Do we have many air defense systems? Anti-aircraft artillery and MANPADS

Do we have many air defense systems? Anti-aircraft artillery and MANPADS

Photo: mil.ru
At the end of January 2022, Military Review published a publication “Why do we need so many air defense systems?”, which briefly examined anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft missile-gun and anti-aircraft missile systems available in the Ground Forces of the Russian Army and in Aerospace Forces. In the comments, readers expressed a desire to learn more about the state of our air defense and the prospects for its development. In this series, we will take a more detailed look at anti-aircraft systems in the order in which they appeared in the above publication.

ZU-23

Some readers consider the twin 23-mm anti-aircraft artillery mount to be archaic, but despite this, it still occupies a strong position in our armed forces and is practically indispensable when performing a number of tasks. Although the days are long gone when towed ZU-23s were one of the main means of military air defense and currently the tasks of covering troops from enemy air are entrusted to complexes with radar and optoelectronic detection equipment, seemingly outdated anti-aircraft guns are still in demand .

This is due to the fact that 23-mm rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns have a very large margin of strength and reliability, and there are still a lot of spare parts and barrels in warehouses. In addition, the twin anti-aircraft gun combines high firepower with compactness and relatively low weight. The ZU-23 uses very successful and compact manual drives for vertical and horizontal aiming with a spring-type balancing mechanism, which allows you to transfer the barrels to the opposite side in 3 seconds. A trained crew can aim at a target in just 5-10 seconds. Weighing approximately 950 kg, the unit can be mounted on various vehicles.

ZU-23 installations are easy to use and are not susceptible to organized radio-electronic interference and heat traps. In addition to fighting air targets, they can be successfully used against enemy personnel and light armored vehicles. In both cases, the ZAP-23 sight is used, the data into which is entered manually and, as a rule, determined by eye. In this regard, the probability of hitting a target flying at a speed of 300 m/s does not exceed 0.02. In the past, to increase the effectiveness of 23-mm anti-aircraft guns, various options for their modernization were proposed: the introduction of optoelectronic sights with a night channel and a laser rangefinder, as well as the retrofitting of MANPADS missiles. But at the same time, the cost of both the installations themselves and their maintenance increased many times over. For this reason, the modernized versions are not widely used.

A reader inclined to analysis may rightly ask: why then does our army need the relatively ineffective ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns, when the more modern Tunguskas and Pantsirs are in service?

The answer to this question lies in the versatility of the “zushki” and the high flexibility of their use. Although there are now practically no towed ZU-23s in the air defense units of the Russian Ground Forces, a significant number of units are still in storage and they can be quickly delivered to the troops. In a number of Russian civilian higher educational institutions, military departments still train specialists capable of operating anti-aircraft guns, the production of which began almost 60 years ago.

However, one should not assume that the ZU-23s in the Russian army are only in warehouses. Last fall, the author observed a military convoy, which included several KamAZ trucks similar to the one shown in the photograph. I won’t go into detail about where it was and what kind of column it was, I’m sure knowledgeable readers will understand me. However, I can say that the column, in addition to the ZU-23, also had modern MANPADS. The anti-aircraft gun crews were in combat readiness at their workplaces and were dressed in modern helmets and body armor. Rapid-firing 23-mm anti-aircraft guns, in addition to repelling air attacks, are capable of turning an enemy sabotage group into bloody scraps in a short time and are justifiably considered as an effective means of destroying ground targets when delivering cargo that requires special treatment.

In addition to covering transport convoys carrying “special” products, ZU-23s were installed on MT-LB tracked lightly armored transporters, which was due to the desire to increase the mobility of anti-aircraft guns. It is known that in a number of units, due to the exhaustion of the service life of the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” anti-aircraft self-propelled guns, they were temporarily replaced by 23-mm installations based on the MT-LB, further increasing the number of MANPADS in the anti-aircraft missile and artillery battery.

During the fighting in Afghanistan and on the territory of the former USSR, 23-mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns were installed on BTR-D amphibious armored personnel carriers. A significant drawback of such improvised self-propelled guns was the high vulnerability of the open crew of a coaxial anti-aircraft gun. In this regard, homemade armored shields were sometimes mounted on anti-aircraft installations.

The successful experience of combat use of the BTR-D with the ZU-23 installed on it became the reason for the creation of a factory version of the anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, designated BMD-ZD “Skrezhet”. On the ZSU modification, the crew of two people is now protected by light anti-fragmentation armor. To increase the effectiveness of air attack fire, the sighting equipment included optoelectronic equipment with a laser rangefinder and a television channel, a digital ballistic computer, an automatic target tracking machine, a new collimator sight, and electromechanical guidance drives. This allows you to increase the probability of destruction and ensure 24-hour and all-weather use against low-flying targets. An option for upgrading sighting equipment, which did not take root on towed installations, turned out to be in demand in airborne self-propelled guns, which can be dropped on a parachute platform.

Thus, it is premature to talk about the archaism of 23-mm anti-aircraft guns. According to some reports, there may be up to 300 ZU-23 units in active operation in Russia, installed on various vehicles. Several dozen towed installations are available in military educational institutions and personnel training centers. Several hundred more are preserved at equipment and weapons storage bases.

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"

It is not clear why in the article “Why do we need so many air defense systems?” Only the ZSU-23-4M4 “Shilka-M4” is mentioned, although the air defense forces of the ground forces and anti-aircraft units of the Marine Corps have not only modernized ZSUs, but also overhauled self-propelled guns of early modifications. During repairs, some of them had their communications equipment replaced, and changes were made to the radio instrument complex and the system of state identification of air targets, aimed at increasing reliability and reducing operating costs. But at the same time, the main characteristics of the ZSU have not changed. It is clear that non-modernized self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, the electronic units of which still partially use electric vacuum devices, are outdated and much inferior to new and radically modernized military air defense systems.

