Raduga KS-1 Komet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| KS-1 Komet/AS-1 'Kennel' | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Basic data | ||
| Function | anti-ship missile | |
| Manufacturer | MKB Raduga | |
| Entered service | 1955 | |
| General characteristics | ||
| Engine | RD-500K turbojet | |
| Launch mass | 3,000 kg | 6,614 lb |
| Length | 8.29 m | 27 ft 2 in |
| Diameter | 1.20 m | 3 ft 11 in |
| Wingspan | 4.77 m | 15 ft 7 in |
| Speed | Mach 0.9 | |
| Range | 90 km | 56 mi |
| Warhead | 600 kg (1300 lb) High Explosive | |
| Guidance | initial - inertial, terminal - active radar homing | |
| Launch platform | Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger' | |
The Raduga KS-1 Komet (Russian: КС-1 "Комета", NATO reporting name: Kennel), also referred to as AS-1, was referred to as a крылатый снаряд, or "winged missile." The KS-1 was a short range air-to-surface missile (primarily used for anti-shipping) developed by the Soviet Union, and carried exclusively on the Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger'.. Development was begun in 1947 along with a related ground-launched missile, the SSC-2B "Samlet" (S-2 Sopka), both missiles being derived from the MiG-15 'Fagot' fighter aircraft, and developed under the anti-ship missile codename "Komet".
The KS-1 was designed for use against surface ships. It was basically a MiG-15 with the cockpit and undercarriage deleted. Its main fuselage was cigar-shaped with delta wings and an aircraft type tail. It was propelled by a MiG-15 turbojet engine. Guidance was provided by an inertial navigation system (INS) in the midcourse phase, and by a semi-active radar in the terminal phase which directed the missile to its target. A 600 kg high explosive (HE) armor-piercing warhead was carried.
The AS-1 is believed to have entered service in 1955, being deployed initially on the Tupolev Tu-4 'Bull' and later on the Tu-16KS 'Badger-B' tactical and strategic bomber, on two under-wing pylons. The missile was also exported to Egypt and Indonesia.
Sources indicate that most of the AS-1 "Kennel" missiles were replaced by the AS-5 'Kelt' (KSR-2/Kh-11), which was first deployed in 1966. The last KS-1s were removed from service in 1969.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Gordon, Yefim & Rigman, Vladimir (2004), Tupelov Tu-16 Badger: Versatile Soviet Long-Range Bomber, Midland Publishing, England, ISBN 1-85780-177-6
