Old but relevant: ATGM "Metis" in the service

The Russian army currently has several models of man-portable anti-tank missile systems and their modifications. One of the main products of this kind is the Metis ATGM. The latest versions of this weapons they are distinguished by low weight and ease of handling, and also show fairly high performance characteristics. The capabilities of this complex are regularly tested and demonstrated as part of various trainings and exercises.

Complexes at landfills

The Ministry of Defense regularly reports on the conduct of certain training and practical activities with the use of various weapons. In particular, in recent weeks, official reports have been received several times about the training of Metis ATGM crews at various training grounds in the country.

On January 23, the press service of the Eastern Military District announced the continuation of the process of training mobilized military personnel. The fighters undergo an intensive course of combat training aimed at restoring their skills in handling weapons and mastering new models. Thus, the servicemen of one of the motorized rifle formations of the combined arms army of the Eastern Military District, stationed in the Trans-Baikal Territory, went to the Borzya-Novaya training ground to perform training firing from the Metis ATGM.

During the lesson, the servicemen fulfilled the standards for preparing a position, reconnaissance of targets, transferring the complex to a combat position, etc. In the course of firing practice, they launched guided missiles at fixed targets that imitated enemy armored vehicles and firing points. The targets were in the operating range of the Metis - from 600 to 2000 m.

The Ministry of Defense noted that the classes are conducted under the guidance of instructors who participated in the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass. They have recently gained new combat experience and can now share it with future participants in the operation, to a certain extent facilitating their future service.

On February 8, the Ministry of Defense again announced the training of Metis crews. This time the military personnel of the unit of the combined arms army of the Air Defense Forces stationed in Buryatia took part in the events. Training and combat firing was carried out at the Sosnovy Bor training ground. Who exactly was involved in the events is not specified. Probably, this time the anti-tank systems were used not by mobilized, but by conscripts or contract soldiers.

As in the course of other trainings, various issues of using anti-tank systems were worked out, from searching and preparing a position to launching missiles at conditional targets. Training is carried out under the guidance of instructors with real combat experience.

Missiles at the front

According to various sources, the Metis anti-tank systems and other missile systems have been used in Donbass since 2014. At that time, the people's militia of the two republics managed to recapture various infantry weapons from the enemy, incl. anti-tank systems. This weapon immediately began to be used against the former owners, and on the whole it confirmed the calculated characteristics.

Apparently, the militias of the republics, subsequently included in the armed forces of Russia, continued to use Mestizos even after the start of the Special Operation in February last year. However, the combat work of these anti-tank systems is practically not covered - the focus is on newer systems that are in service with Russian units and are distinguished by increased combat qualities.

According to the latest news, ATGM "Metis" are used during the training of mobilized military personnel. It is quite possible that these complexes, together with the crews that have restored their skills, will go to the combat zone in the future. In this case, the older "Metis" together with the modern "Cornets" will make up a more flexible and effective weapon system to deal with enemy equipment and fortifications.

Continuous development

The development of the first version of the promising ATGM 9K115 "Metis" was carried out by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the mid-seventies. The aim of the project was to create a second-generation lightweight missile system with semi-automatic guidance and a firing range of up to 1 km, capable of fighting modern tanks the adversary.

The tasks set were successfully completed, and in 1978 the complex entered service. Serial products were supplied to the ground and airborne troops, where they gradually replaced the previous generation anti-tank systems. In addition, from a certain time, Mestizos were sold to foreign countries.

In the late eighties, the modernized 1992K9-115 Metis-M complex was developed and in 1 entered service. He was distinguished by more advanced control equipment and received a new rocket. The ammunition was distinguished by an increased flight range and carried a more powerful warhead.

The next upgrade under the designation 9K115-2 "Metis-M1" appeared at the beginning of the XNUMXs. Its main difference lies in the use of two new missiles with an increased range. One received an improved tandem cumulative warhead, and the second was equipped with a volumetric explosion warhead. Serial complexes of this modification in the middle of the XNUMXs began to enter service and go abroad.

"Mestizos" of various modifications were repeatedly used in local conflicts. First of all, they were used by the armies and armed formations of the Middle East. Since 2014, the calculations of such complexes have been operating in the Donbass. Despite the limited flight characteristics of the missile, such an ATGM poses a significant threat to enemy armored vehicles, and it has many successful attacks to its credit.

