Its development began in 1955, and it entered service with the Soviet armed forces in 1961.
The AS-2's dedicated launch platform, the Tu-16K-10 Badger C, could carry a single AS-2, semi-recessed in the bomb bay.
In flight tests, the Kipper cruised on its approach to a target at an altitude of about 10,000 meters, using inertial guidance until it reaches a range of about 100 to 110 kilometers[3] from the target, where it enters a shallow 15 degree dive, commanded by a mid-course update via radio link.
When it reaches a range of 60 to 70 kilometers it levels out at an altitude of between 800 and 1,000 meters where it cruises until it reaches a range of 10 to 16 kilometers, when the missile's active radar homing guidance is engaged.
It then enters a dive, striking the target vessel close to or below the waterline.