3M-24E (SS-N-25 Switchblade) AShM

NOTE: SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) reported that 98 3M-24E AShMs were ordered in 1992 by the Indian Navy, of which 80 were delivered as of 2000. These missiles are reportedly for use on the Type 15 Delhi Class destroyers. In 1996 an order for an additional 128 missiles was placed of which 64 were delivered by 2000. These missiles are reportedly for use on the Type 25A Kora Class corvettes.

1. Active radar homing head	6. Air intake
2. Penetrating warhead	7. Fuel system units
3. Autonomous self-destruct system	8. Turbojet engine
4. Internal control system	9. Servo unit
5. Radio altimeter	10. Solid propellant rocket booster

The 3M-24E (also known as the Kh-35 Uran) AShM cruise missile can be used be on a variety of platforms against surface ships, fast attack patrol boats, coastal recon systems and transport ships of enemy convoys & landing forces. In terms of weight and dimensions, the missile is superior to any comparable foreign-made system. It is a subsonic flying vehicle with a conventional aerodynamic configuration featuring a half submerged tunnel-type air intake and X-shaped arrangement of wings and fins. The missile airframe is made from aluminium alloys. Its propulsion system comprises a small-size by-pass turbojet sustainer and jettisonable solid-propellant booster. An inertial guidance system controls the missile in flight, stabilizes it in the planned trajectory and leads it out onto an assumed target location.

The missile terminal guidance on a target, is effected with the aid of signals of a jam-proof active radar guidance system. A target is engaged by a penetrating high explosive fragmentation warhead, which is exploded in response to signals of the contact fuse. The 3M-24E can be unified with carriers, owing to its relatively small weight and dimensions. The maximum missile weight was stipulated in the design assignment as 500 to 600 kg.

A ship-borne version of the 3M-24E (weighing around 600 kg.) dramatically expands the combat capabilities of naval vessels as it provides for an increase in the ammunition load from four to 16 AShMs and may be even more, if the currently used missile systems are replaced, without increasing the displacement and impairing the applied naval architecture and habitability of the ship. The main objective of the ammunition load increase is to provide a massed strike, which represents one of the basic principles of combat employment of this class of anti-ship missile, thus creating the best conditions for a breakthrough of enemy air defences and making it possible to engage a target within the shortest possible time.

An airborne version of the missile has been developed, that can be suspended on a standard rack. This is the most practicable way of improving the combat capabilities of the helicopters and airplanes capable of carrying the 3M-24E. To enhance the elements of concealment and surprise attack and to improve the ability to withstand the fire opposition of ships under attack, the 3M-24E possesses the lowest possible flight trajectory especially in the effective zone of the ship self-defence weapons and also a small reflection surface. For its 130-km flight range, the missile depends on the turbojet motor and highly accurate missile control system.

The long-range firing capability increases the survivability of carriers. It should be stressed here that the long-range fire capability should be backed by reliable target designation using both the ship's organic facilities and those of the ship/land-based aircraft. To store, ship and employ the missile in combat, a launching transporting container is used. The container is a metal cylinder provided with interior guides. The ends of the container are closed with covers that are opened by a spring loaded mechanism upon operation of the explosive bolts. The container's central part is provided with rectangular frames used to connect the containers into a cluster and secure them on a launcher. It may be reused after missile launch provided that the requisite rehabilitation work is performed.

Each missile launcher carries four missiles in their launching transporting containers. The launcher may be complemented with a device for the installation of a cluster of launching transporting containers onto the launcher. The ship's automated control system checks missiles for condition, prepares them for launch, and also receives, processes and inputs the target indication data into the missiles before firing. The shipboard automated control system is made in the form of two containers.

The first container houses a central control device, an analog quantities input device and supply source control device, while the second container accommodates a power pack of the automated control system, comprising two devices for connection with the launchers and missiles, two junction boxes and a converter. The ground equipment complex is intended to prepare missiles for use, handle and maintain them. The complex includes an automated missile test system, equipment for preparation of missiles, the repair and maintenance, load handling facilities, transporting trolleys, fuel and air services, transport & crane trucks, etc. The complex is set up on the coast forming an autonomous maintenance area for missiles and their launching transporting containers.