The R-27 missile was developed by the Vympel Design Bureau in the late 1970s and entered service in the early 1980s. It was designed to provide Soviet and later Russian fighter aircraft with a versatile weapon capable of engaging enemy aircraft at beyond-visual-range (BVR) distances. The missile has been exported extensively and remains in service with numerous air forces worldwide.
The R-27 family includes multiple variants with different guidance systems and engagement capabilities. These include infrared (IR), semi-active radar (SARH), and active radar-homing versions, allowing for flexibility in various combat scenarios. The missile can be launched in single or salvo mode and is highly maneuverable, making it effective against a wide range of aerial threats.
Design and Features
The R-27 is a modular missile system that allows for different seeker heads and propulsion options. It features long, narrow control fins and a two-stage rocket motor, giving it a significant range advantage over earlier Soviet air-to-air missiles. The missile body is cylindrical, with large aerodynamic control surfaces for enhanced maneuverability.
Variants of the R-27 include:
- R-27R (AA-10 Alamo-A) – Semi-active radar homing (SARH) version.
- R-27T (AA-10 Alamo-B) – Infrared (IR) homing version for passive engagement.
- R-27ER (AA-10 Alamo-C) – Extended-range SARH version with a more powerful rocket motor.
- R-27ET (AA-10 Alamo-D) – Extended-range IR-homing version.
- R-27EA – Active radar-homing variant with improved seeker capabilities.
The dual-mode operation of the missile allows for high off-boresight targeting when coupled with a helmet-mounted sight, improving the aircraft’s first-shot capability in dogfight situations.
Performance and Capabilities
The R-27’s range varies depending on the variant, with engagement distances from 50 km to 130 km. It has a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 and can target aircraft at altitudes between 20 meters and 25 km.
It employs proximity and impact fuzes, ensuring high kill probability against both maneuvering and non-maneuvering targets. The warhead is a 39 kg high-explosive fragmentation type, designed to cause significant structural damage.
Example specifications below are for the R-27R (SARH) variant.
