K-5 (missile)


The Kaliningrad K-5, also known as RS-1U or product ShM, was an early Soviet air-to-air missile.

History

The development of the K-5 began in 1951. The first test firings were in 1953. It was tested by the Yakovlev Yak-25. The weapon entered service as the Grushin/Tomashevich RS-2U in 1957. The initial version was matched to the RP-2U radar used on the MiG-17PFU, MiG-19PM. An improved variant, K-5M or RS-2US in PVO service, entered production in 1959, matched to the RP-9/RP-9U radar of the Sukhoi Su-9. The People's Republic of China developed a copy under the designation PL-1, for use by their J-6B fighters.
The difficulties associated with beam-riding guidance, particularly in a single-seat fighter aircraft, were substantial, making the 'Alkali' primarily a short-range anti-bomber missile. Around 1967 the K-5 was replaced by the K-55, which replaced the beam-riding seeker with the semi-active radar homing or infrared seekers of the K-13. The weapon was heavier than the K-5, but had a smaller warhead. The K-55 remained in service through about 1977, probably being retired with the last of the Sukhoi Su-9 interceptors.

Specifications (RS-2US / K-5MS)

Former operators

; : Both the Soviet Air Force and the Soviet Air Defence Forces operated the K-5.
; : The People's Liberation Army Air Force operated licensed Chinese copy of Kaliningrad K-5 designated as PL-1.
; : The Czechoslovakian Air Force operated RS-2U and RS-2US.
; : The Hungarian Air Force operated RS-2US on MiG-19PMs, MiG–21PFs and MiG–21MFs.
; : The Polish Air Force operated RS-2US on MiG-19PMs and MiG-21s, still in use as practice target.
; : Locally produced A-90 copy by Electromecanica Ploiesti