Vympel R-27 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-To-Air Missile

The R-27 family of missiles were originally developed as part of the Cy-27 and MiG-29 program, with a heavier, long-ranged variant and a lighter, shorter-ranged variant of the missiles. The heavy ones were meant for the flankers and the lighter ones for the MiG-29's. However, due to delays, the R-27R entered service in 1983 on the MiG-29. Though there was no evidence that soviet migs ever carried any other variant operationally, the R-27T would later be developed in the late 80s as an infrared variant and would enter service around 1988-1990 on the Cy-27. Around 1990, the heavy variants would enter service, with them being the R-27 ER and R-27 ET. These featured a bulged section at the end of the missile, being a long-burning sustainer for the original motor. This significantly increased the performance of the missile by nearly doubling its range. Later, the R-27 EP would be developed from the R-27 ER, being an anti-radiation missile that could be used to target AWACS aircraft.