Modern mobile short-range air defense systems for Ukraine
The intensification of armed confrontation on the territory of Ukraine leads to a “natural loss” of anti-aircraft systems at the disposal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and already now, to compensate for losses, Kyiv is receiving modern short-range and medium-range air defense systems, and in the future we can talk about providing Western countries with long-range anti-aircraft systems.
From the first days of the NMD in Ukraine, portable anti-aircraft systems have been actively used. In capable hands it weapon can be very effective against combat aircraft and helicopters operating at low altitudes. However, the effectiveness of the use of MANPADS in a real combat situation is determined by the moral and psychological state of the shooter-operator, the degree of his training, the ability to adequately choose the optimal launch moment and assess the presence of factors that prevent effective target engagement.
The downside of the compactness of MANPADS, the possibility of carrying and using by one person is that the shooter-operator is not able to carry out combat duty with a launch tube on his shoulder for a long time, in addition, due to objective factors, it is very often difficult to assess the distance to the target and time spent in the affected area.
In this regard, mobile short-range air defense systems, which use anti-aircraft missiles MANPADS, have become widespread. These complexes, located on a wheeled or tracked base, are highly mobile; they are equipped with radar or laser rangefinders to accurately assess the distance to the target and the affected area. The presence of modern means of communication and information display allows you to receive external notification and target designation in a timely manner.
In addition, the operator of a short-range mobile air defense system has much more comfortable conditions for long-term duty, sitting in a comfortable chair, he is less tired and protected from the effects of adverse meteorological factors.
Mobile air defense systems using FIM-92 Stinger missiles
A lot of modern Western self-propelled short-range air defense systems are based on portable or wearable-portable systems, originally designed for use in infantry units.
Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively using the American FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS supplied by NATO countries, and in the near future we should expect the delivery of self-propelled air defense systems to Ukraine that use such missiles.
First of all, we can talk about the American M1097 Avenger on the chassis of the HMMWV off-road vehicle. Since 1990, more than 1 complexes of this type have been built; about 100 Avenger air defense systems are in service with the ground forces and the USMC. The Avenger complex was developed by the American companies Boeing Aerospace Company and General Electric in the late 700s to replace the outdated MIM-1980A Chaparral air defense system.
M1097 Avenger SAM
The Avenzher air defense system is capable of hitting air targets on a collision course and in pursuit at altitudes of 0,5–3,8 km and ranges of 0,5–5,5 km. The mass of the vehicle in combat position reaches 4,3 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 105 km / h. Power reserve - up to 560 km. Crew - 2 people.
The Avenger complex differs from the Chaparrel air defense system in its smaller size and weight, high level of automation, low reaction time, good fire performance and mobility, and the ability to operate both in the daytime and at night in difficult weather conditions.
The main component of the complex is a gyro-stabilized platform, on which TPKs with Stinger missiles (2 packs of 4 each), optical and thermal imaging means for detecting and tracking targets, a laser range finder, a friend or foe identification device, control systems, information display and communications.
In the center of the platform there is an operator's cabin with a transparent screen onto which the aiming point marker is projected. The operator accompanies the target visually using an optical sight, or using a thermal imager in bad weather and at night. The system is capable of automatically tracking the target, determining the distance to the target, and firing on the move at speeds up to 35 km/h.
The armament also includes a remote-controlled 12,7 mm M3P machine gun manufactured by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal with a rate of fire of 1 rounds per minute and a box capacity of 100 rounds. The machine gun is mounted on the right side of the platform under the missile container.
About 10 years ago, many American "Avengers" were modernized and received enhanced capabilities in terms of information exchange with other air defense systems and external target designation from various sources.
Another self-propelled air defense system that uses FIM-92 Stinger missiles is the German LeFlaSys (abbreviated German Leichte Flugabwehr System - light air defense system), also known as Ozelot.
SAM Ozelot
The Ocelot air defense system was developed by the German companies STN ATLAS Elektronik GmbH and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in the late 1990s and adopted by the Bundeswehr in 2001. The main elements of the complex are placed on a lightly armored tracked chassis Wiesel-2, developed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme. The carrier is protected by steel armor 8 mm thick.
