OVERVIEW: The AS-17 KRYPTON B (K-31AD) is an air-launched, medium-range, high-supersonic, liquid-fuel, ramjet-powered, active pulsed X-band radar anti-ship missile (ASM). It carries a 110 kg 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. Between 7 and 20 km from the target, the AS-17 turns on its radar for terminal phase guidance. The AS-17 may use two different attack profiles. It may either use a dive profile, popping up before diving into the target or set to approach the target at approximately 200 meters altitude.

NOTES: The Kh-31AD version of the AS-17 became operational in approximately 2005. It is a slightly lengthened version of the Kh-31A, with a larger warhead and a significant increase in range. It has an 8 meter CEP and can operate in Sea State 4-5. It is used by MiG-27/29K/29SMT, the Su-17/24M/25TM/30MK/35.

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.