Kh-59 Air-to-Surface Missile

The Kh-59 (NATO codename: AS-13 Kingpost) is a standoff, TV-guided, medium-range air-to-surface missile developed by Russian Raduga Design Bureau. The missile is designed to engage large static ground targets such as bridges and buildings with pinpoint accuracy. First revealed in the 1991 Dubai Defence Exhibition, the Kh-59 missile is somewhat similar in concept to the U.S. AGM-84E SLAM. The PLAAF obtained the Kh-59 as a part of the Su-30MKK fighter acquisition package. The Kh-59 cruises at an altitude of about 7m above water or 100~1,000m above ground with the help of a radar altimeter. It can be launched at speeds of 600~1,000km/h and altitudes of 200~11,000m, with a CEP of 2~3m. It is carried on an AKU-58-1 launch pylon.

Specifications

Length: 5.37m
Diameter: 0.38m
Wingspan: 1.26m
Weight: 760kg
Warhead: 148kg HE
Propulsion: Solid rocket
Max speed: 1,000km/s
Max effective range: 50km
Guidance: Inertial + TV command

Last update: 1 April 2006