K-10S (missile)

The Raduga K-10S (NATO reporting name: AS-2 Kipper) was a Soviet supersonic anti-ship missile that was usually nuclear-armed. Its development began in 1955, and it entered service with the Soviet armed forces in 1961. The Kipper missile was a very large one, approximately the size of a small jet fighter, because of the rather primitive state of anti-ship missile technology in the 1950s and 60s. This missile was never used in combat anywhere.

Just a single Kipper missile could be carried below the belly of a bomber, usually the Tupolev Tu-16K-10 Badger C. The Kipper's long range enabled it to be launched, hypothetically, from beyond the range of any shipboard surface-to-air missiles or anti-aircraft guns of that time. The only defense against the Kipper was the naval jet fighter plane, operating from either an aircraft carrier or a shore airfield.

In flight tests, the Kipper cruised on its approach to a target at an altitude of about 10,000 meters, until it reaches the range of about 100 to 110 kilometers from the target, where it enters a shallow 15 degree dive. When it reaches a range of 60 to 70 kilometers it levels out at an altitude of between 800 and 1,000 meters where it cruises until it reaches a range of 10 to 16 kilometers, when the missiles active guidance is engaged. It then enters a dive, striking the target vessel close to or below the waterline.

Specifications

 * Length: 9.75 m
 * Wing span: 4.18 m
 * Diameter: 1 m
 * Launch weight: 4,533 kg
 * Warhead weight: 940 kg
 * Range: 110 km to 325 km
 * Launch altitude: 1,500 to 11,000 m
 * Cruise speed: 2,030 km/h
 * Engine: Mikulin M-9FK