The mass of the tracked combat vehicle is 4 tons. Turbodiesel with a capacity of 110 liters. With. capable of accelerating the installation to 70 km / h. Power reserve - up to 500 km. Crew - 3 people. The complex is air transportable and can be delivered to the combat area by heavy transport helicopters.
On the turntable there are two transport-launch containers with two Stinger missiles in each. Four more spare missiles will be placed inside the hull. In addition to TPK with missiles, elements of an aiming and search system are mounted on the platform: a television camera, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder. The complex is equipped with an automatic north orientation system, GPS satellite positioning equipment and radio communications. The remote control and indication unit can be taken out for remote control at a distance of up to 100 m from the launcher.
Various radars can be used to issue external target designation, but usually a HARD mobile command post on the Wiesel-2 chassis, equipped with a three-coordinate centimeter-frequency range radar, is used to guide the actions of an anti-aircraft platoon.
This station is capable of detecting low-altitude air targets at a distance of more than 20 km and simultaneously tracking 20 objects. The calculation of the HARD control point can provide up to eight combat vehicles with LeFlaSys air defense systems located at a distance of up to 20 km with radar information. Data is transmitted by telecode over VHF radio links.
Upon receipt of target designation from the platoon command post, the ADMC platform automatically turns in the direction of the target in terms of angle and azimuth, and it is displayed on the operator's indicator. After that, the target is captured, and further tracking is carried out automatically. Next, the range and speed of the target are measured, after processing the information, the target is fired with missiles.
The German army received 50 Ozelot air defense vehicles and 10 platoon command posts. In April, discussions were held in the German government about the possibility of transferring Ozelot air defense systems and Gepard ZSU to Kyiv. Deliveries of the Cheetahs have already begun, but the final decision on the Ocelots has not yet been made.
For Greece, a version of the air defense system was developed, which received the designation ASRAD (Eng. Atlas Short Range Air Defense System - Atlas short-range air defense system), on the HMMWV wheeled chassis.
SAM ASRAD
The Ozelot and ASRAD complexes differ only in the base chassis and are identical in their combat characteristics. According to reference data, the Greek armed forces have 54 ASRAD air defense systems.
SAM Poprad
Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively using Polish-made portable complexes Grom and Piorun. The Grom MANPADS was created in the 1990s with active Russian support on the basis of the Igla MANPADS, and Piorun is a further development of the Grom portable complex. In 2018, the Polish Army received the first Poprad mobile short-range air defense systems, developed by PIT-RADWAR, to replace the Soviet Strela-10.
A wheeled two-axle vehicle on an AMZ Żubr-P chassis weighs about 12 tons. Engine power is 275 hp. With. Highway speed - up to 100 km / h. Power reserve - up to 600 km. Steel armor provides protection against 12,7 mm bullets fired from a distance of 300 m and shrapnel. The crew of the car - 2 people: the commander-operator and the driver. Four spare missiles are carried inside the armored hull.
Launch of the Piorun SAM from the combat vehicle of the Poprad complex
It is possible to hit targets at ranges from 400 m to 6,5 km and at altitudes from 10 m to 4 km. The average speed of the rocket on the trajectory is 560 m/s.
On the roof of the combat vehicle of the Poprad complex, a module with four Piorun anti-aircraft missile launch containers is installed. To search, capture and track air targets, a passive optoelectronic complex is used, combined with a computerized fire control system and a GPS navigation system. Aiming and search equipment includes a high-resolution television camera capable of operating in low light conditions, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder. Also on the machine there is a "friend or foe" interrogator. After capturing, taking on escort, measuring the range and heading parameters of the target, shelling can be carried out automatically.
Mobile command post ZDPSR Soła
For the timely detection of air targets and the management of the actions of a battery of 4-6 combat vehicles, a mobile command post ZDPSR Soła is designed, equipped with a radar with a detection range of up to 40 km. An Israeli-made IAI ELM-2106NG mobile radar with a low-altitude target detection range of up to 60 km can also be attached.
As of 2021, Poland had 77 Poprad complexes. In the summer of 2022, an order for an additional batch of mobile air defense systems was announced. It is also known that the command of the Polish Defense Ministry is considering the supply of Poprad combat vehicles and radar reconnaissance equipment to Ukraine.
