Coastal missile system "Zircon" and its potential

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Coastal missile system "Zircon" and its potential
Launch of the Zircon rocket from the carrier ship


The Russian defense industry continues work on the promising Zircon hypersonic missile system. Serial production of new missiles begins, and in the near future they will go into service with surface ships of the naval fleet. In addition, a coastal version of the Zircon complex is being created, and this project is approaching the testing stage.



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Over the past few years, the press and officials have repeatedly mentioned that several missile systems will be developed as part of the Zircon program, incl. coastal. It was reported about the start of the development of such a project, but the exact dates for the appearance of experimental and serial equipment were not called.

On November 4, the TASS agency reported on the latest successes of this project, citing a source close to the Ministry of Defense. The source said that the industry has completed the development of a mobile launcher for the new DBK and built its first prototype.

It is alleged that the combat vehicle of the coastal Zircon is in many ways similar to the launcher from the serial Bastion DBK for the Onyx missile. So, a four-axle special chassis is again used, although its type is not reported. Also, the technical features of the machine are not specified, but it is mentioned that it will be able to carry two missiles at once - like the Bastion installation.


Obviously, the experimental machine is intended for testing, and in the near future it will have to enter the appropriate sites and training grounds. However, the TASS source has not yet begun to disclose this topic. The plans of the Ministry of Defense and industry for the distant future also remain unknown.

It should be noted that the main component of the promising complex in the form of the 3M22 Zircon missile is already ready. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke about the latest progress in its development in August. At the Army-2022 forum, he mentioned that the industry is starting mass production of new missiles. In addition, they actually entered service with the surface forces of the Navy, and it was planned to document this by the end of the year.

According to known data


There is still very little information about the coastal version of the Zircon complex. Nevertheless, it is known that it will be a mobile system on a self-propelled chassis, capable of quickly reaching the optimal firing position and attacking the target. The composition of such a DBK was not specified, but it is already known that it will include, at a minimum, a self-propelled launcher and a new type of anti-ship missile. Probably, these means will be supplemented by a combat control vehicle, radar and other means in a mobile version.

It is alleged that the new launcher for the Zircon will be similar to the combat vehicle from the 3K55 Bastion DBK, and some of its features are also mentioned. This allows you to imagine what a new product can be and how it should differ from an existing sample.

The launcher for the Bastion is built on a special MZKT-7930 chassis with an 8x8 wheel arrangement. This chassis has a dead weight of approx. 21 tons and is capable of carrying superstructures and a payload with a total mass of more than 22 tons. The maximum speed is 70 km / h. A van is installed on the chassis, inside of which there are two lifting units with missile transport and launch containers. The machine is controlled by a crew of three.


DBK "Bastion" in position

The missile battalion of the Bastion DBK of standard composition includes four combat vehicles with a pair of Onyx missiles on each, one or two combat control vehicles, a combat duty support vehicle, as well as several transport-loading vehicles with ammunition.

According to known data, the supersonic anti-ship missiles "Onyx" and the hypersonic "Zircon", despite the radical differences in design, are placed in TPK of the same dimensions. This means that the launchers of the two DBKs may be similar. It becomes possible to develop a new combat vehicle based on existing developments or even by upgrading an existing model.

Thus, it can be expected that the promising Zircon missile system, incl. its launcher will generally be similar to the current Bastion. At the same time, two DBKs may have significant differences in terms of electronic equipment, fire controls, communication devices, etc.

It can be assumed that the existing technical capabilities make it possible not only to create a completely new DBK, but also to modernize the existing one. However, plans to upgrade the Bastion and expand its ammunition load with a hypersonic missile were not reported. Probably, the Ministry of Defense does not consider such modernization expedient.

Rocket and its potential


The promising 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile has not yet been demonstrated openly; the main part of the characteristics also remains unknown. However, the available data make it possible to draw up a fairly detailed picture, as well as to assess the potential of such anti-ship missiles as part of the coastal complex.


Landing complexes "Bastion" on about. Matua, December 2021

It is known that "Zircon" is used with a standardized TPK. Accordingly, the length of the product does not exceed 9-9,5 m, the diameter is not more than 500-550 mm. The launch weight is unknown, but the use of a warhead weighing up to 300-400 kg was mentioned. According to various estimates, the rocket can be equipped with a ramjet engine designed to fly at hypersonic speeds.

During flight tests, the 3M22 anti-ship missile showed a flight speed of about 8 M. The maximum range was not reported. Launches were carried out at different ranges, up to 1000 km, and it is possible that the rocket is capable of flying further. The main part of the flight path lies at high altitude. To make interception difficult, the product maneuvers.

It is not difficult to imagine what combat capabilities a promising DBK with such anti-ship missiles will receive - and what advantages they will provide. So, the mobility of the new "Zircon" will remain at the level of its predecessor. The complex will still be able to quickly enter the firing position, prepare and carry out launches. Operational features should also not fundamentally change.

