R-73 (according to the classification of the US Department of Defense and NATO: AA-11 Archer - “Archer”) is a Soviet / Russian short-range air-to-air guided missile with an infrared homing system. Created specifically for highly maneuverable close air combat, which, following the results of military conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East, took a significant place in air battles, so about two-thirds of the total number of aircraft shot down in battles were hit by air-to-air missiles, which, in turn, was reflected in the tactics of the Air Force. During the development, such requirements as all-angle, super-maneuverability, implementation of the “released-forgotten” principle were taken into account. In addition, it was necessary that the weapon did not impose significant restrictions on the maneuver of the carrier during use, that is, that the rocket could be launched during intensive maneuvering of the aircraft with high overloads.