Anti-aircraft self-propelled complex Korkut (Turkey)
The development of a promising ZSU started at the beginning of this decade and was carried out by several Turkish companies. ASELSAN A.Ş. was appointed the lead developer of the new project. As subcontractors, the companies FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. were attracted to the works. and Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKEK), whose task is the production and supply of individual elements of the combat vehicle. The new project was named Korkut - Turkish male name, translated as “solid” or “decisive”. Also, the authors of the name of the project could have in mind the city of the same name, one of the sons of Sultan Bayazid II, or even the hero of the national epic Dede Korkuda.
In order to reduce as much as possible the cost of creating and mass production of advanced military equipment, the authors of the Korkut project decided to use a number of characteristic ideas. They affected the appearance of both individual armored vehicles and the entire anti-aircraft complex as a whole. It is expected that the applied solutions will greatly simplify the construction and operation of the latest combat vehicles. At the same time, the combat qualities of the air defense complex will remain at a relatively high level.
As part of the self-propelled anti-aircraft complex ASELSAN / FNSS Korkut proposed to include self-propelled machines of two types. Provide protection units of the Army on the march and on the positions will have a battery, having in its composition KKA control machines (Komuta Kontrol Aracı) and self-propelled weapons with SSA (Silah Sistemi Aracı). According to existing plans, the control vehicle will monitor four ZSU cannons, monitoring the air situation in a relatively large area and issuing target designation. Nevertheless, another combination of KKA and SSA types of equipment is possible.
The Korkut KKA and SSA armored vehicles were created with a view to maximally simplifying joint operation, due to which they were unified across the chassis and a number of other units. The FNSS ACV-30 crawler chassis, previously created for use in various new projects, was used as the basis for such equipment. The ACV-30 machine is a universal platform suitable for use as the basis for various types of equipment. It was originally proposed to build infantry combat vehicles or other similar equipment on the basis of such a chassis. Later, several proposals appeared on the development of specialized samples for various purposes, including self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.
Multipurpose chassis ACV-30 is an armored vehicle with the ability to install various equipment. The chassis has a body with a characteristic littered frontal part, as well as vertical sides and stern. The layout of the hull is chosen taking into account the construction of various equipment: its front part is given for the installation of the engine and transmission, while other volumes can accommodate the crew, weapons or necessary equipment. In the case of the Korkut project vehicles, the center and hull feed are used to install radar and artillery systems. According to reports, the body of the armored ACV-30 is made of armored steel and aluminum. Declared 4 level ballistic protection according to STANAG 4569 standard (shelling from 14,5-mm weapons) and mine level 2 (6 kg of TNT under the chassis).
The chassis is equipped with a 600-strong diesel engine, coupled with a fully automatic transmission. Engine torque is output to the front-wheel drive wheels. A running gear is used based on six road wheels with a torsion bar suspension on each side. A characteristic feature of the ACV-30 propulsion unit is the increased gap between the third and fourth pairs of rollers. In the stern of the hull water cannons can be mounted to move through the water. According to the developer’s company, a combat vehicle based on such a chassis can show a maximum speed of up to 65 km / h with a power reserve of up to 500 km. Water barriers are overcome by swimming. The length of the ACV-30 machine is 7 m, width –3,9 m, height (on the roof of the case, excluding additional equipment) - 2,2 m. The combat weight, depending on the type of equipment installed, should not significantly exceed 30 t.
As part of the Korkut air defense complex, the tasks of monitoring the air situation and issuing target designation are assigned to the control vehicle with the symbol KKA. When building such equipment on a unified chassis, it is proposed to mount a set of radar and optoelectronic equipment, as well as control equipment, communications and operator consoles. Most of this equipment is located inside the armored corps. Beyond it is a rotating tower with surveillance equipment.
On the roof of the body of the Korkut KKA, an L-shaped slewing device should be installed. On the front of the unit is mounted opto-electronic equipment with its own pointing drives in two planes. The main part of the rotator serves as a support for the rotating antenna of the radar. Using this equipment control vehicle crew can monitor the traffic situation at ranges of up to 70 km, defining the objectives and parameters for giving tseleeukazanie Korkut SSA.
According to the developer, the control machine can collect data on the existing air situation and form reports based on them in graphical form. Such data can be transferred to the command or crews of combat vehicles. Similarly, work can be carried out with other information about the detected air targets. Data transmission, both to headquarters and anti-aircraft self-propelled guns, is carried out via a Ku-band radio channel.
The KKA control machine should not directly collide with the enemy, but in this case carries some weapon. Depending upon the type of threats, the crew can avoid a collision with smoke grenade or protect against or light infantry art using a large-caliber machine gun. Smoke grenade launchers are mounted in front of the roof, the machine gun is above one of the hatches of the crew.
