Russia To Deploy Raduga Kh-101 Cruise Missile In 2013

The Russian Air Force will deploy the Raduga kh-101 cruise missile in 2013, capable of delivering precision, long-distance strikes with a conventional warhead. The Raduga kh-101 cruise missile, currently being flight tested, can hit targets with an accuracy of 30 feet at a range of up to 6,000 miles compared with the Kh-555 which has a range of 75-90 feet (25-30 meters). The Tupolev Tu-95MS and Tu-160, Russia's biggest bombers, can carry the large missile and will continue to be in service with the Kh-555. The cruise missile can deliver a bigger payload of 880 pounds (400 kg) than its Kh-555 predecessor (440 pounds) over a much longer range. A nuclear-armed variant, Kh-102, will also enter service. Russia’s GLONASS satellite navigation system helps the subsonic Kh-101 to navigate but has a backup intertial guidance mechanism.