Missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: S-300 “Favorit”. Characteristics, photos

The number of military-scientific specialties most in demand in the so-called ATO zone does not include operators of air defense stations. We need drivers, paratroopers, and reconnaissance officers, but not those who served in military or contract service and are trained in handling the Buk or S-300 Favorit anti-aircraft missile systems. Photos and videos of these vehicles creeping along roads in an eastern direction have flooded news publications and the Internet in recent months.

Why “Favorites” near Donetsk?

It turns out that there are quite enough specialists in air defense systems in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the air defense systems themselves. What are they there for? After all, everyone knows that the militias do not have their own aviation, and their appearance is not expected. How can several thousand soldiers and officers fight against superior enemy forces for more than a year and at the same time manage without aviation and modern electronic warfare systems? Whose planes are going to shoot down the crews servicing the S-300 Favorit missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? There are more questions than answers. In order to somehow clarify the situation, it would be necessary to understand what these defense systems are, how Ukraine received them and how many there could be.

Why is Russia sending S-300 to Syria?

The Russian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the supply of S-300s to Syria was suspended five years ago at the request of Israel, whose aircraft regularly attack the Syrian military and their allies. Now the Russian military department is refusing to fulfill its obligations and previous agreements.

Russia is using the Il-20 incident to achieve its military-political goals - strengthening its position in Syria and limiting Israel’s unfavorable interference in Syrian affairs in general, says Israeli military expert David Gendelman. Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, he is sure, cause Russia not only direct damage, as in the case of the Il-20 crash, but also image damage - in the eyes of the international community, it looks unable to protect the Syrian sky. But if previously Russia met Israel halfway and did not supply Syria with more modern air defense systems, now, using the incident with the Il-20, Russia is implementing its original plans, notes Gendelman.

“It is not worth saying yet that the skies over Syria will be completely closed, since there has been no official announcement of a no-fly zone, but the de facto inclusion of electronic warfare systems will lead to the creation of at least temporary no-fly zones in some specific areas of the country,” says Gendelman.

Russian International Affairs Council expert Kirill Semenov does not rule out that the delivery of the S-300 is a political gesture that will not change the military situation in Syria. S-300s are supplied to protect Russian military facilities located in Tartus and Latakia. The Russian side could guarantee that military facilities used by Iran would not be located in the provinces where Russian bases are located; in response, Tel Aviv could undertake to limit military operations in these areas, the expert admits.

Will the S-300 strengthen the Syrian army?

Possessing high noise immunity and rate of fire, the complex will significantly strengthen the combat capabilities of Syrian air defense, according to the Russian military department. The modernization of command posts will ensure centralized control of all Syrian air defense forces and means, monitoring of the air situation and prompt issuance of target designations: “And most importantly, the identification of all Russian aircraft by Syrian air defense systems will be guaranteed.”

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman did not comment on Russia’s decision to supply the S-300. However, he previously pointed out the possibility of the Israeli military to destroy air defense systems if they pose a danger to the actions of the Israeli military. “If these weapons are used against us, we will act against them. One thing should be clear: if anyone shoots at our planes, we will destroy them,” he said in April of this year.

The delivery of the S-300 will certainly strengthen Syria’s air defense, but it is equally important to create in Syria an effective system of protection against Israeli reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems, military expert and editor-in-chief of the Aerospace Frontier magazine Mikhail Khodarenok told RBC. “The S-200 is also capable of effectively fighting the F-16. His rocket can easily reach this plane. It’s not about the tactical and technical characteristics of the air defense system, but about the possibility of electronic countermeasures,” the expert explained.

The Israeli Air Force has been preparing to counter the S-300 for a long time, notes Gendelman. Military exercises where countering the S-300 were tested were conducted by Israel together with the armies of Cyprus and Greece, which are armed with old-style S-300s, the expert says. Technical and operational means, as well as tactical techniques of the Israeli army in relation to the S-300, have already been worked out, he claims.

According to Gendelman, the Israeli military is capable of countering Russian electronic warfare systems, since Israeli military electronics are at the world level. But the suppression of Russian electronic warfare systems is not so much a military-technical issue as a political one, Gendelman emphasizes. “Even if there is a technical means to suppress a specific electronic warfare system, a political decision is necessary to use it specifically against Russian, and not Syrian, systems,” he emphasizes.

The expert points out that the Israeli leadership will, in any case, take into account the risk of Russian officers “if not in the combat crews themselves, then at the command posts” during the first stages of introducing the S-300 into Syria.​

How much do two S-300 divisions cost?

The supply of S-300 to the Syrian army can take place according to several schemes, Andrei Frolov, editor-in-chief of the Arms Export magazine, explained to RBC. According to him, there are examples of commercial supplies available to the Ministry of Defense through Rosoboronexport. There is a “mixed” scheme, as with the MiG-29 aircraft for Serbia, when the aircraft were donated, but the Serbs paid €50 million for repairs and pre-sale preparation. “However, given the Syrian situation, I am sure that the S-300 will be transferred free of charge,” Frolov said.

According to him, it is extremely difficult to estimate the cost of two S-300 divisions, since such deliveries have not been made before. RBC's interlocutor, familiar with Russia's negotiations on military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, estimated the approximate cost of the supply at $50–100 million.

General requirements for a modern mobile air defense missile system

Since their inception, Soviet anti-aircraft missiles have always been recognized as the most effective means of combating enemy aircraft. Suffice it to recall the events of the late fifties and early sixties, when U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, considered invulnerable, were shot down. They could fly at high altitudes (over 18 thousand meters), where interceptors could not reach, but anti-aircraft missiles reached them there too. Then there was Vietnam, which showed the whole world that even the American air fleet, which had super-powerful technical means, would not be able to bomb Hanoi and other cities of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam with impunity. At the same time, the basic requirements for modern mobile anti-aircraft missile systems were formulated, and at the same time the main problems faced by their calculations became clear. Shrike anti-radar missiles developed in the United States were guided by an active target search beam emitted by their antennas. Immediately after the salvo, “maneuvering with wheels” became vitally important, that is, leaving combat positions as soon as possible in order to avoid a retaliatory strike. It took several minutes (usually a little more than 20) to bring the complex into transport position, and, as a rule, the connecting cables were thrown because there was no time to reel them in.

All this experience was reflected in the design of the S-300 Favorit air defense system. Its first version began to be developed back in 1969, and entered service with the troops in 1978.

The birth of a new anti-aircraft missile system

The technical requirements for new missile systems were based on comments from the military. The country's air defense command and senior military leadership set the designers the task of creating a mobile anti-aircraft missile system unified for different types of troops. The main conditions of the project were mobility, a wide range of hitting targets in height, long range and a high rate of fire.

At first, the time allotted for collapsing and deploying the system was 90 minutes. Over time, this indicator will be improved tenfold.

Work on the project began back in 1969. For 5 years, long and painstaking work took place in all areas, from the creation of a new anti-aircraft missile and control systems to the development of a launch and transport base. The complex was created in conditions of close cooperation. Considering the fact that the new air defense system should become universal, each modification had its own developers. Thus, the S-300V complex, designed to equip ground army units, was created at NII-20. The naval version of the air defense system was created at the Altair Research Institute. The lead developer of the S-300P missile system for the needs of the country's air defense forces is the Almaz Central Design Bureau.

Despite the fact that the general design and technological base for the complexes being created was unified, it was not possible to achieve complete unification of the missile systems. The sea and land versions of the missile system are similar only in appearance and are only half unified. The greatest differences in the systems created were in radar equipment and tracking equipment. The main highlight of the project was to be the 5V55 anti-aircraft missile of the S-300 complex, which was a powerful weapon for destroying air targets. On the first version, the mass of the warhead was 133 kg warhead. A non-contact radar fuse allows the fragmentation warhead of a missile to be activated at a given altitude. The main damaging element is steel cubes.

