For different tasks and purposes: warheads of Iskander OTRK missiles
Loading ballistic missile 9M723 on the launcher
The 9K720 Iskander operational-tactical missile system and its modifications are distinguished by their wide combat capabilities and high performance characteristics. The overall potential of these OTRKs is positively affected by the presence of several types of missiles with different features and parameters. In addition, a wide range of combat units of different classes, including special ones, has been developed for missiles.
Warhead carriers
The development of a promising OTRK, which later received the name Iskander and the GRAU 9K720 index, began at the Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (Kolomna) in the second half of the eighties. After the completion of work on the first version of the complex, the creation of new modifications began. According to known data, the development of Iskanders through the introduction of new components and functions continues to this day.
In the course of the consistent development of the OTRK 9K720 and its variants, it became possible to use three different types of missiles. They belong to different classes of weapons and radically differ from each other in design. At the same time, the use of missiles from a common launcher is ensured, and close combat qualities are also achieved.
Iskander before launch
The first in the Iskander family was the 9M723 ballistic (quasi-ballistic) missile. This is a solid propellant single-stage ammunition with a length of approx. 7,3 m with a launch weight of 3,8 tons. Serial missiles available to the troops are equipped with a control system based on inertial and satellite navigation. Other controls have also been developed, incl. full-fledged homing heads for independent search and hitting a target.
Early versions of the 9M723 missiles had a range of about 300 km. In the future, this parameter was brought to 400 km or more. Thus, in foreign sources, the range of a ballistic missile is estimated at 450-480 km.
As part of the Iskander-K project, the complex got the opportunity to use the 9M728 or R-500 cruise missile. This is a product of a traditional layout with a solid-fuel starting and turbojet propulsion engine. The cruise missile is similar in length to the 9M723 ballistic missile, but has a much smaller diameter. The weight parameters are unknown. In flight, the R-500 rocket develops a high subsonic speed. The maximum flight range reaches 500 km.
The upgraded Iskander-M OTRK also received the 9M729 cruise missile. Outwardly, it is similar to the 9M728 product, but its design could be based on a different domestic development. 9M729 is also subsonic and has a flight range of about 480 km. At the same time, foreign officials and bodies spoke about exceeding the threshold of 500 km and violating the existing international agreement.
Launch of a ballistic missile
On a ballistic trajectory
The 9M723 ballistic missile can carry a payload of up to 480 kg. A number of its modifications have similar characteristics, incl. with other combat equipment. As part of the Iskander-M project, the rocket underwent a deep modernization, as a result of which its launch weight exceeded 4,6 tons, and the combat load could reach 700-800 kg.
The main variant of combat equipment, compatible with any modifications of missiles, is a monoblock high-explosive fragmentation charge. With its help, the complex can hit troops in positions or in places of deployment, various structures, incl. protected and other stationary targets with known coordinates.
It is known about, at a minimum, the development of other conventional warheads for the Iskander. So, a rocket can carry a high-explosive incendiary charge - a monoblock of the maximum possible mass. A penetrating warhead with a hardened hull is designed to defeat protected targets.
Several variants of the cluster warhead were developed, and some of them successfully reached adoption. According to known data, 9M723 series missiles with a cassette can carry high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative fragmentation and self-aiming anti-tank warheads. The warhead can hold up to several dozen submunitions, depending on their type.
Installation receives R-500 missiles
Iskander missiles can be a means of delivering a tactical nuclear warhead. A special warhead for 9M723 products should not differ in size and weight from conventional ones. The charge power, according to various sources, is from 5 to 50 kt. Perhaps the ammunition has a variable power.
Winged Opportunities
The 9M728 cruise missile for Iskander-K, despite its smaller size, received similar combat equipment. According to known data, it carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead in the form of a monoblock weighing 480 kg. Functions and capabilities are similar to the main warhead for the ballistic 9M723.
The possibility of equipping the 9M728 cruise missile with other warheads has not yet been reported. At the same time, the dimensions of the product fully allow the possibility of creating and implementing different equipment options.
The 9M729 product in its design should differ significantly from the standard Iskander-K rocket, but has similar dimensions and weight. This suggests that its combat load is at the same level and does not exceed 480-500 kg. The type of combat equipment for 9M729 was not disclosed. There are assumptions about the use of both nuclear and conventional warheads. In addition, it can be assumed that the missile has a certain potential for modernization in the context of combat capabilities.
Deployment in position
Components of potential
The missile systems of the Iskander family include various means and products with different functions. OTRK includes a self-propelled launcher, unified controls, auxiliary equipment, etc. In addition, three missiles with different characteristics have been developed for these systems, as well as a number of their modifications. Part of the ammunition with certain features has been adopted.
The characteristic advantages of the Iskander OTRK of various modifications include the possibility of using all compatible missiles from a single launcher. At the same time, she carries two ammunition and in all cases uses a standard control system. Supplementing the OTRK with other means when introducing a new missile is actually not required.
"Iskanders" are intended to destroy various ground targets in the operational-tactical rear of the enemy. Depending on the state and capabilities of the enemy air defense missile defense system and other factors, the OTRK can solve such problems using a quasi-ballistic or cruise missile. The choice of the optimal ammunition allows you to increase the likelihood of a successful breakthrough of the defense and hitting the target.
Given the type and characteristics of the target, you can choose the method of guidance and warhead. So, stationary structures and buildings are effectively hit by a "normal" high-explosive fragmentation warhead of a large mass, and for more complex targets, a penetrating warhead is used. "Iskander" can also hit area targets - due to submunitions in cassettes. For special tasks, a special warhead has been developed.
Cruise missile in flight
The high efficiency of the Iskander OTRK with different ammunition has been repeatedly demonstrated during various exercises. Since February 2022, the complexes have been showing their capabilities during a real military operation. At least hundreds of missiles have already been used, and a corresponding number of targets have been hit. Apparently, different types of products with different warheads are used, which makes it possible to reliably destroy the intended target.
A vital role
OTRK of the Iskander family is a modern and effective strike weapon capable of solving a wide range of combat missions and hitting distant targets behind enemy lines. The high efficiency of the complex is largely based on the presence of a wide range of missiles with different tactical, technical and combat characteristics.
It should be noted that it was the development of new missiles with certain features in the past that was the main method for developing and improving the complex as a whole. It can be expected that the current stages of modernization of the Iskander will not be the last. And in the following projects, promising missiles with certain advantages will be created again.
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