Missile R-77 (AA-12 Adder)

The R-77, also known as the AA-12 Adder in NATO terminology, is a medium-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia. Introduced in the 1990s, it serves as Russia's counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM and is used on a variety of Russian and Soviet-origin aircraft like the MiG-29, Su-27, and Su-30.

The R-77 employs an active radar homing guidance system, allowing for "fire-and-forget" capability. This means that once the missile is launched and its radar locks onto a target, it can autonomously track and engage without further input from the pilot. Some variants also feature infrared homing as an alternative guidance system.

The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor, enabling it to reach speeds upwards of Mach 4. It's known for its versatility in engagement envelopes, capable of targeting aircraft at varying altitudes and aspects. The R-77 can engage targets at beyond-visual-range distances, making it suitable for modern air-to-air combat scenarios.

Over the years, the R-77 has been upgraded to improve its range, guidance systems, and electronic counter-countermeasures. Modern versions like the R-77-1 or RVV-SD feature enhanced capabilities, including greater range and improved radar seekers.

The R-77 has seen combat use and is exported to various countries operating Russian-made aircraft. While it's considered effective for its intended roles, it also faces challenges from electronic countermeasures and more advanced air-to-air missiles.

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