There is a "contact"!
A few days ago, a network of several photographs were taken by someone from the photo spotter at the Ramenskoye airfield (LII named after Gromov). They were "spotted" another version of the heavy interceptor MiG-31BM, this time not in the version of the MiG-31K with a hypersonic universal aeroballistic missile "Dagger", but with a more massive product, with something clearly two-stage, black, with a clearly visible radar active seeker under a radio-transparent cap.
Some have decided that this is something like the development of "Dagger", while others have made a much more correct conclusion - this is the mass-dimensional model (MGM) of the newest anti-satellite rocket, the heir to the famous Soviet Contact 79М6. Then this topic was not brought to the series, curtailed for political contractual reasons, and then, due to the collapse of the USSR, there was no one to continue the work.
The tests ended up with a single, but successful launch (there were many flights along the standard trajectory and other things besides him). It took place on 26 July 1991, when an experimental aircraft of the ed. "07-2" (MiG-31D) with the suspension of the standard rocket 79М6, from the Sary-Shagan airfield launched a run over the group of Beth-Pak Dala. The crew of the OKB "MiG" performed the launch: test pilot Alexander Garnaev, test navigator Leonid Popov. However, there was no “hot” launch test, that is, the product engine did not start (it was not yet finalized after the decision to make changes according to the results of the unsuccessful tests of the 1 stage for 3 a year before), but the work was carried out according to real object and with real telemetry. In any case, the remaining details of the stories still classified. It is known that two stages of the rocket were solid propellant, and the last stage, which controlled the advance of the kinetic warhead to the target, was liquid.
MiG-31D
Anti-satellite missile 79М6 "Contact"
And now, after 30 years, Russia now again "has contact" with satellites of very likely partners.
Many people, including the author, thought about the development of "Contact" and the external similarity with the available photographs and drawings of that product. In addition, information about this development still periodically leaked - obviously, intentionally. By itself, the theme “MiG-31 + anti-satellite rocket” was periodically retrieved in the light of God and in times of timelessness of the “saints” 90's. Thus, it was reported on the development of the Ishim small satellite output complex as part of the MiG-31I aircraft (the same MiG-31D but demilitarized) and the same Contact, in which the combat unit was planned to be replaced with a payload in the form of a small satellite. But this topic has not gone beyond statements and layouts with posters at exhibitions. Then, somewhere in the end of 2000-x, the theme of "Contact" was pulled out from the distant box again, but for the "main purpose". Already in 2009, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, stated that the system based on the MiG-31 aircraft and the missile "is being reanimated to solve the same tasks as before." At the same time, by the end of 2010, the ground-based Krona complex, now part of the system for detecting and tracking space objects of the space forces of the Russian Aerospace Force of the Russian Federation, was completely updated. This radar-optical complex, consisting of high-precision centimeter and decimeter radars for detecting and identifying spacecraft and determining their parameters, electro-optical means and a laser channel to accurately determine the distance and position of the target, was designed to target the fighter and anti-satellite product. As part of a large-scale modernization of tracking facilities for space objects, this work was somehow “lost”, as was the creation of mobile complexes of a similar purpose. "Kron", by the way, several, except for Sary-Shagansky "Krona", there is one more in the Far East and one in the North Caucasus, fully complex, capable of processing per day to 30000 space targets, was put into operation in 2017. in the final guise, and the pairing with the missile attack warning systems, in particular, the Voronezh radar, was also implemented.
The fighter with tail number 81 “glowed” in Zhukovsky with 2016, but if it flew with the model of this rocket or with itself, then no one recorded this. And now, suddenly, lit up. Although the photos were then deleted by the person who posted them, it is clear that the stuffing is the same character as the "random" slide show with system characteristics. weapons "Status-6" at one time at a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. At that time no one believed almost - but in vain. The anti-satellite work with the MiG-31 was also mentioned in one of the programs of the Military Acceptance series, they even showed a nose, probably of the same or similarly equipped aircraft. And now the product itself has been spotted.
I would like to note that the shown product is probably not MGM - they are usually painted in bright, usually red or orange, colors (at least with aviation missiles like that). And the detailing of such products is usually completely different. Here you can see the GOS, and the approximate location of the steps and other details. No, probably, this is still a real rocket, especially since information that the product has been tested for several years has leaked out. And in 2013, the State Duma altogether included the revival of the topic “Contact” in the recommendations to the government. Although it was revived a long time ago, it is clear that it has a completely new technical content.