Modernized ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"

During the modernization, the ZSU-23-4M4 received a new radar fire control system based on a solid-state element base with the ability to install the Strelets air defense system. The update of the control system is accompanied by the replacement of the existing radar with a newly created station of the same frequency range with an improved set of characteristics. The Strelets air defense system uses the Igla type missile defense system.

According to information available in open sources, the Russian armed forces have about 200 ZSU-23-4 Shilka of all modifications. How many of them have undergone modernization is not known. However, it is clear that it is impossible to repair and modernize installations, most of which have already crossed the forty-year mark, ad infinitum. It is safe to say that in the coming years the number of Shilokas in the troops will be greatly reduced.

MANPADS

Shooter with MANPADS "Strela-2M"

Now let’s look at the MANPADS we have. Until the mid-1980s, the main MANPADS of the Soviet army was the Strela-2M, which was put into service in 1970. The production of this complex in the USSR lasted at least until 1980, and it became very widespread. For example, according to the 1980 states, a motorized rifle regiment had 27 portable systems. A squad of anti-aircraft gunners armed with MANPADS was part of the motorized rifle companies. Launch tubes and spare anti-aircraft missiles could be included in the ammunition rack of the BMP-1. The complex weighed 15 kg in combat position, and 16.5 kg in stowed position. The relatively light weight made it possible to carry by one soldier.

The Strela-2M portable complex has significantly increased the anti-aircraft potential of battalion and company level units of the ground forces. If necessary, shooting could be carried out from the body of a car, from the armor of an infantry fighting vehicle or armored personnel carrier, moving at speeds of up to 20 km/h. At the same time, the first mass-produced portable complex had a number of significant disadvantages. Due to the low sensitivity of the seeker, a head-on attack on enemy jet combat aircraft was impossible. The probability of hitting a target in the presence of low cumulus clouds illuminated by the sun sharply decreased. When firing at a target flying at an altitude of less than 50 m, it was possible to point the missile at heat sources on the ground. The minimum angle in the sun at which it was possible to track air targets with a homing head was 25-40°. The complex was not protected from heat traps fired by planes and helicopters.

In the past, I had the opportunity to study the Strela-2M MANPADS and teach others how to use it. In feature films you can see that MANPADS are launched without any preparation, almost offhand. In practice, this is not such an easy-to-use weapon as is commonly believed among ordinary people. The shooter must evaluate the flight speed, range, and elevation angle of the target, make pre-launch preparations and turn on the disposable starting power supply. Approximately 5 seconds after turning on the power, the missile was ready for launch and it was necessary to lock on the target, which the shooter was notified of by an audio signal. After the homing head began to steadily track the target, the control light came on and the trigger could be pulled. 1-1.5 seconds after receiving the command, the rocket launched. During all this time, the shooter had to accompany the target and not make sudden movements. However, the time to turn on the power source is very limited, and this procedure could be performed no more than twice. If the launch did not occur after restart, the power source had to be replaced and the unused rocket sent for maintenance. In case of a miss, the rocket self-destructed 15-17 seconds after launch.

By and large, the method of using Strela-2M and more modern MANPADS is not very different, and I am talking about this so that readers understand that the effective use of portable anti-aircraft systems requires quite a long training and the use of special simulators.

As far as I can remember, experienced shooters who were trained on simulators and passed all tests flawlessly were allowed to take part in real training launches. Before the shooting, in order to increase attentiveness and responsibility, the personnel were verbally informed that the cost of one anti-aircraft missile is equivalent to the price of a Zhiguli passenger car. M-13 rockets launched from a BM-13NMM rocket artillery combat vehicle on a ZIL-131 chassis, or parachute targets were used as training targets. In the second case, it was much easier for the shooter to target and capture the target. Under ideal test site conditions, the probability of being hit by one missile was above 0.5.

From the experience of combat use in local conflicts, it is known that even well-trained shooters, when repelling air raids, launched 10 missiles, on average, shot down 1-2 enemy planes or helicopters. If the enemy used heat traps, the shooting efficiency was reduced by approximately three times.

Taking into account the fact that new types of MANPADS were mainly sent to troops stationed in the western military districts, in units stationed in Siberia, Transbaikalia and the Far East, Strela-2M remained the main portable anti-aircraft system until the second half of the 1990s . Although the probability of hitting air targets with this missile was relatively low, the Strela-2M MANPADS were widely used, and they were well adopted by the troops.

Soon after mass deliveries of Strela-2M were completed, work began on creating a modification with better noise immunity. In 1974, the Strela-3 MANPADS was adopted for service, but troops received this complex in significant quantities around 1980.

Shooter with Strela-3 MANPADS
The weight of the Strela-3 MANPADS in combat position increased by 1 kg, but at the same time the combat characteristics were significantly improved.
The launch range increased from 4200 to 4500 m. Altitude reach from 2200 to 2500 m. The portable complex can hit targets flying at an altitude of up to 15 m. It became possible to attack jet aircraft on a collision course. A significant improvement in the combat characteristics of the Strela-3 MANPADS, with maximum unification with the Strela-2M, was achieved mainly due to the use of a fundamentally new seeker with cooling to a temperature of -200°. A launch mechanism was also introduced, which made it possible to automatically launch a missile at a target located in the launch zone when firing on a collision course. Currently, the Strela-2M and Strela-3 MANPADS are considered obsolete in Russia, but they have not been officially withdrawn from service and are in storage. Taking into account the fact that these complexes were produced several decades ago, their technical reliability coefficient leaves much to be desired. The most critical elements are disposable electric batteries, and degradation of fuel charges in engines is also possible. Modernization of morally and physically outdated portable systems does not make sense, and they must be disposed of.

