Cruise missile Kh-50. A new threat to the Kyiv regime
The possible appearance of the X-50 rocket according to Jane's
In recent days, Ukraine has been talking about the promising Kh-50 air-launched cruise missile being developed for the Russian aerospace forces. The Ukrainian command is afraid that in the near future this product will reach mass production, and then it will be used as part of the Special Operation. It is understood that the new high-performance ALCM will complement other strike assets and become an additional threat to the Kyiv regime.
Waiting for blows
On April 13, a representative of the Ukrainian General Staff, Brigadier General Aleksey Gromov, held another briefing. During the event, curious information was voiced about the possible rearmament of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which will create an additional threat to Ukrainian formations and the Kyiv regime as a whole.
Referring to his sources, A. Gromov said that already in June the Russian defense industry could start mass production of the latest X-50 type ALCMs. After accumulating a certain stock of such and other weapons, Russia will be able to intensify missile attacks on Ukrainian targets.
To calm the public in anticipation of the next attacks, the general tried to raise the topic of Russian problems in the field of production. He suggested that the current capabilities for the production of weapons and equipment will not allow the Russian army to restore reserves even in the medium term, and therefore the defense capability will fall. Predictably, these claims were not supported by any evidence.
Modern missile Kh-101. Promising X-50 may look like her
General Gromov's statements about the production and future use of Kh-50 missiles attracted attention both in Ukraine and abroad. Profile publications and analysts are building different versions of the possible timing and pace of production. In addition, some are trying to explain why the Russian industry will never be able to master the production of new ALCMs.
In general, there is a standard set of topics. At the same time, the technological backwardness of Russia and the critical dependence on foreign products are mentioned, as well as the willingness to mass-produce weapon and use it for the purpose of "aggression" against Ukraine.
It is characteristic that in the context of the last "News' no evidence is provided. At the same time, the Ukrainian side expresses concern and openly fears new Russian missiles. It turns out that the Kiev command, despite all the boasting and ostentatious optimism, understands the real state of affairs, as well as the prospects for the development of the current situation.
Perspective development
The Kh-50 air-launched cruise missile is one of the latest domestic developments in the field of weapons for long-range aviation. In addition, this is one of the most closed projects. Not much is known about him, and the available information is not very detailed. In particular, only an approximate level of tactical and technical characteristics is disclosed.
According to known data, the future X-50 ALCM, also known as X-SD (“medium range”) or product “715”, was developed at the Raduga State Design Bureau named after. AND I. Bereznyak since the early nineties. The aim of the project was to create a new ammunition for long-range bombers, capable of supplementing the existing range of missiles. To obtain the necessary capabilities, the main characteristics of the X-50 had to be inferior to the products of the X-55 or X-101.
The development of a new rocket continued at least until the first half of the 2014s. In 715, the State Design Bureau "Raduga" and the company "Tupolev" signed a contract on the joint implementation of certain work. Probably, it was planned to integrate the product "2016" into the armament complex of Tu aircraft. In 18-XNUMX ground tests of the new ALCM were reported.
What stage the X-50 project is currently at is unknown. Official information about him has not been published in recent years. At the same time, it can be assumed that the rocket is really approaching the production launch stage. According to various estimates, it could start as part of the new State Armaments Program for 2018-27.
If work on the X-50 / X-SD project was not stopped for any reason and is still ongoing, then a finished product may appear in the foreseeable future. Soon it will have to be adopted and mastered by the troops.
Technical features
The Kh-50 is believed to be a low-profile, medium-range subsonic cruise missile designed for long-range bombers. When it was created, ready-made developments from previous projects were used, which led to similarities with some existing products, such as the X-101/102. At the same time, new solutions are being used.
The X-SD missile should be built on the basis of a glider with characteristic contours that reduce radar visibility. In the central part of the fuselage there should be a wing that is laid out in flight, in the tail - plumage. X-50 does not need a large supply of fuel, which has reduced its size and weight. It should be smaller and lighter than the serial X-101 ALCM, which has a length of approx. 7,5 m and a starting weight of up to 2400 kg.
X-101 missiles on the revolver launcher of the Tu-160 bomber
Like other domestic modern types of ALCMs, the X-50 should be equipped with a turbojet engine. She needs a short-life engine with limited thrust, capable of providing high subsonic flight speeds. The flight range is unknown, but is estimated at 1500-1600 km.
The means and principles of missile control are unknown. Probably, there are navigation instruments on board to fly to the target with given coordinates. Also, some sources mentioned the presence of an optical-correlation homing head for more accurate target engagement. On board the missile there may be means of breaking through enemy air defenses, such as a jamming station, dropped decoys, etc.
The product "715" must carry a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing up to several hundred kilograms. Perhaps the main charge is placed in a strong case that provides a penetrating effect. Also, some sources mention the possibility of using a cassette warhead.
All current long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces can be carriers of the reduced Kh-50 missile. The placement of such weapons is possible both on the internal turret installation and on the external sling. The ammunition load of one aircraft can reach 10-12 units. At the same time, the use of new ALCMs requires some updating of weapon control systems.
Additional tool
Even the limited amount of available data makes it possible to understand why the Russian Aerospace Forces need the Kh-50 missile, and what advantages it will be possible to obtain with its help. In general, we are talking about expanding the range of available ammunition, closing an important niche, and even some savings.
It should be recalled that the Kh-55 and Kh-101 ALCMs are classified as strategic weapons and have a corresponding flight range of 5500 km. However, as practice has shown, not in all situations such characteristics are used to the full. To solve a number of combat missions, bombers need a missile with similar accuracy and efficiency, but with a shorter range and reduced dimensions.
Thus, in the future, having received the 715 products, our long-range aviation will be able to choose ammunition that is more appropriate for the task. If the launch line is at a distance of no more than 1500 km from the target, it will be possible to use the lighter and cheaper Kh-50 ALCM. At long ranges, existing products with enhanced performance will continue to be used.
Reason for concern
The latest news about the development of the promising Kh-50 missile appeared a long time ago. At what stage this project is now, and how soon the VKS will be able to get ready-made weapons, is unknown. However, it is already clear that it is of particular interest to the armed forces and has every chance of reaching production and operation.
An interesting fact is that the Ukrainian command in advance considers the new Russian missile as another serious threat and speaks openly about it. Perhaps this is some kind of "cunning plan" with unclear goals - or the enemy really understands what threatens him. One way or another, Kh-50 missiles, if they appear in the arsenals of the Aerospace Forces, will be able to join the Special Operation and show their potential, regardless of Ukrainian fears or forecasts.
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