Subsequently, on other modifications of the 48N6 and 48N6M missiles, the warheads had a warhead mass of 143 and 180 kg. respectively. The rocket was launched from a transport and launch container as a result of the activation of a pyrotechnic charge.

The created weapon made it possible to solve the following problems:

• defense of large military and industrial facilities;
• protection of administrative settlements of the Union;
• protection of military bases of the fleet and aviation, command and control centers.

The main targets for the new air defense system were ballistic and cruise missiles, which the Soviet system could shoot down at any altitude from 250 m to 27 km and at a range from 5 to 50 km. The complex had two computers capable of processing information on target detection and tracking. The onboard radar is capable of tracking up to 100 targets, providing target designation for 6 or 12 targets for 2 missiles at once.

The anti-aircraft missile of the S 300 anti-aircraft missile system could shoot down targets whose speed reaches 2Max. Later versions of the S-300PS and S-300PMU air defense systems are already ready to destroy targets traveling at speeds 8 times the speed of sound. The rate of fire is 2 missiles within 3-4 seconds. One anti-aircraft missile division usually includes 12 launchers. A single control point can simultaneously monitor all 12 launchers, distributing target parameters and tracking the air horizon in a given sector.

The design of the missile and the technological capabilities of the entire complex made it possible to improve its combat characteristics and constantly improve its tactical and technical performance.

Additional terms

So, a modern mobile air defense system must deploy and come into combat mode within a short time, and then just as quickly (and perhaps even faster), be transferred to a transport position and leave the operational area, without waiting for the enemy’s response to neutralize it. But there are other requirements according to which the appearance of the promising S-300 Favorit anti-aircraft missile systems of various modifications was formed. One of them is that the initial combat position should be secretive. If you place an SAM on an open plain, the enemy will be able to detect it in a variety of ways, including visually. Launching a rocket in a dense forest or due to natural folds of the terrain is difficult, since these obstacles can prevent it. And also, in order to save budget funds, it is highly desirable to unify the three main types intended for the fleet, ground forces and air defense. These conditions are mainly met by the S-300 Favorit missile systems.

The creation of a new air defense system is a requirement for defense sufficiency

In the mid-60s of the 20th century, the Soviet Union had one of the most powerful and developed air defense systems in the world. Surrounded by military bases of the United States and NATO countries, the USSR was forced to pay great attention to protecting its strategic facilities and main administrative centers from a possible air-nuclear strike. In those days, the main means of arming the air defense forces were the S-75 missile systems, which were a rather successful design from a technical point of view. The weapon turned out to be so successful that it was produced in large series for the needs of the domestic air defense system and for delivery abroad.

On May 1, 1960, over the Southern Urals, the S-75 anti-aircraft missile systems in service with the country's air defense shot down an American U-2 spy plane. The target was hit at an altitude of about 22 km. (The S-75 air defense system had a maximum target engagement altitude of 25 km).

However, the combat experience gained during the use of S-75 missile systems in Vietnam and during the wars in the Middle East showed the insufficient efficiency of the combat system. In modern warfare, when the approach time of jet aircraft has been reduced to a minimum, a quick transfer of anti-aircraft weapons from a traveling position to a combat position was required. The appearance of American medium- and short-range missiles in Europe, Turkey and Italy generally made the entire European part of the Soviet Union defenseless from a rapid missile strike. From the moment the signal about an air attack was received, there was practically no time left to transfer the anti-aircraft missile systems to combat mode in such conditions.

In addition, it was necessary to increase the tactical and technical characteristics of anti-aircraft missiles. The appearance of multiple warheads on ballistic missiles forced the defending side to increase the number of anti-aircraft countermeasures. Strategic aviation flights were carried out at high altitudes, so it was necessary to increase the flight range of anti-aircraft missiles, warhead power and maximum altitude. The appearance of the new S-125 anti-aircraft missile system made it possible to solve the problem for a short period of time, strengthening the air defense of army groups and main strategic facilities. However, the problem was not solved globally. A new, mobile and powerful anti-aircraft missile system was required, capable of simultaneously tracking several targets, shooting over long distances and overtaking targets at high altitudes.

The solution to this situation was the S 300, a mobile missile system that significantly strengthened the air defense of the Soviet Union. For that time, it was the most modern anti-aircraft missile system, based on the use of the most advanced technologies and a qualitatively new approach to equipping missile systems with auxiliary means.

Basic requirements and characteristics

At the time work on the project began, the main problems for air defense had already been formulated. Since conventional airplanes and helicopters became elements of the tactical level, the main emphasis was on intercepting low-flying high-speed targets and missiles attacking from the stratosphere at enormous speeds (in particular, ICBM warheads). The S-300 Favorit complex can operate in such a wide range. Characteristics take into account almost any type of target:

• Range – 5-90 (later 150) km.
• The height of detection and destruction is from 25 m to 27 km.
• Target speed is up to 4140 km/h, later increased to 10 thousand km/h.
• The number of simultaneously fired flying objects is 6.
• The number of missiles for each target is 2.
• The probability of destroying a target (ballistic missile) is from 80 to 93%.
• The time between starts is from 3 to 5 seconds.

Modification of the S-300V air defense system

Although the S-300V air defense system was initially created as part of a single program with other modifications of the complex, it was later transferred to another lead developer - NII-20 (later NIEMI) and essentially became a separate project. The development of missile defense systems for the S-300V was carried out by the Sverdlovsk Machine-Building Design Bureau (SMKB) “Novator”. Launchers and loading machines for the complex were created at the Start OKB, and the Obzor-3 radar was designed at NII-208. The S-300V received its own name “Antey-300V” and is still in service with the Russian army.

The anti-aircraft division of the S-300V complex includes the following components:

command post (9S457) to control the combat operation of the air defense system; all-round radar "Obzor-3"; Sector-view radar "Ginger"; four anti-aircraft batteries to destroy air targets.

Each battery included two types of launchers with different missiles, as well as two launch-loading machines for each of them.

Initially, the S-300B was planned as a front-line anti-aircraft missile system capable of combating SRAM, cruise missiles (CR), ballistic missiles (Lance or Pershing type), enemy aircraft and helicopters, subject to their massive use and active radio-electronic and fire counteraction.

The creation of the Atlant-300V air defense system took place in two stages. At the first of them, the complex “learned” to confidently counter cruise missiles, ballistic and aerodynamic targets.

In 1980-1981 SAM tests were carried out at the Emba training ground, which were successful. In 1983, the “intermediate” S-300V1 was put into service.

The goal of the second stage of development was to expand the capabilities of the complex; the task was to adapt the air defense system to combat Pershing-type ballistic missiles, SRAM aeroballistic missiles and jamming aircraft at distances of up to 100 km. For this purpose, the Ginger radar, new 9M82 anti-aircraft missiles, launchers and loading machines for them were introduced into the complex. Tests of the improved S-300V complex were carried out in 1985-1986. and completed successfully. In 1989, the S-300V was put into service.

Currently, the S-300V air defense system is in service with the Russian army (more than 200 units), as well as the armed forces of Ukraine, Belarus and Venezuela.

Based on the S-300V air defense system, modifications S-300VM (Antey-2500) and S-300V4 were developed.

The S-300VM is an export modification of the complex that was supplied to Venezuela. The system has one type of missile in two versions, its firing range reaches 200 km, the S-300VM can simultaneously hit 16 ballistic or 24 air targets. The maximum height of destruction is 30 km, the deployment time is six minutes. The speed of the missile defense system is Mach 7.85.

S-300V4. The most modern modification of the complex, it can hit ballistic missiles and aerodynamic targets at distances of 400 km. Currently, all S-300V systems in service with the Russian Armed Forces have been upgraded to the S-300V4 level.

