Transport and combat vehicle for ZRPK "Pantsir-SM": a large ammunition load and new features
Model of TBM "Pantsir-SM". A frame from the reportage of the TV channel "Zvezda"
The development of the promising anti-aircraft missile and gun complex "Pantsir-SM" continues. In the foreseeable future, it will pass all stages of testing and will be put into service. Such a complex differs from the basic version by the presence of several new tools and products. In particular, a fundamental innovation is the transport-combat vehicle, due to which it will be possible to increase the ammunition load and expand combat capabilities.
On development stage
According to known data, the Pantsir-SM project was launched in 2013. In accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Defense, the Tula Instrument Design Bureau named after. A.G. Shipunov was supposed to develop an updated version of the combat vehicle under the designation 72V6M, a completely new transport and combat vehicle (TBM) 72V6MT, as well as advanced models of missile weapons for them.
Already in the middle of the decade, materials on Pantsir-SM appeared at private exhibitions and events. Later, at the Army-2019 forum, the first open demonstration of a finished new type of combat vehicle took place. The following year, 72V6M vehicles took part in the parade on Red Square for the first time and attracted the attention of spectators.
In the same period, images of both promising vehicles with launchers appeared in open promotional materials. Thanks to this, it became clear what the promising TBM of the 72V6MT type would look like, how it would differ from the main machine, and what its main capabilities might be.
At the end of June 2022, the technical forum "Engineers of the Future" was held in the Tula region. Together with other organizations, the KBP participated in it. It presented a number of models of well-known and promising technology, incl. TBM model from the Pantsir-SM ZRPK. The current layout is broadly similar to the previously shown animated XNUMXD model; differences and changes are minimal.
View of the combat module and crane equipment. A frame from the reportage of the TV channel "Zvezda"
Representatives of the KBP revealed the main features and differences between the new TBM and the main combat vehicle. At the same time, it was not specified at what stage the development is and whether there is a full-fledged prototype. Also, the timing of the tests and the expected adoption of the new ZRPK into service are not reported.
Features and differences
Like the Pantsirya-SM combat vehicle, the transport and combat vehicle is built on a four-axle KamAZ chassis. Such a base provides high mobility on the highway and sufficient mobility off-road. At the same time, the running and operational characteristics of the two ZRPK machines are on the same level. Combat work on the move is not provided. The TBM must arrive at the firing position, climb on the jacks and carry out other necessary procedures.
As in the case of the 72V6M product, a combat module with target equipment and weapons is installed on the chassis. Its basis is the body-platform, characterized by a reduced height. It accommodates the necessary instruments and assemblies, but there is no space inside for the operator's cabin.
On the platform there is a rotary tower with electronic equipment and weapons. In its front part (in the direction of missile launch) there is a characteristic antenna device of a target tracking radar (STS). This is a radar with AFAR, borrowed from a combat vehicle. In older materials, an optical-electronic station was demonstrated above the SSC. It is not on the new layout, but another antenna is placed at the back of the module.
Weapons are placed on the sides of the module. The TBM is equipped with two oscillating launchers. Each of them has mounts for 12 transport and launch containers - a total of 24 pcs. At the same time, TBM carries only missiles. Two 30-mm double-barreled guns were abandoned, which made it possible to free up space and carrying capacity for additional TPKs with missiles.
"Pantsir-SM" at the exhibition. Photo "Rostec"
Apparently, the transport-combat vehicle is capable of using all the proposed missiles from the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system. The 57E6E short-range missile is retained, and a new missile with a range of up to 40 km should also be used. In addition, a small-sized rocket, known as 19Ya6, was being developed for the new complex. This product is distinguished by a compact TPK: four such missiles are placed at once in the size of a standard ammunition.
As part of the complex
Thus, the Pantsir-SM ZRPK in its entirety has several means for various purposes. Depending on the tactical situation and air defense needs, it may include a combat vehicle, one or more TBMs, as well as a battery control center and a detection radar. All these means are placed in a combat position and connected by cables or by radio.