Mobile air defense systems using RBS 70 missiles
The Finnish army is armed with the ASRAD-R air defense system, the contract for the supply of which was concluded in 2005. This complex was created by Saab Bofors and Rheinmetall on the basis of the "portable" RBS-70 MANPADS with laser guidance. Thanks to its modular design, the ASRAD-R with advanced Bolide missiles can be installed on almost any wheeled or tracked carrier with a suitable payload. In fact, the ASRAD-R air defense system is a hybrid that uses the optoelectronic equipment of the ASRAD air defense system, combined with a search radar and a Bolide missile guidance system.
The advantages of missiles using the “laser trail” guidance principle include their insensitivity to widely used countermeasures for MANPADS with IR seeker - heat traps, optoelectronic jamming stations. The disadvantages are the need to track the target with a laser beam along the entire flight path of the rocket and the sensitivity of the laser guidance system to the state of the atmosphere and interference in the form of a smoke or aerosol screen.
In Finland, the complex received the designation Ito 05 and is mounted on the chassis of Sisu Nasus and Mercedes-Benz Unimog 5000. In total, the anti-aircraft battery has 4 combat vehicles. The Finnish army has 60 ASRAD-R complexes.
SAM ASRAD-R
Each machine is an independent combat unit and is capable of fighting an air enemy at a distance of up to 8 meters and an altitude of 000 meters. To detect air targets, the PS-5 radar is used, which controls the airspace within a radius of 000 km. The Bolide missile, guided along the “laser path”, is equipped with a cumulative fragmentation warhead with armor penetration up to 91 mm and, in addition to airborne ones, can be used to fire at ground and surface targets. If the air target avoided a direct hit, it is struck by ready-made lethal elements - tungsten balls.
The Czech army operates 16 self-propelled anti-aircraft installations VLM (Eng. Vehicle-Launched Missile - a missile launched from a vehicle).
This budget self-propelled unit was created by placing two RBS-70s on the chassis of a heavy off-road truck Tatra T815. At the same time, the calculation on the cargo platform is located openly and is not protected in any way from bullets, fragments and the effects of adverse meteorological factors.
SAM Stormer HVM
In August of this year, it became known that the UK handed over to Ukraine six Stormer HVM (Alvis Stormer) self-propelled near-field air defense systems. Some of the vehicles were sent to the conflict zone and were successfully used for their intended purpose.
The mass of the combat vehicle reaches 12,7 tons. The diesel engine with a capacity of 250 liters. With. provides speed up to 80 km/h. Power reserve - 600 km. Crew - 3 people. In 2021, there were more than 140 Stormer HVM air defense systems in the combat units of the British Army.
SAM Stormer HVM
This short-range anti-aircraft system, adopted 20 years ago, is installed on the FV4333 Stormer armored tracked chassis. The complex was created by analogy with the American M1097 Avenger air defense system based on MANPADS. But, unlike the FIM-92 Stinger, the Starstreak anti-aircraft missile uses laser beam guidance (command semi-active laser beam guidance - "saddle beam" or "laser trail").
On the roof of the Stormer HVM there is an anti-aircraft weapon station with two oscillating blocks of four missile transport and launch containers. In addition to the eight missiles ready for use, there are twelve more spares in the combat pack.
The passive infrared system for searching and tracking air targets ADAD, manufactured by Thales Optronics, in simple weather conditions, detects a fighter-type target at a distance of 15 km, and a combat helicopter type - about 8 km. The reaction time from the moment the target is detected is less than 5 s.
The complex uses high-speed Starstreak missiles, which can be used against air and ground lightly armored targets. The firing range is up to 7 m, the height of destruction is up to 000 m. Each missile has three warheads made of tungsten alloy in the form of a dart. The first and second stages accelerate the rocket to a speed of Mach 5, after which three arrow-shaped submunitions are separated, which continue to fly by inertia.
After separation, each of them acts independently and is aimed at the target individually, which increases the probability of defeat. After hitting the target and breaking through the hull of an aircraft or helicopter, with some delay, a proximity fuse is activated, which activates the warhead. Thus, the hit target is inflicted the maximum possible damage.
