Zarvan
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The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-to-ground missile can reportedly carry a nuclear warhead
Country of origin Russia
Entered service ?
Missile
Missile length ~ 8 m
Missile diameter ~ 1 m
Fin span ~ 1.5 m
Missile launch weight ~ 1 000 kg
Warhead weight ?
Warhead type conventional or nuclear
Range of fire up to 2 000 km (?)
CEP 10 ~ 20 m
The Kh-47M2, also nicknamed "Kinzhal" (Dagger), is a new Russian hypersonic air-launched cruise missile. Since 2017 this missile being tested and evaluated by the Russian military. This hypersonic missile was first publicly revealed in 2018. Though by 2018 this weapon was not officially adopted to service or reached mass production. Currently there is little known about this missile and its capabilities. Interestingly, there is no information available on the original Kh-47 missile, but not its improved "M2" version.
The Kinzhal resembles an air-launched version of the Iskander short-range ballistic missile. However despite similar appearance it is a completely different design. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a long-range standoff weapon. Its role is to suppress hostile defenses and engage important targets. It can also engage warships.
The Kinzhal missile is carried and launched by MiG-31BM long-range multi-role fighters. It is planned that it will be also carried by a new Su-57 stealthy multi-role fighters.
Some sources report that this missile has a maximum range of up to 2 000 km. If these reports are correct it means that this missile significantly extends the range of Russian multi-role fighters, that previously carried air-to-ground missiles with a maximum range of several hundred kilometers. Claimed range of the Kinzhal approaches that of Kh-55SM, Kh-101, and some other air-launched cruise missiles, that are carried by long-range strategic bombers.
The Kh-47M2 reportedly travels at a speed of Mach 10 (around 12 000 km/h). At such speed it takes just over 10 minutes for the missile to reach its maximum range.
The Kinzhal can carry conventional high explosive, or a low-yield nuclear warhead.
This cruise missile maneuvers during all stages of its flight in order to overcome hostile air defense systems.
Latest Russian air-to-ground missiles are pretty accurate due to the use of modern guidance systems with satellite navigation capability. Most likely that the Kinzhal is no exception. It could have a CEP or around 10-20 meters.
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
Air-Launched Cruise Missile
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
Air-Launched Cruise Missile
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
Air-Launched Cruise Missile
http://www.military-today.com/missiles/kh_47m2_kinzhal.htm