Technical features

ATGM "Metis" of all versions are built according to the same scheme and have a similar configuration. The basis of the complex is the 9P151 launcher, equipped with guidance and control devices, or its upgraded version. A transport and launch container with a missile of one type or another is fixed on it. The mass of the complex in combat position does not exceed 20 kg. Transportation is carried out by the calculation of two people in special backpacks-packs.

The launcher has optical means of observation and target search; it is possible to use a thermal imager of the "Mulat" series. The maximum observation range exceeds the firing range. The installation also carries a fire control mechanism and means for generating and transmitting commands. After launch, the operator must keep the target in sight, and the automation independently keeps the rocket in the desired direction. Commands are transmitted to the rocket via wires wound from a reel on board.

The 9M115 rocket for the first version of the 9K115 had a length of 733 mm with a diameter of 93 mm and weighed 4,8 kg (6,3 kg together with the TPK). The solid propellant engine accelerated it to 220 m/s and sent it to a distance of 1 km. A cumulative charge weighing 2,5 kg made it possible to penetrate at least 500 mm of homogeneous armor.

The upgraded ATGM "Metis-M" received a new missile 9M131. It is distinguished by increased dimensions - a length of 810 mm and a diameter of 130 mm with a weight of 13 kg. The range was brought up to 1,5 km. In addition, the 9M131 was equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead weighing 5 kg, striking 800 mm of armor behind dynamic protection.

The 9M131M missile for the Metis-M1 has the same dimensions and weight, but flies for 2 km. Reinforced tandem warhead gives penetration of at least 900-950 mm. On its basis, the 9M131F rocket with a thermobaric warhead weighing 4,95 kg was created. In terms of power, such ammunition is comparable to a large-caliber artillery shell.

Old but relevant

Anti-tank missile systems of the Metis family cannot be called new. The first sample of this family entered service 45 years ago, and the latest versions appeared in the XNUMXs. Nevertheless, ATGMs of this line remain in service and are used by our army, and are also widely used abroad.

From the point of view of tactical and technical characteristics, the Mestizos are also not leaders in their field. In terms of firing range and penetration, they bypass some foreign models, but are inferior to newer and more advanced domestic systems. The same applies to the parameters of combat units. So, the modern "Cornet" in all modifications bypasses the older "Metis".

At the same time, the complexes of the Metis family are much lighter and more compact than more long-range systems. In addition, not in all situations, ATGM crews have to deal with targets at ranges of 5-10 km. The power of the warhead is also sufficient. Not all probable and real opponents have tanks with powerful armor, dynamic and active protection.

Yielding to newer models in a number of parameters, ATGMs of the 9K115 Metis line remain quite serviceable and combat use weapons. The presence of such complexes allows you to create a multi-component anti-tank defense system, characterized by increased flexibility of use. In it, each ATGM will be able to take on targets in the available range. And it will be extremely difficult for the enemy to break through such defenses.

Comments

[Ross xnumx]

Mixed feelings arise while reading. I saw the use of Metis in the late 70s. In comparison with RPGs and LNGs, it was “something” ... I remember that the officers joked after the shot: “The Zhigul flew!”
More than forty years have passed and what is the result?

The Russian army currently has several models of man-portable anti-tank missile systems and their modifications. One of the main products of this kind is the Metis ATGM.

Why doesn’t anyone write that the main brand of car for the elected people is the Volga GAZ-24?
Probably, the characteristics of "Metis" allow him to be in demand in specific cases, which should exclude his "main role".
* * *
Forgive me, if the designers only have enough brains for modifications in the form of "M" or "U", then it's time for the authorities to figure out why this is happening.

[Hermann]

The Metis-M1 is a fairly modern anti-tank missile, a range of 2000m, armor penetration, as they say, 950mm for rear, this is the most modern wearable anti-tank missile in Russia, you don’t really run on a hump with a Cornet.

[Sergey Aleksandrovich]

There are almost no complaints about the rocket itself, the problem is the wretchedness of the launcher and the obsolescence of the guidance system.

