The C-601 [Western designation KRAKEN] is China's first generation air-to-ship missile, and is generally similar to the C-201 HY-2 surface launched missile, apart from the deletion of the solid-rocket booster motor which is superfluous to this air-launched missile. The C-601 is carried on the Hong-6D aircraft, with a combat radius of 1800-2000 km, which can carry two missiles which are used for attacking large and medium-sized surface ships at sea. Double fire volleys greatly increases the fighting power of the missile. Regardless of the control mode used after launch, once a missile is launched from an aircraft it will fly towards the target area based on a prearranged program, relying on the terminal guidance radar in the missile to seek the target. The aircraft can immediately leave the combat area. The terminal guidance head uses monopulse active radar which provides resistance to sea waves and various types of electronic jamming. The level flight altitude of the missile can be set at 500 meters, 70 meters or 50 meters, providing good low-altitude penetration capabilities. The missile can sink or seriously damage a 3,000 ton or higher class cruiser or a 10,000 ton class transport ship. Development of the C601 missile series began in the mid-1960s, and in September 1975 the Military Commission of the Central Committee of the CPC formally approved development work on this air-to-ship missile weapons system. After 9 years of R&D, with four hits in seven firings in 1984, design formulation flight tests were completed for the entire weapon system. Following this the C601 "basic model" entered serial production
The C-611 is modified with high energy oxidizer fuel and an improved engine that extended the firing range to 186-200 km.
Contractor CHETA - China Hai Yang [Sea Eagle] Electro-Mechanical Technology - CASC 3rd Academy Entered Service Total length 7.1 m Diameter 0.76 m Wingspan 2.4 m Weight 2988 kg Warhead Weight Propulsion one liquid rocket engine Maximum Speed Maximum effective range 90-100 km basic C-601 Guidance mode automatic control + homing Single-shot hit probability 70%