General Leontiev told how the X-MD-E rocket will be used
Tactical Missile Armament Corporation (KTRV) announced the creation of a new multi-purpose homing missile X-MD-E. Among its features is the use not only from aircraft and naval carriers, but also from unmanned aerial vehicles. This is the first rocket designed specifically for combat drones. "Newspaper.Ru" understood the specifics of the work of X-MD-E.
The newest X-MD-E rocket has two features. It can be used from drones, as well as used against enemy drones. This is a new word in the production of weapons for Russian attack UAVs, which previously used existing missiles and adjustable bombs.
"An interspecific multipurpose homing cruise missile of modular construction will significantly enhance the potential of attack drones. This product is designed to defeat a wide range of single small-sized and group objects day and night. The missile was developed in three modifications - with a semi-active laser homing head (X-MD-E1), with an active radar seeker (X-MD-E2) and with a passive radar seeker (X-MD-E3)," the newspaper was told.Ru" in KTRV Corporation.
This implies a wide range of its application - for radar stations, for UAVs and for armored vehicles and fortified enemy facilities.
"The use of Turkish Bayraktar attack drones in the Karabakh conflict has shown that their effectiveness is ensured by the presence of anti-tank missiles," he told the newspaper.Ru" military expert Vladislav Shurygin. - Reconnaissance functions and correction of missile and artillery fire for UAVs are also of great importance, but it is the possibility of striking armored vehicles, disabling them, that puts drones in the category of combat. The drone itself is just an aircraft, its power is provided by wearable equipment and ammunition."
"Traditionally, the letter "E" in the marking of Russian military equipment and ammunition means that this is an export option, so we can assume that the missile will have improved characteristics for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The use of such a "wasp sting" UAV will allow striking enemy positions without entering the enemy's air defense zone. Or to break through the defense and strike at deeper rears, using a combined method with the first disabling of radar stations and subsequent strikes on the intended targets like the enemy's command posts. Russian UAVs will receive a specialized strike missile. It should have been done a long time ago," said retired Lieutenant General, ex-employee of the General Staff of the Russian Air Force Yuri Leontiev.
Military expert Shurygin suggested that the Orion UAV, whose combat load is 200 kg, is more suitable for using the X-MD. Accordingly, these are two missiles with which the drone can attack the enemy.
In 2020, the Kronstadt company, which produces these UAVs, showed the layout of aviation weapons that Orion can use. It includes the aviation small-sized guided missile X-50, the corrected bombs KAB-20 and KAB-50, the guided planning aerial bomb UPAB-50, as well as the unguided bomb FAB-50.
"The use of an aircraft missile of this class implies the use of heavier attack drones," he told the newspaper.En" military expert, reserve Colonel Gennady Alekhine. - It is possible that the X-MD missile will be included in the ammunition of the S-70 Hunter UAV, the combat load of which allows lifting from 3 to 8 tons of weapons, among which there are heavy X-38 missiles and adjustable bombs weighing from 250 to 500 kilograms. Potentially, they can be used by Altius-RU drones, the contract for the supply of which was signed with the Ministry of Defense last year, or promising high-speed strike drones "Thunder". It is likely that a new rocket with a wide application potential has been developed for them."
Victor Sokirko