[svoroponov]

The article is somewhat outdated. Mestizos of the latest modifications are already at the front and in some places they are used very much. Especially for stationary targets - for opornika and in urban areas. In terms of armored vehicles, there is little for its not numerous in the near zone of combat clashes.
Based on the terrain conditions and the nature of hostilities, the time of deployment and preparation of the complex, the rapid detection of operators
installation is problematic, even after a rocket launch.

[CTABEP]

What are the 950mm for DZ with its caliber? They can write a lot :). But a relatively light (and probably cheap) missile for working on AFVs and firing points is the very thing.

[Uncle lee]

Quote: ROSS 42

why it happens.

Because capitalism has been over 30 years!
Shoigu: more than 78% of the army has updated weapons!

[CTABEP]

And what, communism has come somewhere in the world? There is nothing to blame on the mirror, if Shoigu is the Minister of Defense. Capitalism did not prevent the "Wagners" from getting a closed digital connection, and UAVs, and literate officers.

[Monster_Fat]

Everything is as usual: we have "old, but relevant", they have "outdated and ineffective". Not tired?

[svoroponov]

They also often have modifications of one or another similar weapon, if it is effective, they just change the shape of the product a little, and sometimes just one name.

[Amateur]

I remember that the officers joked after the shot: “The Zhigul flew!”

This Yegorgaidar crap has filled people's heads so much that they stopped thinking and counting. A weapon can cost both a Zhigul and a Volga. But what makes up this price? of two components: the cost of raw materials and wages. Who gets paid from these Zhiguli? To our workers and engineers + taxes to the budget + electricity, transport, etc. What makes up the cost of raw materials - from the salary of OUR workers and engineers, taxes + the cost of electricity, transport, etc. What is the cost of electricity? From the salary of OUR workers and engineers + taxes to the STATE BUDGET, etc. All over the world, the production of military equipment is a highly profitable production with a huge surplus value, and only here, with the "EASY HAND" of the bad boy Yegor Timurovich, the products of the military-industrial complex are considered unprofitable. Why? But God or Gaidar with his Higher School of Economics know. The only thing the government should do is to make sure that the military-industrial complex workers have the opportunity to spend the money they earn on consumer goods, i.e. refrigerators, cars, and even lacy panties for their women. Then there will be a normal economy of the country, which will grow rich, because. its citizens will get rich.
ps The "Stalinist" economy did not have enough time and, most importantly, skilled labor to produce "lace panties" for the withdrawal from the military-industrial complex workers. Therefore, she practiced all sorts of "loans" in order to withdraw excess money from the population, thereby avoiding inflation, and the state bank closely monitored the ratio of cash and consumer goods in the country. Therefore, the USSR developed. Then, under Khrushchev, smart economists were replaced with faithful ones, but under a marked bear, with the help of American "experts", the country's economy was completely destroyed. Alas!

[CTABEP]

Yes, even if Zhigul - MO the life of a soldier costs a dozen Zhiguli. And everyone appreciates their own more :)

[Viktor Sergeev]

I explain: the Kornet rocket costs 5 times cheaper than the Jevelin, the Metis is even cheaper. In war games, anti-tank systems operate from ambushes, hit on board, the result is the same - penetration.
You forgot to ask one more question: why did we produce T1943 in 34, and did not make our own Tiger.

[Cympak]

Before the Tigers, the Red Army had KV-1 and KV-1S. Which made a great impression on the Germans.
So after the appearance of the "Tigers" and "Panthers" they began to work on an antidote and through the KV-85 and IS-1 they came to the IS-2 and T-34-85. And the fact that they went to the front only in 1944, and not in 1943, so it was necessary to conduct tests, eliminate obvious shortcomings, and reconfigure the conveyors.

[svoroponov]

You ask the Americans why they are setting up production for their units, an analogue of our RPG 7?

[Dimax-nemo]

Metis was designed as a mass and cheap missile weapon. Compared to other missile weapons. Those. its rocket is significantly cheaper than that of the Fagot-Competition.

[stankow]

Zhigul flew
And burned down an apartment building (tank).

