Ways to modernize the anti-ship missile "Neptune"

31

Rocket "Neptune". Photo of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

About a year ago, the coastal missile system RK-360MTS "Neptune" with the anti-ship missile of the same name was adopted by the Ukrainian army. Then the serial production of such equipment was launched, and the first samples were recently shown publicly. Meanwhile, plans are being made for the further development of the complex - but it is already facing serious problems.

Plans and difficulties


On September 6, the Ukrainian edition of "Text" published an interview with Oleg Korostelev, the general director of the State Kiev Design Bureau "Luch". The head of the company spoke about the current work, tasks and emerging difficulties. One of the main topics of conversation was the Neptune anti-ship missile system and the ways of its further development.



The head of the design bureau said that the Neptune complex can be made in three versions, differing in the basing methods. So, the development of a shipborne missile system has begun. It takes about two years to create it. Also in the tactical and technical assignment, the airborne version is spelled out. However, work on this project has not yet begun due to the lack of an order.


Experimental complex RK-360MTS. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

There is a possibility of upgrading the missile with new combat capabilities. The anti-ship "Neptune" can become a cruise missile with a low-altitude flight profile, designed to destroy ground targets. The product has all the necessary technical features, but the launch of such a project is possible only if the requirements of the army are present.

The development organization is negotiating the first export contracts for the supply of Neptune. The complex is said to have attracted the attention of Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and several other countries. However, there are no real orders yet - and the timing of their appearance has not been named.

Thus, a specific situation is developing around "Neptune". In the terms of reference, several versions of the missile system are spelled out, but not all are being developed - due to the lack of an order from the army. Also, some new projects don't make much sense. For example, the Ukrainian Navy simply does not have ships that could carry the naval version of the RK-360MTS.

Unlicensed copy


It should be recalled that the Neptune rocket has a very interesting origin. In the eighties of the last century, several enterprises of the Ukrainian SSR were involved in work on a promising universal anti-ship missile system X-35. They had to produce separate components, for which they received the necessary technical documentation.


Test launch of "Neptune", January 2018 Photo of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

The Kh-35 anti-ship missile system was created as a universal weaponscompatible with different media. At first, the Uranus ship complex and the Bal coastal complex were created with its use. Later developed two aviation modification of the rocket, for use by aircraft and helicopters.

As it turned out, after gaining independence, the documentation and some groundwork, despite the known difficulties, were preserved. In 2014, it formed the basis for the future project "Neptune". At the same time, an interesting task was set before the Luch State Design Bureau and related enterprises. They had to create a copy of the X-35 rocket, built on the basis of Ukrainian or available imported units. With the same restrictions, other components of the missile system had to be developed.

The tactical and technical assignment for the Neptune anti-ship missile system stipulated the need to create several modifications for different carriers. The coastal complex RK-360MTS appeared first, and then it was planned to create new versions of missiles and other equipment for installation on ships and aircraft.


Russian-made Kh-35E missile. Photo Wikimedia Commons

In 2018-20. complex "Neptune" has passed firing tests and, allegedly, confirmed the design characteristics. Thus, the main design task of "localizing" the old X-35 missile was accomplished. Ukraine managed to create an analogue of the Soviet product developed in the mid-eighties. In light of the constant problems and failures, even this can be considered a real success.

New opportunities


Recent ones news indicate that the Luch bureau is not going to be satisfied with what has already been achieved and wants to continue the development of the Neptune project. At the same time, the ways of further modernization of the product and the determined goals again make us recall the old Soviet project. The Kh-35 missile can be used on water, on land and in the air - and they want to get the same results in Luch. However, a fundamentally new task is also being posed.

In general, the Ukrainian industry has reason for optimistic assessments and forecasts regarding new modifications of Neptune. The forces of several enterprises managed to copy or create anew the most complex elements of the X-35 and the coastal missile system. Further adaptation of the Neptune anti-ship missile system for new missions is likely to be less complicated and time-consuming.


Launch of the X-35 by the Ball complex of the Baltic coastal forces fleet... Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Recall that all modifications of the Kh-35 missile have the highest possible degree of unification. They are built in a common hull, equipped with a single propulsion engine, common systems, guidance tools, etc. The differences mainly boil down to the presence or absence of a starting solid-fuel engine, as well as to various features of the onboard hardware and software. Missile carriers, from ships to helicopters, also use unified hardware.

Apparently, "Neptune" will develop in the same ways as our X-35 in the distant past. In the Soviet / Russian project, they will spy on the main approaches and technical solutions, but implement them using the available components. At the same time, a number of key units and products are already available, and it is necessary to develop only individual samples and programs.

The existing coastal modification of the "Neptune" is equipped with a starting engine. After appropriate modifications, it can be integrated into the armament of a warship. By removing the starter engine and some other modifications, the rocket is converted into an aircraft one intended for use by aircraft. It should also be recalled that the Russian X-35V helicopter retains a solid-propellant engine for initial acceleration.

The proposal to convert the Neptune anti-ship missile system into a weapon for attacking ground targets is of interest, but its implementation will be quite difficult. First of all, it will be necessary to rework or create anew ARGSN, autopilot and other devices. The fact is that the anti-ship missile is flying over the flat surface of the sea, and there is virtually no serious interference. All this reduces the requirements for onboard equipment.


