The Raduga Kh-15 or RKV-15 (Russian: Х-15; NATO: AS-16 "Kickback") is a Soviet hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile carried by the Tupolev Tu-22M and other bombers. Originally developed as a standoff nuclear air-to-ground missile similar to the U.S. Air Force's AGM-69 SRAM, versions with conventional warheads have been developed. As of early 2019, it was uncertain whether the Kh-15 was in service, with rumors that it had been retired or placed in storage.
== Development == In 1967, MKB Raduga started developing the Kh-2000 as a replacement for the Kh-22 (NATO reporting name AS-4 Kitchen) heavy anti-shipping missile. Development of the Kh-15 started some time in the early 1970s. The sophistication of the design made it suitable for other roles, and a nuclear-tipped version was developed in tandem with the conventionally armed variant. An upgrade under development was cancelled in 1991, but reports in 1998 suggested an upgraded Kh-15 might be fitted to Su-35 (Flanker-E) tactical aircraft.
== Design == The Kh-15 climbs to an altitude of about 40,000 m (130,000 ft) and then dives in on the target, accelerating to a speed of about Mach 5.
== Operational history == It entered service in 1980. It can be carried by the Su-33, Su-34, Tu-95MS-6 'Bear-H', Tu-22M3 'Backfire C', and Tu-160 'Blackjack'.
== Variants == Kh-15 (RKV-15) - the original version with nuclear warhead and inertial guidance Kh-15P - passive seeker for anti-radar use Kh-15S - active radar seeker for anti-shipping use
Operators
=== Current === Russia
=== Former === Soviet Union - Passed onto successor states
== Similar weapons == KSR-5 (AS-6 'Kingfish') - heavy anti-surface missile carried under the wings of Tu-22M Kh-59 (AS-13 'Kingbolt') - ASM for tactical aircraft, up to 285 km range Kh-37 (updated version of AS-20 'Kayak') - land attack version of subsonic Kh-35 Anti-Ship missile, 250 km range AGM-69 SRAM - 1000 kg US missile with up to 170 km range
Photo Gallery
Notes
== References == Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet/Russian Aircraft Weapons Since World War Two. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-188-1. Healey, John K. (January–February 2004). "Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy". Air Enthusiast. No. 109. pp. 75–79. ISSN 0143-5450.