SAM S-500 "Prometheus". Unanswered questions
Over the past few years, Russian industry has been developing the promising S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system. So far, not much is known about him, and the bulk of the data is generally not subject to disclosure. Nevertheless, reports about C-500 regularly appeared, with the help of which a certain picture can be made.
According to various sources, the first research work on the topic of the further development of air defense systems for object air defense began in the middle of the last decade. By the beginning of the tenth years, enterprises from the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern were ready to launch development work. The next few years went into design.
In 2013, officials spoke about the start of testing individual components of an air defense system. At that time, it was planned that the C-500 will go into service with the Russian army at the beginning of the second half of the decade. Later, the terms were revised with a shift to the right. Now in communications the beginning of service of complexes in the twenties appeared.
In 2017, officials repeatedly touched on the topic of C-500. Then it was mentioned that a prototype of the complex will be built by 2020. After that, adoption is expected. Already in 2017, it was reported about the start of the preparation of calculations, which will work with new complexes.
At the end of June, the management of Rostec spoke about the start of production of Prometheus. The first batches of such products will be delivered to the Russian army. In the future, the complex may enter the international market.
In early October, media reported on tests of individual components of C-500 in Syria. However, the Ministry of Defense soon denied this information. C-500 was not tested at Syrian bases due to the lack of need for such checks.
Thus, it follows from open reports that in 2020 the first full C-500 complex will be tested. After carrying out all necessary procedures, the delivery of serial equipment to the troops is expected. The real results of such a rearmament will fully manifest themselves by the middle of the next decade.
In the context of the characteristics and combat capabilities of the C-500 complex, various opinions, forecasts and assessments are expressed. In addition, various indices and other data appeared in the open press. Some of the available information allows you to make an approximate picture, while others are poorly joined or even contradict each other. Nevertheless, the general capabilities and approximate tactical and technical characteristics of the air defense system are already clear.
It is believed that the S-500 air defense system from the point of view of ideology will be a development of the existing S-400. It will become a universal tool capable of intercepting aerodynamic and ballistic targets in a wide range of ranges and heights. Probably, according to the basic table characteristics, Prometheus will exceed C-400, but what the difference in parameters will be is unclear.
The composition of the C-500 will include several radars for various purposes, a command post and launchers with missiles of several types. The complex can be made mobile - all its facilities will be built on wheeled chassis of high cross-country ability. Perhaps the introduction of new solutions aimed at increasing the speed of deployment. The air defense system must be prepared for work in the shortest time after arriving at a position.
As in existing anti-aircraft systems, the defeat of targets of different types at different ranges should be carried out using specialized SAMs with optimal characteristics. The complex will be able to simultaneously attack and hit several targets, but the number of target channels has not yet been called.
The range of the complex (probably for aerodynamic purposes) can reach 500-600 km. Thus, the S-500 will complement the existing S-400 with less high performance. Altitude for aerodynamic purposes - up to 30-35 km, i.e. in all flight ranges modern and promising aviation. Together with other air defense systems, the latest S-500 will be able to create a layered air defense system capable of detecting and hitting any aircraft and aviation weapons long before approaching covered objects.
Like its predecessors, Prometheus should hit the warheads of ballistic missiles. Earlier, some reports mentioned the possibility of hitting a ballistic target at speeds up to 7 km / s, which is equivalent to an intercontinental missile warhead. The firing range for such targets, according to various estimates, can reach 500-600 km. The height of the target is up to 200 km. Also more modest estimates are known, according to which the C-500 can only fight medium-range missiles.
Messages about the outstanding altitude of the new missiles provoke the appearance of bold assumptions. Foreign media expressed concerns about the possibility of using C-500 as an anti-satellite weapons. If such assumptions are true, the Russian army will have a unique means of defense.
Initially, the C-500 is created as a land anti-aircraft complex on automobile chassis. A few years ago there were speculations about the possible development of a ship version of this SAM. Any technical details remain unknown. Perhaps the ship "Prometheus" will become a modern replacement for the older C-300F, designed for ships of new construction.
