The Raduga Kh-32 is a cruise missile in service with the Russian Air Force since 2016. It flies at supersonic speeds of Mach 3.5 and 4.5 (3,500 mph), with a flight ceiling of 40,000 m of altitude. It was developed from the Kh-22, which is a supersonic anti-ship missile developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This air-to-surface missile uses the Tupolev Tu-22M3M bomber, the Sukhoi Su-30, and Su-30SM fighter-bomber as launching platforms.
The development of the Kh-32 missile goes back to 1987, when the Soviet Union began upgrading the Kh-22 to overcome the new US Patriot air-defense system as well as the Aegis combat control system. As a result, the Kh-32 has a longer range than its predecessor, and it is not affected by enemy radar jamming, being able to perform evasive maneuver. Therefore, it is very difficult to intercept.
Once launched, the Kh-32 flies up into the stratosphere, following the target in horizontal flight at 40,000 m of altitude. As it approaches its target, it suddenly swoop down out the sky at a sharp angle. Then it zips past the air defense barrier as flies down at supersonic speed, hitting its target as it descends almost vertically. Although it has been reported to fly at the top speed of Mach 4.5, the latest improved version can reach the maximum speed of Mach 5.2.
Specifications
Type: supersonic, anti-ship, cruise missile.
Developer/Manufacturer: MKB Raduga
Weight: 5,780 kg
Warhead: 1,000 kg High Explosive.
Length: 11.65 m (38 feet, 2 inches)
Diameter: 0.92 m or 92 cm (36 inches)
Wing Span: 3 m
Power Plant: two-chamber, dual mode, liquid-fuel rocket.
Maximum Speed: Mach 4.5
Launch Range: 1,000 km
Guidance: inertial guidance and active radar homing.
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| Above, the Kh-32 painted in red, with dark-grey tip, attached to the wing of bomber. |
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| A Tupolev Tu-22M3M in flight, with two Kh-32 missiles. |
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