Even before the adoption of the Strela-3 MANPADS, development of a longer-range portable system began. In order to speed up the time frame for creating a new anti-aircraft missile complex, the homing head from Strela-3 was used, but at the same time a new missile and launching device were developed. The mass of the complex has increased; in the combat position, the Igla-1 MANPADS weighs 17.8 kg, in the stowed position 19.7 kg.

The maximum firing range of the Igla-1 MANPADS, adopted for service in 1981, is 5000 m. The upper limit of the affected area is 3000 m. The minimum flight altitude of targets is 10 m. The maximum speeds of targets fired and the probability of destruction have increased. This was achieved through the introduction of an additional circuit and miniature jet engines that ensure the missile defense system turns to a preemptive meeting point with the target during the initial phase of the flight. Also on the launcher there was an electronic switch for the “catch-up” modes. The warhead of the missile was equipped with an additional proximity fuse, which ensures that the target is hit with a slight miss. A switchable radar interrogator was built into the trigger mechanism, which identified targets and automatically blocked the launch of missiles on its aircraft. The commander of the squad of anti-aircraft gunners received at his disposal a portable electronic tablet, on which he received data on the air situation in a 25 x 25 km square. The tablet reflected up to four targets with notes on their nationality and the target’s flight path relative to the position of the anti-aircraft gunners.

In 1983, the Igla MANPADS entered service, which in our armed forces is still the main air defense system at the company and battalion level. Just as with earlier models of MANPADS, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers have space for carrying launchers and spare missiles. At the same time, missile launches from combat vehicles are regularly practiced during exercises.

Shooter with Igla MANPADS
The main advantage of the Igla MANPADS in comparison with previous portable systems was the improved sensitivity of the seeker and the ability to operate in conditions of artificial thermal interference.
In 2002, the improved Igla-S MANPADS with an increased probability of destruction to 6000 m was officially introduced into service with the Russian Army. The height reach is more than 3500 m. However, most of the new Igla family of MANPADS after the collapse of the USSR and the beginning of “economic reforms” were exported. Taking into account the fact that the guaranteed storage period of the Igla missile defense system in equipped premises is 10 years, a significant part of the existing missiles requires extending their service life in the factory, which, however, is much cheaper than the production of new anti-aircraft missiles.

Shooter with Verba MANPADS

In 2015, the Verba MANPADS, which is a further development of the domestic line of portable systems, entered service with the Russian army. According to information from the official website of the company that developed the complex, the new Verba MANPADS is 1.5-2 times more effective than the previous generation complexes, especially at a range of more than 3 km. The firing zone for targets with low thermal radiation was increased 2.5 times; this was achieved by increasing the sensitivity of the anti-aircraft missile seeker. The security of the complex against powerful pyrotechnic interference has increased significantly. The designers also managed to reduce the weight of the complex’s combat weapons relative to the Igla-S MANPADS from 18.25 kg to 17.25 kg. To use the Verba MANPADS in the dark, a removable night vision sight can be added to the complex. The firing range has been increased to 6500 m, the altitude reach is 4000 m. The combat work of anti-aircraft gunners is automated; within a platoon it is possible to control the actions of an individual anti-aircraft gunner, with the issuance of individual target designation. The portable fire control module ensures simultaneous execution of fire missions against 15 different air targets.

Assessing the situation with the equipment of our army with modern man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, we can assume that our army now has enough of them. Our armed forces occupy a leading position in the world in terms of the number of MANPADS. Thus, the American army has about 1000 launch tubes for the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS; the Russian army has approximately 3 times more portable systems at its disposal: “Igla-1”, “Igla”, “Igla-S” and “Verba”. This is largely due to the huge stockpiles of weapons remaining from the times of the USSR. After the reduction of the armed forces, a significant number of launchers and anti-aircraft missiles are still stored in warehouses, which can be abundantly equipped with existing army units. However, it should be understood that the shelf life of anti-aircraft missiles is not endless; they require timely maintenance and replacement of a number of elements in the factory. Simultaneously with maintaining the combat readiness of previously produced MANPADS, it is necessary to develop and produce new compact systems designed to provide air defense to small units.

In the next part of the review, we will talk about short- and medium-range mobile military systems on wheeled and tracked chassis available in the Russian Army. Let's consider their numbers, technical condition and prospects.

To be continued…

Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading countries of the world are quite diverse. Their main purpose is the direct protection of units and groupings of ground forces from enemy air attack weapons on the battlefield, reserves, as well as military facilities for combat and logistics support. The experience of recent local conflicts has clearly shown: the likelihood of destroying the air defense system of a country under attack through the massive use of high-precision weapons is very high. Thus, the only effective means of repelling air strikes from low and medium altitudes are military air defense systems.

The majority of military air defense assets are short-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs), man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS) and anti-aircraft artillery - self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (ZSU) and anti-aircraft artillery systems (ZAK). They are, as a rule, in service with air defense units of the ground forces, for example, anti-aircraft missile battalions of various brigades, divisions or army corps, regiments of army corps and anti-aircraft artillery regiments of divisions, wings of missile defense systems and other formations.

Military air defense systems are mostly highly mobile (self-propelled or towed) anti-aircraft missiles, anti-aircraft artillery or combined (missile-artillery) systems on tracked or wheeled chassis.

Short-range artillery and missile systems (ZSU, SAM, ZRAK, MANPADS), as a rule, are located directly in the combat formations of the covered troops and follow motorized infantry and tanks at distances of up to 300-400 m from the front edge, firing on the move and from short distances stops on targets at low and ultra-low altitudes. In the tactical depth of the troops (up to 30-40 km) there may be military air defense units to combat air defense forces at low and medium altitudes. They are usually armed with short- and medium-range air defense systems that are capable of quickly deploying directly from the march.

