«Thunder» strikes: how the latest missile for MiG-31, Su-34 and Su-57 hides from radars

Russian aviation has an interesting missile called Kh-38. It was developed in the 90s as a highly unified product capable of replacing a wide range of short-range tactical missiles. The main feature of the ammunition is modularity, which manifests itself in the ability to change two key elements, depending on the goals and objectives.

However, the Kh-38MK did not go into series, but became the basis for another, much more interesting family, known to us under the name «Thunder».

The main feature of «Thunder» is also modularity, but here it stands at a slightly different level. The product is more like a constructor — several parts are combined as desired, which in the end, with the highest efficiency, should significantly reduce production costs.

At the heart of «Thunder» lies the planning and control module (PCM), and it is in many ways similar to the UMPC — the same wings, coupled with electronic filling. But unlike the main tool of the Russian Aerospace Forces, a specially prepared product is attached to the PCM, not an ordinary air bomb — the main warhead module (MCBo). It weighs 315 kg and is almost twice as effective in combat as the FAB-250.

In terms of characteristics, it catches up with «Caliber»

You can also install an additional warhead module (MCBd), and then the ammunition will surpass the OFAB-500, but will become, in fact, a complete anologue of the UPMK with a range of approximately 65 km. But the MCBd can be replaced with an engine, most likely from the Kh-38 (MDU), and then we have a full-fledged cruise missile with good capabilities.

Firstly, the carrier does not need to climb 10-12 km for launch, unlike dropping a bomb with a UMPC. This affects its detection.

The second advantage is speed — the product is comparable to the KRMB «Caliber» and moves towards the target at a speed of around 1000 km/h.

The third advantage lies in the flight altitude — as you can easily guess, it is minimal, which means that not only is the carrier hidden from radars, but also the missile itself — it is very difficult to prepare for such a strike, not to mention repelling it.

Earlier www1.ru reported that 1.1 billion rubles were demanded from the manufacturer of military boats for the Pacific Fleet.