Missile AA-9 Amos / R-33
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missile |
| Sub-type | Semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Manufacturer | Vympel |
Technical specifications
| AA-9 Amos / R-33 | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive |
| Warhead Weight | 47.5 kg |
| Diameter | 380 mm (15.0 in) |
| Span | 1160 mm (45.7 in) |
| Length | 4150 mm (163.4 in) |
| Weight | 490 kg (1080 lb) |
| Range | 160 km (99 mi) |
| Max Speed | Mach 3.5 |
Description
The AA-9 Amos, designated R-33 in Russia, was a long-range air-to-air missile developed for the MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor in the 1970s. It represented a major advance in Soviet missile technology with an active radar seeker and ability to engage targets beyond visual range at extended distances.
The R-33 entered service in 1981 arming the new high-speed MiG-31. With its phased array radar, the MiG-31 could direct semi-active radar homing missiles against multiple targets simultaneously. The Amos itself featured improved speed, range, and agility over earlier Soviet designs.
With a maximum engagement range around 100 miles, the AA-9 gave the MiG-31 the ability to intercept cruise missiles and aircraft well before coming in visual range. It was the first Soviet air-to-air missile capable of mid-course updates and terminal maneuvering to pursue evading targets.
The Amos remained in service through the end of the Cold War providing long range firepower to the MiG-31 fleet guarding Russia's borders. It was replaced in later MiG-31s by improved versions like the R-37 very long range missile. But the R-33 provided a quantum leap in Soviet BVR intercept capability when introduced and a predecessor to modern long range air-to-air missiles.