Updated 20 November 2007
Note to news organizations: This is NOT the same weapon as used by the Iranians in early 2007. The R-13 was not an anti-ship missile. It was a Soviet submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with almost twice the range and three times the payload described in Iranian press releases. This old liquid-fueled R-13 missile was difficult to maintain even when new and would be a very poor choice today given newer propulsion technology already employed by the Iranians, such as in their Shahab-3 design. In any case, ballistic missiles cannot be easily converted to the anti-ship role, as their flight profiles and manuvering capabilities are completely different. In short, by referencing this webpage, you have unfortunately given credence to an Iranian disinformation program. |
![]() Sketch of R-13 Missile |
Designation | R-13 |
Ship Class Used On | Golf I class (Pr. 629) (3 missiles) and Hotel I class (Pr. 658) (3 missiles) |
Date In Service | 1960 |
Weight | 30,203 lbs. (13,700 kg) |
Dimensions | 464.6 x 51.2 in (1,180 x 132 cm) |
Payload | One warhead
Total payload weight: 3,512 lbs. (1,597 kg) |
Range | 373 miles (600 km) |
Propulsion | Single-stage liquid fuel rocket |