Interception of low-flying and high-altitude targets

In the seventies, the most pressing task of air defense was the possibility of destroying aircraft on a flat trajectory and ballistic missile warheads located on the final part of the trajectory. For these purposes, the S-300 Favorit air defense system was created, but during its development, the prospects for the development of ammunition delivery systems were taken into account. The progress of offensive weapons is inevitable, which means that such an expensive project - in order to avoid early obsolescence - must be able to shoot down objects flying faster than modern ones and higher than them. Below 25 meters? Perhaps, but then, in the 70s, it was simply impossible to imagine the possibility of creating a device capable of this, and even today it is difficult. The S-300 Favorit complexes had a high modification potential, they are not outdated today - the Russian air defense system is mainly based on them, although Triumph S-400s with expanded characteristics have already appeared. The S-500 is also on the way.

Combat service of the SAM S 300

Thanks to its high combat characteristics, the S-300 has become the most numerous and widespread anti-aircraft system in the world. Its new modifications, among which the most technically mastered is the S-300PS, are the main air defense system of the Russian Federation. Thanks to the saturation of the air defense forces with these missile systems, the entire western and central part of the country is under reliable protection.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many anti-aircraft missile systems of various modifications went to the former republics, becoming the main element of national air defense systems. These complexes are in service in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In the export version, weapons were supplied to China, Vietnam, Algeria and North Korea. Various modifications of the S-300 can be found equipping the air defense systems of Iran, Venezuela, Cyprus, Greece and Bulgaria. The Syrian Republic, which is currently experiencing an acute military-political crisis, also has a number of S-300PS anti-aircraft missile systems.

During subsequent work to modernize the system, firing exercises were carried out repeatedly. For the first time in the modern history of Russia, public anti-aircraft missile firing was held at the Kapustin Yar training ground in 1995, in which the S 300PS air defense system took part. The SS-17 Scad ballistic missile, which forms the main strike force of regional states in the Middle East, was shot down during flight. Compared to the actions of the American Patriot air defense systems that covered targets in Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Russian S-300s turned out to be much more effective. To destroy an operational-tactical missile, 1-2 48N6E missiles were required, and not only the launch vehicle was destroyed, but also the warhead. American anti-aircraft missile systems were forced to spend 4-5 anti-missile missiles to destroy one Iraqi missile.

Russian new generation missiles had monstrous destructive power. A warhead equipped with heavy destructive fragments creates high kinetic energy during detonation. The fragments scatter in a dense stream at a certain angle to the target, causing its complete destruction upon contact.

At the moment, the technological capabilities of the complex have not been fully exhausted. The latest modification of the S-300PMU-1 air defense system is, according to military experts, a completely satisfactory means of combating air targets. It is not without reason that some third world countries are showing interest in these weapons, seeking to obtain contracts for the supply of Russian anti-aircraft missile systems.

The subsequent development of the S-300 air defense system was the new S-400 missile system, which entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2007. This is an anti-aircraft system with completely different technical characteristics, significantly superior not only to its predecessors, but also to the best Western analogues. Nowadays, work is underway to create and launch into mass production a newer version of the anti-aircraft missile system. The S-500 air defense system should begin to be supplied to the anti-aircraft missile divisions of the country's air defense system in 2022.

If the first S-300 missile system, which entered service with the USSR air defense in 1979, was called “Favorite,” the new S-500 anti-aircraft missile system is called “Prometheus.” Its 55r6M Triumfator anti-aircraft missile is superior in all respects to all existing analogues in the world, giving an advantage to Russia's air defense for 10-15 years to come.

Division structure

The divisional principle of building an air defense system presupposes an appropriate management structure of units.

The composition of the S-300 Favorit complex includes several mobile launchers that form unique groups, in which one vehicle is considered the main one, and two more are considered additional. In addition to them, the division also includes target designation radars and means of ensuring combat effectiveness (loading transport vehicles). Control is carried out from a mobile command post equipped with an illumination and guidance locator. Detection of targets on low-altitude trajectories is carried out using a low-altitude NVO detector located on a special retractable trailer tower.

Rocket 5V55R

The complex is equipped with various missiles, currently most often it is 5V55R, developed by the Fakel design bureau. It is built according to the classic design with folding steering wheels. In the transport position until the very start, the 5V55R is located in a durable hermetically sealed cylindrical container. For a decade, it does not need to monitor its condition, as it is equipped with a solid fuel engine. The rocket compartments contain control instruments, direction finders and other hardware systems. The S-300 Favorit launcher can launch from almost any hidden position, including the most complex ones, thanks to a design feature that provides ejection launch. The side in which the target is located is not important. The rocket is pushed out of the container to a height of 20 meters, then its engine starts, and it itself turns to where it is needed.

Four-axle MAZ-543M: wheels of the S-300 complex

This is the third material devoted to the Minsk tractor - in the first part we studied its design and advantages in detail, and in the second we recalled the Soviet Temp-S and Rubezh . Now let's move on to the combat professions of the most advanced basic chassis vehicle for its time, the MAZ-543M. In addition to the S-300, let us also recall the powerful Smerch multiple rocket launcher and the Bereg coastal artillery complex. All of them, by the way, are still in service.

Powerful combat vehicle "Smerch-M" on a MAZ-543M vehicle (photo by the author)

The first four-charge anti-aircraft gun of the S-300 complex on the MAZ-543M chassis

The most advanced launch system of the Favorit anti-aircraft complex (photo by the author)

Multiple launch rocket system "Smerch"

To this day, the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) on the MAZ-543M chassis remains the most powerful, accurate and long-range, one of the best and most advanced domestic installations of this type, which has no foreign analogues. Its first samples appeared in the early 1980s. After state tests, the vehicle was put into service at the end of 1987 as the 9K58 Smerch MLRS and entered serial production at the Perm Machine-Building Plant named after V.I. Lenin (since 1991 - Motovilikha Plants OJSC).

Prototype launcher for the Smerch multiple launch rocket system (photo by the author)

The 9A52 launcher, or BM-30 combat vehicle, was equipped with a U-shaped package of 12 smooth-walled tubular guides of 300 mm caliber, from which various types of rockets with solid propellant engines and stabilizers that opened at launch were launched. On the inside, the guides had screw grooves for spinning projectiles around the longitudinal axis, which ensured increased hit accuracy (up to 150 m) and destruction of enemy forces over an area of ​​up to 40 hectares with a firing range of 70 km.

Launcher 9A52 of the Smerch complex on the MAZ-543M chassis (from Rosvooruzhenie prospectus)

Launching a rocket from the Smerch launcher (from the archives of NIITs AT)

A rotating platform for the combat installation, an electric generator and hydraulic supports for hanging the rear of the vehicle when firing were mounted on the base chassis. Behind the engine compartment there was an additional closed glass cabin with workplaces for four members of the combat crew, guidance equipment and a control panel. With a mass of about 44 tons, the car reached a speed of 60 km/h.

Modernized Smerch-M launcher in the Russian army (photo by the author)

Combat 12-charge Smerch-M installation in combat position (from the Rosvooruzheniye prospectus)

Since 1989, the modernized 9K58-2 Smerch-M MLRS with the 9A52-2 launcher, which fired several new types of projectiles with increased accuracy, was produced. It included automated electronic guidance and fire control systems that provided satellite communications, navigation and orientation of the combat vehicle on the ground. The modernization made it possible to reduce the combat crew to three people, increase the firing range to 90 km and the affected area to 67 hectares.

MLRS "Smerch-M" with a glazed four-seater fire control cabin (photo by the author)

The Smerch-M multiple rocket launcher returns from a military parade (photo by the author)

The Smerch MLRS included a 9T234 transport-loading vehicle (TZM) on a MAZ-543A chassis with an open, low-sided all-metal cargo platform for transporting 12 rockets, sufficient to fire one salvo. They were reloaded onto the combat vehicle using its own two-section hydraulic crane.

