GermanMiG-29GT firing a Vympel R-27 missile Medium-range air-to-air missile, normally used by the Russian MiG-29 and Su-27, designated by NATO as the AA-10 "Alamo", the R-27 is produced in at least six versions: medium-range radar with semi-active (SAR) and infrared (IR), called R-27 R and R-27 T; long-range SAR, IR and active radar (AR), known as R-27 ER, ET and R-27 R-27 AE, and long-range SAR to low altitude, the R-27 MS. All versions have small canard fins behind the sensor and the detonator in front of approximation, the following four large trapezoidal fins that give it an impressive maneuverability and four fixed delta fins at the tail. The warhead of the R-27 is the annular type, with 37 kg of a powerful explosive, which detonate when a design discharge of fragments of tungsten, super sharp and fan-shaped. Are driven by a solid propellant rocket motor, with versions for medium and long range. In the new generation will be used Vympel missile rocket motors and propulsive-reactor integrated to a greater extent. Another novelty is the R-27 with passive sensor for use against AWACS aircraft and electronic warfare, heading for their radar emissions. Very versatile and extremely lethal, the R-27 showed the ability of Russia's development modern missiles, Higher than their Western counterparts.
Variants
R-27RAA-10 Alamo-A, semi-active radar homing. Range up to 80 km under optimal conditions.
R-27TAA-10 Alamo-B, infrared homing, passive homing using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) IR seeker head. Weight 248 kg. Range is said to Vympel R-27 at the Ukranian Air Force Museum be 70 km under optimal conditions. The R-27T missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
R-27ERAA-10 Alamo-C, the semi-active-radar homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider. Range up to 130 km under optimal conditions Entered service 1990.
R-27ETAA-10 Alamo-D, the infrared-homing extended-range version, which is 70 cm longer and slightly wider, range of 120 km under optimal conditions using the Avtomatika 9B-1032 (PRGS-27) seeker head. Weight 348 kg. Entered service in 1990. The R-27TE missile does not possess a data-link, which makes it useful only at much shorter ranges at head-on engagements, however. At tail-on engagements the longer physical reach can be fully utilized.
R-27AEAA-10 Alamo-E, active-radar-homing long-range version. Range 1.0 km to 130 km. Weight 349 kg.
R-27EM, naval version. Semi-active-radar homing with an upgraded seeker head, enabling it to engage targets flying at three meters above the sea. Maximum range is 170 km against a head-on target.
R-27P, a passive anti-radiation missile, similar to the US/NATO "Shrike" missile.
