Molniya R-60

R-60 AA-8 Aphid
Type	Short-range air-to-air missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1974- present
Production history
Manufacturer	Vympel
Specifications
Weight	43.5 kg (96 lb)
Length	2,090 mm (6 ft 10 in)
Diameter	120 mm (4.7 in)
Warhead	3 kg (6.6 lb)
Detonation mechanism	proximity
Engine	solid-fuel rocket engine
Wingspan	390 mm (15 in)
Operational range	8 kilometres (5.0 mi)
Flight altitude	20,000 m (66,000 ft)
Speed	Mach 2.7
Guidance system	infrared homing
Launch platform	MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29, MiG-31, Su-15, Su-17, Su-20, Su-22, Su-24, Su-25, Yak-28, Yak-38, Yak-141, Mi-24, BAE Hawk, L39ZA

The Molniya (now Vympel) R-60 (NATO reporting name: AA-8 'Aphid') is a short-range lightweight infrared homing air-to-air missile designed for use by Soviet fighter aircraft. It has been widely exported, and remains in service with the CIS and many other nations.

The R-60 was initially developed for the MiG-23. Work began on the weapon, under the bureau designation K-60 (izdeliye 62), in the late 1960s. Series production began in 1973. It entered service with the designation R-60 (NATO 'Aphid-A').

When introduced, the R-60 was one of the world's lightest air-to-air missiles, with a launch weight of 44 kg (97 lb). It has infrared guidance, with an uncooled Komar (Mosquito) seeker head. Control is by forward rudders with large rear fins. The distinctive canards on the nose, known as "destabilizers," serve to improve the rudders' efficiency at high angles of attack. The R-60 uses a small, 3 kg (6.6 lb) tungsten expanding-rod surrounding a high explosive fragmentation warhead. Two different types of proximity fuze can be fitted: the standard Strizh (Swift) optical fuse, which can be replaced with a Kolibri active radar fuse. Missiles equipped with the latter fuse were designated R-60K.

According to Russian sources, practical engagement range is about 4,000 m (4,400 yd), although "brochure range" is 8 km (5.0 mi) at high altitude. The weapon was up until recently one of the most agile air-to-air missiles, and can be used by aircraft maneuvering at up to 9g against targets maneuvering at up to 8g. A tactical advantage is the short minimum range of only 300 m (330 yd).