Aircraft Guided Missile X-59MK (X-59MK2)

Like all Kh-59 family rockets, Kh-59MK rocket is made on the "tailless" scheme and is equipped with a cross-shaped triangular wing (see diagram). Four destabilizers are installed in the nose section of the hull.  Compared with the X-59M missile has a new control system and a marching engine. Replacing the launch accelerator with an additional fuel tank has significantly increased the range of the missile (see diagram).

X-59MK is used to engage a wide range of surface radar-contrast targets with EPR more than 300 m2 (from a boat to a cruiser) at any time of day, both in simple and difficult weather conditions in the open sea and near the shoreline. The maximum range of the X-59MK missile for the destroyer-cruiser target is 285 km, for the boat target - 145 km (see the area of engagement). According to the developer's estimation, the probability of hitting the cruiser or destroyer is 0.9-0.96, and the probability of hitting the boat is 0.7-0.93. Thus, one missile is enough to hit the boat, and the estimated average number of hits to destroy the cruiser or destroyer is 1.8 and 1.3, respectively.

PKR X-59MK is equipped with an active radar homing head ARGS-59E, which in combination with modern noise-protected control system and a powerful BC provides high efficiency of combat application. The ARS-59E has been developed at the "Radar MMS" Research and Production Enterprise, OJSC. (St. Petersburg). The maximum range of detection of ARGS of "destroyer" type target (EEP>5000kv.m) -25km, "boat" type target (EEP>300kv.m) -15km. Angle of pumping ARGS antenna on azimuth - ±45 °, on a place corner - +10 ° ... -20 °. The missile is capable of performing complex flight trajectories with bypassing hazardous areas and all-around approach to the target (see diagram). The missile can be used in groups.

The X-59MK2 missile (see photo1, photo2) differs from the X-59MK by its correlation-optical homing head, which provides autonomous recognition of the area adjacent to the target. It is equipped with a navigation and automatic control system based on a free inertial navigation system and complemented by a satellite correction unit.   The Kh-59MK (Kh-59MK2) missile control systems include the A-079E radio altimeter developed by the Detal Design Bureau.  The low-altitude flight route to the target is specified in the flight task. Thus the missile's flight altitude above the ground surface (depending on the terrain relief) is only 50...300 m, which makes it extremely difficult to intercept air defense systems on the ground. The final homing system provides a circular probable deviation from a given point, which does not exceed 3 ... 5 m.  The X-59MK2 missile can be used at any time of year, with illumination of 103 ÷ 105 lux above any type of terrain. Target angle at launch of X-59MK2 missile is up to ±45°.

The penetrating combat unit (PFC) weighing 320 kg (see photo) has a time delay fuse. The dimensions of the BMP are: diameter -380 mm, length -131 mm. The X-59MK2 missile can be equipped with a 283 kg cassette warhead (CBM) with shrapnel and cumulative effects.

Kh-59MK and Kh-59MK2 missiles are equipped with the highly economical low-resource 36MT turbojet engine. The 36MT engine (TRDD-50AT) was developed by the Omsk Engine Design Bureau (OJSC OMKB) and produced by NPO Saturn.

Turbojet engine 36MT of pylon version is double-circuit, twin-shaft, with coaxial shafts of low and high pressure cascades. Combustion chamber - ring semi-finished with rotating nozzle. High pressure cascade - axial compressor and single stage axial turbine, low pressure cascade - single stage fan with wide chord blades and single stage axial turbine.

The 36MT develops a static take-off thrust of 450 kgs at sea level with its own dry weight of 82 kgs, has a maximum cross-section size of 330 mm and length of 850 mm. Specific fuel consumption at maximum mode is 0.71 kg/kgf*h. The fuel used is T-1 (aviation kerosene), T-6, T-10 (decylin), TS-1, RT.

The engine operates in a fairly wide flight range with the ability to maneuver in height and speed (flight height from 0.2 to 11 km, flight speed up to 1100 km/h). To perform the flight program and regulation, 36MT is equipped with a modern electronic-hydraulic control system and a built-in 4 kW electric generator. The engine has an autonomous oil system.

Operating features of the 36MT engine:

• High fuel efficiency.
• Resistant to ingress of small foreign objects (birds, dust, etc.).
• Resistant to shock and heat waves.
• Ability to spontaneously escape from a pump after the cause of its disappearance.
• Reliable start in the whole range of external operating conditions (from +60° C to -50° C).
• High receptivity.

For the control of Kh-59MK missiles during their routine maintenance, an automated system for control of ASCs from the OSA complex is used, which was modified to control Kh-59MK missiles. SNO-106MA ground handling equipment is used to ensure the operation of missiles under conditions of technical position, transportation, storage in arsenals and warehouses, performing routine maintenance, inspection of missiles and their issuance for suspension under the carrier aircraft.

Set of delivery:

• combat version - X-59MK missile;
• Kh-59MK (UR) training and cutting version;
• Kh-59MK (UD) training and operational version;
• automated control system;
• ground handling equipment for Kh-59MK;
• Kh-59MK group missile instrumentation package;
• a set of operational documentation for the group missile.