And there are a lot of differences in the appearance of the new rocket and in the appearance of the aircraft. So, the current MiG does not have the "flippers" that the MiG-31D had - such triangular crests on the wing tips. These "flippers" are needed to ensure the stability of the flight of the carrier with a suspended massive and heavy rocket on the ascent almost in ballistics at high altitudes. Obviously, on the new version this stability is somehow ensured otherwise, and the rocket seems to be easier. There are no signs of removing the airborne radar complex and replacing the radiotransparent cone fairing with a metal one, as was done on the “D-plane”. Obviously, the mass was too large for the fighter, and the BRC was necessary for this task for him, during operations under control and automated guidance from Krona, like a polar bear - sheepskin coat. Therefore, the radar was removed and the cone was replaced with a lighter metal, the navigator-operator was also removed. But here, apparently, there is no such urgent need to part with the excess weight, and the possibility of using the aircraft for its standard functions would be desirable (or, perhaps, for carrying the Dagger). Although the pylons for armament were removed from the wings, it would not be long to return them, but with the deployment of the “main interceptor caliber” - the Р-37-1 missiles, it will be more difficult. In general, the aircraft itself looks almost unchanged in comparison with the MiG-31BM / BCM, from which it was remade (the presence of a periscope clearly indicates what it was remade from).
By the way, the “daggerbearers” also predicted in the media the removal of the radar station, but there it was needed, and it is obvious that no one with the MiG-31K removed it (the cones would also be replaced, they are heavy).
Differs in appearance and the rocket itself, of course. The unofficial "illumination" of this complex is probably related to the fact that during the 73 session of the UNGA, Russia introduced a draft resolution on preventing an arms race in space, however, our country had previously warned honestly that weapons in space and anti-satellite weapons will play primarily against them. As it happened with missile defense, with hypersonic systems, as it will with medium-range missiles - so will it be in space. Rumors that the number of complexes with anti-satellite capabilities or purely anti-satellite, developed in Russia, is no less than 4-6, leaked, although no official confirmation of this was not. But by this time we can say that several anti-satellite systems have already been lit up and so. This is a strategic missile defense system A-235 "Nudol" ("Samolet-M", also met the cipher "Perfumery"), which replaces A-135, which also had the possibility of interception in low orbits, but Nudoli clearly has more will be. In addition, its long-range intercept missiles are located on a mobile platform. It is also the Triumphant-M C-500 SAM, which can also work on low-orbit spacecraft (as well as on BB ICBMs, SLBMs, partly on hypersonic devices and rockets, and in general — everything that flies). Well, revived on the new technological base "Contact." Do not forget about the laser complex "Peresvet", which, it seems, is also designed to disable the equipment on the satellite species optical-electronic reconnaissance and the like "minor dirty tricks". Although there is other information that the Peresvet is intended to protect the base areas of the Strategic Missile Forces from the drone drone, but this, frankly, is doubtful. Most likely, he can do it too, but the fight against such devices by means of traditional air defense is already quite effective, and the “flying trifle” can be burned with a complex of several healthy trailers when the laser is capable of destroying it, and it can fit on an armored troop-carrier believe? But blinding the enemy's orbital grouping is much more necessary and important, especially since neither C-500, nor A-235, nor MiG-31 with such a rocket can almost instantly eliminate all interfering satellites, while blinding some of them with a laser you can quickly.
It remains, of course, the question of how to get to the devices on the geostationary, but of course we don’t know how to solve it. In the USSR, the IS-MD "Naryad" complex with the 14F11 interceptor satellite and the Cyclone-3 launch vehicle, capable of "getting" to orbits up to 40ths, was developed but not developed and not deployed. km high. How this issue will be resolved in Russia - we and the “probable partners” will once find out.
However, it is most impressive to declare that Russia has combat-ready anti-space weapons, by destroying a real satellite, but, obviously, they are not taking this step yet. This is also because if you do it the way our Chinese friends-allies performed, it’s better not to do it at all - a lot of debris from the interception in orbits spread and they were a danger for a long time. But sooner or later, some kind of demonstration is required.