Of great importance is the increase in the range of the missile: 1000 km against 300 km for Onyx. This means that the Zircon missile defense system will be able to control larger water areas and / or launch missiles from a greater distance from the coastline. In both cases, coastal protection will improve.

Also the most important factor is the speed characteristics of the new rocket. The 3M22 product develops a speed of at least Mach 8, which drastically reduces the duration of the flight to the target, and also reduces the possible reaction time for enemy air defense / missile defense. The interception of such a missile is practically impossible. The appearance of defenses capable of coping with such a task belongs only to an indefinite future.


Speed ​​also affects the power of the rocket. "Zircon" will be able to cause serious damage even to large ships only due to its kinetic energy. The warhead of a large mass will increase the impact on the target.

In terms of its capabilities, the Zircon coastal complex being developed will be similar to the already existing ship system. At the same time, the DBK has obvious advantages over carrier ships. It is less complex and expensive to manufacture and operate, and the land chassis simplifies and speeds up the transfer over long distances. Due to common features and differences, coastal and ship complexes will be able to complement each other.

Development prospects


Thus, the Russian Navy and its coastal troops are waiting for a serious rearmament with the introduction of the most modern missile systems. Anti-ship missiles "Zirkon" has already entered the ammunition of surface ships, and in the foreseeable future, coastal troops of the fleet will receive similar weapons. The first steps towards such a result have already been taken, and new activities will soon begin.

Already in the medium term, the protection of the coast and sea borders of the country will increase significantly. The Navy will continue to operate the Onyx ship and coastal complexes with a supersonic missile, and will also receive a new Zircon hypersonic munition. Together they will form a layered defense with special capabilities.
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  1. +3
    9 November 2022 05: 06
    When a new Ukrainian corvette is completed in Turkey, I hope this version of Zircon can be tested on it. what
    1. 0
      9 November 2022 06: 04
      Quote: Lech from Android.
      When a new Ukrainian corvette is completed in Turkey, I hope this version of Zircon can be tested on it

      If Ukraine does not lose access to the sea before...
      1. +1
        9 November 2022 07: 42
        Now in SVO, completely different solutions are needed. Bulk and cheap.
        1. The comment was deleted.
        2. +2
          9 November 2022 12: 57
          This is sorry, what? Mosinka and Nagan? And if you consider that the barrels of revolvers were made from rejected barrels of mosquitoes ... well, in general - beauty!
          What is needed in the NVO theater does not eliminate the need for advanced weapons systems. The IS-3 was designed and made when the existing solutions were quite enough, especially the much more mass-produced ones due to well-functioning production. But, according to Zhukov, the "syuznichki" at the parade in Berlin, when they appeared, almost managed to do it.
          1. +2
            9 November 2022 13: 31
            Cheap, mass-produced, high-precision missiles, cheap mass-produced UAVs of all kinds ...
            1. +2
              9 November 2022 15: 23
              For our troops, without any doubt, all types of weapons are urgently needed in mass quantities, but at the same time, not so much the price as the maximum efficiency, manufacturability and reliability of these weapons on the battlefield should be put at the forefront, if missiles and UAVs are cheap, but with are not sufficiently effective and reliable, it is unlikely that our army will need them.
          2. 0
            4 February 2023 20: 22
            Thousands of Lancets and similar products of greater and lesser power, as it is now fashionable to say, for all units on the LBS without exception. This is just the bare minimum.
        3. 0
          9 January 2023 22: 43
          They are needed, but such a rocket has been made for 10-15 years. And it just unfolds.
  2. +5
    9 November 2022 05: 34
    Of great importance is the increase in the range of the missile: 1000 km against 300 km for Onyx.

    As far as I know, 300 km is a limitation for those who do not have these technologies. And so, according to various sources, "Onyx" flies 600-800 km. At a range of + - 300 km, we have "Uranus" or, if from the coast, then the "Bal" complex. hi
    1. +2
      9 November 2022 08: 36
      300 km - this is for the export "BrahMos" and "Yakhont"
    2. +1
      10 November 2022 13: 18
      Quote: jonht
      As far as I know, 300 km is a limitation for those who do not have these technologies. And so, according to various sources, "Onyx" flies 600-800 km.

      The author also messed up with the diameter. The diameter of "Zircon", like "Onyx", is about 650 - 680 mm.
      1. 0
        11 November 2022 00: 08
        The diameter is not so important here, although I also paid attention. But the range somehow caught my eye. Although they say 600-800 km along a high trajectory, possibly along a flat one, near the water, there are still 300 km, but they won’t tell us for sure. According to the data that were on the "Granites", they were able to fly in three programs: high-altitude, low and mixed trajectory. hi
        1. +1
          11 November 2022 13: 22
          Quote: jonht
          Diameter is not so important here

          The diameter determines the internal volume, starting weight and range capabilities. So "Zircon is almost 3 times heavier than" Caliber "," Onyx "2+ times. With about the same length.
          Quote: jonht
          Although they say 600-800 km along a high trajectory, possibly on a flat one, near the water, there are still 300 km,