The promising S-500 “Prometheus” air defense system will be one of the elements of the country's overall air defense system, complementing the existing S-400 and S-300P systems. The joint operation of several air defense systems with different characteristics and capabilities will allow us to create a developed layered air defense system, capable of intercepting various targets at high ranges and altitudes with high probability.
It should be noted that the existing Russian air defense system already has such capabilities. The introduction of S-500 air defense systems will expand them by increasing the range and height of detection and destruction of targets. In addition, the range of targets hit will increase - an effective fight is expected with medium- and short-range ballistic missiles, with hypersonic aircraft, etc. The fight against spacecraft in low orbits is also possible.
In the light of minimal official data and a lot of rumors, the Prometheus air defense system looks extremely interesting. It seems that Russian industry has managed to create a unique anti-aircraft complex with the broadest possibilities. He is able to provide protection for the area to be protected from a wide range of threats, and combines the qualities of several systems of different classes. It is, at a minimum, air defense and missile defense. Separate estimates and rumors also suggest the presence of anti-cosmic capabilities.
In the current military-political situation in the world, there are serious risks associated with strike aircraft, ASA and ballistic missiles of third countries. The existing air defense of Russia is able to deal with the bulk of such threats, but some of them remain dangerous. The appearance of Prometheus, most likely, will reduce such risks and protect the country from a possible attack.
At the same time, the high expected characteristics of the new Russian S-500 air defense system should become a cause for concern for foreign creators of weapons and equipment. The appearance and widespread introduction of C-500 can significantly reduce the potential of their development - and, it seems, this affects not only the aviation and rocket industries, but also space.
For obvious reasons, the bulk of information on the topic of C-500 "Prometheus" is still classified and is not subject to disclosure. Officials disclose only individual data and do this not too often. As a result, the press and the expert community are forced to make predictions and try to guess the real potential of the new development.
Such forecasts are often characterized by excessive courage and may not reflect the real situation, which remains unknown. However, in the near future - in connection with the advent of real technology - we should expect the publication of new data. Official information about C-500 may turn out to be less daring than some forecasts, but surpass other estimates. However, it is obvious that in any case, the real data on Prometheus will cause great interest from experts and the public, as well as become a new reason for pride in domestic scientists and designers.
Timing issue
According to various sources, the first research work on the topic of the further development of air defense systems for object air defense began in the middle of the last decade. By the beginning of the tenth years, enterprises from the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern were ready to launch development work. The next few years went into design.
In 2013, officials spoke about the start of testing individual components of an air defense system. At that time, it was planned that the C-500 will go into service with the Russian army at the beginning of the second half of the decade. Later, the terms were revised with a shift to the right. Now in communications the beginning of service of complexes in the twenties appeared.
In 2017, officials repeatedly touched on the topic of C-500. Then it was mentioned that a prototype of the complex will be built by 2020. After that, adoption is expected. Already in 2017, it was reported about the start of the preparation of calculations, which will work with new complexes.
At the end of June, the management of Rostec spoke about the start of production of Prometheus. The first batches of such products will be delivered to the Russian army. In the future, the complex may enter the international market.
In early October, media reported on tests of individual components of C-500 in Syria. However, the Ministry of Defense soon denied this information. C-500 was not tested at Syrian bases due to the lack of need for such checks.
Thus, it follows from open reports that in 2020 the first full C-500 complex will be tested. After carrying out all necessary procedures, the delivery of serial equipment to the troops is expected. The real results of such a rearmament will fully manifest themselves by the middle of the next decade.
Question of Characteristics
In the context of the characteristics and combat capabilities of the C-500 complex, various opinions, forecasts and assessments are expressed. In addition, various indices and other data appeared in the open press. Some of the available information allows you to make an approximate picture, while others are poorly joined or even contradict each other. Nevertheless, the general capabilities and approximate tactical and technical characteristics of the air defense system are already clear.
It is believed that the S-500 air defense system from the point of view of ideology will be a development of the existing S-400. It will become a universal tool capable of intercepting aerodynamic and ballistic targets in a wide range of ranges and heights. Probably, according to the basic table characteristics, Prometheus will exceed C-400, but what the difference in parameters will be is unclear.
