AMX Javelot: multiple launch rocket launcher system
In the early stages of the development of anti-aircraft missile systems, various designs of complexes using multiple launch rockets from unguided rockets were repeatedly proposed. Systems of this kind were a temporary solution, and the advent of full-fledged guided missiles made them unnecessary. Nevertheless, such ideas have not been forgotten. In the early seventies in France, the project of the original SAM system called AMX Javelot was being worked out.
In the framework of international cooperation
Work on a new project started in 1970 and was carried out as part of military-technical cooperation between France and the United States. The bulk of the funding was taken by the United States, while the design work was carried out by French specialists. The finished sample was supposed to go into service with France, and could also be exported.
The overall coordination of the project was carried out by the Directorate of Land Forces (Direction technique des armements terrestres - DTAT). The development of fixed assets for the SAM system was entrusted to Thomson-CSF. Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux was responsible for the preparation of the necessary chassis and system integration.
The project of the new air defense system received the working designation Javelot ("Dart"). In modern sources, the names AMX Javelot and AMX-30 Javelot are found, indicating one of the developers, as well as the type of base chassis.
The project was based on an interesting idea, which provided for the integration of rocket and artillery technologies. SAM was proposed to equip a launcher for multiple launch rocket launchers. Thus, in one complex, the principle of aimed fire, as in artillery, was combined with rocket technology.
Tank with missiles
It was proposed to build a promising AMX Javelot air defense system based on the existing tank chassis. It was borrowed from tank AMX-30, which showed acceptable characteristics of mobility and carrying capacity. It was proposed to remove the tower and part of the internal units. In place of the inhabited compartments and the fighting compartment, updated crew workplaces and reloading facilities were placed.
The first version of the Javelot air defense system - the layout of the internal compartments and the deployment of ammunition are indicated
For "Dartik" developed a new combat module, installed on the site of the tank tower. It was built on the basis of a U-shaped swivel bearing with mounts for the necessary devices. A swinging launcher with a hydraulic drive was placed in the center, and on the sides were antennas of two radars for various purposes.
According to the project, the launcher was an armored package with 96 tubular guides for unguided missiles. The guide gauge was only 40 mm, which made it possible to place a large number of missiles on the installation of limited dimensions. The guides were installed with a slight dilution to the sides. The launcher had electric launch control facilities, which provided salvo firing in different modes.
The project provided for the possibility of reloading PU. For this, inside the case there was a mechanized laying with a vertical arrangement of ammunition. After the missiles were used up, the launcher had to rise to a vertical position, which allowed them to submit new shells to it and continue firing.
Javelot air defense system was proposed to equip two radars for target detection and fire control. Separate optical instruments for target search and shooting were also provided. Data from all search and guidance tools was issued to the operator panels.
Launcher
For "Dartik" developed the original ammunition - an unguided missile that can work in the air defense of the near zone. The missile had a length of only 370 mm and a caliber of 40 mm. The product weighed 1030 g, of which 400 g was a high-explosive fragmentation charge. A solid fuel engine was used, capable of providing speeds up to 1100 m / s. Effective firing range was determined at the level of 1,5-2 km. The project used a contact fuse, but later a remote fuse could appear.
The fire control system provided tracking targets and generating data for firing with the necessary lead. The role of the operator was reduced to a minimum, which allowed to further increase the likelihood of hitting the target.
SAM could fire in volleys at 8, 16 or 32 missiles in each. It was assumed that a massive launch of unguided missiles will allow you to block a whole section of the target’s trajectory, and the probability of a direct collision will be sufficient for its reliable destruction. The highest possible accuracy should have been provided by effective search tools and LMS.
Preliminary calculations showed that when shooting at a target of an “aircraft” type at a distance of 1500 m, the probability of hitting at least one missile reached 70%. At the same time, depending on the parameters of the target’s flight, the air defense system could make several volleys at it and achieve a reliable defeat. With similar characteristics, the AMX Javelot could find application in military air defense and become an effective short-range weapon.
At the stage of the layout
Design work on the Javelot theme continued until 1973. In the late stages of design, a prototype of the new anti-aircraft complex was built. The main ideas of the project were implemented in it, but there were significant differences. Apparently, the implementation of all plans in the limitations of the existing chassis and using available technologies proved to be difficult.
Complex layout
Unlike the “paper” SAM, the model did not receive an enlarged turret box with a base for a rotary launcher. Significantly changed radar. The launcher had to be reduced, as a result of which the ammunition load from 96 units was reduced to 64. At the same time, combat qualities and the probability of hitting a target could remain at the same level.
With the help of such a layout, some ideas and solutions were tested, and further ways of the project development were determined. In parallel, work was underway to create a similar anti-aircraft system for fleet called Catulle. In the near future, the first experimental air defense system, necessary for testing, was to appear.
However, in 1973, all work was curtailed. A full-fledged prototype was not built. The customer found the Javelot project unpromising. Together with him, they closed the entire direction of anti-aircraft systems with unguided missiles. In the future, France did not develop such systems.
Obvious flaws
In fact, the AMX Javelot product had only one positive quality - its unguided missiles were cheaper than the ammunition of any other air defense system. However, the desire to save on rockets led to the need to develop specific ideas, the results of which were quite modest.
The disadvantages of the complex are obvious. Light and high-speed rockets provided target destruction in the near field, but increasing the firing range was impossible. In addition, according to such characteristics, the Dart lost to artillery systems of close calibers.
The lack of controls on missiles was planned to compensate for the perfect SLA, capable of calculating data for accurate shooting. However, even in the estimated probability of hitting the target with one salvo, Javelot was losing the air defense system of its time.
In connection with this problem, the limited ammunition of a combat vehicle could become. SAM from the project could make no more than 12 volleys before reloading; The prototype had ammunition only on 8 volleys. During the battle, a situation could arise in which one complex would be forced to spend all available missiles on only one or two targets.
Thus, the result of the Javelot project was an anti-aircraft complex of a characteristic appearance with minimal advantages and a number of significant disadvantages. This technique did not interest the French military, which led to the suspension of the project. Naturally, the new development did not begin to bring to the international market.
During the AMX Javelot project, French engineers studied and worked on the curious concept of an anti-aircraft missile system with unguided rockets. The finished project turned out to be interesting from a technical point of view, but unpromising. The customer studied the design capabilities of the new sample - and decided to abandon the entire direction. Subsequently, France developed only “traditional” air defense systems.
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