The launcher of the Uranus complex aboard the Yaroslav the Wise patrol boat, pr. 11540. Photo by Wikimedia Commons

A rocket reaching a ground target at low altitude encounters a number of inherent difficulties. It must bend around the terrain and avoid obstacles that arise. At the same time, target detection and tracking is complicated by the presence of background and other objects. Whether Luch and other enterprises will be able to create a GOS and an autopilot with all the necessary capabilities is a big question.

Wishes and opportunities


Within the framework of the Neptune project, Ukrainian enterprises have shown their ability to use the available documentation and available units, as well as copy other people's solutions and create separate components. All this gives them reasons for optimism and allows them to make plans for further modernization of the missile complex, aimed at solving important problems.

However, the real prospects of all these plans remain questionable due to organizational, financial and other problems. As it turned out, despite the presence of a tactical and technical assignment, the Ministry of Defense simply did not order the full development of new missile systems. Moreover, there are doubts about the advisability of such an order. The state of the Ukrainian Air Force and Navy leaves much to be desired, and finding suitable platforms for the Neptune will be at least difficult.

Receiving an order and successful design work does not guarantee success either. Serial production of coastal complexes RK-360MTS is already facing noticeable problems. The same may happen in the future with the production of other variants of the complex, its components and carriers.

Thus, despite all the assurances from the industry, the emergence of a whole family of missile systems of various bases based on the Neptune anti-ship missile system is unlikely. The main and, perhaps, the only customer does not show real interest in such projects - and without this they will not be able to move beyond general proposals. However, the inability of modern Ukraine to obtain even obsolete missiles should be considered a positive factor.
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  1. 0
    13 September 2021 18: 33
    In Ukraine, in recent years, the slogan has become the motto "The main thing is not the result - the main thing is the process."
    If Korostelev has become nice to the indicated motto of the flag in his hands, the main thing is that the process does not end.
  2. 0
    13 September 2021 19: 16
    The author was mistaken that Ukraine does not have ships on which to put Neptune. The Neptunes are also planned to be installed on Turkish ships of the ADA type. Especially for the urapatriots, I inform you that I am not a Bandera or a fascist. It is necessary to stop "resting on our laurels" and finally to understand that Russia has 40 million Ukraine close at hand, which is steadily strengthening.
    1. KCA
      +5
      13 September 2021 19: 41
      There is only one launcher "Neptune" as part of the complex, and then the complex is experimental, there are no plans to purchase the complexes from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy, but Turkish ships will be equipped with "Harpoons" or Turkish missiles, then what kind of 40 millionth Ukraine? Lyamov 30, and then I doubt, according to some information, there are 9 million Zrobitch residents in Russia alone, and how many more in Europe, although the population will soon increase by 5000 Mujahideen
      1. +1
        13 September 2021 21: 34
        injecting "Harpoons" or Turkish missiles
        \
        Or maybe the Norwegian NSM missiles will be stuck there.
      2. 0
        18 September 2021 21: 36
        There are plans, no money! The money for the purchase in 2021 has not been allocated ... The only complex, not on the base chassis and practically without missiles, was transferred to the Ukrainian army for training l / s !? Phenomenal and Ukrainian! A favorable wind for them to the "fifth point" ....
        1. 0
          16 November 2021 07: 49
          airborne version spelled out
          which plane is this? last remaining?
    2. -2
      13 September 2021 19: 43
      Quote: Old ensign
      Neptuns are planning, among other things, to be installed on Turkish ships of the ADA type.

      To do this, do the steamers need to be rebuilt first? Or have the Turks already done everything themselves?
    3. 0
      13 September 2021 21: 30
      The author was mistaken that Ukraine does not have ships on which to put Neptune

      But nevertheless, Ukraine does not have Ada corvettes, and when they will be only Neptune knows. God forbid, in a year, the first building will be handed over for completion, and there it may rot at the pier until it is equipped.
    4. 0
      13 September 2021 21: 53
      Russia has 40 million Ukraine close at hand, which is steadily strengthening.

      What is the gain?
    5. 0
      14 September 2021 12: 14
      Quote: Old ensign
      I report that I am not a Bandera or a fascist.

      You are an alarmist, or, more simply, an alarmist!
    6. 0
      20 September 2021 20: 49
      Well, not 40 million, but nevertheless poisonous as karakurt Bandera litter of the west.
  3. +2
    13 September 2021 19: 18
    The development of the rocket and all the machines of the complex cost Luch forty million dollars. How do you like that, Elon Musk?
    1. +1
      13 September 2021 21: 31
      The development of the rocket and all the machines of the complex cost Luch forty million dollars

