OVERVIEW: The AS-17 KRYPTON E (K-31XX) is a speculated version of the Kh-31PD ARM, adapted for AAM use. It is an air-launched, long-range, high-supersonic, liquid-fuel, ramjet-powered, passive anti-radiation missile (ARM) designed for use against high priority airborne emitters, such as AEW/AWACs aircraft. It carries a 110 kg blast-fragmentation HE warhead.

DETAILS: After launch, the AS-17 is accelerated by its solid-fuel rocket booster to a speed of Mach 1.8. Then the booster is discarded and the interior of the missile is converted into the combustion chamber for the missile's ramjet engine, accelerating the missile to a speed of almost Mach 4.50. The AS-17 uses inertial guidance for the mid-course phase. For terminal homing, it uses a wideband radar receiver to home in on radar emissions.

NOTES: It is unknown if there is an anti-airborne version of the AS-17. During the 1990's, there were claims that the airframe was being adapted for use as a long range AAM, with the designation R-31P. Adaptation for an air - air role of this kind would involve primarily relatively minor changes to the existing ARM versions of the AS-17.

SOURCES: Jane's Weapons Systems, Vol. 1: Air-Launched, "Kh-31A, Kh-31P (AS-17 "Krypton'), YJ-91 'Kipper')" 15 Jan 2013; Federation of American Scientists. "Zvezda Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton)." Accessed November 11, 2013. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/as-17.htm ; Air Power Australia. "Soviet/Russian Tactical Air -Surface Missiles." Accessed November 11, 2013. http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Rus-ASM.html#mozTocId784856.