"Kornet-D1" on the BMD-4M chassis. New anti-tank weapon for the Airborne Forces
In the interests of the airborne troops, a new version of the Kornet-D1 self-propelled anti-tank missile system is being developed. Due to the special requirements of the customer and the specifics of future operation, this complex is made on the BMD-4M chassis. It is reported that at present the new ATGM is undergoing the next stage of testing, and in the foreseeable future the issue of its adoption into service will be decided.
Landing modification
The development of a promising self-propelled ATGM specifically for the Airborne Forces began in the first half of the tenth years. The first official mention of this project appeared in 2014-15. Then the main provisions of the project became known. The chassis of the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle was taken as the basis for the new model, and the Kornet-D1 was to become its main armament.
Work on the new project, also called "Cornet-D1", continued over the next few years. Enterprises from the High-Precision Complexes holding participated in the development: the Tula Instrument Design Bureau was engaged in the missile part, and the tracked chassis was provided by Kurganmashzavod.
At the beginning of 2019, the Ministry of Defense announced the imminent start of state tests of a new model. It was reported that the equipment will be tested at different test sites, show its characteristics and confirm compliance with customer requirements. At that time, the timing of state tests and the adoption of equipment for service was not called. In addition, no new test reports have been received for a long time.
Last year, on the eve of the Airborne Forces Day, the promising complex was shown for the first time at an open event. The public was shown a new type of linear combat vehicle and a platoon commander's vehicle. Both products are made on the same type of chassis, but differ in the composition of weapons and equipment, and also perform different functions on the battlefield.
The other day, on February 21, the current status of the project became known. The TASS news agency, citing the press service of Rostec, writes that the combat vehicle continues to pass the so-called. laboratory and road tests. The final stage of firing tests has also begun. How successfully the Kornet-D1 on the BMD-4M copes with the checks is not reported.
Thus, the development of a promising self-propelled ATGM for the Airborne Forces was completed, and for several years the equipment has been undergoing all the necessary tests. Apparently, they are gradually approaching their completion, and based on their results, the Ministry of Defense will decide in the near future the issue of adopting equipment into service.
Two types of machines
The Kornet-D1 / Kornet-EM ATGM includes a set of various tools, systems and products suitable for installation on various platforms. So, a variant of such a complex based on the Tigr-M wheeled armored car was repeatedly demonstrated. In accordance with the requirements and needs of the Airborne Forces, a modification was developed on the BMD-4M tracked landing chassis.
During the restructuring into the carrier of anti-tank missiles, the airborne combat vehicle has undergone minimal changes. She lost her turret and regular fighting compartment. In the vacated volumes, new equipment is being installed in the form of launchers, controls and ammunition racks. Booking, power plant, chassis, etc. do not change. Thanks to this, the highest degree of unification is achieved, and the main characteristics are preserved. In addition, the self-propelled ATGM remains floating and landing.
Complexes "Kornet-D1" should work as part of units under the control of a command vehicle. It is equipped with a column with a launcher for four missiles and improved optoelectronic means. The equipment at the crew's workplaces ensures the launch of missiles, and also allows you to monitor the battlefield and distribute targets among other ATGMs of the unit.
Linear ATGM "Kornet-D1" carries two retractable launchers. Each of them has four missiles and an optical-electronic unit. Devices and control panels allow simultaneous use of both units and their optics. Due to this, salvo firing of two missiles from one installation at a common target is possible. It is also possible to use both settings simultaneously.
The Kornet-D1 complex can use the latest 9M133 guided missiles. Depending on the type of ammunition, the firing range reaches 8-10 km. Rockets with a tandem HEAT warhead are capable of penetrating at least 1100 mm of armor behind ERA. Rockets with high-explosive and volumetric detonating charges have also been developed.
The main task of "Kornet-D1" is to fight enemy armored vehicles. It is also possible to defeat unprotected equipment, light and fortified buildings. It provides for shooting at air targets with some restrictions on speed and altitude.
Landed Advantages
In the near future, the "Kornet-D1" based on the BMD-4M will pass the remaining tests, enter service, go into production and enter the troops. Together with these armored vehicles, the Airborne Forces will receive a number of new features and important advantages related to both the operation and combat use of equipment.
First of all, the very fact of the appearance of a new self-propelled anti-tank system in parts of the Airborne Forces will bring benefits. "Kornet-D1" is distinguished by high tactical and technical characteristics and is of great interest to all branches of the military. At the same time, modern missiles are placed on a mobile and protected platform. This gives obvious advantages over other portable or portable anti-tank systems.
Of great importance is the use of the chassis of the BMD-4M combat vehicle, which is mass-produced and actively supplied to the troops. Due to this, the new ATGM is maximally unified with other airborne equipment. The anti-tank complex and airborne combat vehicles will be able to land together by landing or parachute, work in the same combat formations, etc. In addition, there will be no problems along the lines of operation, maintenance or supply.
Rocket launch "Kornet" from a wearable complex. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
It should be recalled that a number of other modern combat vehicles have been created on the basis of the BMD-4M. This machine became the basis for the BTR-MDM airborne armored personnel carrier, the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun, the Lotos self-propelled gun, and the promising Ptitselov anti-aircraft missile system. Some of these samples have already been adopted, while others will enter the troops in the future.
Development continues
The project of a promising anti-tank complex for the Airborne Forces based on a serial chassis has reached testing. Right now, High-Precision Complexes and the Ministry of Defense are taking the necessary measures, as a result of which the new Kornet-D1 will have to receive a recommendation for adoption and mass production.
In parallel, other promising samples of different classes are being created on a unified chassis. As a result, in a few years, the Airborne Forces will have large quantities of completely new equipment with high performance and wide capabilities at their disposal. It will complement the existing BMD-4M and BTR-MDM, increasing the overall performance of the troops.
Information