Long- and medium-range air defense systems of army or front-line subordination are used to protect operational groupings of ground forces from targets flying at high and medium altitudes. Military air defense units armed with long- and medium-range weapons are usually also armed with short-range air defense systems to cover long-range systems in their short-range “dead zone”.

The main targets for modern military air defense systems are not only airplanes and helicopters, which until recently constituted the main striking force of the air defense forces. but also cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles. In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been added to this list, being the most difficult targets due to their small size. It is the problem of intercepting tactical and operational-tactical missiles, cruise missiles and UAVs that is fundamental in the creation of promising air defense and missile defense systems.

Launcher 9A83 of the S-300V anti-aircraft missile system

Today, in leading Western countries, there is a certain crisis with modern military air defense systems and complexes. According to the latest concept, it provides for the rapid conquest of dominance in aerospace at the very first stage of an armed conflict. So, most medium- and short-range weapons capable of directly protecting units from air-launched missiles on the battlefield have been withdrawn from service in the last 20 years. They were replaced by long-range zonal and object-based air defense systems (American MIM104 “Patriot”), while short-range air defense systems and MANPADS remained for direct support of ground forces units. True, in recent years, the United States has repeatedly attempted to create its own military air defense systems (for example, the SLAMRAAM program for the Army and Marine Corps), but due to budget cuts they were never put into service.

Launcher 9A82 of the S-300V anti-aircraft missile system

A similar situation has developed with anti-aircraft artillery installations: most of them have been withdrawn from service or remain in small quantities, while the creation of new ones is not envisaged. However, the leading countries of Western Europe - France, Italy, Germany - are creating international consortia in order to develop promising military air defense systems, which are planned to be put into service in the near future. The USA is also showing interest in these works.

In Russia, military air defense systems have traditionally been given very great importance. The large technical reserve left over from the USSR has made it possible in recent years to modernize the air defense systems in service with the Ground Forces to the modern level, as well as to create and adopt new effective systems. In addition, work is actively underway on promising systems that are significantly ahead of similar Western developments and are capable of combating all types of modern explosive weapons.

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In addition, the Russian army is armed with S-300B long-range military air defense systems, which, unlike foreign zonal air defense systems deployed only in pre-designated areas of the theater of operations, can cover operational groupings of troops, quickly advancing in a threatening direction. These complexes have self-propelled chassis with high maneuverability and can move within fronts and quickly deploy immediately, covering troop groups.

In Asian countries there has also been a certain rise in the development of military air defense systems. Thus, Japan and South Korea adopted their own air defense systems and self-propelled guns, which made it possible to get rid of systems previously purchased from the United States. China is also actively working to modernize old and create new military air defense systems, having achieved some success in this direction, although mainly using copying technology.

Russia

The most powerful military air defense system in Russia is the S-300V2 air defense system, which was put into service in 1998 on the basis of the previous modifications of the S-300V/V1. This is a universal multi-channel anti-aircraft missile system for air and missile defense of the front-line Ground Forces. The first version of the complex was developed at NPO Antey (NIEMI) back in 1988 to replace the obsolete 2K11 Krug air defense system in the Ground Forces.

The S-300V2 complex is designed for the defense of important military installations, troop groups and administrative and industrial centers from attacks of all types of aircraft and helicopters, cruise missiles, other aerodynamic air attack weapons, as well as aeroballistic and ballistic missiles for operational-tactical purposes. Its combat operation is ensured day and night in various weather conditions, in difficult jamming conditions and with the massive use of air defense systems.

All combat assets of the complex are placed on unified tracked chassis of the GM-830 type (“Object 831”), which have high maneuverability and maneuverability corresponding to the equipment of the Ground Forces.

Each anti-aircraft missile division consisted of one 9S457 command post, a 9S15M “Obzor-3” all-round radar, a 9S19M2 “Imbir” program review radar (detection of the warheads of ballistic and aeroballistic missiles, loitering jamming aircraft at a range of up to 100 km) and four anti-aircraft missile batteries, each of which included one multi-channel 9S32 missile guidance radar, two 9A82 and four 9A83 launchers, 9A84 (one) and 9A85 (two) launcher-loaders. In addition, the system included technical support and maintenance tools.

A special feature of the S-300V series air defense system is the presence of two types of anti-aircraft missiles and, accordingly, two types of launchers and ROM. Both missiles are partially unified with each other and are made according to a normal aerodynamic design, have the same directional action and weigh 150 kg, but differ in size and maneuverability. The “large” 9M82 missile defense system has an average flight speed of 1800 m/s and a maximum speed of 2400 m/s; “small” rocket 9M83 - 1200 and 1700 m/s, respectively. The maximum permissible overload is 20g. The guidance system is noise-immune, semi-active, radar, with tracking through the missile in the final section and inertial guidance in the middle section of the trajectory. The 9A82 launcher carries two containers with 9M82 missiles, the 9M83 launcher carries four containers with 9M83 missiles; both have a missile guidance station (target illumination).

In design, basic characteristics and operation, the launchers differ only in the device for fixing the TPK in the starting position and the mechanical part of the radar. The rockets are launched vertically.

The zone of destruction of aerodynamic targets of the S-300V air defense system is up to 100 km in range and from 25 m to 30 km in height, the zone of destruction of ballistic targets in range is 30 km (for the 9M82 missile) and 40 km (for the 9M83), in height - from 1 to 25 km. The maximum speed of targets hit is 3000 m/s. The S-Z00V2 modification has an interception range increased to 160 km and an altitude of up to 40 km.

