AIM-132 on a truck: a new British air defense system for Ukraine

So far, the only known image of the British air defense system for Ukraine

Foreign states supply the Kyiv regime with various means of air defense, but their quantity and quality do not meet the expectations and wishes. To increase the pace of delivery and the speedy strengthening of Ukrainian air defense, the UK has developed an original simplified anti-aircraft missile system. It is made on the basis of available components and has limited performance characteristics.

Emergency development

The other day, the British edition of The Times published a long article about the state of Ukrainian air defense and the foreign systems it has. The material mentions well-known samples transferred in 2022-23, and also for the first time mentions a completely new anti-aircraft missile system of a curious appearance. The newspaper published a single photo of this product, and also revealed its main features.

The new air defense system, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was recently developed by British specialists. The project was created on an emergency basis, and the development process took a minimum of time - while the exact dates are not named. To speed up the design and simplify assembly and delivery, the complex was completed on the basis of available components. So, its basis was aviation air-to-air missile AIM-132 ASRAAM.

It is alleged that unnamed British enterprises have already manufactured a number of such air defense systems and transferred them to Ukraine. However, the number of assembled and delivered machines is not specified. Further production plans also remain unknown. Apparently, AIM-132 missiles were also transferred along with the complexes - earlier in the plans for the supply of foreign weapons such products were not mentioned to Ukraine.

The recipient has already put the new complexes on combat duty and is trying to solve real problems with their help. As reported, such systems are used in the object air defense and cover some areas from strike UAVs of the Geran-2 type. In addition, a certain number of air defense systems were attached to the troops participating in the so-called. counteroffensive.

AIM-132 missile under the wing of a Eurofighter Typhoon

The results of the combat use of the original British air defense systems - if the information about their deployment is true - remain unknown. However, even if the British or Ukrainian side disclosed such information, they should not be trusted. The Kiev regime regularly publishes reports on the work of the air defense, which contradict not only objective data, but also common sense.

Simplified look

The new British air defense system for Ukraine is distinguished by its characteristic appearance and composition, which were determined solely by the availability of components and the complexity of their combination. The result was a self-propelled combat vehicle on a serial wheeled chassis, carrying an original launcher with missiles, an optoelectronic detection system and some kind of fire control.

The British Supacat HMT 600 military truck was taken as the basis for the self-propelled complex. A car with an armored cab and a cargo area at the stern was used. Chassis of this type are equipped with a 180 hp Cummins diesel engine. and automatic transmission with torque distribution to all wheels. Suspension - independent pneumatic with the ability to change the clearance.

Apparently, the operator's workplace is equipped inside the protected cab. It should contain a control panel for the launcher and detection tools, a screen for outputting a video signal, as well as communication tools for interacting with other air defense components. At the same time, the exact composition and appearance of the cabin equipment has not yet been disclosed.

Directly behind the cab, there is an optical-electronic station. It was probably installed on a telescopic mast to rise above the machine. The ECO is the only standard means of reviewing and searching for air targets. There may be the possibility of working on external target designation, however, in this case, the combat vehicle's own optics are used.

A missile launcher is located at the stern of the vehicle. This device is made on the basis of a box-shaped body and a pair of aviation beam holders for missiles. Probably, there are mechanisms for guidance in azimuth. Changing the slope immediately before launch, judging by the design of the installation, is not provided.

The air defense system uses the AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) aircraft missile, developed by MBDA in the late nineties. In 1998, this product entered service with the Royal Air Force of Great Britain and was subsequently offered to foreign customers. In particular, MBDA UK counted on the order of the Pentagon, in connection with which the American-type index appeared.

AIM-132 is built in a cylindrical body 2,9 m long and 166 mm in diameter with an ogive head. There are rudders in the tail; no other planes. Starting weight - 88 kg. The rocket is equipped with a dual-mode solid-propellant engine, with the help of which it develops a speed of more than 3 M. The air launch range exceeds 25 km. Launching from a ground installation should reduce the flight range.

Under the head fairing is an infrared seeker with the ability to take targets for tracking before and after launch. It is possible to correct and aim at the target after launch by commands from the carrier. Whether the new air defense system received such a function is unknown. The ASRAAM product carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 10 kg. Fuzes - contact and laser, providing undermining when passing at a short distance from the target.

Only two AIM-132 missiles are placed on the launcher of the new air defense system. There is no additional ammunition on the shown machine. It can be assumed that the transportation of additional missiles is not envisaged due to the risk of damage to them by a jet blast of ammunition taking off. Accordingly, the complex needs an additional conveyor for missiles, and the crew will have to reload them to the launcher.