Onboard TZM 9T234 of the Smerch complex on a MAZ-543A chassis with a hydraulic crane (from the archives of the Scientific Research Center AT)

The Smerch-M complex used the modernized TZM 9T234-2, which weighed one ton more. Subsequently, an original bi-caliber Tornado MLRS with an artillery unit from a combination of the Smerch and Uragan systems was developed on the MAZ-543M chassis.

Upgraded onboard TZM of the Smerch-M multiple launch rocket system. Loading machine 9T234-2 with a reserve of 12 shells (from the Rosvooruzhenie prospectus)

After the Chinese company Wanshan began licensed assembly of the base MAZ-543 vehicle in the mid-1980s, various versions of the Soviet Smerch were mounted on a four-axle WS-2400 chassis with a more spacious cabin. In Chinese markings they were designated A-100 and PHL-03. According to official data, the range of destruction of such systems reached 80 km, the maximum speed was 80 km/h.

Chinese "Smerch" - A-100 launcher on the Wanshan WS-2400 chassis

Coastal artillery complex "Bereg"

The unique mobile coastal defense complex A-222 “Bereg” of the USSR Navy served to protect the sea coast, destroy enemy surface ships and landing forces on the approaches to the coastline and was capable of conducting active autonomous combat operations for seven days. Its development began at the end of 1976 at SKB-2 of the Barrikady enterprise; in 1980, its assembly was transferred to the plant of the same name. The first prototype appeared there only in January 1987 and entered testing near Sevastopol.

Coastal artillery complex "Bereg" on three MAZ-543M vehicles (from the archive)

The main component of the A-222 complex was a powerful self-propelled artillery mount (SAU) A222-S1 on a MAZ-543M chassis with four jacks and a slewing device with a massive turret and a 130 mm caliber naval artillery gun with an effective firing range of 23 km. It also housed seats for six crew members, control, surveillance and guidance systems, as well as ammunition for 44 rounds. To power the electrical equipment, behind the driver's cabin of the car there was a compartment with an electric generator and a battery pack. The combat weight of the entire system reached 44 tons.

Self-propelled artillery unit А222-С1 with a 130 mm caliber gun

Self-propelled guns of the Bereg complex with a six-seat rotary turret (from the SKB-1 MAZ archive)

In the early 1990s, state tests of a coastal battery of two Bereg complexes were carried out in Crimea, after which they were unilaterally included in the Ukrainian naval forces. After the resolution of mutual claims in 1996, the Bereg complex was put into service with the Russian Navy and entered combat duty in August 2003.

Launchers of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system

Since the beginning of the 1980s, the most important area of ​​​​application of MAZ-543M vehicles has been their use as a mobile basis for several types of missile launchers of the 5P85 series of the new most advanced Soviet anti-aircraft missile system (ZRS) S-300 of the USSR Air Defense Forces. It served to defend the most important industrial, military and residential facilities from attacks by various types of enemy aircraft. The modification of the chassis consisted of the installation of four hydraulic supports and separate container cabins for the combat crew with guidance and control equipment.

The first launcher 5P85S of the S-300PS complex on the MAZ-543M chassis (from the archives of the Scientific Research Center AT)

For the first time, MAZ-543M vehicles appeared as part of the S-300PS air defense system (export designation - S-300PMU), which was put into service in 1982. It ensured the destruction of air targets flying at speeds of up to 1,300 meters per second (m/s) at ranges of up to 90 km. Two types of launchers were mounted on the Minsk chassis - the main 5P85S with a high control cabin and autonomous power supply and the additional 5P85D without its own cabin with control from the SPU 5P85S via radio link or cable and powered from an external network.

Main launcher 5P85S of the S-300PMU complex on the MAZ-543M chassis

Serial vehicle 5P85S with a control cabin and autonomous power supply Reloading a TPK with an anti-aircraft missile of the S-300PMU complex onto a launcher

Each vehicle was equipped with four cylindrical sealed transport and launch containers (TPC) with combat solid fuel missiles. They were launched using a catapult, and then at a height of 20 meters their own engines and control systems were turned on, which made it possible to fire in difficult terrain.

Additional launcher 5P85D powered from an external power supply

5P85D vehicle with a control system from the 5P85S main launcher

In 1983, the development of the modernized S-300PM air defense system began (for export - S-300PMU-1), but its adoption into service took place only in the difficult 1990s. It differed from the first S-300PS complex in increased tactical and technical data, a new electronic base and other missiles that hit air targets at ranges of up to 150 km, moving at speeds of up to 2,800 m/s.

Export anti-aircraft system 5P85SE of the S-300PMU-1 complex in the Bulgarian army

This complex included the modernized universal SPU 5P85SM (in the export version - 5P85SE) on the MAZ-543M chassis with an increased launch mass of missiles, more advanced pre-launch preparation and control equipment, autonomous power supply systems and hydraulic equipment.

Launcher 5P85SE2 of the S-300PMU-2 “Favorit” anti-aircraft complex (from the SKB-1 MAZ archive)

Installation of 5P85SE2 on a MAZ-543M chassis with four missiles in a combat position (from the archives of NIITs AT)

This complex ended the Soviet stage of development of the S-300 air defense system, which, despite disarmament, perestroika and economic reforms, was quite actively improved with the beginning of the democratic development of the Russian Federation.

The main novelty of the second half of the 1990s was the S-300PMU-2 “Favorit” air defense system, recognized at one time as the world’s most effective mobile air defense system with a range of up to 200 km. It had expanded capabilities, full autonomy and was equipped with new missiles with a range of up to 200 km. In this system, the role of the MAZ-543M was again to carry 5P85SE2 launchers with four missiles in the TPK.

Missile launcher of the Favorit anti-aircraft complex at the parade in Minsk (from the SKB-1 MAZ archive)

Subsequently, the first samples of the SPU of the new S-400 Triumph air defense system with a double range were also based on MAZ-543M vehicles, but since the mid-2000s they began to be placed on special semi-trailers with the new three-axle truck tractor BAZ-6402. By that time, the S-300 complexes were in service with 18 countries of the world, but then, with the advent of new allies and enemies of Russia, everything got mixed up...

The author expresses gratitude to Yu. D. Babushkin, a member of the editorial board of the catalogs “Weapons of Russia 1996–1997,” for the materials provided.

The title photo shows the 9A52-2 multiple rocket launcher of the Smerch-M complex on a MAZ-543M vehicle

Explosive force

The effect of the high-explosive fragmentation part is devastating: a vector-action explosion creates a directed stream of damaging elements in the form of an expanding funnel. The 5V55R S-300 Favorit missile has a head fighting compartment with an explosive mass of 133 kg, 48N6 - 143 kg, and the most powerful 48N6M - 180 kg. The charge is initiated contactlessly (that is, touching the body of the target aircraft is not necessary) with a radar fuse. The striking elements are made in the form of metal cubes.

Electronics

Only the laziest citizens did not talk about the backwardness of Soviet electronic technology in the seventies. Japanese or German tape recorders, televisions and radios were indeed better, but no one except specialists could compare the capabilities of military equipment. So, the team led by V.S. Burtsev had already developed a control computer, which became the basis of the 5E26 complex, capable of solving very complex algorithmic problems and summarizing fragmented information received from several sources (on-board and external locators). And besides this, the S-300 Favorit combat systems have gained the ability to distinguish true data from false data. They develop the necessary actions automatically with a high degree of noise immunity. In the eighties, the equipment was repeatedly improved, and this process continued in the 21st century using the most modern element base.

