K-10S

The Raduga K-10S (NATO reporting name: AS-2 Kipper) was a Soviet supersonic anti-ship missile that was usually nuclear-armed, designed by MKB Raduga. Its development began in 1955, and it entered service with the Soviet armed forces in 1961. The Kipper missile was a very large one, approximately the size of a small jet fighter, because of the rather primitive state of anti-ship missile technology in the 1950s and 1960s. This missile was never used in combat anywhere.

Raduga K-10S/AS-2 Kipper
Type	anti-ship missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1961-1994
Wars	Cold War
Production history
Designer	MKB Raduga
Designed	1955
Produced	1961
Variants	P-40
Specifications
Mass	4,533 kg (9,994 lb)
Length	9.75 m (384 in)
Diameter	1 m (39 in)
Wingspan	4.18 m (165 in)
Warhead	FK-10 HE[1] or nuclear
Warhead weight	1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
Detonation mechanism	impact fuze
Blast yield	350kt
Engine	Lyulka AL-5 RD-9FK,[2] Mikulin M-9FK[1]
Operational range	260–350 km (160–220 mi; 140–190 nmi)
Flight ceiling	12 km (39,000 ft)
Maximum speed	1,400 km/h (870 mph), Mach 1.32 at service ceiling
Guidance system	inertial with terminal active radar homing
Accuracy	CEP 150 ft (46 m)[2]
Launch platform	Tu-16K-10 Badger C

The AS-2's dedicated launch platform, the Tu-16K-10 Badger C, could carry a single AS-2, semi-recessed in the bomb bay.[2]

AS-2 Kipper slung under Tu-16 Badger-C launch aircraft

The Kipper's long range enabled it to be launched, hypothetically, from beyond the range of any shipboard surface-to-air missiles or anti-aircraft guns of that time. The only defense against the Kipper was naval jet fighter aircraft, operating from either an aircraft carrier or a shore airfield.

In flight tests, the Kipper cruised on its approach to a target at an altitude of about 10,000 meters, using inertial guidance until it reaches a range of about 100 to 110 kilometers from the target, where it enters a shallow 15 degree dive, commanded by a mid-course update via radio link. When it reaches a range of 60 to 70 kilometers it levels out at an altitude of between 800 and 1,000 meters where it cruises until it reaches a range of 10 to 16 kilometers, when the missile's active radar homing guidance is engaged. It then enters a dive, striking the target vessel close to or below the waterline.