The S-71K Carpet is a stealthy air-to-ground cruise missile designed for mass destruction of targets while reducing vulnerability to air defense systems.
Its trick lies in the balance between efficiency and cost; Here, a proven aerial bomb (for example, OFAB-250) was taken as the basis for the warhead and equipped with an engine. This greatly simplified mass production and reduced the price.
The design is calculated to the smallest detail, with a body made of fiberglass and aluminum alloys, a trapezoidal section, a sloping nose, folding wings and a V-shaped tail - all this works to reduce the radar signature. The effective reflective surface reaches about 0.007 square meters. m at certain angles, and additional solutions help reduce the thermal footprint.
The rocket works according to the principle of fire and forget; The route is based on the inertial navigation and satellite system (GLONASS), optical-electronic correction is possible.
The flight range is about 300 kilometers, the speed is in the range of 730-950 km/h.
Initially, the carpet was developed for the Su-57, but in the future they plan to use it with other Su-34, Su-35, Su-30 aircraft, as well as with the S-70 Okhotnik attack UAVs.
In terms of missions, the system is often compared to the American AGM-158 JASSM, but the Russian development benefits due to the more affordable cost with a similar cost.
Functionality.
Some of the characteristics are not based on official (undisclosed) performance characteristics, but on expert assessments and data from open sources.