The project of self-propelled anti-aircraft installation ASELSAN / FNSS Korkut SSA involves the use of a new turret, equipped with weapons and means of its guidance. This unit is mounted on the roof of a unified chassis and provides horizontal guidance for firing in any direction. The tower with weapons has an armored body of a characteristic multifaceted shape, formed by a large number of flat panels. Sheets form a wedge-shaped frontal part and the side of a similar design. In the frontal aggregate of the tower there is a large embrasure, in which the gun housing is located. The latter is equipped with means of supporting trunks, and also has openings for optimal ventilation.
Self-propelled gun is equipped with two automatic guns Oerlikon KDC-02 caliber 35 mm. This weapon was developed in Switzerland, but products for serial self-propelled guns are planned to be released under license at the MKEK plant. It should be noted that Turkey has already produced similar weapons: in service there are 120 towed systems with 35-mm guns of the Swiss development. Thus, the prospective ZSU will use the ammunition already used by the army, as well as be able to get along with the spare parts already produced.
Guns have KDC-02 automatics on the basis of the gas engine and capable of displaying at rate 550 rounds per minute (total 1100). With guns compatible shots of several types with shells for various purposes. With the initial speed at the level of 1100-1500 m / s, the shells of the guns can hit targets at distances up to 4 km.
Korkut SSA cannons are equipped with automatic ammunition supply systems with the ability to change the type of shot. Ready to use ammunition consists of 200 shells. There are also stowages for transporting additional ammunition in 400 shells.
On the roof of the tower of the combat vehicle is its own equipment search for targets and guidance. On a common basis, an antenna of the radar station and a block of optical-electronic equipment are installed. With the help of this equipment self-propelled gun should independently specify the parameters of the target and carry out guidance for firing. From the equipment of the Korkut KKA control machine, the ZSU equipment is distinguished by lower characteristics of the detection range.
It is assumed that two types of equipment from the "Korkut" complex will move together with protectable compounds and to monitor the airspace, both alone and with the assistance of third-party systems. As a plus of the new air defense system, high mobility is indicated, complemented by the possibility of overcoming water obstacles by swimming. Combat weight of machines no more than 30-32 t will also allow them to transfer using existing military transport aircraft.
The development of the Korkut project lasted for several years, after which the firms involved in the work were able to proceed with the construction of experimental equipment. The first prototype of the Korkut SSA was first demonstrated to the general public at the IDEF 2013 showroom. In the future, both air defense machines repeatedly became exhibits of new exhibitions. Also published photos and videos from the tests of experimental equipment.
According to the known data, currently the company ASELSAN, FNSS and other participants "Korkut" project continue testing and perfecting promising anti-aircraft complex for military defense. In this case, such work is already nearing completion. So, at the end of October last year, it became known that the first model of the Korkut complex had been transferred to the ground forces. Apparently, the equipment was handed over to the customer for military testing. After completion of this stage of inspections, a final decision on the future fate of the project should be expected.
The anti-aircraft complex is just preparing for adoption, but the Turkish command has already decided on its needs and has established a schedule for future deliveries of serial equipment. In the very near future it is planned to begin preparations for the serial construction of two types of equipment. The first production complexes will have to go to the army in 2018 year. Completion of deliveries under the future contract is scheduled for 2022 year. During this time, ground forces will need to receive 40 machines Korkut SSA and 13 Korkut KKA. Thus, each year the industry will have to produce an average of 8 self-propelled guns with guns and 2-3 control machines.
The construction and supply of mass-produced self-propelled self-propelled guns will partially solve the existing problem with the protection of ground forces from possible attacks. At the same time, 53 units of new technology can not solve all the existing problems. As a result, in the future, a new contract for the supply of additional lots of equipment is possible. However, so far no information on this is available.
Earlier it was reported about the possible further development of the existing Korkut project. Such an anti-aircraft system attracted the attention not only of the ground forces, but also of the naval fleet. ASELSAN is currently developing a ship version of the anti-aircraft complex. According to recent reports, over the next few months, the developer company plans to publish the first materials on a promising project. The timing of completion of work and the start of production of the "marine" complex has not yet been specified. Obviously, all this is a matter of the distant future.
For certain reasons, the ground forces of Turkey have a very specific fleet of equipment and weapons. In particular, the "weak point" of the Turkish army is the armament of military air defense. Several years ago, a new project was launched, from which it is necessary to change the existing situation and give the troops a new self-propelled vehicle with enhanced characteristics. After several years of work, the contracting companies managed to create the required equipment. In the near future, she will complete the tests, after which her further fate will be finally determined. At the same time, terms and volumes of purchases have already been determined. It is obvious that the emergence of ASELSAN / FNSS Korkut serial anti-aircraft systems will positively affect the state of the Turkish military air defense. At the same time, well-known plans for the purchase of such equipment may be the reason for some doubts. What will be the future of new technology and whether it will be able to solve the tasks posed - time will tell.
On the materials of the sites:
http://aselsan.com.tr/
http://fnss.com.tr/
http://savunmaveteknoloji.com/
http://zonwar.ru/
http://defence.pk/
- Ryabov Kirill
- FNSS / fnss.com.tr, Savunmaveteknoloji.com
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