      Availability of technical documentation plus cheap labor, and a very concise testing program. So much for the result. And how it will fly later - whoever is interested, it was not for this that it was done.
  4. +1
    13 September 2021 19: 35
    The Chinese way of copying Soviet weapons is very contagious. The State Planning Committee of the USSR, together with the defense industry, in advance, in the 80s, sent out technical documentation, the technology of these missiles throughout the Union. And Chernigov, at ChRPZ, got from the Soviet X-35, and to Kiev for the current "Luch". The Soviet developments were kept for three decades and they undertook to translate them into "MOV".
  5. 0
    13 September 2021 19: 58
    Ukraine got a lot of documentation from the USSR. Purely their developments can be counted on the fingers.
  6. Eug
    0
    13 September 2021 21: 56
    The control system of a low-altitude KR (with three launch options) with a rounding of the terrain was made in the mid-80s by the then NPO Elektropribor - the current Khartron. I don’t know what is left, but I think that there is a possibility of development again.
  7. -2
    13 September 2021 22: 04
    Quote: Cron
    Russia has 40 million Ukraine close at hand, which is steadily strengthening.

    What is the gain?

    And the gains, abundantly watered with blood, consist of the following:
    1. a large number of fired people (this is important, during the battle, they do not pan out from fear, but will shoot at the enemy), 2 the appearance of a protected, modern communication that you can drown out, 3 the appearance of modern weapons (while in small quantities) Neptune, MLRS Alder, own production of 152 mm shells for self-propelled guns, ATGM Korsar, Stugna S, unguided aircraft missiles, Bayraktars, etc. You can continue for a long time. In the 14th year they did not have it.
    1. 0
      23 September 2021 00: 59
      laughing laughing laughing laughing laughing laughing laughing Neighing ....
  8. 0
    13 September 2021 22: 32
    Ukraine managed to create an analogue of the Soviet product developed in the mid-thirties. In light of the constant problems and failures, even this can be considered a real success.
    This is most likely a mistake. 30 years ago is not the mid-30s.
  9. +2
    14 September 2021 00: 30
    Ukraine managed to create an analogue of the Soviet product developed in the mid-thirties.

    One can only guess about the thirties of what century the author wrote.
    In fact, the Ukrainian Neptune has practically nothing in common with the X-35 developed in Soviet times, except for the general concept, perhaps, taken by many manufacturers of this type of missile defense system from the American Harpoon and individual minor elements - and then not full copies, but analogues.
    Neptune has a completely different engine - a short-life MS-400 made by Motor Sich, different tanks, a different warhead, a different control system, a different guidance system on the marching sector (using, among other things, satellite navigation in addition to inertial navigation, which the x-35 does not was) and another GOS.
    That is, in fact, all the key critical elements are completely different.
    The range of the x-35 was 130 km, at Neptune - 280 km, the missiles are different in size both in length and in diameter, so the body is also different.
    That is, although Neptune, like the Russian Kh-35U, originates from the Soviet Kh-35, it is definitely not a copy of it. This is a different rocket.
    1. 0
      14 September 2021 12: 17
      Are you offering to surrender?
    2. 0
      23 September 2021 01: 01
      Ie, do you think it won't fly?
  10. +1
    14 September 2021 03: 22
    Thus, the main design task of "localizing" the old X-35 missile was accomplished. Ukraine managed to create an analogue of the Soviet product developed in the mid-eighties.

    Why then does the Russian Ministry of Defense buy similar "Soviet junk" X-35 "Uran" for the new corvettes of the project 20380, the Bal coastal complexes and integrate the Su-30SM and Su-34 into the armament system, presenting it as a "great change"?
    At the same time, the Indians have long been "attached" to the Su-30 supersonic Bramoss, analogs of our anti-ship missiles Onyx, and why they do not integrate Onyx-M on their Su-30SM and Su-34 - a big mystery ???
  11. 0
    14 September 2021 11: 54
    In place of the Ukrainians, I would also make an anti-ship missile system based on the R-27 .... they can produce them ... the GOS can also. Some kind of anti-ship missile with inertial guidance and IR on the final one. It is lighter and can be adapted to more media.
  12. -1
    14 September 2021 12: 28
    They are cool, these banderasty))) they are already modernizing what is not yet)))
  13. +1
    14 September 2021 15: 22
    There is no flying Neptune. There is a blank that was launched on Alibey and there are crooked animators who painted the "flight of Neptune".
    1. 0
      15 September 2021 11: 19
      I do not think that in the 21st century, making a rocket and hitting a barge is a difficult task ..... the question is about the weight, the weight of the warhead, the trajectory, the seeker, etc. The USSR solved this problem after the war ...
  14. 0
    14 September 2021 18: 04
    The bad news.
    A monkey with a grenade will not lead to good.
  15. 0
    23 September 2021 01: 06
    serial production started

    And how many production samples have been made? Nobody is going to produce it. Showed on TV - mission accomplished.
  16. 0
    23 September 2021 01: 31
    A river-sea missile. That is, it can get from the river into the sea, it remains to upgrade to the sea-river class in order to get from the sea into the river. And do more than a dozen pieces.
  17. Eug
    0
    13 October 2021 20: 48
    ARGSN will make Zhitomir or the same Ray, there is also a Radar in Kiev,
    the low-altitude flight of the KR with terrain bending and obstacle avoidance was implemented by HARTRON back in the 80s. So, as for me, if there is money, everything can be done.

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