R-25 Vulkan

Maximum speed M2.5Radar initially with infra-red terminal guidanceAerodynamic

The R-25 Vulkan (Serbian: Вулкан) was a surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed by Serbian engineer Obrad Vučurović and built in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) in the late 1950s, early 1960s.

Development

The mid-1950s saw the emergence of viable SAMs for the purpose of air defence. Due to their inability to import foreign SAM systems, in 1958 Yugoslavia initiated a program to develop an indigenous missile at the Belgrade Military Technical Institute.^[1] Designated the R-25 Vulkan (Volcano), this completely original Yugoslavian design brought together a team of experts led by engineer Obrad Vučurović to design the missile, with the prototypes being made in the SOKO aircraft factory in Mostar.^[1]

Two versions of the missile were developed: one that had a booster-rocket engine with seven rockets and a second one with four rockets. Although, initial prototypes used a liquid fuel rocket engine developed for a rocket-powered torpedo, later operational production missiles would use a solid-fueled engine with twice the thrust.^[1] The development of the launcher and radar system was inspired by the Japanese Kappa meteorological sounding rocket imported into Yugoslavia.^[2] The target detection and information collection system was supplied by Yugoslav-made OAR M-61 “Fruška Gora” S-Band surveillance and acquisition radar, and in-course guidance was supplied by a British No. 3 Mk. 7 aiming radar.^[1] For operational use, there existed the possibility of using more sophisticated radar equipment,^[1] and for terminal guidance the missile would switch to independent homing by infrared sensors in its nose cone.^[1] The advanced guidance system of the R-25 was automatic after launch with no further operator input needed.^[1]

Use

The first launch of the missile was conducted in November 1962, revealing problems with the liquid-fueled sustainer rocket motor.^[1] Concurrently, with the R-25 testing in 1962 the SFRY acquired S-75 Dvina (Russian: С-75; NATO reporting name: SA-2 Guideline), missile systems from the Soviet Union.^[1] As such, by the end of 1964 the decision was made to abandon the Vukan project that produced a total of twelve missiles.^[1] The knowledge and experience gained during this project were later incorporated into other projects for production of other armaments for the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA).^[1]

Survivors

A single R-25 Vulkan missile is preserved at the Museum of Aviation Museum in Belgrade; intended for in-flight testing, the warhead has been replaced by measuring and telemetry equipment.^[1]

External links

• Seven-boostered version images

References