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.
Latest news
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.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
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