocket
Operational
range
2 to 6 kilometres (1.2 to 3.7 mi)
Maximum speed 2,880 km/h (1,790 mph) (Mach 2.33)
Guidance
system
beam riding
Launch
platform
MiG-17, MiG-19, MiG-21, Su-9

The Kaliningrad K-5 (NATO reporting name AA-1 Alkali), also known as RS-1U or product ShM, was an early Soviet air-to-air missile.

History

The development of the K-5 began in 1951. The first test firings were in 1953. It was tested (but not operationally carried) by the Yakovlev Yak-25. The weapon entered service as the Grushin/Tomashevich (Russian: Грушин/Томашевич) RS-2U (also known as the R-5MS or K-5MS) in 1957. The initial version was matched to the RP-2U (Izumrud-2) radar used on the MiG-17PFU, MiG-19PM. An improved variant, K-5M or RS-2US in PVO service, entered production in 1959, matched to the RP-9/RP-9U (Sapfir) radar of the Sukhoi Su-9. The People's Republic of China developed a copy under the designation PL-1, for use by their J-6B fighters.

The difficulties associated with beam-riding guidance, particularly in a single-seat fighter aircraft, were substantial, making the 'Alkali' primarily a short-range anti-bomber missile. Around 1967 the K-5 was replaced by the K-55 (R-55 in service), which replaced the beam-riding seeker with the semi-active radar homing or infrared seekers of the K-13 (AA-2 'Atoll'). The weapon was 7.8 kg (17 lb) heavier than the K-5, but had a smaller 9.1 kg (20 lb) warhead. The K-55 remained in service until about 1977, probably being retired with the last of the Sukhoi Su-9 interceptors.

Specifications (RS-2US / K-5MS)

  • Length: 2,500 mm (8 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 654 mm (2 ft 1.7 in)
  • Diameter: 200 mm (7+7⁄8 in)
  • Launch weight: 82.7 kg (182 lb)
  • Speed: 800 m/s (2,880 km/h; 1,790 mph)
  • Range: 2–6 km (1+1⁄4–3+3⁄4 mi)
  • Guidance: beam riding
  • Warhead: 13.0 kg (28.7 lb)

Operators

Map with former K-5 operators in red

Current operator

 North Korea
Used on MiG-21PFM.

Former operators

 Soviet Union
Both the Soviet Air Force (VVS) and the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) operated the K-5.
 Albania
The Air Force of the Albanian People's Army received 400 PL-1 from China in 1965 and 1966 for its Shenyang F-5 (MiG-17F) aircraft[1]
 China
The People's Liberation Army Air Force operated licensed Chinese copy of Kaliningrad K-5 designated as PL-1 (PL: short for Pi Li or Pili, meaning thunderbolt).
 Czechoslovakia
The Czechoslovakian Air Force operated RS-2U and RS-2US.
 Hungary
The Hungarian Air Force operated RS-2US on MiG-19PMs, MiG-21PFs and MiG-21MFs.
 Mali
Malian Air Force[2]
 Poland
The Polish Air Force operated RS-2US on MiG-17PMs, MiG-19PMs and MiG-21s.[3]
 Romania
Locally produced A-90 copy by Electromecanica Ploiesti (1984)

See also

References

Citations
  1. ^ "Arms transfer database". SIPRI. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  2. ^ Cooper et al. 2011, p. 47
  3. ^ SRCP-WR z ITWL. pl.
Bibliography
  • Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011). African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9825539-8-5.
  • Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1.
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