ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S" in the Special Operation
"Chrysanthemum-S" on the march, February 2022
Since the end of February, the Russian army and militia of the two republics have destroyed several thousand Ukrainian armored vehicles of various classes and types. Self-propelled anti-tank systems 9K123 Khrizantema-S and their crews take an active part in such forced demilitarization. Due to the high tactical and technical characteristics, such ATGMs are capable of hitting any samples of armored and automotive vehicles available in Ukraine.
Complexes in battle
The combat use of 9K123 anti-tank systems became known already in the first days of the Special Operation. At the end of February, footage with such equipment on the march and in firing positions appeared in the media. It was reported that "Chrysanthemum-S" in different areas identify and attack Tanks and other priority targets, thereby supporting the offensive.
Not long ago, new video footage of Russian ATGMs and their crews in action was published. A short video on this topic was shown on the Kherson Herald Telegram channel on July 14. Apparently, the video was filmed shortly before its publication in the Kherson region. According to the caption, it shows the practice of using missiles on Ukrainian armored vehicles.
Two Chrysanthemum-S self-propelled combat vehicles in position in the field got into the frame. One of them raises the launcher and prepares to fire. Its operator through the optical channel finds and takes on tracking a remote target. Then there is a launch, and the rocket flies into the distance. Unfortunately, the moment the missile hit the target and the hit/destruction of the latter are not shown.
However, the press, military correspondents, bloggers, etc. repeatedly showed Ukrainian armored vehicles knocked out by Russian anti-tank systems. Among the destroyed objects were the targets of the Khrizantema-S complexes. At the same time, the effect of armor penetration, internal damage and fire is almost always the same - the enemy combat vehicle adds to the list of losses.
ATGM on the defense of Kherson, July 2022
Missiles in service
The future self-propelled ATGM 9K123 "Chrysanthemum-S" was developed by the Kolomna Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering. The project started back in the mid-eighties and incorporated the newest ideas and developments at that time. Work progressed well, but at the end of the decade, their pace slowed down due to well-known political and economic factors.
It was only in the nineties that it was possible to start testing experimental complexes and missiles. The process of working off and fine-tuning also turned out to be slow. In addition, the main customer, represented by the Russian army, did not have the financial ability to take the new ATGM into service in the near future and order its mass production.
The situation changed only in the 9s. In the first half of the decade, the 123K2005 Khrizantema-S complex passed all the necessary tests, and in XNUMX it was put into service. The Ministry of Defense placed the first order for serial equipment. The production of machines and missiles was mastered at the KBM and the Saratov Aggregate Plant with the participation of a number of other enterprises.
Serial ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S" are supplied to the ground forces and coastal troops of the Navy. They are intended for anti-tank units of motorized rifle and tank formations. With the help of such complexes, high-quality reinforcement and fire support of other forces and means are provided.
In the recent past, the 9K123 complex has been developed. The improved ATGM 9K123-1 is distinguished by an expanded composition of self-propelled vehicles. New command vehicles have been developed, the crews of which must manage the work of entire units. This increases the efficiency of detection, distribution and destruction of targets.
Launcher in firing position
The main customer of the Khrizantema-S ATGM is the Russian army. In total, at least several dozen such products were delivered. Perhaps the number of complexes has already exceeded 100-120 units. Azerbaijan has become a major customer of such equipment in the recent past. His army acquired 35-37 ATGMs.
Technical advantages
9K123 Khrizantema-S is a self-propelled anti-tank system with guided missiles. The basic version of the complex is based on the 9P157 combat vehicle and 9M123 series missiles. A set of auxiliary tools for teaching calculations, servicing products, etc. is also provided.
The upgraded ATGM 9K123-1 includes a self-propelled launcher 9P157-2, as well as combat vehicles of platoon commanders and batteries 9P157-3 and 9P157-4, respectively. The platoon commander's vehicle has standard weapons and additional means of communication and control. Instead of missiles, the battery commander's car received advanced optics and unit controls.
All combat and command vehicles "Chrysanthemum-S" are built on the chassis of the BMP-3. Due to this, high running characteristics and cross-country ability are provided. In addition, the machines float and can carry out launches from the water. ATGMs can accompany motorized riflemen, and unification simplifies operation and maintenance.
To survey the terrain, search and track targets, the gunner uses optical and radar stations. The fire control system has automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation. In both cases, the electronics track the target and the missile, and also controls the flight of the latter. At the choice of the operator, guidance is carried out by radio command or by flying along a laser beam.
Target search via optical channel
The machine has a lifting launcher with mounts for two missiles in transport and launch containers. It is possible to use both ammunition at the same time, provided that it is aimed in different ways. Inside the hull there is a drum stack for 15 TPKs with missiles. Reloading and preparation for launch are carried out automatically.
The 9K123 ATGM includes 9M123 series missiles. These are approx. 2 m, caliber 152 mm, weight 46 kg. They are made in elongated hulls with folding rudders and stabilizers. A unified solid-propellant engine is used, providing a speed of up to 400 m / s and a flight range of up to 5-6 km, depending on the control method. The engine is located in the middle part of the hull, and the tail compartment is given over to the control equipment and the laser radiation receiver.
The base rocket 9M123 is equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead weighing 8 kg. Penetration - at least 1100 mm of homogeneous armor behind dynamic protection. Product 9M123F carries a thermobaric warhead of the same mass. With the help of such missiles, Khrizantema-S can hit a variety of targets: tanks and other armored vehicles, fortified buildings, manpower and aircraft at low altitudes.
Combat potential
"Chrysanthemum-S" in its original and modernized form has high tactical and technical characteristics and is an effective tool for combating a wide range of targets on the battlefield. The effectiveness of the combat work of this ATGM is determined by several main factors and their successful combination.
Combat and command vehicles are built on a common chassis, and unification with one of the main types of armored vehicles of the ground forces is ensured. Due to this, all 9K123 tools have high mobility and are protected from bullets or small-caliber projectiles, and are also easy to operate and maintain.
Launch 9М123
The 9M123 missiles have fairly high flight characteristics and carry effective warheads. Thus, a missile with armor-piercing equipment is capable of coping with dynamic protection and penetrating the frontal barrier of even a modern tank. The 8-kg thermobaric charge is comparable in its parameters to artillery 152 mm caliber shells.
In terms of flight range, 9M123 products are inferior to newer domestic developments. However, even 5-6 km is enough to hit targets in the proposed theaters. In addition, even such a range allows you to stay outside the zones of destruction of tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy.
Of particular importance is the OMS with two target channels. The presence of an optical and radar station simplifies the detection of targets, regardless of the presence of interference. Two missile control options also increase resistance to various interference. In addition, the complex gets the opportunity to simultaneously fire two missiles and direct them through different channels.
Opportunities Used
In the current Special Operation, crews get the opportunity to fully use and realize all the capabilities of their anti-tank systems. "Chrysanthemum-S" escort, cover and support other armored vehicles or infantry. At the same time, it is possible to regularly hit enemy targets and help the general processes of its demilitarization.
The events of recent months generally confirm the high potential of anti-tank missile systems of various kinds and their need for troops. At the same time, Khrizantema-S demonstrates the capabilities of such systems on self-propelled armored chassis. Such a demonstration is successful and contributes to the achievement of the goals of the Special Operation.
Information