Special operation experience: Tor-M2 air defense system on a real battlefield
SAM "Tor-M2" in position
In the zone of the Special Operation, the Russian army has deployed and maintains a developed layered air defense system. One of its main components involved in the military air defense are anti-aircraft missile systems of the Tor family. They are constantly on duty, detect and hit various air targets, including the most complex ones - small ones. Drones or high precision weapon.
SAM in combat
The units and formations of the Russian unit involved in the Special Operation have their own military air defense, built using various types of air defense systems. Thus, the Tor-M2 and Tor-M2U complexes are involved in the divisional and brigade level. They are designed to intercept air targets in the near zone and complement the more long-range air defense systems of the type of products of the Buk family.
Our air defense systems collide with air targets of various types. The enemy is trying to use tactical Aviation and aviation weapons, both Soviet-style and foreign. Unmanned aerial systems are widely used, from small commercial products to full-size reconnaissance and strike systems. Also, unguided and corrected rocket artillery munitions pose a threat, incl. foreign production.
"Tor-M2U" on the march
The crews of the Thors are on duty and cope with the tasks assigned to them. The exact indicators of the effectiveness of their combat work have not yet been disclosed, but almost every day the Ministry of Defense reports the successful defeat of various air targets. Various UAVs, TSAs and rockets are being hit and destroyed.
It should be noted that the effective combat operation of the Tor-M2 (U) air defense system contributed to the overall change in the situation in the air. For example, Russian air defense has inflicted critical damage on Ukrainian aviation, which is why planes and helicopters appear less and less in the sky, and the risks associated with them are reduced. In turn, UAVs and rockets are still quite frequent targets, mainly due to the presence of foreign supplies.
Obviously, the combat use of the Tor family air defense systems will continue, and the military air defense will retain an effective short-range weapon. Together with other complexes with longer-range missiles, they will protect troops and settlements from enemy air attack weapons. It is very likely that the effective work of the Thors will again force the enemy to reconsider tactics - due to the loss of one or another equipment.
Technical features
The 9K330 Tor anti-aircraft missile system has been developed since the mid-seventies in the interests of the air defense of the ground forces. The basic modification of the air defense system was adopted in 1986. Subsequently, it was repeatedly modernized, and new modifications were put into service. The last generation of complexes appeared in the troops in the tenth years - these were the Tor-M2 and Tor-M2U products.
In the course of consistent development, the "Tors" retained the overall architecture and principles of work. At the same time, certain components were replaced, new weapons were introduced, etc. Thanks to this, modern "Tory-M2 (U)" have serious advantages over the original 9M330 air defense system.
The main element of the modern Thor complex is the 9A331M2 combat vehicle. It is built on a unified cross-country tracked chassis. SAM can accompany troops on the march or on the battlefield; unification simplifies operation. A combat module-tower with all the necessary equipment and weapons is mounted on the chassis. Part of the equipment is located inside the building, at the places of calculation, including three people.
Older complex "Tor-M1", participating in the Special Operation
A target detection station (SOC) is installed on the tower module. This is a phased array radar designed to monitor the air situation within a radius of at least 30 km. SOC detects targets, with the help of an interrogator, checks their nationality and takes them for automatic tracking. Automation also determines the potential danger of targets and helps the operator of the complex to calculate the order of attack of targets.
For shelling targets, a guidance station (SN) and an optical-electronic sight are used. They provide accurate tracking of an air object before launching a missile, and also track the launched missile and provide its guidance. The radio command guidance method is used with the transmission of commands via CH. There are four target channels. Provides work on targets with EPR from 0,05 sq.m.
For later modifications of the Torah, the 9M338K anti-aircraft guided missile was developed. Due to the refinement of the rocket, its transport and launch container and the launcher in the tower, it was possible to double the ammunition load - up to 16 units. Rocket less than 2,9 m long and weighing approx. 163 kg develops speed up to 1000 m/s. Destruction range - 12 km, height - 10 km. The missile carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing approx. 15 kg.
Calculation "Tora-M2U" at work
The 9A331M2 combat vehicle can operate independently, fully performing all tasks, or as part of an anti-aircraft unit. In this case, the vehicles are assembled into firing batteries of three; four batteries make up one division. When deploying combat vehicles at a distance from each other, a battery or division can provide cover for a large area. In addition, the increased ammunition load allows the unit to cope even with a massive raid.
Realized potential
Thus, the latest Torah upgrades have resulted in the emergence of modern air defense systems with high performance characteristics capable of hitting all expected air targets. At the same time, the development process of the complex does not stop and is carried out taking into account new experience, as a result of which all the main capabilities are improved. Not so long ago it became known about the study of the next modernization.
A decisive contribution to improving the combat characteristics of the Tor-M2 (U) air defense system is made by the development of the radar and computer complex. The latest models of detection and guidance stations are characterized by increased parameters and are able to detect and track even complex targets with low visibility - UAVs made of plastic / composite, rockets, etc.
Air monitoring with ECO
In the course of combat work, the SOC determines the coordinates of the target and issues target designation to the SN. The latter also takes the target for escort, and also guides the missile. If necessary, the guidance station is assisted by the ECO. Interaction of stations, data processing, etc. provided by a powerful on-board computer.
In the course of recent upgrades, the characteristics of a standard missile defense system have not fundamentally changed. However, new radar and computing tools make it possible to more fully use the potential of the 9M338 product. Due to this, the rocket turns out to be a more accurate and effective weapon.
Of great importance is the ability to work as part of a multi-component air defense system. In this case, individual air defense systems are networked and can exchange data, receive target designation from third-party means, etc. Due to this, the overall area of responsibility of the unit increases, and the risk of detecting a position by the enemy with subsequent negative consequences is also reduced.
The mobile version also has a positive effect on the safety of the air defense system. Torahs of all modifications can track the situation on the move and track targets. In recent upgrades, it also became possible to fire on the move with a confident hit on the target. In addition, having discovered itself by radar radiation and missile launch, the complex can quickly leave the position and not fall under enemy attack.
Proven in practice
Since February 2022, the Tor family air defense systems and other domestic air defense systems, both military and facility, have been tested by practice. They are used in the zone of the Special Operation and work with real air targets. The enemy uses a wide range of means of air attack, and countering a number of such threats is assigned precisely to Tor-M2 (U) products.
Over the past time of Special Operations, modern versions of the Thor have clearly shown their ability to detect and hit all current threats, from aircraft and UAVs to missiles of various types. At the same time, the enemy uses foreign assistance, and we can expect the appearance of new types of air targets. It is obvious that the Russian army and industry are already taking the necessary measures - and the Torahs will be ready for any challenges. Moreover, the air defense as a whole will have to show the same results.
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