Cruise missiles Kh-101 in Special Operations
Preparing a Tu-160 bomber for a sortie, 2015. Photo by the RF Ministry of Defense
From the first days, a full-fledged participant in the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass has been a distant aviation aerospace forces. Strategic missile-carrying bombers regularly take to the air and send cruise missiles of various types to their intended targets. Kh-101 missiles, which are distinguished by high tactical and technical characteristics and have other advantages, are widely used in the current operation.
Rocket in Special Operations
The operation began in February last year with a massive missile attack on Ukrainian military infrastructure. As it soon became known, land and sea-based missile systems, as well as long-range aviation of the Aerospace Forces, were involved in these activities. To destroy distant enemy targets, bombers use the entire range of available air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), including the new Kh-101.
As far as is known, the Kh-101 missile is used by Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft. After the necessary preparation, the carriers are lifted from the Engels airfield and sent to the launch zone. The high characteristics of modern ALCMs make it possible to launch over the territory of the country and at a great distance from the combat zone.
Further, the missiles independently reach the Ukrainian territory and head for the designated targets. The flight is carried out at low altitude, which helps to pass through the areas of responsibility of the enemy air defense. The target is hit with the highest possible accuracy and with minimal deviation. A high-explosive fragmentation warhead of high power ensures the destruction of various objects, up to fairly large buildings.
Rocket X-101 in the cargo compartment. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Targets for missiles
According to known data, in the first months of the Special Operation, X-101 products were used to strike at certain important objects - warehouses, command posts, etc. Since October, such ALCMs, along with other weapons, have been used as part of massive attacks on infrastructure. Depending on the characteristics of the target, one missile or several can be directed at it. Combinations are also possible. weapons different types.
The Ministry of Defense has not yet published detailed information on the use of Kh-101 missiles. However, it can be assumed that up to several hundred such products have already been used and a comparable number of targets have been hit. In general, such ALCMs show high efficiency, which is confirmed by the means of objective control. In addition, the Ukrainian side regularly receives photos and videos showing overflights and hits of the X-101. These materials may be indirect confirmation of the effectiveness of Russian missiles.
It is curious that after each missile strike the Kiev regime “reports on the successes” of its air defense. Each time it is claimed that dozens of UAVs and ALCMs were shot down, including Kh-101 products. However, in reality, almost all missiles and Drones cope with the tasks and hit the assigned targets.
It should be recognized that not all cruise missiles succeed in fulfilling their mission. A small percentage of products are indeed shot down by enemy air defense - albeit with great difficulty and with an increased consumption of anti-aircraft missiles. There are also technical problems leading to the fall of the rocket. However, all these are quite rare cases, and almost all Kh-101 ALCMs, like other weapons, achieve their goals.
X-101 on the external suspension of the Tu-95MS missile carrier. Photo Lostarmour.info
In recent months, the use of Kh-101 missiles has become regular and massive. This practice demonstrates high efficiency, and, apparently, it will not be abandoned. This means that modern ALCMs will remain full participants in the forced demilitarization of Ukraine.
Modern weapons
The Kh-101 ALCM is the newest munition in service with Russian long-range aviation. The development of this product and its nuclear version with the X-102 index has been carried out since the mid-nineties. By the end of the 2015s, the rocket was tested, and in the first half of the last decade it completed the necessary checks and was recommended for adoption. In 101, the X-XNUMX serial products were used for the first time on real targets in Syria.
The Kh-101 missile can be considered a development of the ideas laid down earlier in the Kh-55/555 project. During its development, well-mastered and time-tested ideas and solutions were used. At the same time, new technologies and components were introduced.
For the X-101 product, a new reduced visibility airframe was developed. It has an elongated fuselage with a folding wing and tail. The airframe is distinguished by special forms of external surfaces and structural materials. It is reported that the ALCM in this design is able to break through air defense more effectively than the previous Kh-55/555.
The mid-flight turbojet engine with limited thrust and low resource has been preserved. It provides high subsonic flight speed. The maximum range is 5500 km. High flight performance allows you to make the best flight routes, taking into account possible threats.
Missile flight somewhere over Ukraine. Photo Telegram / ChDambiev
According to known data, the X-101 received a combined control system. It includes an autopilot, inertial and satellite navigation aids. Also reported is the presence of radar or optoelectronic correction according to the reference map of the area - throughout the flight or near the target. Now foreign specialized media are discussing photos of the X-101 ALCM that fell somewhere in Ukraine. This product has a window with a lens, which indicates the use of optical means.
Like older domestic ALCMs, the modern Kh-101 is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Weight - 400 kg. Practice has shown that such a warhead copes with the destruction of various buildings, effectively hits warehouses, clusters of equipment, etc. The Kh-102 unified cruise missile, in turn, is equipped with a special warhead. The power of the nuclear warhead has not yet been reported.
The carriers of Kh-101 missiles are the main strategic bombers-missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces. So, the Tu-160 carries missiles of all main types on two internal drum sets - up to 12 units in total. The missiles are also compatible with the upgraded Tu-95MS missile carrier. This aircraft carries ALCMs on an external sling on pylons under the wing, a total of 8 units.
Combat experience
Cruise missiles X-101 were first used on a real target in November 2015 during the Syrian operation. Subsequently, the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers repeatedly delivered such items to the launch area, and then they hit the designated targets. In total, several dozen missiles were used up and practically all the intended targets in the form of certain terrorist targets were hit.
Hit X-101 on target. A smoky trail of a fallen rocket is visible. A large cloud of smoke is a consequence of the explosion of a missed missile defense system. Photo Telegram / "Militarist's Heart"
In Syria, the new domestic ALCMs have confirmed the design characteristics and demonstrated at least part of their capabilities. It should be noted that the missiles were used in a specific situation. The enemy, represented by terrorist organizations, did not have full-fledged air defense and had only individual weapons with limited characteristics.
Since February-March last year, X-101 products have been used to demilitarize Ukraine. This time they had to face a full-fledged army with a variety of anti-aircraft systems. However, the presence of air defense, built according to Soviet standards, did not help the enemy. X-101 successfully overcome radar fields and zones of destruction of air defense systems, after which they hit the indicated targets. Air defense losses are minimal and do not affect the overall results of strikes. Moreover, such risks are taken into account at the stage of strike preparation, and the necessary measures are taken.
Work continues
The Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile and its nuclear Kh-102 variant entered service with the Aerospace Forces just a few years ago. However, since then they have managed to take part in two military operations and hit a large number of ground targets. At the same time, the Special Operation in Ukraine has not yet been completed - and it can be expected that long-range bombers will continue to launch cruise missiles of all types, including the Kh-101.
During operation and combat use, the X-101 product confirmed the calculated characteristics and showed high efficiency in solving all the tasks. Having advantages over its predecessors, this missile will soon have to completely displace them and completely occupy the most important niche. And this will further improve the capabilities of our long-range aviation.
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