Kh-25

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Kh-25M
Type	MP: SEAD
Service history
In service	1975
Production history
Manufacturer	Zvezda-Strela
Specifications
Weight	MP: 320kg MR/ML: 300 kg
Length	MP: 4.19 m MR: 3.69 m ML: 3.71 m
Diameter	275 mm

Warhead	90 kg TNT equivalent
Detonation mechanism	Impact

Operational range	MP: 25 km MR: 10 km ML: 20 km
Speed	Mach 0.7
Guidance system	MP: inertial and passive radar MR: radio-command ML: semi-active laser MTP: thermal-imaging
Launch platform	Helicopters Ka-50 Aircraft Su-25

The Kh-25 is a Russian AGM that can be carried on double or single ejector racks on most Russian strike aircraft. It has been developed by Zvezda-Strela in cooperation with Sukhoi in order to replace the Kh-23 missile which was too complicated to guide in a combat situation.

The most popular version of the missile is the Kh-25M variant, where the M stands for "Modulnaya" or modular. All the M missiles are made up out of the same components, with the exception of the guidance head. There are four known variants of this missile:

Kh-25MP with inertial and passive radar guidance
Kh-25MR with radio-command guidance
Kh-25ML with semi-active laser guidance
Kh-25MLT with thermal-imaging guidance

All of the missiles are assigned the NATO codename AS-10 Karen, with the exception of the Kh-25MP which is designated AS-12 Kegler.

Kh-25ML.

[edit] Kh-25ML

The Kh-25ML is a variant of the Kh-25. The missile is designed to engage pinpoint ground and waterborne targets, such as missile systems, open and sheltered aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery pieces, light bridges and ferries, as well as small-displacement ships, in visual meteorological conditions both day and night.

The missile is provided with a semiactive laser homing head. It features a canard configuration with cruciform wings and ruddervators.

A target is detected by the pilot visually or with the aid of a forward air controller. A target is laser-illuminated from the carrier aircraft, another aircraft or helicopter as well as from a groundbased target designator. Upon receipt of a signal on lockon of a target-reflected laser beam, with the aircraft being in range, the pilot launches a missile in level flight or at a dive of up to 40°. After launch, the missile homes to the target by signals of its head. A steep climb is expedient to increase a target approach angle and use warhead more effectively.