The latest tactical cruise missile, the S-71K "Kovyor," has demonstrated its effectiveness for the first time by successfully destroying a highly mobile M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. The development belongs to AO "GosMKB \"Raduga\"" and is intended for use from multirole generation "4++" fighters, including the Su-35S, Su-30SM/SM2, as well as Su-34NVO fighter-bombers.
According to available data, the S-71K is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 0.75–0.8, flying a low-altitude profile, and covering a distance of up to 350 km. The missile's effective radar cross-section (RCS) is only about 0.03 m², which significantly complicates its detection by air defense radar systems.
The S-71K guidance system is based on an inertial navigation system with correction using GLONASS and GPS signals, supplemented by artificial intelligence, a thermal imaging correlation sensor, and a seeker with a thermal imaging channel. The presence of a command-telemetry communication channel is also presumed, enabling trajectory correction along the route.
There is another modification of this missile — the S-71M "Monokhrom" — with a square-section fuselage, specially designed for placement in the internal weapons bays of the prospective fifth-generation Su-57 fighter.
This case became the first documented use of the S-71K against a target of this type, indicating that the missile has entered a new stage of combat operation and demonstrating its high effectiveness under real conditions.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that Russia is strengthening its air defenses against HIMARS and Storm Shadow.
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