Missile R-60 (AA-8 Aphid)
Description
The AA-8 Aphid, designated R-60 in Russia, is a short-range infrared homing air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It entered service in the 1970s as a replacement for the earlier K-13 missile carried by MiG fighters.
The R-60 was designed for close-in dogfighting and all-aspect engagement of targets. It features high off-boresight capability to be launched toward targets not directly in front of the aircraft. The Aphid can pull up to 30G for extremely agile terminal maneuvers.
Entering service on aircraft like the MiG-23 and Su-15, the heat-seeking R-60 provided a lethal within visual range armament. Its agility and ability to lock on from extreme angles made it difficult to evade once in range.
The Aphid missile underwent numerous upgrades while remaining a staple armament for Russian fighters to the present day. Export variants equipped many non-Soviet air forces around the world. The R-60 established Russia's dominance in infrared-guided short range missile technology during the Cold War era.
While outranged by modern missiles, the Aphid remains deadly in a knife-fight scenario. Its unique capabilities provide a valued complement to beyond visual range missiles in Russia's 21st century air warfare arsenal.
Summary
| NATO Designation | AA-8 Aphid |
| Category | Air-to-Air Missiles |
| Sub-type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Manufacturer | Vympel |
| Status | In service |
| Year of service | 1973 |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | High Explosive |
| Diameter | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Span | 390 mm (15.4 in) |
| Length | 2,090 mm (82.3 in) |
| Flight altitude | 20,000 m (65,617 ft) |
| Weight | 44 kg (97 lb) |
| Range | 8.0 km (5.0 mi) |
| Max. speed | 3,087 km/h (Mach 3.1) |
Further Reading
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