The deeply modernized C-300B4 system began to be delivered to the Russian army in 2015. It also has two types of missiles, but its combat capabilities have increased significantly. Thus, the reach of the “large” 40N6 missile has been increased to 400 km, and the interception altitude to 185 km. Moreover, it has a hyperspeed corresponding to 7.5 M. The “small” missile has a range of 150 km. The S-300V4 ensures the destruction of all existing and future types of aerospace attack weapons, including tactical ballistic missiles (at a range of up to 200 km).

The guidance system of the new missiles is inertial, with radio correction in the middle section of the trajectory and semi-active high-precision homing in the final section. The use of missiles with a high-precision inertial control and radio correction system made it possible to use a radar seeker to intercept even the smallest targets with an ESR equal to 0.02 m2.

Self-propelled air defense system 9K37 "Buk-M1"

The modernized S-300V4 air defense system includes: 9S457M KP, 9S15M2, 9S19M2 and 9S32M radars, 9A83M launchers (four missiles) and 9A82M (two missiles), as well as 9A85M and 9A84M ROMs. The anti-aircraft missile division is capable of simultaneously firing at up to 24 targets, aiming 48 missiles at them. The rate of fire of each launcher is 1.5 s. The entire complex is transferred from standby mode to combat mode in 40 seconds, and the deployment time from the march takes 5 minutes. The division's ammunition load is 96-192 anti-aircraft missiles.

The 9K37 Buk-M1 medium-range air defense system, which is in service with the Russian Ground Forces and the armies of nine other countries, was put into service in 1983. Its development was carried out by the Research Institute of Instrument Engineering named after V.V. Tikhomirov. In 1998, the modernized 9K37M1-2 Buk-M1-2 complex, equipped with the new 9M317 anti-aircraft missile, entered service. These two medium-range air defense systems (more than 350 launchers) are the most effective means of medium-range military air defense of the Russian army. They are designed to combat maneuvering aerodynamic air targets and tactical ballistic missiles at low and medium altitudes under conditions of intense radio countermeasures in simple and adverse weather conditions.

Self-propelled firing system of the Buk-M2E complex on the MZKT-6922 chassis

The Buk-M1-2 complex includes: 9S470M1-2 command post, 9S18M1-1 “Dome” target detection radar, six 9A310M1-2 launchers and the same number of 9A39M1-2 launcher-loaders. All self-propelled vehicles of the complex are made on GM-569 tracked chassis. The launcher includes: a circular rotation platform with four missiles on beam guides with vertical guidance, a missile guidance radar, a digital computer, a television-optical sight, a laser rangefinder, and a friend-or-foe identification system. The launcher-loader carries an ammunition supply of eight missiles and, if necessary, can launch four of them from its guides controlled through the nearest launcher.

The missile defense system is made according to a normal aerodynamic configuration, has a mass of 720 kg, the mass of the warhead is about 70 kg, and the engine is solid fuel. The firing range of the complex is from 3 to 45 km for aircraft, for tactical ballistic missiles - up to 20 km, for cruise missiles - 20-26 km, the affected area in height is from 15 m to 25 km, the speed of targets hit is up to 1100 m/ s, the number of simultaneously fired targets is 22. The 9S18M1-1 three-dimensional all-round radar provides detection and identification of air targets at ranges of up to 110-120 km and transmission of target designation to the command post. The command post simultaneously tracks up to 46 targets in a zone with a radius of 100 km and issues target designations for self-propelled firing systems.

In 2008, a modernized complex was created - 9K317 Buk-M2. The number of targets simultaneously fired by it was increased to 24, and the aircraft engagement zone was increased to 50 km. In addition, the likelihood of hitting cruise missiles and helicopters is increased; reaction time is only 10 s. In addition to the 9S510 KP, 9S18M1-1 (or 9S112) radar, 9A317 PU and 9A316 ROM, the 9S36 illumination and guidance radar with an antenna on a lifting mast was introduced into the complex.

Based on the basic air defense system, an export complex was developed - 9K317EK "Buk-M2EK" on the wheeled chassis of the MZKT-69221 (8x8) tractor, as well as the ship-based air defense system "Uragan"; In Belarus, the 9K37MB Buk-MB variant appeared.

In 2016, Russia put into service the deeply modernized 9K317M Buk-MZ complex with the new 9M317M missile, designed to destroy modern and advanced surface-to-air missiles at a range of up to 70 km and an altitude of up to 35 km, as well as at ultra-low altitudes of 5 m. A distinctive feature of the new air defense system is the presence of TPK for missiles and an increase in their number on the launcher to six.

Self-propelled firing system 9A317 ZRS S-300V

One of the most effective short-range military air defense systems is the Russian 9K331 Tor-Ml and its modifications. This is an all-weather tactical complex designed to cover the first echelons of the Ground Forces and important facilities from attacks from modern cruise missiles, guided aircraft missiles, UAVs, glide bombs, airplanes and helicopters. It can operate in fully automatic mode with independent control of designated airspace and shoot down air targets not identified by the “friend or foe” system.

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The first version of the Tor complex was created at NIEMI and put into service in 1986. In 1991, the Tor-M1 modification entered service with the troops, which became dual-channel in target and had a more effective missile and updated equipment. Since 2013, the modernized 9K331MU Tor-M1-2U complex has been supplied. Around the same period, air defense systems appeared on the 9K331MK Tor-M2K wheeled chassis and the modular version 9K331MKM Tor-M2KM, adapted for placement on various types of platforms.