Limited potential

The new British-made air defense system is of interest as an example of a curious approach to the creation of military equipment. Thus, the foreign partners of the state are already facing the problem of a shortage of full-fledged air defense systems that could be transferred to the Kyiv regime without prejudice to themselves. The UK found a way out of this situation - "on an emergency basis" developed a simplified anti-aircraft system based on available products and components.

The proposed design is easy to manufacture and low cost. Reportedly, by now, this air defense system has reached production and operation. However, the simplicity of the design was obtained by reducing the possible performance characteristics and combat capabilities.

ASRAAM rocket launch by air carrier

The unnamed air defense system has a number of characteristic problems, which can only be eliminated by its serious alteration. So, the disadvantage is the presence of only the OES, with the help of which all the tasks of monitoring and detecting targets are solved. Even a small-sized radar would improve such capabilities of the complex.

The launcher turned out to be unsuccessful - it carries only two guided missiles, which sharply limits its combat capabilities. After every two launches, the combat vehicle needs to be recharged, and with the participation of another vehicle. All this worsens the combat and operational characteristics of the complex.

British engineers have proposed using the AIM-132 ASRAAM missile - a generally good air-to-air weapon. However, the transfer of an aircraft missile to a ground platform led to several negative consequences. So, a significant part of the engine energy is spent on independent takeoff, which reduces the maximum flight range. Apparently, this parameter does not exceed 15-17 km - against 25 km when used on aircraft platforms.

Additional problems when starting from the ground can create an IR seeker. She needs a direct line of sight of the target during launch or in the initial part of the trajectory, which is not always possible due to the terrain. In addition, this launch method can lead to additional interference that interferes with the search and tracking of the target.

It is alleged that the new air defense system is designed to combat the Geran-2 UAV and anti-aircraft cover for troops on the front line. In both cases, we are talking about low-altitude targets that can be hidden behind various obstacles. In combination with the peculiarities of the operation of the IR seeker, this can further degrade the effectiveness of the combat operation of the complex.

An impromptu solution

The new British air defense system for the Kyiv regime looks like an impromptu or even handicraft development to urgently fill an important niche. At the same time, the characteristic approach to its creation and objective limitations negatively affected the result. The resulting complex, in principle, is capable of solving the assigned combat missions and should not create big problems along the line of operation. At the same time, the range and possible effectiveness do not meet the expectations and requirements of the current situation.

The situation with Ukrainian air defense as a whole looks even more interesting. The Kiev regime lost its anti-aircraft weapons, and foreign aid did not help make up for the losses. Now foreign partners cannot provide all the required equipment, and the UK has found a way out in the form of an ersatz complex - simple, but far from successful.

Such trends and events show that the enemy and his backers are facing military-technical problems, and it is no longer possible to find a full-fledged solution for them. This means that the demilitarization of the Kyiv regime is successfully continuing and is now seriously affecting third countries that have become involved in the Ukrainian adventure.

Comments

[Revolver]

Even a short air defense system is better than no air defense system at all. But about its use on shahid mopeds, this is for God's sake. Using a rocket worth at least £200000 (roughly $255000) against a drone worth no more than $10000 is not a very good trade-off.

[Vadim_2]

The missiles are most likely expired or so, as is the bulk of what is supplied there. So one out of five will fly normally.

[NIKN]

Quote: Nagan

But about its use on shahid mopeds, this is for God's sake.

Something tells me that it will be very difficult to use on geraniums, a very weak thermal picture from geraniums. If only to direct with the help of the ECO, but here the question is with the possibilities of such guidance. But work on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with turntables and attack aircraft with the use of NURS is becoming more dangerous, the range of destruction of 15-20 km is already serious.

[alexoff]

There is such a range when firing from the air. In order for the turntable to be in the line of sight and spotted in time, this must be tried. Most likely this is to protect airfields from cruise missiles - visibility is good in open space, there is probably a radar nearby

[spirit]

. But work on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with turntables and attack aircraft using NURS is becoming more dangerous,

I think so too. An operational and relatively cheap option for support at the forefront, from cover from turntables. Chubs are now using ambush tactics, skip the aircraft forward and then launch a rocket into Dogon. The complex is relatively small, easily camouflaged with the right skill. It would be nice to capture one to study

[Arsen1]

it is necessary to consider not the cost of a moped, but the cost of the object into which it flies

[Blackgrifon]

Quote: Nagan

Even a short air defense system is better than no air defense system at all.

Moreover, this is to some extent a replacement for Strela-10. Another thing is how many more missiles were delivered.

[Lynx2000]

British military truck Supacat HMT 600

I was more interested in the chassis, I remember the British had already delivered some kind of angular "wunder waffle" to Ukraine after 2014. Where are they now?
These jackals/coyotes in the steppes of Ukraine will also move like in the Australian bush or 2-3 specimens. for special forces in the suburbs of Kabul?
I remember that our veteran veterans somehow didn’t speak very well about the British trucks received under Lend-Lease during the Great Patriotic War.