South Korean air defense system Chiron
At the end of September, it became known that Ukraine would receive $2,9 billion in military assistance from the Republic of Korea. We are talking about the supply of artillery ammunition and Chiron air defense systems (the Korean name is Shingung).
The Shingung complex has much in common with the Russian Igla-1 complex and the French Mistral. The developers of the South Korean anti-aircraft system borrowed the best design solutions used in foreign complexes. As in the Russian Igle-1, South Korean-made missiles use a spherical two-color (IR / UV) argon-cooled homing head, in many ways reminiscent of the 9E410 GOS developed by LOMO JSC. But the Shingung missile differs from the Russian 9M342 SAM by its slightly larger dimensions and launch weight. The South Korean missile is 80 mm in diameter, 1 mm long, and has a launch weight of 680 kg. The weight of the equipped TPK is 14 kg.
Although Shingung managed to be made lighter than the French Mistral, carrying the Korean SAM by crew forces is also extremely difficult. In this regard, almost all Shingung air defense systems available in the South Korean army are placed on off-road vehicle chassis, the use of twin and quad launchers is envisaged.
The Shingung air defense system was introduced into the modernized K30 Hybrid Biho self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery mount.
ZSU K30 Hybrid Biho
Each ZSU received two containers, which are equipped with two missiles, which significantly increased the probability of hitting a target and expanded the firing zone.
South Korean SAM Cheonma
In the near future, in addition to the Shingung air defense system, Cheonma short-range self-propelled systems may be transferred to Ukraine. This air defense system was created by Samsung Electronics and Thomson-CSF based on the French Crotale-NG.
SAM Cheonma
The principle of combat use and the architecture of the South Korean complex are similar to the Crotale-NG air defense system, but it uses an original anti-aircraft missile designed by specialists from the South Korean company LIG Nex1.
All elements of the air defense system, known as the K-SAM Cheonma or Pegasus, are placed on the reinforced chassis of the K200A1 tracked armored personnel carrier. The combat weight of the vehicle is 26 tons. The maximum speed is up to 60 km.
The self-propelled unit has eight ready-to-use solid-propellant missiles in the TPK. The warhead of the missile is high-explosive fragmentation, directional, equipped with contact and non-contact laser fuses and provides a high probability of hitting air targets. Targeting - radio command. Starting weight - 75 kg, length - 2 mm, diameter - 290 mm. The mass of the warhead is 160 kg. The maximum rocket speed is up to 12 m/s. Firing range - 800–0,5 km. Height - 9–0,02 km. A crew of three reloads ammunition in 6 minutes.
Above the containers with missiles rises the antenna of the E / F-band pulse-Doppler surveillance radar with a target detection range of up to 20 km. This station can detect and track up to 8 targets simultaneously. Also, the complex is equipped with a pulse-Doppler radar, which is designed to accompany hovering helicopters and other purposes.
The complex is able to operate day and night, in difficult weather conditions. In terms of its combat capabilities, the Cheonma complex is close to the Soviet Osa-AKM air defense system, but the South Korean combat vehicle is protected by bulletproof armor and cannot swim. The delivery of the first Cheonma complexes to the troops took place in 2000. Until 2012, the South Korean army received 114 combat vehicles.
SAM VAMPIRE
About a month ago, it became known about the intention of the United States to transfer short-range mobile air defense systems VAMPIRE (Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment - a vehicle equipped with modular equipment and palletized missiles) to Ukraine.
VAMPIRE short-range air defense system in firing position
Attention is drawn to the fact that the VAMPIRE complex, created by L3Harris, is very budgetary, assembled from relatively inexpensive, simple and well-mastered components. The main elements of the VAMPIRE air defense system are mounted on a standard transport pallet, and it is possible to install it on any carrier of suitable carrying capacity with connection to the vehicle's power grid. L3Harris' promotional material states that the installation of the VAMPIRE complex takes only two hours and is performed by two mechanics.
A telescopic mast with the head of the WESCAM MX-10 optoelectronic station and a missile launcher are mounted on a lightweight steel frame. Management is carried out remotely from a remote control. The OLS balloon contains a high-resolution television camera, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder-target designator.
