Coastal missile system "Neptune". Production, problems and a new look
Experimental complex "Neptune", made on Ukrainian chassis. Photo of the General Staff of Ukraine
In the recent past, the Ukrainian industry was able to develop, test and bring into service the Neptune coastal anti-ship missile system. Not so long ago, the serial production of such equipment began, and the first combat and auxiliary vehicles are already ready. At the same time, by the time the series was launched, the technical appearance of the complex had changed due to the objective problems of the Ukrainian industry.
Experienced Appearance
The coastal missile system RK-360MTS "Neptune" is designed to combat surface targets of small and medium displacement. It includes several fixed assets. These are the mobile command post of the RKP-360 division, the USPU-360 self-propelled launcher, the TZM-360 transport and loading vehicle and the TM-360 transport vehicle, as well as the R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile.
The missile division reportedly includes 19 units. technicians - one command post and six launchers, transport-loading and transport vehicles. Each launcher carries four containers of missiles. The same number of TPKs are transported by a transport and transport-loading vehicle. Thus, one division can have up to 72 missiles at a time, incl. 24 ready to launch.
Rocket tests, 2020 The product comes out of the TPK. Photo of the General Staff of Ukraine
Individual components of "Neptune" have been demonstrated at exhibitions since 2015. In the spring of 2016, the experimental complex launched a rocket for the first time. Tests and test launches of missiles continued until 2019-20. Apparently, as the tests continued, certain modifications were carried out. At the same time, the general composition and main features of the complex appearance remained unchanged.
One of the main objectives of the Neptune project was the maximum localization of production and reduction of dependence on foreign supplies. This was most vividly and noticeably manifested in the context of the chassis for the means of the complex. An experienced missile system was built on the basis of the cars of the Kremenchug Automobile Plant. So, the launcher was made on a four-axle KrAZ-7634 chassis, and other components were built on three-axle vehicles, such as KrAZ-6322, etc.
The leading developer and manufacturer of the R-360 missile is the Kiev design bureau "Luch". Also involved in the production of the enterprises "Motor Sich" (main turbojet engine), "Radionix" (seeker), etc.
At a new stage
The tests of the Neptune complex were officially completed by mid-2020. Almost a year ago, on August 23, the complex was adopted by the Ukrainian army. It is noteworthy that at the time of the appearance of such an order, the RK-360MTS existed only in the form of a prototype. Serial production was planned, but there was no order for it.
Tests 2019 Photo "Ukroboronprom"
In October, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that it would soon find the necessary money and order the first division of missile systems. The production and supply contract was planned to be signed by the end of the year. Formally, this promise was fulfilled.
In late December, the Ukroboronprom concern announced the signing of the first agreement on the serial production of Neptune. As previously planned, it is planned to supply one battalion consisting of 19 combat and auxiliary vehicles, the required number of missiles and various equipment. The cost of the ordered products was not specified.
It was reported that the first division will be handed over to the customer by the end of 2021.However, recently it became known about a shift in terms: deliveries will be completed in the first quarter of 2022. In the middle of next year, the first serial division will take up combat duty on one of the sections of the coast.
The process of training personnel and mastering technology has begun. For this, in mid-March, the coastal troops were transferred to the only experimental complex. Combat and auxiliary vehicles without missiles will be used for training purposes. At the same time, there are reasons to doubt the effectiveness of such training. At the last stages, the appearance of "Neptune" was again changed, which will affect its operation and affect the features of the preparation of calculations.
Serial launcher USPU-360 on imported chassis. Photo by Defense Express
Technique in series
By now, the Luch State Design Bureau and related enterprises have managed to launch mass production of equipment of all major types. According to Ukrainian press reports, seven launchers, transport-loading and transport vehicles are already ready. Construction continues, and new combat and support units are expected to appear in the near future.
On August 24, seven built products are planned to be shown at the parade dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. At the same time, the first photos of the new machines and some information about them have already been published. Such publications show that on the eve of the launch of the series, the project "Neptune" has undergone significant changes.
The state of the "KrAZ" enterprise currently leaves much to be desired, and its ability to build equipment on time and in the required quantities is questionable. In this regard, the RK-360MTS complex was transferred to new chassis. Now Czech Tatra T815 vehicles are used as carriers of all fixed assets.
The USPU-360 launcher and the transport-loading TZM-360 are made on the four-axle T815 modification with an armored cabin. TM-360 products are built on a unified chassis with three axles and an unprotected cab. The configuration of the target equipment repeats the appearance of the experimental complex.
Transport and loading vehicle TZM-360. Photo by Defense Express
Plans for the future
In the coming days, the constructed facilities of the first serial complex "Neptune" will be used in festive events. At the same time, the production of the remaining products will continue to form the future division. According to the plan, the finished kit will be handed over to the armed forces in the first quarter of 2022. However, there are no guarantees that the timing of the work will not be revised again.
Earlier it was reported that the coastal forces of the Ukrainian Navy need three divisions of the RK-360MTS complexes. The order for the production of the second set has not yet been received. Probably, it will be placed only after the completion of work on the first, i.e. by mid-2022 It is difficult to predict the timing of such a contract. The same applies to the hypothetical third divisional kit, work on which will begin only in the distant future - if, of course, it is ordered.
If all existing plans are fulfilled, the Ukrainian coastal forces will have three "Neptune" divisions, including a large number of equipment of all types. So, such a missile group will include three command posts of the RCP-360, 18 launchers with 72 missiles ammunition, as well as 36 transport vehicles and TPM with a stock of 144 R-360 products. However, it is possible to reduce plans with a corresponding decrease in the number of products.
Real prospects
The existing plans for the construction of three divisional kits and a large number of anti-ship missiles look very daring, and so much so that they even raise doubts. There are various problems of an economic, organizational and technological nature, each of which can in one way or another hit the launched production.
Transport TM-360. Photo by Defense Express
There is reason to doubt that the Ukrainian armed forces will be able to finance the production of Neptuns in a timely manner and in full. In addition, the ability of industrial cooperation to ensure the production of all required products in the planned quantity is questionable.
It should be noted that the Ukrainian military can show some optimism. About seven and a half months have passed since the order for the first division was placed, and during this time the contractor has built 7 machines. A few more units should be on the assembly. Accordingly, the construction of all 19 items by the end of the 1st quarter of next year looks quite possible.
It is curious that the successful fulfillment of an order for mass production will not in any way affect the technical shortcomings of the complex. The fact is that the R-360 missile is a revised version of the Soviet 3M24 Uranium anti-ship missile system. Despite all the improvements, the technical and combat characteristics of the "Neptune" remain at an insufficient level. In addition, after the latest innovations, the RK-360MTS complex should face difficulties in the operation of foreign chassis.
Thus, despite the successful completion of the development and official acceptance into service, the situation around the coastal missile systems RK-360MTS "Neptune" remains quite difficult. The customer and contractors still need to solve a number of economic, organizational, production and technical issues, and there are no serious reasons for optimism. However, there is no reason to be surprised. All these phenomena - and their negative consequences - have long become familiar companions of Ukrainian projects.
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