R123M

R123M is a designation that can refer to several different entities, most commonly a type of refrigerants and a specific Russian military aircraft.

As a refrigerant, R123M is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). It is primarily used as a cleaning agent for metal parts and for specialized low-pressure applications. While it was developed as a transitional replacement for older ozone-depleting substances, HCFCs themselves are also subject to phase-out regulations due to their environmental impact. R123M is characterized by its low toxicity and non-flammability. Its chemical formula is C2HCl3F2.

In the context of aviation, R123M is the NATO reporting name for the Tupolev Tu-123, a Soviet reconnaissance drone developed in the early 1960s. This unmanned aerial vehicle was designed for high-altitude reconnaissance missions. It was powered by jet engines and carried sophisticated camera equipment. The Tu-123 was deployed by the Soviet Air Force and saw limited operational use. Its design was a precursor to later reconnaissance drone technology. The designation R123M is specific to its NATO reporting name, with the Soviet designation being Tu-123.