R-73E

    The R-73E (R-73EL) small-range air-to-air missile is designed to engage in a dogfight various types of air targets, such as fighters, bombers, attack and military cargo aircraft, approaching from any direction, by day and night, in conditions of ground clutter and ECM.
    The missile is intended for arming fighters, attack aircraft and helicopters.
     It features all-aspect IR passive homing. The “fire-and-forget” principle is realized. The missile is powered by a fixed-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine.
    The R-73E missile modification is equipped with a radar proximity fuse/target sensor, while the R-73EL – with a laser proximity target sensor.
    The warhead is of a rod type. The missiles’ high agility is achieved due to the use of a unique combined gas/aerodynamic control system. 
    The missile is suspended from the carrier aircraft, energized in a captive flight, launched in combat or jettisoned in emergency by means of the P-72-1D/P-72-1DB2 air rail launcher.
    The missile can be adapted for employment from foreign-made carriers in accordance with the technology, developed by the designer.

Basic Specifications

        Developed and manufactured by GosMKB “Vympel” JSC.