All modifications of the Tor air defense system are placed on the Object 355 tracked chassis, which contains: target detection radar, phased array guidance radar, and optical tracking system. computer, vertical launch installation for eight missiles and other equipment. The antenna and launch devices form a single structure on a rotating platform. The target acquisition radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 targets and track ten of them. For the Tor-M1 variant, the number of detected and recognized targets was increased to 48. The aircraft detection range is 27 km. helicopters - 20 km. UAV - up to 15 km, detection altitude - up to 6 km.

Combat module of the Tor-M2KM air defense system on the TATA chassis

The solid-fuel rocket is made according to the “duck” design, has a mass of 165 kg, a speed of 700-800 m/s, a warhead mass of 14.8 kg, and a proximity fuse. Firing range - from 1.5 to 12 km, interception altitude - from 10 m to 6 km. The guidance system is noise-proof, radio command, with radar and optical tracking. The reaction time of the complex is: up to 7.4 s - when firing from a position, up to 9.7 s - when firing from a short stop. The 9M331 missile is capable of withstanding overloads of up to 30g and hitting targets maneuvering with overloads of up to 12g.

Combat vehicle 9A331M SAM 9K331M "Tor-M2"

Currently, complexes of this type are in service with the Russian Ground Forces - over 120 air defense systems of various modifications. They are gradually replacing the outdated Osa-AKM and 9K35M3/M4 Strela-10MZ/M4 complexes. In addition, “Torahs” in export version have been supplied to the armies of eight more countries. The deeply modernized 9K331M Tor-M2 complex with the 9M338 missile, which has been in development since 2008, was put into service.

The main distinguishing features of this air defense system are the ability to fire on the move without stopping and twice the ammunition capacity (16 missiles). The 9M338 missile defense system has an enlarged affected area and is highly maneuverable combined with increased guidance accuracy, which allows it to effectively combat small-sized and highly maneuverable surface-to-air missiles and UAVs.

In addition, a version of the 9K331MDT Tor-M2DT air defense missile system has been created for Arctic units, based on the DT-30 two-link tracked transporter. It was first shown at the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9, 2022.

However, the Russian Ground Forces continue to have in service the Soviet-made self-propelled air defense systems 9KZZMZ Osa-AKM and 9K35M4 Strela-10M4 (approximately 400 vehicles each). They are single-channel in purpose, but due to repeated upgrades, they are limited in their ability to combat some modern EHVs.

The 9KZZ "Osa" air defense missile system was developed at NII-20 of the State Committee for Energy and Energy and was put into service in 1971. The complex was quite compact for its time and was placed on the chassis of a specially designed three-axle all-wheel drive amphibious vehicle BAZ-5937. The 9AZZB combat vehicle had a rotating platform of circular rotation, on which inclined launchers, a missile guidance and target tracking station, an optical sight, and a all-round viewing station were located.

In 1975, the modernized 9KZZM2 Osa-AK air defense system was put into service, and in 1980, the 9KZZMZ Osa-AKM air defense system. The firing range is from 1.5 to 10 km. The target detection station provides detection of fighter-type targets at a range of up to 40 km (at an altitude of 5 km) or 27 km (50 m); a noise-resistant target tracking station can guide up to two missiles at one target. The 9MZZM5 rocket is solid-fuel, designed in a canard design, has a radio command guidance system, launch weight 128 kg, and is equipped with a fragmentation warhead weighing 15 kg. proximity fuse with an actuation radius of 5 m. The marching speed of 1.51 M allows you to intercept targets at speeds of up to 500 m/s (300 m/s in pursuit). The launcher contains six ready-to-launch missiles in square containers. The deployment (collapse) time of a combat vehicle does not exceed 5 minutes. Shooting is only possible from a standing position.

The complex also includes a 9T217B transport-loading vehicle (carries 12 missiles) with a loading crane, built on the same chassis as the BM. Osa complexes of various modifications are available in the armies of another fifteen countries, including neighboring countries. They were repeatedly used in armed conflicts in the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq), Africa (Angola, Libya), as well as in Yugoslavia and South Ossetia. In 2003, in Belarus, NPO Tetrahedr developed a modernized version of the air defense system - 9KZZ-1T "Osa-1T" (for export deliveries). The complex was equipped with a new guidance system, which made it possible to hit targets flying at speeds up to 700 m/s at ranges up to 12 km and altitudes up to 7 km; due to the new element base, its noise immunity was increased, the optical-electronic system OES-1T was installed and the degree of process automation.

The 9K35 "Strela-10SV" air defense system was developed at the Tochmash design bureau and put into service in 1976. Unlike the "Osa" air defense system, it could fire on a fire-and-forget basis, since its 9M37 missile had a two-channel seeker with a main photo-contrast guidance mode and spare infrared (in conditions of interference, on oncoming and catch-up courses). At the same time, this complex had a simplified design and worked based on target designation from external sources, which provided it with greater combat stability.

The 9A35 combat vehicle was made on the basis of the MT-LB tracked armored tractor. A circular rotation platform was installed on the roof of its hull with an operator’s seat inside (the operator tracked the target visually), and on top of it were installed two dual guided launchers with square-section missile defense containers and electric drives, as well as a parabolic millimeter range radio range finder antenna. The 9S86 zone assessment equipment with a calculating device determined the position of the target and automatically calculated the angles for the preemptive launch of the missile defense system. The vehicle's body carried a spare ammunition load of four missiles, which the crew reloaded manually.

Srela-10MN air defense missile system combat vehicle

The last Soviet version of the air defense system - 9K35M4 "Strela-10M4" - was put into service in 1989. Its 9MZZZ missile was made according to the "duck" design (like the previous versions 9M31 and 9M37) and was equipped with a solid fuel jet engine. The seeker, in addition to infrared and photocontrast, had an additional interference guidance mode. The launch weight of the missile defense system is 42.5 kg, the weight of the rod warhead is 5 kg, the flight speed is 1.56M, the speed of the intercepted target is 420 m/s (in pursuit of it is 310 m/s), range is 5 km; the fuse had contact and non-contact sensors.