Package for four 70mm rockets AGR-20 APKWS (based on aviation HAR Hydra 70) is mounted on a swivel base. The original warhead and engine have been retained from the original rocket. UR AGR-20 APKWS is equipped with a control unit with a semi-active laser homing head and control drives.
The accuracy of hitting at a distance of 5 km is 0,5 m. It is stated that it is possible to fire at air and ground targets, which expands the combat capabilities of the complex. The mass of the rocket is about 15 kg. Length - 1,87 m. Maximum speed - 990 m / s.
Experts note that VAMPIRE air defense systems can pose a danger to combat helicopters and drones. However, the defeat of fast-moving jet combat aircraft will be unlikely.
Possible impact of Western mobile short-range air defense systems on the course of hostilities and methods of countering them
Very often, anti-aircraft missile systems, especially those placed on armored chassis, are called "battlefield" air defense systems. This, of course, is not the case; such air defense systems are not capable of operating directly on the line of contact, and by and large this is not required.
The destruction of individual and group enemy targets on the battlefield, even with high-precision aircraft weapons, is difficult and is carried out in exceptional cases due to the high risk of causing damage to friendly troops. As a rule, front-line and army aviation strikes at close rear areas, destroying enemy personnel and equipment, and also providing isolation of the battlefield. To cover crossings, field depots, command posts, artillery positions, troops on the march and in places of concentration, military air defense mobile air defense systems are needed.
The presence of a significant number of such systems in the possession of the enemy can have a significant negative impact on the course of hostilities, greatly complicate the use of front-line and army aviation and inflict painful losses.
Already, our front-line bombers and attack aircraft, in order to avoid losses, mainly strike at targets located at a small distance from the front line. At the same time, observers note that MANPADS are launched against Russian Su-25s practically during every sortie. When there are many such launches, even taking into account the massive use of countermeasures, it can be difficult to evade missiles.
The situation is no better with the use of combat helicopters. If at the beginning of the campaign the Russian attack Mi-24, Mi-35, Mi-28 and Ka-52 destroyed targets in the depths of the Ukrainian defense, now they are trying to use guided missiles while above the combat formations of our troops, or launch unguided rockets from cabling. It should be understood that firing NAR from a pitch-up is ineffective and is a purely forced measure.
Western anti-aircraft systems supplied to Ukraine, which use different methods of detecting air targets and different principles for aiming anti-aircraft missiles at them, can further complicate the actions of Russian aviation, making flights of our aircraft even over the front line deadly.
The response to the saturation of enemy combat formations with mobile air defense systems may be a more active use of guided weapons and modern reconnaissance means. First of all, we are talking about new missiles, the firing range of which exceeds the launch range of anti-aircraft missiles with TGS.
Against anti-aircraft systems, which include radar facilities, PRR with passive radar guidance and air-to-ground missiles with television guidance can be effective. All our aircraft and helicopters must be equipped with laser irradiation receivers, which will make it possible to timely disrupt the attack with Bolide and Starstreak missiles, against which the means of jamming missiles with IR seeker are powerless. Each pair or flight of attack aircraft, front-line bombers and multipurpose fighters must have at least one aircraft equipped with electronic intelligence equipment and a modern electronic jamming station.
Drones are a very promising means of combating mobile air defense systems in the frontline. It can be "drones-kamikaze "or scouts giving target designation to barrel and rocket artillery. A secure, high-speed system for exchanging information between users of different levels should also be provided.
However, sadly, it will not be possible to quickly implement all the proposed measures. Apparently, Russian aviation lacks modern guided weapons. Only this can explain the fact that a significant number of mobile standby radars still operate in Ukraine, there are operational medium and long-range air defense systems.
The facts testify to the underestimation of the enemy and serious failures in terms of planning. Russian troops are experiencing an acute shortage of effective reconnaissance and strike UAVs, there is a shortage of electronic intelligence stations and jamming equipment.
Due to the fact that the share of imported microelectronics is large in complex Russian defense products, and now our country is experiencing problems with the legal acquisition of a foreign element base, it is unlikely that it will be possible to quickly overcome the existing difficulties.
To be continued ...
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