About Supacat HMT 600:
https://topwar.ru/22528-bronemashina-specnaza-supacat-hmt-extenda.html

[Nexcom]

Our front-line soldiers really liked the American Studer US6 with all-wheel drive.
My late grandfather, a veteran, drove one like this, grilled an excellent truck, hardy, not capricious, it only worked off-road, if anything - it was easily repaired, it was easy to carry an overload. It was for such qualities that they later began to use them as a chassis for Katyushas. They even organized a SKD assembly from car kits in Kharkov. The US6 really "came" to our carriers, and despite the fact that it was not in service with the US Army itself.

[Lynx2000]

Quote: Nexcom

Our front-line soldiers really liked the American Studer US6 with all-wheel drive.
My late grandfather, a veteran, drove one like this, grilled an excellent truck, hardy, not capricious, it only worked off-road, if anything - it was easily repaired, it was easy to carry an overload. It was for such qualities that they later began to use them as a chassis for Katyushas. They even organized a SKD assembly from car kits in Kharkov. The US6 really "came" to our carriers, and despite the fact that it was not in service with the US Army itself.

Yes, I didn’t write for Studebaker, but for British trucks for the front like Austin or Morris.

[Revolver]

Quote: Lynx2000

Yes, I didn’t write for Studebaker, but for British trucks for the front like Austin or Morris.

Even a shitty truck is better than none. Despite the fact that the Germans confiscated the factories of Ford and Opel in Germany, and loaded them with orders for trucks to nowhere, and plowed French, Czech, and whatever other occupied manufacturers, the main burden of their front-line transportation was taken out by horse-drawn transport due to the completely banal reason for the lack of trucks. And in the Red Army, I don’t remember in what proportion, but most of the cargo was transported by road. And this despite the fact that the vast majority of cars, especially towards the end of the war, were foreign cars, mostly American, and Soviet car factories almost completely switched to the production of armored vehicles.

[Lynx2000]

Quote: Nagan

Quote: Lynx2000

Yes, I didn’t write for Studebaker, but for British trucks for the front like Austin or Morris.

Even a shitty truck is better than none. Despite the fact that the Germans confiscated the factories of Ford and Opel in Germany, and loaded them with orders for trucks to nowhere, and plowed French, Czech, and whatever other occupied manufacturers, the main burden of their front-line transportation was taken out by horse-drawn transport due to the completely banal reason for the lack of trucks. And in the Red Army, I don’t remember in what proportion, but most of the cargo was transported by road. And this despite the fact that the vast majority of cars, especially towards the end of the war, were foreign cars, mostly American, and Soviet car factories almost completely switched to the production of armored vehicles.

What does this have to do with my statement based on the opinion of the front-line soldiers that British trucks were unsuitable for operation in our theater? Did I say that no technology is better than this?
Miscellaneous equipment leads to the complication of providing the materiel - a headache for the deputy head.
In the public domain there is information about the data of the report of the Supply Department of the GAVTU KA on the work during the Great Patriotic War dated September 28, 1945.

[Konnick]

Even a small-sized radar would improve the capabilities of the complex

...to destroy it?
It is written that this air defense system

It is alleged that the new air defense system is designed to combat the Geran-2 UAV and anti-aircraft cover for troops on the front line.

What radars see Gerani? No need to be so frivolous about serious weapons. Optoelectronic guidance is resistant to electronic warfare, so it will be even more difficult for our strike aircraft to strike with the same Whirlwind, since the range of AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles of 15 km is quite sufficient ...

[Revolver]

He rather needs a sound direction finder. At night, Geraniums are not visible to the eye, they are also not very noticeable in infrared, only by the sound of the motor you can understand in which direction to try to aim, and the operator is sitting in a closed cabin, which, if it misses the sound, distorts the direction.

[Vasily Lugovskoy]

There will not be 15 km there, God forbid, it will fly 10 km, the rocket is still air air, half of the energy will only go away from the ground ....

[Shtrek]

The material, written in the traditional language of the author George Oruzell, summarizes:
A mobile, efficient, INEXPENSIVE air defense system operating across the entire spectrum of Russian weapons is being put into service in Ukraine: from front-line aviation, KR to geranium martyrs .... something like that.

[alexoff]

How inexpensive is it? Everything is free for Ukrainians, how many missiles there are, how these missiles show themselves, how easy it is to deceive them with IR traps or Vitebsk - it is generally unknown. Somewhere that terrible and dangerous beech was lost, which was converted for American missiles, but in terms of numbers there are more missiles, and the performance characteristics are cooler. But in fact there is practically no air defense on the front, everything was hidden in the rear

[rotmistr60]

"on an emergency basis" developed a simplified anti-aircraft complex based on available products and components

Well, if it is simplified, then the demand from it will also be obviously simplified. How the British are trying for the desired, but unfortunately unattainable victory of Kiev, that even on an emergency basis they built something from what was specially for Ukrainian air defense that they were unlikely to adopt.

[Vadim S]

Please note: everything! foreign trucks with armored cabs! It doesn't matter what they carry. The main concept is the protection of the crew, and our attitude to meat has always been the same :(

[Blackgrifon]

1. Surprise, BUT no - far from all.

2.

Quote: Vadim S

attitude to meat as it has always been and remains

That is why the staff of the US infantry brigades assumed only the Humvee? And up to a certain point, generally unarmored and in the absence of regular MBT?

3. Deliveries of armored cabs for Kamaz are now underway. The issue is the volume of production. But here "it would be happiness, so misfortune helped" - reality showed everyone that most of the transport now should be armored and deliveries have begun.

[Mikhail Maslov]

It seems to me that it is difficult to call this sample even a complex. Is this complex capable of fighting our UAVs, I think maybe, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, unlike us, have a well-established warning system. Unfortunately, they know the number of UAVs and directions for attack, and this gives significant advantages for ambushes and meeting our UAVs. If the air defense system confirms at least 50% effectiveness, we will have to change the tactics of using UAVs, probably flying in "flocks" will become a thing of the past.

[Wildcat]

The other day, the British edition of The Times published a large article

How nice that someone reads the Times, and does not copy-paste from the BMPD! Two days late....

According to SABZh, this is a very bad story, since there are a lot of these missiles, and they are partially "decommissioned due to rearmament", BMPD estimates BC at 400 pieces. approximately.

Additional problems when starting from the ground can create an IR seeker. She needs a direct line of sight of the target during launch or in the initial part of the trajectory, which is not always possible due to the terrain.

Hmm, if you still carefully read the BMPD, then "It is stated that ASRAAM missiles can be launched out of line of sight and have the ability to capture a target after launch, and target designation can be transmitted to the missile by radio after launch."

In general, "cheap-cheap" and from the fact "that there is a lot and it's not a pity." If the LMS allows "capture after launch", then it's not good at all.
It is clear that they will not catch any Geraniums, they will be sent to cosplay military air defense outside the range of Whirlwinds. Already Irist and Spada were in the "military air defense" and shot down, is it really a truck with 2 missiles that will "rummage around" in the rear?
Lancet them, Lancet ....

[decimalegio]

In war, necessity is the mother of invention. I never thought I would see Western missiles used on Russian aircraft thanks to the use of old pylons, Russian reactive armor on Western vehicles, ship turrets and naval missile launchers mounted on the MT-LB, I forgot the MT-12 Rapira, always on the rear part of this old warhorse. I recently read, but have not yet found confirmation that the French and Ukrainians would have adapted the "Sea Scalp" for ground launch using the "Point" TEL BAZ-5921. And the examples go on.

[alexoff]

The Drive has a laudatory article about these missiles, which could not replace the sidewinder that Khrushchev still remembers. And they put them almost at the beginning of summer, and they overcome geraniums and helicopters, and they hide in the bushes perfectly, and in general, according to unverified data, the rocket flies 50 km. It turns out that the wunderwaffe is also among the British, and not only among the Ukrainians

[SoSl]

Great. Let's instead of using new Russian models of weapons, of which there are enough, let's write what kind of defective ammunition is supplied to Ukrainians. This will perfectly balance the shell hunger on the front line.

[lukash66]

To all the British scientists, intelligence officers and retired experts, engineers and designers have now been added. It’s fun on their island, only specialists.))))

[Eugene Zaboy]

Such trends and events show that the enemy and his patrons are faced with problems of a military-technical nature, and it is no longer possible to find a full-fledged solution for them.

May be. Nevertheless, the stated characteristics and the very idea of ​​​​using air-to-air missiles from cheap ground-based systems looks reasonable. Can be used on helicopters and attack aircraft. A range of up to 15 km is quite sufficient when the troops are saturated with such systems. Target designation can be provided by the same AWACS aircraft, or by autonomous radars. Why put everything on one platform? A compact radar is good only because it exists and allows the complex to operate independently and independently. But compact radars have serious disadvantages, such as: insufficient target detection range, problems with over-the-horizon target detection, which the enemy can detect by radar radiation. Perhaps the idea is worthwhile and the Russian Armed Forces should think about creating analogues. There are never enough air defense systems, especially cheap and effective ones. Such systems do not necessarily have to be strictly connected to the vehicle. Systems with 2-4 missiles, in combination with a generator, can be unloaded by crane and installed on combat duty to protect various objects.