The Kh-69 (Cyrillic: Х-69) is a Russian subsonic air-launched cruise missile.[3] It was developed from the Kh-59 missile, and has a range of at least 400 km (250 mi). It has a reduced radar signature compared to its forerunners.[1]
| Kh-69 | |
|---|---|
 A mock-up Kh-69 at Army 2022. | |
| Type | Air-launched cruise missile |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023–current |
| Used by | Russia |
| Wars | Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | MKB Raduga |
| Manufacturer | Tactical Missiles Corporation |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | under 800kg[1] |
| Warhead weight | approx 300kg |
Operational range | 400km reported[1] |
| Maximum speed | up to 1000km/h[1] |
Guidance system | Satellite plus inertial[1] |
Launch platform | Su-30MK, Su-34, Su-35, Su-57, MiG-29K, MiG-35[2] |
History
editThe Kh-69 is a product of the Tactical Missile Corporation subsidiary MKB Raduga.[2] It was first unveiled in August 2022.[4][5]
In September 2023, the International Institute for Strategic Studies reported that the Kh-69 was still in the testing phase of development.[1]
Claims have been made that three Kh-69s were fired at Ukraine overnight on 7-8 February 2024.[1]
On 11 April 2024, Ukrainian sources claimed debris of a Kh-69 missile were found on the site of Russian missile attack against the Trypilska thermal power plant, which was completely disabled as a result of the attack.[6][5] The attack "destroyed the transformer, turbines and generators" of the power plant.[3] The Institute for the Study of War characterized the attack as part of "continued efforts to improve strike packages and penetrate Ukraine's degraded air defense."[1]
Technical characteristics
editThe Kh-69 can be carried inside the Sukhoi Su-57's internal weapons bays. It can also be used by the Su-30MK, Su-34, Su-35, MiG-29K and MiG-35.[2]
The missile is similar in nature to the Storm Shadow and Taurus KEPD 350 missiles.[1] It has one pair of wings and four fins at the rear, that all deploy in flight after launch.[5]
The missile is reported to weigh under 800kg and is reported to cruise at speeds of up to 1000km/h.[1] It can use either a cluster or a penetration warhead, weighing around 300 kilograms.[2]
The Kh-69 uses GPS and GLONASS for guidance,[7] with inertial backup. The missile is reportedly able to fly at an altitude as low as 20 meters above ground level,[8] which greatly contributes to its low radar observability. An electro-optical seeker was reported in 2022 to round out the sensor suite.[9]
Gallery
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References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Russia's firing new, long-range Kh-69 cruise missiles, war experts say, piling on the misery for Ukraine's dwindling air defense".
- ^ a b c d Newdick, Thomas (2024-02-16). "Russia Now Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles In Ukraine: Reports". The War Zone.
- ^ a b "What is Kh-69? Russia's new subsonic cruise missile "worse" than Dagger". 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Russia shows off new Kh-69 cruise missile". key.aero. 30 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Kilner, James (13 April 2024). "Pictured: Russia's new ultra-low-flying missile that destroyed Kyiv power plant". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Russian Kh-69 Latest Cruise Missile Targets Trypilska Power Station". mil.in.ua. 11 April 2024.
- ^ "Su-57 gets Kh69 missile for hitting railway stations or hubs". 4 February 2023.
- ^ "'Kh-69 is worse than Kinzhal' says Ukraine on today's RuAF attack". 11 April 2024.
- ^ "Russia Unveils KH-69 Stealth Cruise Missile".