[certero]

We are translating into Russian from the official one - we do not have enough modern complexes. so go into battle with what you have.
It's so cool to lie under fire while maintaining the vizier on the target.
“We have more than 70% of modern weapons in our troops” - Does anyone want to answer for these words?

[zenion]

But it was easy to make all roads and other impassable if you threw galoshes on them. And if you throw condoms, then not a single vehicle will budge until they are all collected. It's more expensive to ride on them. I collected a bag, sent it to the village and already a millionaire, on the one hand, on the other. And if the condoms are of high cross-country ability, then you can push for the cordon.

[this]

Almost one and the same phrase in each article. Tsipsoshniks burn very much, your bots are too noticeable.

[Guran33 Sergey]

A range of 2000 m ... In fact, at least a kilometer and try to find and hit in 5-7 seconds the one lying not like in these advertising polygon pictures, but the operator hiding in the folds of the terrain .. But in general it is desirable to have a remote control panel, up to 50 meters, primitive, wired the operator on the machine gives a tip and winds up, the assistant controls the flight.

[Nikolaevich I]

Nevertheless, ATGMs of this line remain in service and are used by our army,
And it will be used, it seems ...! On the website of state procurement of the Moscow Region, there was a "wish" for it to have a portable "Metis" of the next "generation" with a range of up to 3 km! Perhaps the guidance system will change ... For some reason, the "Wishlist" of the RF Ministry of Defense reminded me of the American experimental ATGM "Topkik" ... with armor penetration from the top, supersonic, up to 3 km ...

[Dimax-nemo]

There is also a launch from a "closed" position. Therefore, it still does not exist. Not Metis, but another, new one.

[Nikolaevich I]

ATGM "Metis-M / M1" is considered a light portable (wearable) anti-tank weapon ... unlike the "Cornet", which is heavier and "carriable-wearable" ...! (That is, the "Cornet" is delivered to the "battlefield" "by transport"; but only on the "battlefield", during a change of position, it is dragged "manually" over relatively short distances!) In addition, "Metis" thought about how the simplest and, as a result, cheap (!) high-precision anti-tank weapon, in the future capable of replacing anti-tank grenade launchers! With this, "Metis", as it were, continues the "tradition" of "Baby" ... (Schaub is cheaper, there is no gyroscope in "Metis" ...)! (

[Zaurbek]

There is a standard anti-tank defense scheme, it is drawn there - which anti-tank does what and at what distance ... there is also an anti-tank reserve in the form of heavy self-propelled vehicles such as Shturm, Chrysanthemum, Cornet.

[blackGRAIL]

There are no complaints about the performance characteristics of the rocket - an excellent "cheap" light rocket. And top-attack for such a system is redundant. The main complaint against Metis is the control system. Ukrainians with their Stugna showed an example of "how it should be ideally." The Stugna differs from many other ATGMs in its control system, which allows the grenade launcher crew to place the launcher in a firing position and remotely control it from cover or from an underground bunker using a control system, in the form of a laptop, which is connected to the launcher with a 50-meter cable.

[Zaurbek]

Stugna is a heavy ATGM. An analogue of Cornet and TOU-2. What is cost-effective on such a complex is not relevant on light and cheap anti-tank systems.

[Sergey Aleksandrovich]

The cheapness of the light ATGM "Metis" is conditional, the missile is still expensive, albeit a multiple cheaper than the "Cornet". We must also take into account the survivability of the crew, which is also worth something, and take into account the effectiveness of firing from a more convenient installation.
There was a video where "Metis" are spending massively, shooting at passing columns of Ukrainian equipment, literally all the corners are littered with spent tubes, and with such a consumption, it is very logical to have a convenient launcher.

[this]

Hitting an ATGM crew is a non-trivial task, it sits far away, shoots accurately, until you spot it, until you point it, and it’s gone. In fact, either another ATGM or a cannon can destroy an ATGM, as well as a Metis on the battlefield and a sniper rifle and an ATGM, such infantry pocket artillery.

[alexmach]

What is cost-effective on such a complex is not relevant on light and cheap ATGMs

What's not profitable? Launcher with remote control terminal reusable.

[Dimax-nemo]

You want a lot from a development complex from the late 70s. In the future, the Metis was modernized mainly by increasing armor penetration, and partly by increasing the firing range.

