The Kh-101 cruise missile is a long-range, air-to-ground missile which is in service with the Russian Air Force since 2012. It was developed from the aging Kh-55, which had been built during the Soviet era. Although it has a subsonic speed, it flies at very low altitude, almost skimming the tree tops. This is the reason it is hard to detect and intercept it. It is launched from the Tupolev Tu-95 and the Tu-22M strategic bombers.
Technical Characteristics
The Kh-101 has maximum effective range of 5,500 km. Thus, it can safely be launched from the Russian air space, being able to easily hit targets in every country of Western Europe and the western Mediterranean region. It employs a terrain contour matching navigation system and GLONASS (Russian satellite navigation system). The Kh-101 has a very low cross-section. Its propulsion system consists of a TRDD-50A turbofan engine. The missile is also fitted with flight stability folding wings, which spread out as soon as it is launched.
Specifications
Type: long-range, stand-off, subsonic cruise missile
Weight: 2,400 kg (5,300 lb)
Length: 7.45 m (24.4 ft)
Diameter: 0.514 m (20.2 inches)
Propulsion: turbofan engine
Maximum Speed: Mach 0.79 (970 km/h)
Maximum Range: 5,500 km
Warhead: 400-kg (High Explosive, cluster, penetrating or 250 kt nuclear)
Below, Kh-101 cruise missiles carried by a Tu-95 "Bear"
The Kh-101 launched by the same bomber during the war in Ukraine (video)
