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R-33 (missile)

Vympel · Air-to-Air · Russia · Cold War (1970–1991)

R-33 (missile) — Air-to-Air
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The R-33 is a long-range air-to-air missile developed by Vympel. It is the primary armament of the MiG-31 interceptor, intended to attack large high-speed targets such as the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-1 Lancer bomber, and the B-52 Stratofortress.

Specifications

Category
Missiles
Sub-Category
AAM
Domain
Defence
Era
Cold War (1970–1991)
Country
Russia
Manufacturer
Vympel
Operator
Russia
Primary Role
Air-to-Air
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1981
Produced
2000
Unit Cost (2026$)
$1.5M
Propulsion
Rocket
Engine
Solid-fuel rocket motor
Thrust / Power
None (rocket)
Launch
Air-launched
Length (ft)
13.4
Wingspan (ft)
3.6
Empty Weight (lb)
500
MTOW (lb)
1081
Payload (lb)
99
Endurance (hr)
0.03
Service Ceiling (ft)
98000
Range (mi)
120
Max Speed (mph)
3452
Max Speed (Mach)
4.5
Armament
Expanding rod