Привет,
After the interesting research about the R-27T missiles, I am hopeful that the members of this forum can be of repeated assistance. The questions concern the naval Su-33, since Matt Wagner has invited contributions about this subject.
The first question is regarding the Kh-41 "Moskit" air-launched version of the 3M80 antiship missile. Unlike most other guided air-to-ground weapons, this missile has actually been shown on a pylon of the Su-33 at MAKS-99 and other airshows. However, it is understood that the Su-33 radar uses only medium and high pulse repetition frequencies, and has no capability to provide the Kh-41 with targetting information against ground or sea targets. Matt is interested to know more about the possibility for the Kh-41 to receive guidance from other sources, such as the Tu-142, Ka-27 or ocean radar satellites, before or after being fired by the Su-33. It is known that many Russian antiship missiles use such a datalink, but the details of the Kh-41 are unknown. Information regarding such capability in other missiles would therefore probably also be helpful.
There is also a report that a Zhuk-M radar with ground mapping ability was tested on one Su-33, but no exercises with Kh-41, R-77 or other weapons have been reported. The second question, therefore, is whether there is any news about this aircraft, and if the upgrade to the "Su-33M" has been approved by the Russian government?
Thank you for your help,
-SK