The Raduga Kh-26 KSR-5 (NATO reporting name AS-6 Kingfish) was a long-range, air-launched cruise missile and anti-ship missile developed by the Soviet Union. It was essentially a scaled down version of the Kh-22 'Kitchen', built to be carried by the less capable Tu-16.

Tu-16 with KSR-5 under wing
Tu-16K with a missile under each wing
Tu-16 'Badger-G' with KSR-5 under port wing

Variants

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The Raduga KSR-5 was developed in variants to be deployed as a land attack missile and an anti-ship missile. The missile was designed to be fitted with either a conventional or nuclear warhead.

Operational history

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The Raduga KSR-5 was deployed aboard such Soviet aircraft as the Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger' in Tu-16K-26, Tu-16KSR-2-5, and Tu-16KSR-2-5-11 variants, as well as the Tu-22M Backfire. Post 1991 with the retirement of the Badger, the KSR-5 warstock was converted into supersonic targets.

Operators

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Former

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Specifications

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  • Length: 10 m (33 ft)
  • Wingspan: 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
  • Diameter: 0.9 m (3.0 ft)
  • Launch weight: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
  • Speed: Mach 3.5 (2,664.2 mph; 4,287.7 km/h; 1.2 km/s)
  • Range: 300–700 km (190–430 mi; 160–380 nmi)
  • Guidance: inertial guidance, optional mid-course update via data link, terminal active radar homing or passive radar homing
  • Warhead: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) high explosive or 350 kt nuclear

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Lennox, Duncan, ed. (1997). "AS-6 'Kingfish' (KSR-5/11 and Kh-26)". Jane's Air-Launched Weapons (35th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group.

Bibliography

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  • Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1.
  • Healey, John K. (January–February 2004). "Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy". Air Enthusiast. No. 109. pp. 75–79. ISSN 0143-5450.
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