Due to the simplicity of the complex, its various modifications are still in service with the armies of about two dozen countries.

In 2015, the Russian Airborne Forces adopted a modernized version of the Strela-10MN, developed at the JSC Precision Engineering Design Bureau named after A.E. Nudelman". The complex was equipped with a thermal imaging system with automatic target acquisition and tracking, as well as a scanning unit. Modernization is carried out using the existing Strela-10M2/3/4 complexes (more than 50 vehicles have been delivered to the troops). In Belarus, NPO Tetrahedr also developed its own modernized version of the Strela-10T air defense system, equipped with an OES-1TM optoelectronic system, a digital computer and satellite navigation equipment.

In 1982, the 2S6 Tunguska anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, developed at the Tula Instrument Engineering Design Bureau and designed to replace the ZSU-25-4 Shilka, which had become less effective, entered service with the USSR Ground Forces. The complex was intended for air defense of motorized rifle, tank units and subunits on the march and in all types of combat. It ensured the destruction of low-flying small air targets flying at speeds of up to 500 m/s with missiles and artillery weapons. According to the estimates of most domestic and foreign experts, the Tunguska complex has no analogues abroad and until recently was the most powerful anti-aircraft system of its class.

The 2K22 combat vehicle is based on the Object 555 tracked chassis. It includes a turret installation with two double-barreled 50-mm automatic cannons and eight launchers with missile defense systems in the TPK. The target detection radar, tracking radar, friend-or-foe system, optical sight, operator and commander positions, and ammunition of 1,904 rounds are also located there. The crew of the car is 4 people.

The 9M311 rocket is a two-stage rocket, the first stage engine is solid fuel, the second stage is without an engine (the flight proceeds by inertia). The fuse is non-contact, the warhead is equipped with rod striking elements. The missile strike zone in height is up to 3.5 km, in range – from 2.5 to 8 km.

The affected area by anti-aircraft guns is up to 5 km in height and from 0.2 to 4 km in range. The total rate of fire of automatic guns is up to 5000 rounds/min. It is possible to engage ground targets at a range of up to 2 km. The target detection range of the all-round viewing station is up to 18 km, tracking range is up to 15 km.

In 1990, the modernized 2S6M Tunguska-M complex appeared, which included interface equipment with the 9S482M and PPRU-1 control points, which significantly increased the effectiveness of the anti-aircraft battery by distributing targets between installations.

In the second half of the 1990s. a modification 2S6M1 “Tunguska-M1” was developed, adopted by the Russian Armed Forces in 2005. The combat vehicle is built on an improved GM-5975 chassis. The complex uses equipment for receiving automated target designation from a battery command post, increased noise immunity, and also increased the affected area in range to 10 km due to the introduction of the modernized 9M511-1M missile defense system. In 2015, at the International Military-Technical Forum "Army", a modernized 2S6M1 combat vehicle was demonstrated, equipped with a new optical-electronic sighting system with a thermal imager and all-round radar.

Structurally, the anti-aircraft missile and artillery battery includes four Tunguska combat vehicles (platoon) with heavy equipment and support equipment, as well as a platoon of Strela-10 air defense systems. The battery is part of an anti-aircraft division of a motorized rifle or tank regiment.

Combat vehicle 2S6M1 of the Tunguska-M1 complex

The Russian Ground Forces are armed with over 250 Tunguskas of the two latest modifications. In addition, this complex was supplied to the armies of five more countries and was inherited from the USSR by Belarus and Ukraine.

The 9K338 Igla-S MANPADS, put into service in 2002, is the latest modification of the Igla series of systems in service with the Russian army and more than 30 other countries. In terms of mass and distribution, they compete with the American Stinger MANPADS. The complex is designed to destroy low-flying air targets on oncoming and catch-up courses under conditions of exposure to thermal interference. The development was carried out at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau together with the LOMO enterprise. In the military, Igla replaced the outdated Strela-2M and Strela-3 complexes.

MANPADS "Igla-S" has incorporated all the latest technical solutions of modernized systems of previous types. It has increased the mass of the missile warhead (2.5 kg), and now has the ability to fire small targets such as UAVs and low-flying cruise missiles. The complex includes an anti-aircraft missile in a launch tube. power source, trigger mechanism with an attached “friend or foe” interrogator.

The launch is carried out from the shoulder of the anti-aircraft gunner; the crew consists of two people. The target designation tool is a portable electronic tablet 1L15-1, which displays data on low-flying targets from a higher command post. The missile weighing 11.7 kg is made according to the “duck” design, the guidance system is passive, with a two-channel seeker. The engine is solid fuel. The high-explosive fragmentation warhead is equipped with contact and non-contact fuses. The destruction range is 6 km, the height is from 10 m to 3.5 km. The speed of targets hit on a collision course is up to 400 m/s, on a catch-up course - up to 320 m/s. To most effectively destroy an air target, a few seconds before meeting it, the missile is retargeted from the engine nozzle to the center of the target, piercing the skin and exploding inside it.

In addition to the Igla-S, units of the Ground Forces, Airborne Forces and Marine Corps of the Russian Army are armed with the Igla, Igla-1, Igla-D and Igla-N modifications. There is an “Igla-V” variant with a unified launcher of two or four missiles, designed to arm helicopters and mobile anti-aircraft missile systems (for example, “Luchnik”), as well as a light launcher “Dzhigit” for firing a salvo of two missiles.

Igla missiles are used in the Gibka and Komar shipborne short-range air defense systems.