The composition of the C-500 will include several radars for various purposes, a command post and launchers with missiles of several types. The complex can be made mobile - all its facilities will be built on wheeled chassis of high cross-country ability. Perhaps the introduction of new solutions aimed at increasing the speed of deployment. The air defense system must be prepared for work in the shortest time after arriving at a position.
As in existing anti-aircraft systems, the defeat of targets of different types at different ranges should be carried out using specialized SAMs with optimal characteristics. The complex will be able to simultaneously attack and hit several targets, but the number of target channels has not yet been called.
The range of the complex (probably for aerodynamic purposes) can reach 500-600 km. Thus, the S-500 will complement the existing S-400 with less high performance. Altitude for aerodynamic purposes - up to 30-35 km, i.e. in all flight ranges modern and promising aviation. Together with other air defense systems, the latest S-500 will be able to create a layered air defense system capable of detecting and hitting any aircraft and aviation weapons long before approaching covered objects.
Like its predecessors, Prometheus should hit the warheads of ballistic missiles. Earlier, some reports mentioned the possibility of hitting a ballistic target at speeds up to 7 km / s, which is equivalent to an intercontinental missile warhead. The firing range for such targets, according to various estimates, can reach 500-600 km. The height of the target is up to 200 km. Also more modest estimates are known, according to which the C-500 can only fight medium-range missiles.
Messages about the outstanding altitude of the new missiles provoke the appearance of bold assumptions. Foreign media expressed concerns about the possibility of using C-500 as an anti-satellite weapons. If such assumptions are true, the Russian army will have a unique means of defense.
Initially, the C-500 is created as a land anti-aircraft complex on automobile chassis. A few years ago there were speculations about the possible development of a ship version of this SAM. Any technical details remain unknown. Perhaps the ship "Prometheus" will become a modern replacement for the older C-300F, designed for ships of new construction.
Capacity issue
The promising S-500 “Prometheus” air defense system will be one of the elements of the country's overall air defense system, complementing the existing S-400 and S-300P systems. The joint operation of several air defense systems with different characteristics and capabilities will allow us to create a developed layered air defense system, capable of intercepting various targets at high ranges and altitudes with high probability.
It should be noted that the existing Russian air defense system already has such capabilities. The introduction of S-500 air defense systems will expand them by increasing the range and height of detection and destruction of targets. In addition, the range of targets hit will increase - an effective fight is expected with medium- and short-range ballistic missiles, with hypersonic aircraft, etc. The fight against spacecraft in low orbits is also possible.
In the light of minimal official data and a lot of rumors, the Prometheus air defense system looks extremely interesting. It seems that Russian industry has managed to create a unique anti-aircraft complex with the broadest possibilities. He is able to provide protection for the area to be protected from a wide range of threats, and combines the qualities of several systems of different classes. It is, at a minimum, air defense and missile defense. Separate estimates and rumors also suggest the presence of anti-cosmic capabilities.
In the current military-political situation in the world, there are serious risks associated with strike aircraft, ASA and ballistic missiles of third countries. The existing air defense of Russia is able to deal with the bulk of such threats, but some of them remain dangerous. The appearance of Prometheus, most likely, will reduce such risks and protect the country from a possible attack.
At the same time, the high expected characteristics of the new Russian S-500 air defense system should become a cause for concern for foreign creators of weapons and equipment. The appearance and widespread introduction of C-500 can significantly reduce the potential of their development - and, it seems, this affects not only the aviation and rocket industries, but also space.
Information Question
For obvious reasons, the bulk of information on the topic of C-500 "Prometheus" is still classified and is not subject to disclosure. Officials disclose only individual data and do this not too often. As a result, the press and the expert community are forced to make predictions and try to guess the real potential of the new development.
Such forecasts are often characterized by excessive courage and may not reflect the real situation, which remains unknown. However, in the near future - in connection with the advent of real technology - we should expect the publication of new data. Official information about C-500 may turn out to be less daring than some forecasts, but surpass other estimates. However, it is obvious that in any case, the real data on Prometheus will cause great interest from experts and the public, as well as become a new reason for pride in domestic scientists and designers.
Information