Kh-15
In today's world, Kh-15 remains a topic of great importance and interest to a wide public. Its relevance transcends borders and generations, and its impact has been felt in various spheres of society. From its emergence to the present, Kh-15 has been the subject of debate, analysis and reflection, constantly generating new perspectives and approaches on its meaning and influence. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Kh-15, examining its evolution over time and its relevance in the contemporary context. Through a detailed analysis and a critical look, we will seek to delve deeper into the meaning of Kh-15 and its impact on our lives, offering a comprehensive vision that allows us to understand its importance in today's world.
| Raduga Kh-15 (NATO reporting name: AS-16 'Kickback') | |
|---|---|
 Raduga Kh-15 | |
| Type | Air-launched ballistic missile Air-to-ground missile Anti-radiation missile (Kh-15P) Anti-ship missile (Kh-15S) |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1980 |
| Used by | Russia |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Raduga |
| Designed | 1974–1980 |
| Manufacturer | Dubna Machine-building Plant |
| Produced | 1980 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1,200 kg (2,650 lb) |
| Length | 478 cm (15 ft 8 in) |
| Diameter | 45.5 cm (17.9 in) |
| Wingspan | 92 cm (36.2 in) maximum |
| Warhead | conventional or nuclear |
| Warhead weight | 150 kg (331 lb) |
| Blast yield | 300 kt |
| Engine | solid-fuel RDTT-160 |
Operational range | 300 km (160 nmi) |
| Flight ceiling | 40,000 m (130,000 ft) |
| Maximum speed | Up to Mach 5[1] |
Guidance system | inertial guidance, active radar homing, or anti-radiation missile |
Launch platform | Tu-22M3, [1] |
The Raduga Kh-15 or RKV-15 (Russian: Х-15; NATO: AS-16 "Kickback") is a Soviet hypersonic aero-ballistic air-to-ground missile carried by the Tupolev Tu-22M and other bombers. Originally developed as a standoff nuclear air-to-ground missile similar to the U.S. Air Force's AGM-69 SRAM, versions with conventional warheads have been developed.
As of early 2019, it was uncertain whether the Kh-15 was in service, with rumors that it had been retired or placed in storage.[2]
Development
In 1967, MKB Raduga started developing the Kh-2000 as a replacement for the Kh-22 (NATO reporting name AS-4 Kitchen) heavy anti-shipping missile.[1] Development of the Kh-15 started some time in the early 1970s.[3] The sophistication of the design made it suitable for other roles, and a nuclear-tipped version was developed in tandem with the conventionally armed variant.[1] An upgrade under development was cancelled in 1991, but reports in 1998 suggested an upgraded Kh-15 might be fitted to Su-35 (Flanker-E) tactical aircraft.[3]
Design
The Kh-15 climbs to an altitude of about 40,000 m (130,000 ft) and then dives in on the target, accelerating to a speed of about Mach 5.[1]
Operational history
It entered service in 1980. It can be carried by the Su-33, Su-34, Tu-95MS-6 'Bear-H', Tu-22M3 'Backfire C', and Tu-160 'Blackjack'.[4]
Variants
- Kh-15 (RKV-15) - the original version with nuclear warhead and inertial guidance
- Kh-15P - passive seeker for anti-radar use
- Kh-15S - active radar seeker for anti-shipping use[1]
Operators
Current
Former
Soviet Union - Passed onto successor states
Similar weapons
- KSR-5 (AS-6 'Kingfish') - heavy anti-surface missile carried under the wings of Tu-22M
- Kh-59 (AS-13 'Kingbolt') - ASM for tactical aircraft, up to 285 km range
- Kh-37 (updated version of AS-20 'Kayak') - land attack version of subsonic Kh-35 Anti-Ship missile, 250 km range
- AGM-69 SRAM - 1000 kg US missile with up to 170 km range
Photo Gallery
-
Kh-15 from rear -
Mission profile (anti-ship version)
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f "Kh-15, RKV-15 (AS-16 'Kickback')", Jane's Air-Launched Weapons, 2008-08-01, archived from the original on 2019-10-18, retrieved 2009-02-03
- ^ Kristensen, Hans M.; Korda, Matt (4 March 2019). "Russian nuclear forces, 2019". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 75 (2): 73–84. Bibcode:2019BuAtS..75b..73K. doi:10.1080/00963402.2019.1580891.
- ^ a b "Kh-15 (AS-16 'Kickback'/RKV-15)", Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, 2008-09-02, archived from the original on 2019-10-18, retrieved 2009-02-06
- ^ "АО "Корпорация Тактическое Ракетное Вооружение"". Archived from the original on 2014-08-06. Retrieved 2016-08-25.
References
- Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1.
- Healey, John K. (January–February 2004). "Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy". Air Enthusiast. No. 109. pp. 75–79. ISSN 0143-5450.