Valid targets for KSR-5 (AS-6 Kingfish)

[Windom Earle]

I don't know is it just a database issue or not... DB3000 Build 413 lists only "Surface Ships" as valid targets for KSR-5/KSR-5M missiles (various mods). Most of the sources I found also claim that the missiles can also be used against so called "radiocontrast" targets (like dambs, plants etc). Should it be reflected in the database, adding, for example, "Land Structures" in their valid targets lists?

[mikmykWS]

If you can post the source and we'll make the delta.

We don't just do it because somebody asks. There has be some data behind it. This is so when we get asked we can explain the change[:)]

Mike

[navwarcol]

This source says it was also intended against land targets.

http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/as-6.htm

I do not think that the Soviet Naval Aviation forces actually trained for land attack missions however.

[Sardaukar]

CEP of 1-2 nm against land targets is probably useful for nuke only.

[Windom Earle]

Russian sources:
(sorry, can't post functional links yet)

testpilot.ru/russia/raduga/ksr/5/ksr5.htm
airwar.ru/weapon/kr/ksr5.html
rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/kcr_5/kcr_5.shtml
airwar.ru/enc/bomber/tu16k26.html

CEP 1,5 - 3 km for land targets (for KSR-5?). No info for KSR-5M that should be more precise.

[AlmightyTallest]

Hard to find info on these, so far the only conventional land attack capable versions seem to the anti-radiation versions.

http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Rus-Cruise-Missiles.html#mozTocId753021

KSR-5/D-5 Active radar inertially guided ASCM.

KSR-5N/D-5N Active radar inertially guided ASCM with low altitude flight profile.
KSR-5NM Improved active radar inertially guided ASCM with low altitude flight profile.
KSR-5M Improved active radar inertially guided ASCM for low RCS targets.
KSR-5MV Improved active radar inertially guided ASCM for low RCS targets.
KSR-5P Antiradiation variant.
KSR-5PM Improved antiradiation variant.

The -5M is still listed as an Anti Ship Cruise Missile, and I haven't found any info on what they consider a low RCS target.

[Windom Earle]

The KSR-2 (AS-5 Kelt), the KSR-5 predecessor, is similar at the ways of its operating. It was also developed and tested to be used as a both maritime and a land strike weapon.

Tupolev Tu-16. Dalniy bombardirovschik i raketonosets
(Tupolev Tu-16. Long-Range Bomber and Missile Carrier)
by Yakubovich N.V., 2001
pp 140-141:

First of six test launches in July-September 1958 at a distance of 96 km scored four direct hits on target, and one, unsuccessful due to the failure of aircraft equipment, did not count. Ground corner reflectors and a partially submerged in shallow water transport "Chkalov" were used as targets.
...
In addition to surface maritime targets, it was tested the possibility of strikes at ground radiocontrast objects like hydro power plants, railway junctions and individual industrial enterprises.

Tupolev Tu-16: Versatile Soviet Long-Range Bomber
by Yefim Gordon and Vladimir Rigmant, 2004
page 41:

The following data refers to the K-16 air-to-surface missile system:
---
Combat radius of the Tu-16KSR-2* = 1900 km
Flight altitude of carrier aircraft = 4000 - 11000 m
Cruising speed with launch at 10000m = 750 - 800 km/h
Target detection range
towns and large targets = 320 - 340 km
large bridges = 250 - 280 km
large surface vessels = 200 - 220 km
Normal range of KSR-2 = 120 - 140 km
Maximum range of KSR-2 = 140 - 150 km
Proximity of Tu-16KSR-2 to target = 110 - 130 km
'Kill' probability = 80%
---
* - with two ASMs, a 75800 kg AUW, without in-flight refuelling and with 5% fuel reserves.
** - from an altitude of 10000 m with the aircraft turning away from the target.

Tu-16KSR-2 = Tu-16K-16 = Badger-G

[mikmykWS]

Looks like the Egyptians may have fired some along with the ARM variant during the 73 War. No idea what at.

Will look and see if the puzzle can be solved.

Mike

[Windom Earle]

It was a "field supply depot in the Sinai" that KSR-2 (AS-5 Kelt) was fired at.
(Robert Bock. Tu-16 BADGER in action, 1990, p.20).

And an interesting fact: Tom Cooper notes in his book (Tom Cooper. Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat, 2004, p.48) that the AS-6 Kingfish (KSR-5) missiles were used in Iraqi attacks on Khark island facilities. Iraq did buy the KSR-5 missiles in 1983-1984.
(Kamran Mofid. Economic Consequences of the Gulf War, 2005, p.99,
http://briefingroom.typepad.com/the_bri ... _73-02.pdf , p.11,
http://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/12/world ... -iran.html)

[mikmykWS]

Ah not exactly a precision targets. That supports the idea that their cep in not exactly ideal

Thanks for researching this!

Mike