The R-73 is pretty comparable to the AIM-9X in capabilities as it has some flare resistance, is short range, and can do off-bore shots. Though, the off bore shots (I believe) require a targeting head on the boat itself, which it probably doesn’t have, they almost certainly are using the missile seeker itself as the targeting system as it is MUCH easier to implement. Meaning they likely need to point the missile roughly at the target.
This system would be most useful for taking out the choppers attacking the other suicide boats as well as sniping planes taking off/landing on coastal airstrips.
Edit: According to Russian sources (lol) it shot one missile at a chopper, but it missed. And we have video of a chopper taking it out from directly above.
Love it.
The R-73 is pretty comparable to the AIM-9X in capabilities as it has some flare resistance, is short range, and can do off-bore shots. Though, the off bore shots (I believe) require a targeting head on the boat itself, which it probably doesn’t have, they almost certainly are using the missile seeker itself as the targeting system as it is MUCH easier to implement. Meaning they likely need to point the missile roughly at the target.
This system would be most useful for taking out the choppers attacking the other suicide boats as well as sniping planes taking off/landing on coastal airstrips.
Edit: According to Russian sources (lol) it shot one missile at a chopper, but it missed. And we have video of a chopper taking it out from directly above.