The Bisnovat (later Molniya) R-4 (NATO reporting name AA-5 'Ash') was an early Soviet long-range air-to-air missile.

History

Development of the R-4 began in 1959, entering operational service in 1963. It was used primarily on the Tupolev Tu-28 interceptor, matched to the Tu-28's RP-S Smerch ('Tornado') radar, although some reports suggested the MiG-25 sometimes carried it as well.

Like many Soviet weapons, it was made in both semi-active radar homing (R-4R) and infrared-homing (R-4T) versions. Standard Soviet doctrine was to fire the weapons in SARH/IR pairs to increase the odds of a hit.

In 1973 the weapon was modernized to R-4M standard, with improved seeker performance and compatibility with the upgraded RP-SM Smerch radar.

The R-4 survived in limited service through at least the late 1980s, retiring along with the last Tu-128 aircraft after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Specifications (R-4T / R-4R)

• Length: (R-4T) 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in); (R-4R) 5.3 m (17 ft 5 in)
• Wingspan: 1300 mm (4 ft 3 in)
• Diameter: 310 mm (12.2 in)
• Launch weight: (R-4T) 370 kg (815 lb); (R-4R) 375 kg (825 lb)
• Speed: Mach 1.6
• Range: (R-4T) 25 km (15.6 mi); (R-4R) 30 km (18.7 mi)
• Guidance: (R-4T) infrared homing; (R-4R) semi-active radar homing
• Warhead: 65 kg (143 lb) high explosive