Russian jets could soon receive vertical missile launchers, instead of traditional horizontal ones.
Vakil Design Bureau has received a patent for the production of vertical launchers. The “mortar technology” releases ammunition vertically, which flies in a ballistic path towards its target, with its engines switching on only after the plane has moved away from it, reports Russia Today.
The project was proposed 20 years ago in the name of “Air Platform” but failed to garner enough funds from the government. It was an attempt to provide the Antonov AN-124 Ruslan with the ability to launch satellite laden missiles to space.
Russia; Development of airborne vertical missile launchers