I wonder how our American counterparts will react to the emergence of a mobile and practically invulnerable means of dealing with space targets. Maybe the brains in place in this issue will rise? But no, what is it all about, what brains, what place - stupid things ...
Some have decided that this is something like the development of "Dagger", while others have made a much more correct conclusion - this is the mass-dimensional model (MGM) of the newest anti-satellite rocket, the heir to the famous Soviet Contact 79М6. Then this topic was not brought to the series, curtailed for political contractual reasons, and then, due to the collapse of the USSR, there was no one to continue the work.
The tests ended up with a single, but successful launch (there were many flights along the standard trajectory and other things besides him). It took place on 26 July 1991, when an experimental aircraft of the ed. "07-2" (MiG-31D) with the suspension of the standard rocket 79М6, from the Sary-Shagan airfield launched a run over the group of Beth-Pak Dala. The crew of the OKB "MiG" performed the launch: test pilot Alexander Garnaev, test navigator Leonid Popov. However, there was no “hot” launch test, that is, the product engine did not start (it was not yet finalized after the decision to make changes according to the results of the unsuccessful tests of the 1 stage for 3 a year before), but the work was carried out according to real object and with real telemetry. In any case, the remaining details of the stories still classified. It is known that two stages of the rocket were solid propellant, and the last stage, which controlled the advance of the kinetic warhead to the target, was liquid.
MiG-31D
Anti-satellite missile 79М6 "Contact"
And now, after 30 years, Russia now again "has contact" with satellites of very likely partners.
Many people, including the author, thought about the development of "Contact" and the external similarity with the available photographs and drawings of that product. In addition, information about this development still periodically leaked - obviously, intentionally. By itself, the theme “MiG-31 + anti-satellite rocket” was periodically retrieved in the light of God and in times of timelessness of the “saints” 90's. Thus, it was reported on the development of the Ishim small satellite output complex as part of the MiG-31I aircraft (the same MiG-31D but demilitarized) and the same Contact, in which the combat unit was planned to be replaced with a payload in the form of a small satellite. But this topic has not gone beyond statements and layouts with posters at exhibitions. Then, somewhere in the end of 2000-x, the theme of "Contact" was pulled out from the distant box again, but for the "main purpose". Already in 2009, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, stated that the system based on the MiG-31 aircraft and the missile "is being reanimated to solve the same tasks as before." At the same time, by the end of 2010, the ground-based Krona complex, now part of the system for detecting and tracking space objects of the space forces of the Russian Aerospace Force of the Russian Federation, was completely updated. This radar-optical complex, consisting of high-precision centimeter and decimeter radars for detecting and identifying spacecraft and determining their parameters, electro-optical means and a laser channel to accurately determine the distance and position of the target, was designed to target the fighter and anti-satellite product. As part of a large-scale modernization of tracking facilities for space objects, this work was somehow “lost”, as was the creation of mobile complexes of a similar purpose. "Kron", by the way, several, except for Sary-Shagansky "Krona", there is one more in the Far East and one in the North Caucasus, fully complex, capable of processing per day to 30000 space targets, was put into operation in 2017. in the final guise, and the pairing with the missile attack warning systems, in particular, the Voronezh radar, was also implemented.
The fighter with tail number 81 “glowed” in Zhukovsky with 2016, but if it flew with the model of this rocket or with itself, then no one recorded this. And now, suddenly, lit up. Although the photos were then deleted by the person who posted them, it is clear that the stuffing is the same character as the "random" slide show with system characteristics. weapons "Status-6" at one time at a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. At that time no one believed almost - but in vain. The anti-satellite work with the MiG-31 was also mentioned in one of the programs of the Military Acceptance series, they even showed a nose, probably of the same or similarly equipped aircraft. And now the product itself has been spotted.
I would like to note that the shown product is probably not MGM - they are usually painted in bright, usually red or orange, colors (at least with aviation missiles like that). And the detailing of such products is usually completely different. Here you can see the GOS, and the approximate location of the steps and other details. No, probably, this is still a real rocket, especially since information that the product has been tested for several years has leaked out. And in 2013, the State Duma altogether included the revival of the topic “Contact” in the recommendations to the government. Although it was revived a long time ago, it is clear that it has a completely new technical content.
