ZRPK "Pantsir-SM" will take part in the Special Operation
Experienced Parntsir-SM at the exhibition in 2019. Photo by Rostec
The Russian troops involved in the Special Operation for the Defense of Donbass are equipped with a variety of air defense equipment. A significant role in the protection of troops and civilians is played by the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems. Recently it became known that in the near future they will be joined by the upgraded Pantsir-SM air defense missile system, which will have to be tested in real combat conditions.
Strengthening and testing
On the future deployment of a new modification of the "Shell" in the zone of the Special Operation on January 28, RIA reported News. Information about this was obtained from an anonymous informed source from unnamed circles. According to the source, the promising "Pantsir-SM" will appear in the troops in the near future - without specifying the exact date.
In these tests, a new version of the air defense missile system with standard weapons will be involved. He will have to supplement the existing air defense system of the Russian army deployed in the area. The complex will be responsible for detecting and destroying enemy unmanned aerial vehicles and rockets. At the same time, the source indicated that Pantsir-SM would be able to fight such targets at a greater range.
Then the second stage of testing will take place in the combat zone. In it, Pantsir-SM will have to test new small-sized anti-aircraft guided missiles designed specifically to combat UAVs. A new type of combat vehicle can carry up to 48 such ammunition.
RIA Novosti and an unnamed source do not provide other information about the strengthening of air defense. The appearance of "Pantsir-SM" in the combat zone has not yet been reported either. It is alleged that the dispatch of such an air defense missile system to the Donbass is scheduled for the near future, and it can be expected that information about its deployment will not have to wait long either. Following it, information about the combat use and, possibly, even photos and videos of firing will probably appear.
Complex family
The basic version of the Pantsir-S1 ZRPK was developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the XNUMXs. By the end of the decade, its operation in the Russian armed forces began. Almost simultaneously with this, the KBP began to create various modifications of the complex. The new projects retained the original architecture and weapons, but the chassis was replaced and new electronic equipment was used.
"Shell" at the parade, 2020. In the foreground - the modernized "SM", behind - the basic version of the "C1". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Another version of the modernization of the "Shell" with the letters "SM" was created in the second half of the tenth years. In 2019, KBP and Rostec for the first time presented a prototype of such an air defense missile system at one of the domestic exhibitions. As reported, the equipment was soon brought to the test to demonstrate and confirm the characteristics. In June 2020, several combat vehicles of this type took part for the first time in a military parade on Red Square.
In recent years, it has been repeatedly reported that the experienced Pantsiri-SM are being tested and fine-tuned. Based on the results of these processes, in the coming years, the ZRPK will be able to enter service. In parallel, the so-called. transport and combat vehicle "Pantsir-SM-TBM" with a different set of equipment. The layout of this product was first shown last summer. It also takes several years to fully implement this project.
Differences and advantages
The latest ZRPK "Pantsir-SM" has retained the architecture and main features of its predecessors. As before, the basis of the complex is a container of standard sizes with the necessary equipment, on which a rotating combat module with radar equipment and weapons is installed. The container can be mounted on various vehicle chassis. It is also possible that installation on a case chassis with the placement of equipment inside the standard case is provided.
The design of the combat module as a whole has not changed. In its front part there is an antenna for a target tracking radar station (STS), above it is an optical-electronic station, and in the stern is a target detection station (SOC). On the sides are still placed two 2A38 guns of 30 mm caliber and launchers for 6 missiles each.
As reported, a new detection radar with active phased array was developed for the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system. With its help, the viewing range increased to 75 km and other characteristics increased. The target tracking station has also been upgraded to increase the main parameters. A new ECO has been introduced. The characteristics of the tracking radar and the OES increased in accordance with the growth of other parameters of the complex.
The basic one weapons ZRPK was originally ZUR 57E6E. This is a supersonic two-stage solid-propellant bicaliber rocket. Guidance is carried out on commands from the ground. The firing range is limited to 20 km, altitude - 15 km. EFFECT: destruction of air targets with a speed of up to 1000 m/s and maneuvering with high overload is provided. A 20-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead is delivered to the target.
Parade formation "Shell", 2020. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
As part of the Pantsir-SM project, the standard missile defense system has been upgraded. While maintaining the same dimensions and other parameters, the launch range was increased to 40 km.
Also, for the SM version of the ZRPK, a new small-sized 19Y6 missile was developed, with the help of which it is proposed to fight small-sized UAVs. Such missiles are much shorter than 57E6E and have a reduced diameter. For these missiles, a special four-seater TPK has been developed in the diameter of a regular one. The exact performance characteristics of such a missile have not yet been disclosed.
The 72V6MT transport and combat vehicle under development is generally similar to the basic Pantsir-SM. Instead of an equipment container, it uses a lower platform. Only the SSC and OES are installed on the combat module, while the MTR and artillery are absent. At the same time, additional rows of TPKs were added to the launchers - the ammunition load was brought up to 24 "large" missiles.
It is assumed that the 72V6MT vehicles will operate as part of batteries based on full-fledged Pantsir-SM complexes. ZRPK with a full set of equipment will monitor the air situation, detect targets and distribute them between launchers. In this case, the transport-combat vehicle will work according to the commands of the combat vehicle and independently guide the missile to the target.
Expected Results
ZRPK "Pantsir-S1" of the original version is able to deal with various air targets, from tactical aircraft aviation and weapons to small-sized UAVs. Similar capabilities of the complex are regularly demonstrated in the zone of the Special Operation. As reported, the modernized Pantsir-SM will soon join the demilitarization of Ukraine - and will also show its potential.
The new version of the "Shell" is characterized by increased performance and has a number of obvious advantages. First of all, it is an increased range. Due to the new radar, the detection range of all main targets has almost doubled. At the same time, it remains possible to work according to data from third-party radars with an even greater range or other location.
Model of a transport-combat vehicle for "Pantsir-SM". A frame from the reportage of the TV channel "Zvezda"
Significantly improved firing capabilities and flexibility of use. The upgraded version of the 57E6E SAM is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 40 km, and both old and new missiles can be used in a 20 km radius zone. This ensures the defeat of a wide range of main targets.
Preserved and improved fire capabilities in the near zone. To destroy UAVs or high-precision weapons within a radius of several kilometers, Pantsir-SM will use small 12Ya6 missiles. 30 mm cannons are retained as the last line of defense.
In what composition the complex will be sent for military trials is unknown. Probably, only the Pantsir-SM combat vehicle will pass the test, and it will be able to show high efficiency. Similar checks of the new transport-combat vehicle, apparently, are not worth the wait. At the same time, the joint work of the two types of equipment could significantly improve the overall results.
Practice check
Thus, another sample of Russian military equipment has passed through the development stage, coped with field tests and is now preparing for testing as part of a full-fledged military operation. Pantsir-SM will arrive in the combat zone in the near future and will probably be able to quickly show its capabilities with all standard weapons.
It is obvious that the success of such tests will bring the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system closer to being put into service and to launch mass production. All these measures will take some time, and serial products may get into combat units after the completion of the Special Operation. However, even after the elimination of the Ukrainian military threat, the modernized "Shell" will find its place in the troops and give them new combat capabilities.
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