[Askold65]

Quote from: blackGRAIL

The Stugna differs from many other ATGMs in its control system, which allows the grenade launcher crew to place the launcher in a firing position and remotely control it from cover or from an underground bunker using a control system, in the form of a laptop, which is connected to the launcher with a 50-meter cable.

And even better, on the basis of the Lancet kamikaze drone, launch loitering anti-tank ammunition with a cumulative warhead, which will allow attacking from above the most modern tanks that will soon enter service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine

[Arigin]

Metis urgently needs a remote control. Preferably miniature.

[this]

Not needed, try to find it first, and then hit it.

[avatar123]

"try to find out." the calculation unmasks itself when the projectile is launched with smoke or a flash. this time. flight time up to tens of seconds, two. a copter with a heatpack will easily detect the carcass of a fighter lying near the bird. and a lone bird is unlikely to notice. three. calculation of a bird is the most important part of a bird, so the safety of the calculation is paramount. four. you can write a lot more, why an anti-aircraft gun with a remote control is right and will bring victory closer, and an anti-aircraft gun without a remote control is cannibalism.

[svoroponov]

We have a similar development. It works quite well on defense, but not so much on the offensive. Look at how they storm and attack and you will understand why. Any, even the slightest problem, and you will have to get to the installation under fire the same 50 meters. Sometimes even 10 meters is a problem. If the gap is close, you can correct the installation when it shifts or turns right away. If you are somewhere in a shelter, then you will have to get to it somehow, and see above.
Therefore, they, Stugny, and Ukrainians, if they are not very used in the offensive.

[IgorZ]

blackGRAIL
And is Stugna aimed at the target also via cable? How many degrees is the field of view of the aiming device? Or pointed to the target, run 50 meters and launch and track?

[Cympak]

It's funny, but the "Baby" just has a gyroscope, and its flight is stabilized in roll, unlike the "Metis" and "Cornets" flying in a spiral.

[old grandfather]

Delusion. Visible tracer on the plumage. the rocket rotates and it describes a circle. When removed, this circle visually turns into a spiral. Geometry. my friend.

[vova1973]

They do not fly in a spiral - this is a tracer on the stabilizer. According to it, the system determines the position of the rocket and introduces corrections during flight. Due to this, a gyroscope is not needed (a very expensive thing).

[AVESSALOM]

This answer to "Leopards" is being prepared, it seems. Soon there will be an article about "Baby".))

[vovochkarzhevsky]

The situation is such that there is only one problem with this ATGM, there is not enough of it in the troops.

[svoroponov]

Where they are needed, they are available in abundance. Often, it's just the conditions of the battles that prevent their use. Watch the videos and you'll understand why. And in vain to use it, just shoot somewhere there, our military does not strive either.

[wladimirjankov]

And in vain to use it, just shoot somewhere there, our military does not strive either.

judging by the same commercials, they are still striving. All the empty fields are cratered by our shells, lunar landscapes are all around. Where are they firing, why? It seems that our gunners have one task to release as many ammo as possible in the direction of the enemy and report about it. But they really hit the targets, they didn’t hit it, it doesn’t matter.

[vovochkarzhevsky]

It seems that you are responsible for the MTO. But the reality is far from your vision.

[moreman78]

In the Soviet army - anti-tank weapons were divided - into company (for MSR equipped with armored personnel carriers, for airborne infantry and marine infantry), battalion (fighting in the SSB on armored personnel carriers with bassoons, it was replaced by the Cornet), regimental and divisional (self-propelled competitions, which should were replaced by promising self-propelled Kornets) and army-subordinate anti-tank regiments / brigades (self-propelled Shturm-S, they were replaced by Chrysanthemum).
In the Republic of Armenia, everything has changed somewhat - self-propelled Shturm-S (fortunately, in the USSR they managed to produce quite a lot of them), remaining in army artillery brigades, they also replaced outdated Contests in regiments / brigades and divisions, since the self-propelled Cornet never came to the troops, in battalions Bassoons are gradually changing to Cornets. But in the companies of replacement with a promising light ATGM - it is not expected! So they will continue to use Metis, try to modify it ..

