Some Archer facts.

[zb10948]

R-73; entered service in 1985. 45 degrees off-boresight, 25 km max engagement range
R-73E/EM; entered service in 1997. 60 degrees off-boresight, 30 km max engagement range
R-73M2; demonstration model. 75 degrees off-boresight, unknown range
R-73RDM2; entered service with VVS on Su-27SM Flankers, and with IAF on Su-30MKI Flankers. 90 degrees off-boresight, 40 kilometers max engagement range. Quote from BHARAT RAKSHAT site :

An improved version, designated R-73RDM2, has an up-rated rocket motor giving twice the range and seeker sensitivity of the earlier model under typical combat conditions. It can also be fired rearward to protect the rear hemisphere of the launching aircraft. It has a 90º off-boresight capability, re-programmable digital control electronics, a better resistance to IR counter-measures and the capability to engage low-flying targets. The integrated counter-countermeasures (ICCM) combines four different techniques and has an algorithm that will allow the missile to shift its aim from the engine of a targeted aircraft to the middle of the airframe in the final milliseconds of an intercept. The R-73RDM2 has a range of 40 km and a maximum speed of Mach 4.

So the counterpart to AIM-9X and upcoming Python 5 is already in service with both biggest users of Russian technology. I can't find creditable information about IIR seeker, AIM-9X and P5 have them, some claim that demonstrational R-73M2 had it also, meaning that R-73RDM2 has it. Check the stuff above about shifting to middle of the airframe, one of key advantages of infrared imaging seekers is the capability to target a specific section of an fighter. Either way, IIR or not, IMHO R-73RDM2 should be atleast capable as AIM-9X or P5.

The K-74 development project could refer to R-73 with added integral rocket booster for opposite-direction fireing solutions.

[MerkavaMK4]

i'm not surprised. missile technology, like every technology advances in leaps and bounds.

i fully expect that the most current russian short range AAMs would have the better performance than regular sidewinders, just as i fully expect the future generation of sidewinders will have better performance than the present day R series of AAMs

[exiled knight]

eellop,r-77 missiles is the best for aam-120 armraam

[ace pilot]

hei bro, do you think r-77 is better than aim-120 amraam??

[bluehound35]

What about the r-74m?