The tasks of TBM as part of the complex are quite simple. First of all, it is an auxiliary tool that ensures the operation of the main combat vehicles. With the help of its own crane, the TBM is able to reload the TPK from its launcher or from any transport to the 72V6M combat vehicle. This eliminates the need for a separate machine with crane equipment.
The 72V6MT machine is capable of performing combat missions, but its functions and tasks are significantly limited. TBM needs the assistance of a combat vehicle or command post - they are responsible for remote control, send target designation and issue a launch command. Then the TBM must independently take the target for escort, launch the missile and direct it.
Features and Benefits
The main objectives of the Pantsir-SM project were to increase the firing range, as well as expand the range of air targets hit. These tasks are successfully solved through the development and implementation of new electronic equipment and advanced missiles. In addition, with the help of a promising TBM, new operational and tactical capabilities are achieved.
Ceremonial crew, June 24, 2020. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The Pantsir-SM combat vehicle, using regular radars, can detect air targets at ranges up to 75 km. With the help of the new STS and a promising long-range missile, it is capable of firing at targets at a range of 40 km and altitudes up to 15 km. Combining several such air defense systems into a network, incl. with the inclusion in the general control loops of air defense allows you to more fully use their potential.
New rocket models are of great importance. One of them increases the range from the original 15-20 km to 40 km and allows you to attack "traditional" targets. A small-sized, simplified and cheaper missile has also been developed, designed to combat UAVs of various classes. At the same time, two cannons were retained on the combat vehicle to hit targets at minimum ranges.
The introduction of a transport-combat vehicle into the complex provides new operational and tactical opportunities. First of all, TBM simplifies the preparation of equipment for duty and launches. It can transport and reload missiles on its own or with the involvement of other vehicles.
In addition, TBM can supplement combat vehicles in a firing position. In terms of the size of the ammunition load (in the case of full-size missiles), it is twice as large as the 72V6M vehicle, which gives certain advantages. At the same time, several transport-combat vehicles can accompany one combat vehicle. Other options for the combat composition of the platoon / battery are also possible. In all cases, additional pieces of equipment with launchers and a large number of missiles will be useful.
Machines 72V6M and 72V6MT can be located at the same position or at a distance from each other. In the latter case, the TBM turns into a remote launcher with known advantages. By dispersing the means over the terrain, it is possible to increase the covered area of fire and / or reduce the risks for other means of the complex and their calculations. With all this, it does not require the involvement of more complex combat vehicles with a full complement of equipment.
Fighting vehicle "Pantsir-SM" against the background of the previous "Pantsir-S1". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The simultaneous duty of vehicles of different types increases the ready-to-use ammunition of the complex. At the same time, Pantsir-SM can use different ammunition and, due to this, it acquires signs of a layered air defense system. It can intercept targets in different areas and missiles with different ranges, or "finish" broken through objects with the help of guns. In addition, the presence of several vehicles with their own STS increases the number of targets fired.
It should be noted that a similar concept of an anti-aircraft complex has already been used by our industry and the army. For example, air defense systems of the Buk family include the so-called. self-propelled firing system (combat vehicle) and launcher-loader (TBM) on a unified chassis. This composition of the complex gives operational advantages and increases combat performance in all conditions. Now this idea is being implemented in the Pantsir family of air defense systems.
Uncertain Future
Thus, the transport and combat vehicle for the Pantsir-SM anti-aircraft missile and gun system is distinguished by a simplified design, and also improves its overall performance and gains new capabilities. The benefits of such a TBM and its need as part of a full-fledged ZRPK are obvious. That is why TBM has been present in the project from the very beginning, from the moment the order was issued from the Ministry of Defense.
To date, the main combat vehicle "Pantsir-SM" has reached the test, and the status of the transport-combat vehicle is not yet clear. It already exists in the form of a layout, but the construction of the prototype, as well as its testing, has not yet been reported. Probably, the new product and its work at the landfills will become known later. And as a result, in the foreseeable future, our air defense forces will receive a new complex with all the ordered equipment and all the desired capabilities.
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