there were said to be two models of K-74. a first cut would be low hanging fruit and then a totally more radical redesign to perhaps match or better the python5 types.
this was way back in 1997 - funding 0% must have stillborn these plans.
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/19 ... siles.html
the K-74 specs above would place it far behind python and aim9x. note ir seeker not iir seeker.
more details here
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Rus-BVR-AAM.html
---found on a website sept11,2006---
To replace the current R-73/K-74/K-74M (ie. "AA-11 ARCHER") series, the Russians are developing what is known now only as "Izdeliye 760". It's based off of the K-74M missile, and is intended to match the performance of the MBDA ASRAAM and the Raytheon AIM-9X. It will have an improved IR seeker, inertial control system, datalink receiver for target updates and an advanced rocket motor with a longer burn time. It's cross-section will be 320x320mm, to allow for internal carriage in the I-21 fighter (aka PAK FA).
To maximise the weapon's coverage, it can be fired in lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) mode, starting under inertial control before achieving in-flight lock-on. It will be able to engage targets up to 160deg from the aircraft's heading.
According to a Vympel representative, Izdeliye 760 is about to begin flight tests. Development is due to be completed in 2010.
After Izdeliye 760, the follow on K-MD (Izdeliye 300) is intended to outperform ASRAAM and AIM-9X. It'll be an all-new missile- its guidance system will be based on a new IR seeker incorporating a focal-plane array. This will have more than twice the lock-on range of the Izdeliye 760 seeker, a high resistance to countermeasures and a target-recognition capability.
The new missile will have an improved aerodynamic configuration of minimal drag, and will be powered by a dual-mode solid-rocket engine with a high specific impulse and a total burn time of about 100 seconds. The R-73 used a system of four moving thrust-vector control vanes mounted around the motor nozzle. For the K-MD, Vympel has developed what it described as 'a three-channel gas-dynamic control unit (gas control vanes)'. An adaptive warhead will provide optimised lethal effects to suit the final interception conditions.
Development of the K-MD is expected to end in 2013, giving the PAK FA a 'dogfight' weapon of much-increased range, all-round coverage and the ability to engage aircraft or missile targets.
To provide the aircraft with a medium-range and long-range armament, new missiles will be developed based on the current R-77 and R-37 respectively. As with the short-range weapon, this will be an evolutionary process, starting with improved variants and moving towards what will eventually become an all-new missile.