Alexander Vladimirovich RYAZANOV Chief Designer of JSC GSKB Almaz-Antey, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher Vitaly Vladimirovich SEMENOV Chief Designer of JSC GSKB Almaz-Antey Anatoly Sergeevich SUMIN Advisor to the General Designer of JSC GSKB Almaz-Antey, Doctor technical sciences, professor

In 1979–1983 NPO Almaz, together with the cooperation, developed and adopted the S-300PMU family of multi-channel mobile air defense systems. The tactical and technical characteristics of these systems are confirmed by the results of numerous full-scale tests, fully meet modern requirements, and today these air defense systems form the basis of Russian air defense. Systems of the S-300PMU series are in high demand on the global weapons market. The material brought to the attention of readers talks about the next deep modernization of the S-300PMU1.

In 2007, the Favorit air defense system, which is a deep modernization of its predecessor, the S-300PMU1 system, successfully passed State tests.

The increase as a result of modernization of tactical, technical and operational characteristics to a level corresponding to the current and future state of air attack weapons was obtained by improving the equipment and software and algorithmic support of the system, using the 48N6E2 missiles with modified combat equipment, integrating air defense systems and controls into a single system Air defense, the use of new attached radar equipment. During the modernization, the scientific and technical groundwork obtained during the development of the Triumph air defense system was also used (VKO, No. 3 (40) for 2008).

The S-300 “Favorite” is designed to combat a wide class of air attack weapons (strategic missiles, tactical missiles, operational-tactical ballistic missiles, aviation anti-aircraft missiles, high-tech weapons, air defense aircraft, combat aircraft, TA aircraft, helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft, specialized reconnaissance aircraft, including aircraft made using stealth technology) in a complex tactical environment and electronic countermeasures.

Structure of the Favorit air defense system

The Favorit air defense system includes:

control equipment (CS) 83M6E2 consisting of: a unified combat control point (CCU) 54K6E2, detection radar (SRL) 64N6E2, a set of single spare equipment (ZIP-1);

up to six S-300PMU2 air defense systems, each consisting of: RPN 30N6E2, up to 12 transport and launchers (TPU) 5P85SE2, 5P85TE2 with the possibility of placing on each 4 SAMs of type 48N6E2, a set of single spare equipment (ZIP-1);

anti-aircraft guided missiles (the hardware and software design of the S-300PMU2 air defense system allows the use of missiles of the 48N6E2, 48N6E types);

facilities for technical operation and storage of 82TS6E2 missiles;

set of group spare equipment (SPTA-2).

The Favorit system may include 15YA6ME telecode and voice communication repeaters to ensure territorial separation of up to 90 km between the system’s command post and anti-aircraft missile systems (up to two repeaters for each direction).

All combat assets of the system are placed on self-propelled wheeled off-road chassis and have built-in autonomous power supply, communications and life support systems. To ensure long-term continuous operation of the system, the possibility of power supply from external power supply is provided.

It is envisaged to use the system's means in special engineering shelters with the removal of the hardware containers of the on-load tap-changer, PDU, and radar from the self-propelled chassis. At the same time, it is possible to install an on-load tap-changer antenna post on a 40V6M (40V6MD) type tower and install an 8142KM type OLTC antenna post on a tower.

Transportation of system facilities by rail, water and air is provided.

The Favorit air defense system ensures the conduct of combat operations both independently and in cooperation with higher command posts (VKP) or external means of radar information.

Combat operations are independently carried out using a combination of information from radar equipment included in the SU 83M6E2 and S-300PMU2 air defense systems, as well as attached radar stations (VVO 96L6E). The SU 83M6E2 also provides the ability to control the combat operation of the S-300PMU1 air defense system.

As a result of modernization, the Favorit air defense system has the following improved characteristics compared to the S-300PMU1 and SU 83M6E air defense systems:

increased far border of the maximum zone of destruction of aerodynamic targets on oncoming and catch-up courses up to 200 km versus 150 km;

approximate near border of the zone of destruction of aerodynamic targets up to 3 km versus 5 km;

increased efficiency of destruction of ballistic missiles, including OTB with a launch range of up to 1000 km, ensuring a high probability of detonation of the warhead of ballistic missiles along the flight path;

increased probability of hitting aerodynamic targets;

increased noise immunity of the on-load tap-changer from active noise interference of the cover;

increased autonomy of combat operations of air defense systems in survivability mode due to the added VVO 96L6E;

expanded ability to train combat crews by increasing the type of simulated targets and the number of their flight trajectories, as well as the use of the ALTEC-300 training complex;

increased operational and ergonomic characteristics;

expanded volume of recorded information about combat operations.

Comparative characteristics of the S-300PMU1 and S-300PMU2 air defense systems

These improved characteristics were achieved as a result of the implementation of the following fundamentally new technical solutions:

new procedures for surveying space with detection radar in sector search mode, allowing to increase the detection range of high-speed ballistic targets;

new algorithms for targeting the 48N6E2 missiles, providing increased accuracy of missiles targeting ballistic targets; optimizing the mass and increasing the initial dispersion speed of striking elements of combat equipment, ensuring a high probability of initiating the detonation of a combat charge of ballistic targets while maintaining a high probability of hitting aerodynamic targets;

independent control of the beams of the main and compensation antennas of the on-load tap-changer, allowing for automatic compensation of interference regardless of the angular position of the accompanied jammers and an increase in the far border of the affected area, which moves away the line of jamming cover.

Unified PBU 54K6E2

The implementation of new technical solutions is ensured by the following modifications to the Favorit air defense system.

Improvements to SU 83M6E2:

the newly developed unified combat control point (PBU) 54K6E2 is introduced into the SU 83M6E2;

PBU 54K6E2 is maximally unified in terms of equipment composition with PBU 55K6E air defense missile system "Triumph" and is based on the URAL-532361 chassis with power supply from the main chassis engine.

Workstations PBU 54K6E2

PBU 54K6E2 was created by entering:

VK "Elbrus-90 micro" with software (SW), including software for controlling the 64N6E2 radar;

unified workstations using RAMEK computers and liquid crystal matrices;

modernized telecode communication equipment STRS-ME with the ability to transmit voice information;

documenting the processes of combat work in the Elbrus-90 micro military complex.

Characteristics of TsVK 40U6 and Elbrus-90 micro

The replacement of the 40U6 digital computer complex (DCC) with the Elbrus-90 micro digital computer is caused by its obsolescence. TsVK 40U6 was developed in the 1980s. based on medium-integrated microcircuits and is significantly inferior to the Elbrus-90 micro computing complex in terms of main characteristics (performance, memory capacity, power consumption, equipment volume, reliability).

Comparative characteristics of controls 83M6E and 83M6E2

The used advanced equipment of the unified PBU 54K6E2 provides: a reduction in size, weight and power consumption compared to the equipment of the PBU 54K6E by 3-4 times; improving reliability and performance characteristics.

Main characteristics of 48N6E2, 48N6E missiles

The PBU 54K6E2 equipment is located in a container with half the volume; the weight of the PBU 54K6E2 is half that of the PBU 54K6E. Comparative characteristics of the 83M6E and 83M6E2 controls are given in the table.

Improvements to the S-300PMU2 air defense system:

introduction of the new 48N6E2 missile defense system with modified combat equipment;

introduction into the hardware container of the new high-performance computing complex "Elbrus-90 micro" with the corresponding translation of the TsVK 40U6 software into the C language. Structurally, the Elbrus-90 micro VC is located along the front wall of the AK F2E2 in the place where the TsVK 40U6 was previously located. At the same time, cable connections between the TsVK 40U6 and the standard equipment of the AK F2E1 are preserved;

finalization of the software of the Elbrus-90 micro computer complex in terms of introducing a more accurate guidance method that increases the accuracy of targeting ballistic targets, and improved control of combat equipment, ensuring the effectiveness of their destruction, as well as control and guidance programs in an expanded part of the area of ​​destruction of aerodynamic targets ;

introduction into the hardware container of new workstations for the commander and launch operator, made on a modern element base and including color liquid crystal matrices and a Baget-23V computer, ensuring, among other things, the use of an expanded range of missiles in any combination;

replacement of the material of the phased array on-load tap-changer without modifications to the module and phased array as a whole;

modernization of the digital phase computer (DPC), which ensures the implementation of a new algorithm with independent control of the orientation of the beams of compensation antennas;

use of a new input low-noise microwave amplifier in the on-load tap-changer;

introduction into the on-load tap-changer of new highly reliable communication equipment STRS-ME and the Orientir navigation complex, which uses satellite and odometric channels, as well as radio navigation information;

introduction of modern voice communication equipment (SRS) 12YA6ME, developed on the basis of the R-168-25UE radio station;

use of radar information from the attached VVO 96L6E air defense system;

improvements to the antenna post equipment and launchers, ensuring the implementation of the listed measures and increasing operational reliability.

