The R-60 missile was developed during the early 1970s as a more agile and effective replacement for theR-13 series of WVR weapons. It is the forerunner of the AA-11 Archer and this is reflected in its airframedesign, which combines canard strakes and control canards. The weapon was integrated on a wide rangeof Soviet aircraft and widely exported in Asia, remaining in service with users of older MiGs and Sukhois.The baseline R-60 was superseded in 1978 by the improved R-60M and export R-60MK, with a gas cooledall aspect seeker, a 20 degree off boresight capability, and radio-frequency proximity fuse replacing theoriginal optical fuse. An APU-60-I or -60-II launcher is used. While the Aphid compares in capabilities tolegacy in service Sidewinder variants, it remains an important type by virtue of the large inventories
remaining in service with users of Soviet era export fighters.
Bookmarks