Missile R-33 (AA-9 Amos)

The AA-9 Amos, designated R-33 in Russia, was a long-range air-to-air missile developed for the MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor in the 1970s. It represented a major advance in Soviet missile technology with an active radar seeker and ability to engage targets beyond visual range at extended distances.

The R-33 entered service in 1981 arming the new high-speed MiG-31. With its phased array radar, the MiG-31 could direct semi-active radar homing missiles against multiple targets simultaneously. The Amos itself featured improved speed, range, and agility over earlier Soviet designs.

With a maximum engagement range around 100 miles, the AA-9 gave the MiG-31 the ability to intercept cruise missiles and aircraft well before coming in visual range. It was the first Soviet air-to-air missile capable of mid-course updates and terminal maneuvering to pursue evading targets.

The Amos remained in service through the end of the Cold War providing long range firepower to the MiG-31 fleet guarding Russia's borders. It was replaced in later MiG-31s by improved versions like the R-37 very long range missile. But the R-33 provided a quantum leap in Soviet BVR intercept capability when introduced and a predecessor to modern long range air-to-air missiles.