The main characteristics of the Favorit air defense system are shown in the table.

Main characteristics of the Favorit air defense system

The dimensions of the defense area of ​​the Favorit air defense system against attacks from various air attack weapons are determined by the corresponding characteristics of the affected areas of the S-300PMU2 air defense system, the number of air defense systems in the Favorit air defense system and their relative location on the ground.

The established cooperation of industrial enterprises has guaranteed capabilities to produce new Favorit air defense systems and upgrade the S-300PMU1 systems to the level of the Favorit air defense system simultaneously with their overhaul both in the Russian Federation and under contracts with foreign countries.

The creation of a new modification of the S-300PMU1 series of systems - the Favorit air defense system - makes it possible to satisfy the steady demand for these systems in the global arms market.

We also read:

• Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading armies of the world. Part 3
• Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading armies of the world. Part 1
• C-500 "Prometheus". Creating new weapons
• S-300F "Fort" air defense system
• "Tor-M2KM" - modular air defense system
• S-400 "Triumph" air defense system: detection - long-range, tracking - accurate, launch - damaging
• There are no analogues to “Toru”
• Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading armies of the world. Part 2
• The S-75 air defense system is the first among equals. Part 4
• The S-75 air defense system is the first among equals. Part 3
• The S-75 air defense system is the first among equals. Part 2
• The S-75 air defense system is the first among equals. Part 1
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 7
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 6
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 5
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 4
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 3
• Development and role of air defense systems in the air defense system. Part 2

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How many “Favorites” are there in Ukraine?

Until 1991, these and other complexes were on combat duty along the entire perimeter of the state border of the Soviet Union, and after its collapse, some of them were inherited by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The S-300 Favorit requires qualified maintenance: a quarter of a century has passed since the production of even the newest “Ukrainian” missiles, which is twice the established guaranteed shelf life. Only one complex was repaired in 2012 with a five-year service life extension. They were going to be removed from service in 2013, but events in the East prevented these plans. The air defense of Ukraine is currently represented by sixty divisions of different types of systems (S-200, Buk-M1 and others.) How many of them are “Favorites” is not reported to the general public. They are manufactured in Russia, at the machine-building plant named after. M.I. Kalinin, and for obvious reasons are not sold to countries pursuing unfriendly policies.

Modification S-300P

The S-300P air defense system is an anti-aircraft system designed for the defense of the most important civilian and military facilities from any type of air attack: ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, in conditions of massive use with active electronic countermeasures from the enemy.

Serial production of the S-300PT anti-aircraft missile system began in 1975; three years later it was put into service and began to enter combat units. The letter “T” in the name of the complex means “transportable”. The lead developer of the complex was NPO Almaz, the rocket was designed at the Fakel design bureau, and it was manufactured at the Northern Plant in Leningrad. The launchers were handled by the Leningrad KBSM.

This air defense system was supposed to replace the already outdated S-25 air defense systems and S-75 and S-125 air defense systems at that time.

The S-300PT air defense system consisted of a command post, which included a 5N64 detection radar and a 5K56 control point, and six 5Zh15 air defense systems. Initially, the system used V-500K missiles with a maximum engagement range of 47 km; later they were replaced by V-500R missiles with a range of up to 75 km and an on-board radio direction finder.

The 5Zh15 air defense system included a 5N66 target detection radar at low and extremely low altitudes, a control system with a 5N63 guidance illumination radar and a 5P85-1 launcher. The air defense system could easily function without the 5N66 radar. The launchers were located on semi-trailers.

Based on the S-300PT anti-aircraft missile system, several modifications were developed, which were used in the USSR and exported. The S-300PT air defense system has been discontinued.

One of the most widespread modifications of the anti-aircraft complex was the S-300PS (“S” means “self-propelled”), which was put into service in 1982. Soviet designers were inspired to create it by the experience of using air defense systems in the Middle East and Vietnam. It clearly showed that only highly mobile air defense systems with minimal deployment time can survive and effectively carry out combat work. The S-300PS deployed from traveling to combat position (and back) in just five minutes.

The S-300PS air defense system includes the 5N83S KP and up to 6 5ZH15S air defense systems. Moreover, each individual complex has a high degree of autonomy and can fight independently.

The command post includes a 5N64S detection radar, made on the MAZ-7410 chassis, and a 5K56S control center based on the MAZ-543. The 5ZH15S air defense system consists of a 5N63S illumination and guidance radar and several launch complexes (up to four). Each launcher contains four missiles. They are also made on the MAZ-543 chassis. In addition, the complex may include a 5N66M low-altitude target detection and destruction system. The complex is equipped with an autonomous power supply system.

Additionally, each S-300PS division could be equipped with a 36D6 or 16Zh6 all-altitude three-dimensional radar and a 1T12-2M topographic surveyor. In addition, the anti-aircraft missile system could be equipped with a duty support module (based on the MAZ-543), which included a canteen, a guard room with a machine gun, and living quarters.

In the mid-80s, based on the S-300PS, a modification of the S-300PMU was developed, the main difference of which was an increase in ammunition to 28 missiles. In 1989, an export modification of the S-300PMU complex appeared.

In the mid-80s, development of another modification of the S-300PS began, the S-300PM. Externally (and in composition) this system was not much different from previous complexes in this series, but this modification was made on a new elementary base, which made it possible to take its characteristics to a new level: significantly increase noise immunity and almost double the range of hitting targets. In 1989, the S-300PM was adopted by the USSR Air Defense Forces. On its basis, an improved modification of the S-300PMU1 was created, which was first demonstrated to the general public in 1993 at the Zhukovsky air show.

The main difference between the S-300PMU1 was the new 48N6 missile defense system, which had a smaller warhead and more advanced hardware. Thanks to this, the new air defense system was able to combat air targets flying at a speed of 6450 km/h and confidently hit enemy aircraft at distances of 150 km. The S-300PMU1 included more advanced radar stations.

The S-300PMU1 air defense system can be used both independently and in combination with other air defense systems. The minimum RCS of a target sufficient for detection is 0.2 square meters. meters.

In 1999, new anti-aircraft missiles for the S-300PMU1 complex were demonstrated. They had a smaller warhead, but greater accuracy in hitting the target due to a new maneuvering system, which worked not due to the tail, but using a gas-dynamic system.

Until 2014, all air defense systems-300PM in service with the Russian Armed Forces were upgraded to the S-300PMU1 level.

Currently, the second stage of modernization is underway, which consists of replacing the outdated computing facilities of the complex with modern models, as well as replacing the equipment of anti-aircraft gunners' workplaces. The new complexes will be equipped with modern means of communication, topographical reference and navigation.

In 1997, a new modification of the complex was presented to the public - the S-300PM2 “Favorit”. It was then adopted for service. This option has an increased range of hitting targets (up to 195 km), as well as the ability to withstand the latest aircraft manufactured using stealth technologies (target ESR - 0.02 sq. m).

