Media: Ukraine reveals details on new Russian cruise missile PHOTO

Russian forces have begun using a new cruise missile designated S-71K Kover (Carpet), which reportedly employs a 250-kilogram aerial bomb as its warhead.

The system appears to be a new development, first used at the end of last year, and may represent an initial attempt by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to advance in this direction of missile design, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

The warhead consists of an OFAB-250-270 high-explosive fragmentation aerial bomb integrated into the structural framework of the missile’s nose section.

The body is reportedly made of a multilayer fibreglass-based composite material with additional reinforcement, while internal components are constructed from aluminium alloys.

The guidance system is said to include a flight controller, inertial navigation based on basic sensors, and a power supply system.

Ukrainian authorities claim that most of the electronic components are of foreign origin, including parts manufactured in the United States, China, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and Ireland.

It is also reported that the missile is equipped with an R500 turbojet engine, with a claimed operational range of up to 300 kilometres depending on fuel capacity.

In the future, there is reportedly consideration of launching the missile from the S-70 Okhotnik unmanned aerial system.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov