Taiwan's air defense system: man-portable and self-propelled short-range anti-aircraft missile systems
Until now, a very important role in the military and object air defense of Taiwan is played by anti-aircraft machine guns and artillery installations (more here). This is largely due to the fact that the governments of most countries where anti-aircraft missile systems were produced did not want to spoil relations with Beijing and sell air defense systems to the unrecognized island Republic of China.
The United States has been and is the main supplier of weapons to Taiwan. But after the establishment of diplomatic relations with the PRC, and for some time, on the basis of anti-Sovietism, there was even active Sino-American military-technical cooperation, Washington in the 1980s lowered the degree of allied relations with Taipei.
This fully affected the level of equipment of the armed forces of the Republic of China with modern air defense systems. Taiwan received a very limited number of short-range SAM systems in the 1980s, and for the most part these were not state-of-the-art systems.
Man-portable air defense systems
In the 1970s and 1980s, many US allies were armed with FIM-43 Redeye MANPADS. The first-generation portable complex with an uncooled IR seeker was actively used in a number of armed conflicts and was not considered the latest technology in the early 1980s. Although MANPADS of this type were used not only by regular armies, but also supplied to Afghan dushmans and Nicaraguan contras, the American leadership ignored Taipei's repeated requests for Red Eye portable systems.
Only after the events in Tiananmen Square, which led to a cooling of US-Chinese relations and the collapse of the USSR, did the Americans sell a relatively small batch of Stingers to Taiwan. And even in this case, there was a nuance: the United States refused to supply portable systems, with launchers from which the shooter could launch missiles from the shoulder, and agreed to transfer twin FIM-92 Stinger DMS installations, which one person could not carry.
The FIM-92 Stinger DMS (dual mount system) complex is portable. Missiles are launched from a turret, on which two launch containers are installed. The turret has additional systems for powering and cooling the GOS missiles, a seat for the gunner, and through special communications equipment it can receive data on targets from external sources via a radio network.
The conditions for duty at the firing position of the Stinger DMS are better than those of a purely portable complex. But its transportation over considerable distances by personnel is difficult, and it takes time to assemble and bring it into combat condition.
The first batch of 55 anti-aircraft turrets and 465 Stinger RMP (FIM-92C) missiles was delivered to Taiwan in May 1996. The contract value was $80 million. For the next batch, handed over in 1998, consisting of 61 Stinger DMS launchers with 728 Stinger RMP missiles, Taipei paid $180 million.
The FIM-92C missiles received by Taiwan were not new, but taken from the US Army and overhauled. This third serial modification of the Stinger SAM was produced from 1986 to 1995, had improved noise immunity and the ability to adapt the guidance system to the parameters of the target. The launch weight of the rocket is 10,1 kg. It is possible to defeat air targets at a distance of 200 to 4 m. The reach in height is 500 m. The maximum speed of missiles is 3 m / s.
It was possible to agree on the supply of truly portable systems with FIM-92F missiles more than 20 years after the delivery of the twin Stingers. In 2018, 122 launch kits and 250 FIM-92F missiles were ordered. In 2019, an agreement was reached on the sale of another 254 such anti-aircraft missiles. The practical implementation of the contract began in 2023.
The FIM-92F missile is equipped with a reprogrammable Block I microprocessor. A rollover sensor has been added, software has been improved, which has led to an optimization of the missile flight control process. As a result, the probability of hitting highly maneuverable and small targets has increased.
Mobile SAM M1097 Avenger
Simultaneously with the twin Stinger DMS anti-aircraft guns, the armed forces of the Republic of China received M1097 Avenger self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems on the chassis of an HMMWV off-road vehicle.
Under the contract worth $420 million, 74 combat vehicles, 22 Humvees for the auxiliary needs of anti-aircraft units, as well as 1 FIM-299S anti-aircraft missiles were received. This acquisition made it possible to significantly strengthen the army's air defense and withdraw the obsolete M92 Duster anti-aircraft self-propelled guns to the reserve.
The Avenger air defense system is capable of hitting air targets on a collision course and in pursuit at altitudes of 0,5–3,8 km and ranges of 0,5–5,5 km. The mass of the vehicle in combat position reaches 4,3 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 105 km / h. Power reserve - up to 560 km. Crew - 2 people.
With relatively small dimensions and weight, the Avenger has a high level of automation, a short reaction time, good fire performance and mobility. Able to operate both in the daytime and at night, as well as in difficult weather conditions.
The main component of the complex is a gyro-stabilized platform, on which TPKs with Stinger missiles (2 packs of 4 each), optical and thermal imaging means for detecting and tracking targets, a laser range finder, a friend or foe identification device, control systems, information display and communications.
In the center of the platform there is an operator's cabin with a transparent screen onto which the aiming point marker is projected. The operator accompanies the target visually using an optical sight, or using a thermal imager in bad weather and at night. The system is capable of automatically tracking the target, determining the distance to the target, and firing on the move at speeds up to 35 km/h.
The armament also includes a remote-controlled 12,7 mm M3P machine gun manufactured by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal with a rate of fire of 1 rounds per minute and a box capacity of 100 rounds. The machine gun is mounted on the right side of the platform under the missile container.
A few years ago, the Taiwanese "Avengers" were modernized, after which they received improved aiming and search tools, new communications equipment and enhanced capabilities in terms of information exchange with other air defense systems and external target designation from various sources.
The mobile three-coordinate radar station CS / MPQ-90 Bee Eye is designed to guide the actions of the batteries of the Avenger air defense system. This radar was introduced in 2015 by Zhongshan National Institute of Technology (NCSIS).
Chinese sources write that the CS / MPQ-90 Bee Eye radar uses a phased array antenna. The exact characteristics of the Taiwanese combat mode radar are unknown, but experts believe that they are no worse than those of the American AN / MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar of a similar purpose, and the detection range can exceed 100 km.
Mobile SAM MIM-72 Chaparral
In 1980, Taiwan bought 16 launchers and 284 missiles for the MIM-72 Chaparral air defense system from the presence of the American army. Between 1985 and 1987, another 40 combat vehicles and 768 missiles were received.
Unfortunately, there is no clarity with the modifications of the Chaparel air defense system received by the Republic of China. Apparently, the complexes transferred in 1980 were the early version of the MIM-72C, and the late deliveries were the MIM-72F. SAM MIM-72C and MIM-72F are options aviation AIM-9 Sidewinder melee missiles adapted to be launched from a ground launcher.
The MIM-72F rocket used a more efficient low-smoke solid fuel, which made it possible to increase the maximum firing range from 6 to 000 m. equipped with 9 kg of octol and ready-made cubic-shaped striking elements made of tungsten alloy. Improvements have given the rocket limited all-round capabilities, which allows the complex to be used on a collision course.
The length of the rocket is 2,91 m, weight - 88 kg. The maximum flight speed is about 700 m / s. Firing range: 500–9 m. Altitude: from 000 to 15 m. The crew searches for a target visually, but it is possible to obtain preliminary target designation from the radar.
The M730 combat vehicle and subsequent modifications were developed on the basis of the M113 armored personnel carrier. In the stowed position, arcs are mounted above the launcher, which are then covered with a canvas cover. As a result, the air defense system looks like a standard army cargo tracked transporter.
When transferred to a combat position, the launcher is uncovered, the arcs are attached to the nose of the vehicle, the driver's cab is closed with a protective flame-reflecting shield.
The curb weight of the M730A1 is about 14 tons. The diesel engine with a capacity of 145 liters. With. can accelerate the car on the highway up to 65 km / h. Crew - 4 people. In addition to the missiles available on the launcher, there are eight more spare missiles in the Chaparel self-propelled transporter.
On the platform behind the cockpit is a rotary launcher with four missiles, which also houses the operator's cabin, equipped with air conditioning and an adjustable seat. Information about the technical condition of the complex is displayed on the control panel. The operator can control the preparation of the systems of the complex, select the missile for firing, determine the sequence of their launch, and also test the systems of the combat vehicle. Each self-propelled missile launcher has the equipment of the "friend or foe" system.
Currently, in several anti-aircraft units of the MIM-72F Chaparral air defense system, attached to some tank shelves, there are 40 M730A1 amphibious combat vehicles. It is expected that as new mobile short-range air defense systems arrive, all Taiwanese Chaparel systems will be decommissioned in the coming years.
Anti-aircraft missile system Antelope
To replace the MIM-72 Chaparral air defense system in the second half of the 1990s, the Zhongshan National Institute of Technology, with the support of the Bureau of Arms of the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China, created the Antelope short-range air defense system.
The complex can be installed on the chassis of an HMMWV off-road vehicle or any other vehicle of the appropriate carrying capacity.
In connection with the desire to save money, serial Antelope complexes are placed on compact two-axle trucks adapted for military purposes, originally intended for civilian use.
For independent search for air targets at over-the-horizon distance, the machine has a three-coordinate centimeter-range radar CS / MPQ-7 with a detection range of up to 46 km. Precise targeting and capture occurs with the help of an optoelectronic system housed in a cylindrical container on the left side of the launcher.
The defeat of air targets is carried out by missiles with a thermal homing head TC-1L (ground version of the Sky Sword I missile defense system). The launcher has four ready-to-use missiles. The maximum firing range is 9 km.
The Sky Sword I missile is based on the American AIM-9 melee missile system, but it uses Taiwanese-made components. In terms of effectiveness, Sky Sword I is comparable to the latest modifications of the Sidewinder.
It is stated that the complex is capable of hitting targets on the move. The control panel is located in a double cabin. If necessary, the remote control can be moved to a distance of up to 70 m.
In fact, the Antelope air defense system is a seriously improved version of the Chaparel air defense system, created by Taiwanese specialists taking into account modern requirements and based on their own capabilities.
The anti-aircraft battery has four self-propelled systems. The exact number of built Antelope air defense systems is unknown, but foreign sources write that the troops may have at least 10 batteries.
Anti-aircraft missile artillery complex Skyguard-Sparrow
Shortly after the acquisition of the Swiss 35-mm Oerlikon GDF-002 anti-aircraft guns, the Taiwan Air Force decided to strengthen the air defense of its own air bases by introducing launchers for AIM-7 Sparrow missiles with semi-active radar guidance into anti-aircraft artillery batteries.
For radar illumination of air targets and guidance of missiles at them, the Skyguard FC anti-aircraft fire control stations attached to artillery batteries were used. All equipment, serviced by two operators, is placed in a towed van, on the roof of which a rotating pulse-Doppler radar antenna, a radar range finder and a television camera are installed. The range of detection of air targets by radar reaches 40 km. Television means in conditions of good visibility take the target for escort from 12 km. To guide an anti-aircraft missile, rangefinder radiation is used.
The control of anti-aircraft guns and missile launchers is computerized. Commands are transmitted via cable communication lines. The computer can also be used to simulate the combat situation when training the calculation. The control panel contains a circular view indicator, a television screen, a computer data input device, radar and television equipment controls (in manual mode), input and output data display indicators.
In 1985, the Taiwanese batteries of 35-mm anti-aircraft guns included launchers with anti-aircraft missiles. On a towed launcher, for which a 35-mm twin anti-aircraft gun carriage was used, there are four transport and launch containers. The turn of the launcher towards the target and the vertical guidance are carried out by electric drives. As anti-aircraft missiles, American modified AIM-7F Sparrow medium-range aircraft missiles, purchased in 1983 in the amount of 500 units, were used.
AIM-7 Sparrow training missile
The AIM-7F missile in curb condition weighs 231 kg, length - 3 mm, diameter - 660 mm. The wingspan is 203 m. The missile is equipped with a 1,2-kg rod warhead. The maximum firing range when launched from a fighter can reach 36 km. When launched from a ground launcher, the range of destruction of air targets is no more than 70 km.
Scheme of placement and destruction zone of Skyguard-Sparrow anti-aircraft systems in Taiwan
Despite a decent age, anti-aircraft launchers with AIM-7F missiles are still used by the Taiwan Air Force to cover air bases. There are currently six batteries in service.
By 2011, the main elements of the anti-aircraft fire control stations were overhauled and partially modernized. Assistance in carrying out the refurbishment of the AIM-7 Sparrow missiles remaining at the disposal of the Taiwan Air Force was provided by the American corporation Raytheon Technologies. It is expected that anti-aircraft launchers with AIM-7F missiles will be decommissioned by 2026, after which 35-mm twin machine guns, upgraded to the GDF-006 level, and Skyguard FC fire control stations will remain in operation from the components of the Skyguard-Sparrow system.
Anti-aircraft missile system TC-2N Sky Sword II
The vacant niche of Skyguard anti-aircraft launchers with AIM-7F missiles should be replaced by TC-2H Sky Sword II air defense systems, which use Sky Sword II missiles.
The Sky Sword II missile, developed by the Zhongshan National Institute of Technology in the late 1990s, was intended to be mounted on Taiwanese F-CK-1 A/B Ching-Kuo fighters.
TC-2 Sky Sword II air-to-air missile
UR TC-2 Sky Sword II with a launch weight of 184 kg has a length of 3 mm, a diameter of 600 mm and carries a fragmentation warhead weighing 190 kg. The maximum firing range is 22 km.
The missile uses a combined guidance system. After launch, inertial control is activated with the possibility of radio correction on the trajectory. When approaching the target, an active radar homing head is activated with a capture range of about 9,5 km. A ground-launched missile has a range of 15 km.
When used as part of an air defense system, four missiles in transport and launch containers are placed on a mobile launcher based on an all-wheel drive two-axle army truck. The length of one TPK with missiles is 4 m, curb weight is 350 kg.
Initially, as part of an anti-aircraft battery, consisting of vehicles with anti-aircraft missiles, it was planned to use an automated 40-mm artillery mount with radar guidance T92. However, this was later abandoned for financial reasons. In 2019, six batteries and 246 missiles were ordered.
The standard TC-2H Sky Sword II anti-aircraft battery consists of four self-propelled launchers, an aerial target detection radar and a guidance station with a parabolic antenna raised on a telescopic rod.
At present, an improved TC-2C missile with a range of up to 100 km when launched from a fighter and a maximum flight speed of 6M has been tested and put into mass production. It is expected that in the event of a missile launch from a ground-based launcher, the firing range can reach 25 km.
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