“Favorit” received improved 48N6E2 missiles capable of destroying short- and medium-range ballistic targets. The S-300PM2 air defense systems began to appear in the military in 2013; previously released modifications of the S-300PM and S-300PMU1 can be upgraded to their level.

Prospects

Be that as it may, there are still many “Favorites” in the Ukrainian army. True, their resource is almost exhausted, but if we take into account the amazing survivability and reliability of Soviet equipment, we can assume that even today most of the systems are in combat-ready condition. With all this, the pro-Western course of the current Kyiv administration allows us to think that the modernization of air defense will be carried out by Western standards. You will need money, which is not enough, so you should not expect a quick update. However, what can be put on combat duty after the last Favorite is decommissioned? We should not expect the latest systems; Ukraine’s foreign policy course is not so clearly predicted that the leading NATO countries would risk supplying them not only for nothing, but also for a lot of money. The question arises: how effective will American, British or French air defense missile systems be in the event of a real conflict escalating into a “hot” phase? The most common air defense systems in the Western world are considered to be “Patriots” made in the USA. Maybe they are going to replace the Ukrainian Armed Forces S-300 Favorit missile systems with them?

S-300P anti-aircraft missile system

The creation of an air defense system intended to replace the S-75 air defense system began in the mid-60s on the initiative of the command of the country's air defense forces and KB-1 of the Ministry of Radio Industry. Initially, it was planned to develop a unified anti-aircraft air defense system S-500U for air defense, ground forces and navy, but later, taking into account the individual characteristics of each type of military force, it was decided to develop, according to a single technical specification, the most unified anti-aircraft and anti-missile air defense system S-300, intended for the army (version S-300V, lead developer - NII-20), Navy (S-300F, VNII Altair) and air defense forces (S-300P, NPO Almaz under the leadership of academician Boris Bunkin).

However, deep interspecies unification of systems, the creation of which was carried out in various teams under very contradictory requirements, was not achieved at that time. Thus, in the S-300P and S-300V systems, only 50% of the functional detection radar devices were unified.

The anti-aircraft missile forces were to receive the new S-300P medium-range air defense system, designed for the defense of administrative and industrial facilities, stationary control posts, headquarters and military bases from attacks by strategic and tactical aviation, as well as the Kyrgyz Republic.

The fundamental features of the new air defense system were to be high mobility and the ability to simultaneously fire at several targets, provided by a multifunctional phased array radar with digital beam position control. (Not a single foreign air defense system that existed at that time had multi-channel properties. The domestic multi-channel complex S-25, as well as the Dal air defense system that was never put into service, were made in stationary versions.) The basis of the system was missiles of the 5B55 type. The rocket was thrown out of the TPK tube using a gas catapult to a height of 20 m, while its control aerodynamic surfaces were simultaneously opened. The gas rudders, at the commands of the autopilot, turned the rocket onto a given course, and after switching on the single-stage sustainer engine, it rushed towards the target.

Testing of elements of the S-300P air defense system, developed under the leadership of the General Designer of NPO Almaz B.V. Bunkin, were carried out at the Sary-Shagan training ground (Kazakhstan) starting in the mid-70s.

In 1978, the first version of the transportable S-300PT complex (NATO code designation SA-10A Grumble) was adopted. The S-300PT battery consisted of three 5P85 launchers (4 TPK each), an on-load tap-changer illumination and guidance radar cabin (F1) and a control cabin (F2).

In 1980, the developers of the S-300PT system were awarded the State Prize. The production of the S-300PT air defense system continued until the early 80s. In the mid-80s, the complex underwent a number of modernizations, receiving the designation S-300PT-1. In 1982, a new version of the S-300P air defense system was adopted into service with the air defense forces - the self-propelled complex S-300PS (NATO code designation - SA-10B Grumble), developed at NPO Almaz under the leadership of chief designer Alexander Lemansky.

The creation of this complex was determined by an analysis of the experience of the combat use of air defense missiles in Vietnam and the Middle East, where the survival of air defense systems was greatly facilitated by their mobility, the ability to escape from an attack “in front of the very nose” of the enemy and quickly prepare for battle in a new position. The new complex had a record short deployment time of 5 minutes, making it difficult to attack by enemy aircraft. It included an improved 5V55R missile, which was aimed according to the principle of “target tracking through a missile” and a 5V55KD missile defense system with a firing range increased to 90 km.

5N63S fire guidance and control vehicle

The S-300PS division includes 3 air defense missile batteries, each of which consists of three self-propelled launchers on the MAZ-543M chassis and one 5N63S vehicle, consisting of combined F1S on-load tap-changer cabins and F2K combat control cabins on one MAZ-543M chassis. The launchers are divided into one main 5P85S with an F3S launch preparation and control cabin and a 5S18 autonomous power supply system, and two additional 5P85D, equipped with only one 5S19 autonomous power supply system. The battery can fire 6 targets simultaneously, with two missiles each, to ensure a high kill ratio.

New technical equipment introduced into the S-300PT-1 and S-300PS air defense systems significantly expanded their combat capabilities. To exchange telemetric information with the air defense command post, located more than 20 km from the division, the Sosna antenna-mast device on the ZIL-131N chassis was used. When conducting autonomous air defense combat operations in isolation from the command post, the S-300PS division can be assigned an all-altitude three-dimensional radar 36D6 or 16Zh6.

three-dimensional radar 36D6

In 1989, an export version of the S-300PS-S-300PMU system appeared (NATO code designation - SA-10C Grumble). In addition to minor changes in the composition of the equipment, the export version also differs in that the launchers are offered only in the version transported on semi-trailers (5P85T). For operational maintenance, the S-300PMU system can be equipped with a mobile repair station PRB-300U. A further development of the complex was the S-300PM air defense system and its export version - S-300PMU-1 (NATO code designation - SA-10D Grumble). Development of an improved version of the complex began in 1985. The S-300PMU-1 was first shown at the Mosaeroshow-92 air show in Zhukovsky, and a year later its capabilities were demonstrated during demonstration shooting at the international arms exhibition IDEX-93 (Abu Dhabi, UAE). In 1993, the S-300PM complex was put into service.

low-altitude detector NVO 76N6

Up to six S-300PM batteries (air defense battalion) are coordinated by the 83M6 (83M6E) control command post, consisting of the 54K6 (54K6E) PBU and 64H6 (64N6E) target radar at medium and high altitudes.

RLO 64H6

The fully automatic 64H6 radar provides the control system with information about all-round aerodynamic targets and ballistic targets in a given sector, located at ranges of up to 300 km and flying at speeds of up to 2.78 km/s.

PBU 54K6 receives and summarizes information about the air situation from various sources, controls fire weapons, receives control commands and information about the air situation from the command post of the air defense zone, assesses the degree of danger, makes target distribution according to air defense systems, issues target designations for targets intended for destruction, and also provides stability of the combat operation of air defense systems in conditions of electronic and fire countermeasures. The battery is capable of conducting combat operations autonomously. The multifunctional on-load tap-changer 30N6 provides search, detection, automatic tracking of targets, and carries out all operations related to preparation and firing. At the same time, the battery can fire at up to 6 targets of various types, each of which can be fired with a single launch or a salvo of two missiles. The rate of fire is 3 s.

In 1995-1997, after testing at the Kapustin Yar training ground, another modernization of the system was carried out, which was named S-300PMU-2 “Favorite” (NATO code designation - SA-10E Grumble). Russia showed it for the first time at the MAKS-97 exhibition, and demonstration shooting abroad took place for the first time in Abu Dhabi at the IDEX-99 exhibition.

