Vikhr was developed for Soviet and Russian attack aircraft and helicopters.
The 9K121 Vikhr, NATO AT-16 Scallion, was developed as a laser-beam-riding anti-tank missile for platforms such as the Ka-50, Ka-52, and Su-25T family. It aimed to give aircraft a fast, relatively long-range missile against armored vehicles and other point targets. Its development tied closely to modernized Soviet attack-helicopter and ground-attack aircraft concepts.
The missile follows a coded laser beam rather than relying on wire guidance or active radar.
Vikhr uses laser beam-riding guidance, with the launch platform keeping the beam aligned with the target while the missile flies down it. The missile is fast and can carry tandem anti-armor effects for protected vehicles. Its design suits aircraft with compatible sights and fire-control systems, but it also ties accuracy to target tracking and platform exposure during the engagement.
Vikhr became closely associated with Russian coaxial attack helicopters.
Vikhr missiles are best known through their association with Kamov attack helicopters and specialized Su-25 variants. Their use illustrates the Soviet and Russian preference for long-range guided anti-armor fires from rotary-wing platforms. In modern conflicts, such missiles are judged not only by penetration but by sensor quality, launch range, and survivability against air defenses.
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