[vova1973]

Its uniqueness is that there is no gyroscope on the rocket, the device is very expensive, due to this it is relatively inexpensive and you can stamp it like pasta. At the same time, an accurate device.

[Duncan]

It was created at a time when there were no personal computers .. Now there are all sorts of solid-state accelerometers, even in Chinese toys.

[cat Rusich]

Quote: vova1973

Its uniqueness lies in the fact that there is no gyroscope on the rocket, a very expensive device.

Isn't the gyroscope already "more expensive" than an enemy tank or infantry fighting vehicle??

Quote: vova1973

no gyroscope, very expensive device,
. At the same time, an accurate device.

What prevents the construction of a plant, or at least a workshop with an already operating plant, for production gyroscopes ? - and stamp them (gyroscopes) "like pasta" (rhetorical question ...)
Can the "expensive gyroscope" be used on anti tank rocket - a burned tank will pay for everything.
But on a rocket with a "high-explosive" warhead, which is used against bunkers or buildings in which the enemy is defending - in fact, like a long-range high-precision "grenade launcher", is it possible without a gyroscope ...?

[garri-lin]

What for???? Why fence????? Metis is already considered a completely "working" complex. His accuracy is quite good.

[vova1973]

No one has yet been able to stamp gyroscopes like pasta.

[Georgy Sviridov_2]

The tripod itself is old, but the rockets are modern. 130mm ptur is able to deal with any armored vehicles. It may not penetrate the most modern tanks everywhere, but most likely it will only hold the forehead of the tower ...
But of these, Ukraine has only the captured t-90m, and even if it was not sent to the USA ...
Not a bad complex, for rough terrain, where there is no way to work at a long range, but it is not very heavy and overall. It's easy enough to work with...

[svoroponov]

There, the sight is now, day and night, and reacts to heat. It's just that news on new technology and modernization of early samples in the press does not keep up with the real state of affairs.

[PAWNU]

I like the photo on the screensaver

An article about Metis and on the splash screen Bassoon is cool, although birds of the same generation probably justify this)

[old grandfather]

Question from an amateur. Why can not make a remote control PU. Is a fighter sitting in a trench about 20 meters from the launcher and sees an image from the sight on the tablet?

[cold wind]

Why not? A very simple concept, in reality there is Stugna. She is praised a lot from both sides of the front.

[PAWNU]

Because the METIS AT-Tur of a light class is portable and installing an engine to turn the platform is not desirable to make the launcher heavier from a mestizo. remote control

[ce) and mestizo should be compared with ptur mower

[wladimirjankov]

Metis is still far from going. We have ancient bassoons with might and main used. The storerooms are full of them. Let's finish on the little ones. Just use them against leopards and challengers.

[this]

What difference does it make, in the NWO, the main goal for ATGMs is by no means tanks.

[komandir8]

In 2008, the Metis-2 ATGM was developed and put into service, with new control equipment, a thermal imaging sight and a missile with a firing range of up to 2500 m.

[Sasha Koblov]

So what, that's old. In my garden, I used the kalyshka 40 years ago and now I use it, because it's better than carrying it on a hump or in my hands.
So the "mestizo" can disable the undercarriage of the leopard, and this is already good. Then it will be easier to fill it up.

[cdrt]

I wonder if someone will answer for the fact that the complex has practically not been purchased in recent years and has not been especially updated. But they talked about hypersonic Hermes of the future with pictures ...

[IgorZ]

And what is this hypersonic Hermes? Didn't hear.

[IgorZ]

Sad that they speak well of Stugna. And it is controlled remotely and can hit the roof at an angle from above (VIKI).

[Evgeny_Sviridenko]

The most important thing is that he, and in general all the weapons of the Soviet era, require good training. I recently saw how a tank of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot at close range (5-10 meters) fighters (it seems mobilized) in a trench. They had 1 shot to Fagot. But they simply didn’t hit the tank, although the distance was not too great. So if the latest modifications of the Cornet are not enough, trophying the Javelin is always the way.

[Dzungar]

The targets were in the operating range of the Metis - from 600 to 2000 m.

DO NOT LIE! Metis has a firing range of 800 meters. This Metis M can shoot at 2500, but simply Metis will not fly further than 1000 m by wire