And there are a lot of differences in the appearance of the new rocket and in the appearance of the aircraft. So, the current MiG does not have the "flippers" that the MiG-31D had - such triangular crests on the wing tips. These "flippers" are needed to ensure the stability of the flight of the carrier with a suspended massive and heavy rocket on the ascent almost in ballistics at high altitudes. Obviously, on the new version this stability is somehow ensured otherwise, and the rocket seems to be easier. There are no signs of removing the airborne radar complex and replacing the radiotransparent cone fairing with a metal one, as was done on the “D-plane”. Obviously, the mass was too large for the fighter, and the BRC was necessary for this task for him, during operations under control and automated guidance from Krona, like a polar bear - sheepskin coat. Therefore, the radar was removed and the cone was replaced with a lighter metal, the navigator-operator was also removed. But here, apparently, there is no such urgent need to part with the excess weight, and the possibility of using the aircraft for its standard functions would be desirable (or, perhaps, for carrying the Dagger). Although the pylons for armament were removed from the wings, it would not be long to return them, but with the deployment of the “main interceptor caliber” - the Р-37-1 missiles, it will be more difficult. In general, the aircraft itself looks almost unchanged in comparison with the MiG-31BM / BCM, from which it was remade (the presence of a periscope clearly indicates what it was remade from).
By the way, the “daggerbearers” also predicted in the media the removal of the radar station, but there it was needed, and it is obvious that no one with the MiG-31K removed it (the cones would also be replaced, they are heavy).
Differs in appearance and the rocket itself, of course. The unofficial "illumination" of this complex is probably related to the fact that during the 73 session of the UNGA, Russia introduced a draft resolution on preventing an arms race in space, however, our country had previously warned honestly that weapons in space and anti-satellite weapons will play primarily against them. As it happened with missile defense, with hypersonic systems, as it will with medium-range missiles - so will it be in space. Rumors that the number of complexes with anti-satellite capabilities or purely anti-satellite, developed in Russia, is no less than 4-6, leaked, although no official confirmation of this was not. But by this time we can say that several anti-satellite systems have already been lit up and so. This is a strategic missile defense system A-235 "Nudol" ("Samolet-M", also met the cipher "Perfumery"), which replaces A-135, which also had the possibility of interception in low orbits, but Nudoli clearly has more will be. In addition, its long-range intercept missiles are located on a mobile platform. It is also the Triumphant-M C-500 SAM, which can also work on low-orbit spacecraft (as well as on BB ICBMs, SLBMs, partly on hypersonic devices and rockets, and in general — everything that flies). Well, revived on the new technological base "Contact." Do not forget about the laser complex "Peresvet", which, it seems, is also designed to disable the equipment on the satellite species optical-electronic reconnaissance and the like "minor dirty tricks". Although there is other information that the Peresvet is intended to protect the base areas of the Strategic Missile Forces from the drone drone, but this, frankly, is doubtful. Most likely, he can do it too, but the fight against such devices by means of traditional air defense is already quite effective, and the “flying trifle” can be burned with a complex of several healthy trailers when the laser is capable of destroying it, and it can fit on an armored troop-carrier believe? But blinding the enemy's orbital grouping is much more necessary and important, especially since neither C-500, nor A-235, nor MiG-31 with such a rocket can almost instantly eliminate all interfering satellites, while blinding some of them with a laser you can quickly.
It remains, of course, the question of how to get to the devices on the geostationary, but of course we don’t know how to solve it. In the USSR, the IS-MD "Naryad" complex with the 14F11 interceptor satellite and the Cyclone-3 launch vehicle, capable of "getting" to orbits up to 40ths, was developed but not developed and not deployed. km high. How this issue will be resolved in Russia - we and the “probable partners” will once find out.
However, it is most impressive to declare that Russia has combat-ready anti-space weapons, by destroying a real satellite, but, obviously, they are not taking this step yet. This is also because if you do it the way our Chinese friends-allies performed, it’s better not to do it at all - a lot of debris from the interception in orbits spread and they were a danger for a long time. But sooner or later, some kind of demonstration is required.
I wonder how our American counterparts will react to the emergence of a mobile and practically invulnerable means of dealing with space targets. Maybe the brains in place in this issue will rise? But no, what is it all about, what brains, what place - stupid things ...
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