The newest Russian MANPADS is the 9KZZZ “Verba”, developed at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau and put into service in 2014. It is designed to destroy low-flying air targets from any angle in a difficult jamming environment, including low-emitting cruise missiles and UAVs.

The Verba complex includes: the 9M336 anti-aircraft missile, the 9P521 launcher, the 1L122 small-sized radar detector and the 1L229V friend-or-foe interrogator. It also includes: mobile control point 9В861, planning module 9С931, reconnaissance and control module 9С932-1, portable fire control module 9С933 (in a brigade set), built-in installation kit 9С933-1 (in a divisional set), anti-aircraft gunner automation kit 9S935 and training aids. The total mass of the complex is 17.25 kg.

Airborne Forces fighter with Verba MANPADS

The missile is made according to the “duck” design, the engine is solid fuel, the warhead is high-explosive fragmentation, with a contact and non-contact fuse. It is equipped with an infrared tri-band noise-immune seeker, including protection against advanced laser jamming systems.

The range of destruction of air targets is from 5 to more than 6 km, the interception altitude is more than 4 km, the speed of the targets hit is up to 400 m/s.

A special feature of the complex is an automated control system that detects single and group air targets with determination of their flight parameters, as well as distribution between anti-aircraft gunners, taking into account their placement.

Based on materials from the magazine “Equipment and Weapons” No. 5 2019

Continuation: Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading countries of the world. Part 2

We also read:

• Military air defense systems and complexes in service with the leading armies of the world. Part 3
• C-500 "Prometheus". Creating new weapons
• S-300F "Fort" air defense system
• "Tor-M2KM" - modular air defense system
• 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 2
• Precision engineering booms. MANPADS "Strela"
• SAM "Dagger"
• SAM M-1 "Volna"
• SAM M-11 "Storm"
• SAM M-22 "Hurricane"
• SAM M-2 "Volkhov"
• Anti-aircraft missile system "Strela-10"
• Anti-aircraft missile system S-200 "Vega"

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Leaders of the best air defense in the world

The air defense or anti-aircraft complex guarantees the protection of the ground population in the event of an air attack. We invite you to get acquainted with the ten best of them.

No. 10 - "ASRAD"

The German air defense system provides protection for ground troops and command posts from enemy attacks by aircraft flying at different altitudes. The year of production of the air defense system is 2001. Stinger homing infrared missiles are used as the main destructive element; Igla and Mistral variants can be used.

No. 9 - Air defense - "Gepard"

The German ZSU "Geetah" provides protection for ground troops, strikes air targets from a distance of 100m-4 thousand meters and at altitudes of up to 3 thousand meters, ground and water targets at a distance of up to 4 thousand meters. The anti-aircraft gun was adopted for service more than 40 years ago. Air defense has: - two 35 mm cannons that fire at a frequency of 1100 rounds/min.; -1 forward radar for aiming at the enemy; target designation antenna (target detection range - 18 km).

No. 8 - RK M-1097 “Avenger”

Air defense strikes objects at a distance of up to 5 km and altitudes of 0.5-4 km. Equipped with a self-guided thermal head. The RK is automated to the maximum, popular due to its quick response and operational firepower. The complex is combat-ready at different times of the day and hits targets in unfavorable weather conditions. The rate of fire is 1100 rounds/min.

No. 7 - RPK RF "Pantsir-S1"

Provides protection from airborne equipment and objects. ZRPK equipment: 12 anti-aircraft guided missiles; two 30-mm rapid-fire cannons (5000 rounds/min.). The air defense missile system hits the enemy at a distance of 20 thousand km and altitudes up to 15 thousand km. The air defense system includes 3 missiles, one weighing 74.5 kg. Missile guidance is carried out using a radio command.

No. 6 - American air defense system "Patriot"

Designed to cover ground strategic objects and equipment from air attack. Instantly recognizes more than 100 targets, 8 of which can be tracked. Directs up to 3 missiles at one target. The air defense system is equipped with 4 missiles with the same number of launchers.

No. 5 -SAMP-T air defense system

French-Italian project to protect mechanized ground forces and other installations from air attack. The radar installation detects and provides tracking of up to 137 targets, and is capable of targeting 10 of them with missiles. The reaction time of the complex is minimal, the rate of fire is maximum. In 10 seconds, the complex can fire and hit targets with 8 missiles.

No. 4 - American air defense - THAAD

Ground-based air defense with a firing range of up to 1 thousand km. It has 8 missiles and the same number of launchers. SAMP-T is a competitor to Russian air defense. It has the best visibility parameters, which makes the model expensive and uncompetitive.

No. 3 Israeli air defense David's Sling

The complex is in service with the Israeli army. Designed for protection against ballistic missiles and large-caliber unguided objects, the launch range of which is 70-300 km. The developers are confident that the anti-aircraft missile system can intercept an aircraft. The complex operates in bad weather, night and day, and is equipped with innovative radar and optoelectronic guidance systems.

No. 2 MEADS air defense system (USA-Germany-Italy)

The system hits airborne objects and targets from r - up to 1 thousand km. The installation is represented by 8 transport and launch containers. The complete unit has 1 radar with a 360-degree view, 2 control devices, 6 launchers with 24 radio-controlled missiles, and is equipped with vehicles. To date, the project has not been fully implemented.

No. 1 - Russian air defense system S-400 "Triumph"

The air defense leader is the Russian Triumph complex.
The complex is designed to defeat all existing targets, including innovative air and space objects. The air defense system was adopted by the Russian Federation in 2007. Features: hits aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 400 km, tactical – up to 60 km; intercepts modern missiles and aircraft; destroys low-flying objects with height parameters up to 5m. The radar detects targets at a distance of up to 600 km. Provides simultaneous protection with several missiles and builds air echelon defense. Facebook