48N6E missile and its diagram: 1. Radio direction finder (sight) 2. Autopilot 3. Radio fuse 4. Radio control equipment 5. Electric power source 6. Safety actuator 7. Warhead 8. Engine 9. Aerodynamic rudder - aileron 10. Steering gear 11 . Rudder-aileron opening device 12. Gas rudder-aileron

The S-300PMU-2 “Favorit” air defense system is designed for highly effective protection of the most important objects of the state and armed forces from massive attacks by modern and advanced aircraft, strategic cruise missiles, tactical and operational-tactical missiles and other air attack weapons in the entire range of altitudes and speeds of their combat applications, including in difficult conditions of radio electronic equipment.

Compared to the S-300PMU-1, the new system: • increased the effectiveness of hitting ballistic targets with the 48N6E2 missile, ensuring initiation (detonation) of the target’s warhead; • the efficiency of the system against aerodynamic targets has been increased, including against stealthy targets at extremely low altitudes, in complex tactical and jamming environments; • the far limit of the aerodynamic target engagement zone has been increased to 200 km, including when firing in pursuit; • the information characteristics of the 83M6E2 control system CP for detecting and tracking ballistic targets have been expanded, while maintaining the sector for detecting aerodynamic targets; • the ability of the PBU 54K6E2 to work with the S-300PMU-2, S-300PMU-1, S-300PMU and S-200VE (S-200DE presumably) systems in any combination has been expanded; • the system's characteristics have been improved when conducting autonomous combat operations through the use of a new generation autonomous target designation device - the 96L6E radar; • integration of the S-300PMU-2 Favorit air defense system into various air defense systems, including those operating according to NATO standards, has been ensured; • the possibility of using 48N6E missiles of the S-300PMU-1 system along with 48N6E2 missiles has been implemented. Firing at ground targets confirmed that each missile equipped with a warhead with 36,000 “ready” fragments can hit unprotected enemy personnel and unarmored targets over an area of ​​more than 120,000 square meters. m.

According to foreign sources, at the time of the collapse of the USSR, there were about 3000 launchers of various variants of the S-Z00 air defense system. Currently, various modifications of the S-300 air defense system, in addition to the Russian army, are available in Ukraine, the Republic of Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

Google Earth satellite image: Russian S-300P air defense system, Nakhodka, Primorsky Krai

In order to “save money,” the leadership of the Russian Federation decided to replace the S-300P air defense system with all existing air defense systems of other types. In the minds of the Russian average, the S-300P is a “miracle weapon” capable of solving all problems of covering the country’s territory and destroying all enemy air targets. However, the media practically does not mention that most of the complexes released during the Soviet era have practically exhausted their service life, the newest of them entered service with the Russian army in 1994, the element base is outdated, and new missiles for them are produced in insufficient quantities. The widely advertised S-400 air defense systems have so far entered service with the troops, in single copies; in 4 years, 2 anti-aircraft missile divisions have been put on combat duty.

Google Earth satellite image: positions of the S-400 air defense system Zhukovsky, Russia

Another problem of the “400” is the lack of development of its arsenal. So far, of the entire diverse (theoretically) set, the S-400 has only a modified version of the serial missile from the 300 48N6 - 48N6DM, capable of hitting targets at a distance of 250 kilometers. Neither the 9M96 medium-range "pencils" nor the 40N6 "heavy missile" with a 400-km range have yet entered production. The situation is aggravated by the fact that thanks to the actual betrayal of our leadership, elements of the S-300P air defense system were delivered for “familiarization” to the United States. This gave our “partners” the opportunity to familiarize themselves in detail with the characteristics and develop countermeasures. From the same “opera” the delivery of S-300P to the island. Cyprus, and eventually Greece, a NATO member country, gained access to them. However, due to opposition from Turkey, they were never stationed in Cyprus; the Greeks relocated them to the island. Crete.

Google Earth satellite image: S-300P on the island of Crete

Under pressure from the United States and especially Israel, our leadership terminated the concluded contract for the supply of S-300 to Iran. Which, undoubtedly, dealt a blow to the reputation of the Russian Federation as a reliable business partner and threatens large billion-dollar losses in case of payment of a penalty. Export deliveries of the S-300 were also carried out to Vietnam and China. Recently, information has been received about the supply of S-300P air defense systems to Syria, which, of course, can significantly complicate the actions of US and Israeli aviation and lead to significant losses.

Google Earth satellite image: S-300P position in Qingdao, China

In China, which limited itself to purchasing a small number, the S-300P air defense system was successfully copied, and its own version was created under the designation HQ-9 (HongQi-9 from the Chinese Red Banner - 9, export designation FD-2000).

The HQ-9 was created by the China Academy of Defense Technology. The development of its early prototypes began in the 80s of the last century and continued with varying success until the mid-90s. In 1993, China purchased a small batch of S-300 PMU-1 air defense systems from Russia. A number of design features and technical solutions of this complex were largely borrowed by Chinese engineers during the further design of the HQ-9.

In the late 1990s, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) adopted the HQ-9 air defense system. At the same time, work to improve the complex was continued using available information on the American Patriot complex and the Russian S-300 PMU-2. The latter was purchased by the PRC in 2003 in the amount of 16 divisions. Currently in development is the HQ-9A air defense system, which should be more effective, especially in the field of missile defense. It is planned to achieve a significant improvement primarily through improving electronic hardware and software.

The slant firing range of the complex ranges from 6 to 200 km, the flight altitude of the targets hit is from 500 to 30,000 meters. According to the manufacturer, the air defense system is capable of intercepting guided missiles within a radius of 1 to 18 km, and cruise missiles within a radius of 7 to 15 km. and tactical ballistic missiles within a radius of 7 to 25 km. (in some sources 30 km). The time it takes to bring the complex into combat mode from the march is 6 minutes, the reaction time is 12-15 seconds. The first information about export versions of the air defense system appeared in 1998. Currently, the complex is actively promoted on the international market under the name FD-2000. In 2008, he took part in a Turkish tender for the acquisition of 12 long-range air defense systems. According to a number of experts, the FD-2000 can be a significant competitor to Russian export versions of the S-300P system.

Using the technologies used in the S-300P air defense system, a new Chinese medium-range air defense system HQ-16 was created. The HQ-16A is equipped with six missiles using "hot launch". The complex can be used to create an air defense system at medium and high altitudes together with the HQ-9 complex, which, judging by television footage, receive information from the same radar with phased array. In order to increase the capabilities of the complex to intercept low-flying targets, a special radar can be installed to detect targets in the “blind zone”. The firing range of the HQ-16 is 25 km, the HQ-16A is 30 km.

The HQ-16 air defense system launcher is very similar in appearance to the long-range air defense systems of the S-300P and HQ-9 types, which may very likely mean that Chinese designers hope to introduce a modular design into the HQ-9 and HQ-16 complexes in the future. Thus, China is actively developing its air defense systems, and if our country does not take specific steps, it has every chance in the future to reduce the gap in this area.

Based on materials from: https://military-informer.narod.ru/pvo-S-300P.html https://russkaya-sila.rf/guide/army/pv/s300p.shtml https://topgun.rin.ru /cgi-bin/picture_e.pl?unit=2375&page=7 https://my.mail.ru/community/voina-mir-istori/tag/%C7%D0%CA%20%D1-300

Comparison with "Patriot"

In almost all respects, the S-300 beats the Patriot. The radius within which target acquisition is possible is significantly smaller (90 versus 150 km). The interception altitude is also inferior (24.4 versus 30 thousand m). The area of ​​the territory protected by “Favorite” is ten times larger (150 sq. km and 15, respectively). If the latest modification of the Russian system is ready to intercept hypersonic targets (up to 10,000 m/sec), then its American rival is limited in capabilities (up to 2200 m/sec). True, the number of missiles aimed simultaneously is twice as large (24 and 12), but the cost of the Patriot is several times higher. The charge power is also higher for the Favorit - for the American rocket it is 80 kg. The deployment and collapse time (15-30 minutes) also does not favor the US sample. In addition, it is not self-propelled, it needs to be towed. So Russia was again ahead.