          At "Onyx-M" in altitude up to 800 km. And for a low-altitude profile, the range is always 2,5 times less - the resistance of the environment. The "Mosquito" has a high-altitude profile - 300 km, low-altitude - 120 km.
    3. 0
      9 January 2023 22: 44
      Onyx - flies 300 km
      Onyx M - flies up to 800 km
      These missiles are used on the Bastion DBK!
    4. 0
      9 January 2023 22: 45
      300 km is also a restriction on the control center on its own radar.
      If the range is 1000 km, then you can shoot from the Crimea in the Mediterranean Sea. But someone has to give TsU
  3. +2
    9 November 2022 06: 00
    Quote: Lech from Android.
    When a new Ukrainian corvette is completed in Turkey, I hope this version of Zircon can be tested on it. what

    It is not possible, but necessary, preferably right at the quay wall
    1. 0
      9 January 2023 22: 46
      The Turks blinded the hull, and Ukraine planned to fill the combat filling, by itself!
      Why drown, it is better to requisition and complete the construction ourselves for the needs of the Black Sea Fleet!
      From a rotten sheep, even a tuft of wool !!!
  4. -4
    9 November 2022 08: 43
    It is high time to reduce the fleet, leaving only submarines, coastal-based aircraft, minesweepers and other light ships for OVR. We still don't know how to fight at sea.
    1. +2
      9 November 2022 10: 48
      Quote from Beaver.
      It is high time to reduce the fleet, leaving only submarines, coastal-based aircraft, minesweepers and other light ships for OVR.

      It is forbidden. Because the fleet for the next 30 years is 40% of the strategic SBCs.
      And to provide the ASW of the "bastion" (positional area of ​​​​the SSBN) with the forces of exclusively OVR ships is a utopia.
      1. -1
        10 November 2022 19: 12
        To be honest, I do not really believe in the ability of our fleet to provide a decent pay. Losses constantly hang near our strategists, who do not even notice them. What can BPCs from the 80s detect?
        1. 0
          11 November 2022 11: 05
          So I’m talking about the same thing - you can’t reduce the fleet, you will have to build new ships of at least the FR class.
          It was possible to reduce the fleet to the laying of the Boreev. Now we will have to build new ships based on the task of ensuring their exit from bases and databases.
      2. 0
        14 January 2023 13: 40
        the fleet for the next 30 years is 40% of the strategic SBCs.

        Can you express your thoughts in numbers? It is in quantitative terms.
    2. 0
      9 January 2023 22: 48
      Where does such reliable information come from?
      Did you personally develop tactics and maintain a database at sea?
  5. +1
    9 November 2022 09: 25
    I can't understand one. TPK and Onyx and Zircon should be similar. Weight too. Why fence a new car if it is more logical to equip the Bastion with the equipment necessary for the use of Zircon. In fact, there would have been some hardware and new software. More flexible and cheaper.
  6. +4
    9 November 2022 10: 04
    Of great importance is the increase in the range of the rocket: 1000 km versus 300 km for Onyx
    Well, 300 km for "Onyx" - this info is for beginner spies and for "Yakhont"! The latest upgraded version of Onyx is credited with 800 km! As for the range of the "Zircon", then there are "some in the forest, some for firewood"! (Who claims 1000 km ... and someone screams about 1500 km!) And the fact that the Bastion and Zircon DBKs will be similar (or there will be a single platform like Bastion-M ...), then this eat well ! Let adversaries suffer from migraines, solving "xy from xy"!
    1. +2
      9 November 2022 16: 41
      With espionage, too, not everything is so simple. 300 km is the most difficult, combined trajectory. And for Yakhont, for some time now, it seems, too. But for Onyx M 800 km, along which trajectory it is not clear.
  7. +2
    9 November 2022 10: 56
    Urgently need a land version with zircon! An addition to the Iskanders would be great!
    1. 0
      9 November 2022 18: 27
      Quote: Rus_80
      Urgently need a land version with zircon! An addition to the Iskanders would be great!

      Duc ... DBK seems to be the same ... it doesn’t swim! wink
      1. 0
        10 November 2022 00: 20
        By itself. But it is still coastal) Here is the expression "wetted" (for example, an air defense system shell), and I propose to earthen or dry it))
  8. -6
    9 November 2022 13: 49
    Yes, a good complex and no one has this, like Almaty, as well as the money to produce them, all the money went to yachts.
  9. 0
    22 December 2022 12: 06
    Zircon, incl. coastal is a weapon for the future, almost strategic - such as nuclear weapons, for deterrence.
    For NWO and the near future - just like a bogey for the devil (USA and NATO).
    For example, take the Dagger - as all experts once said, kinetic energy allows you to use it without a warhead, a blank. The effect is almost like from tactical nuclear charges.
    That there are no goals for them in Ukraine? Or are they too expensive? Or are they not as effective as they have been touted? Where are they? Some questions....
    So it will be with Zircon - everyone knows that he exists and is afraid, but because. it will not be used in combat, it will turn into a Dagger, Poseidon, YARS, Vanguard, Sarmat .... into terrible weapons, but not used in conventional warfare ...

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