New modification of Krasnopol: production has begun and will be accelerated
Complex "Krasnopol-M2" at the exhibition. A guided projectile, target designator-range finder and other means are presented. Photo "High-precision complexes"
The main guided munition of the Russian cannon artillery is the 152-mm Krasnopol projectile and its modifications. These products are widely used within the framework of the current Special Operation and confirm their characteristics. At the same time, the industry is working on improving the projectile, and has recently mastered the mass production of its new improved version. As reported, the products of the new modification are already being delivered to the customer.
Development Results
Since its inception, the 9K25 weapon system based on the 3OF39 Krasnopol guided artillery projectile has been constantly developed and improved. Due to various improvements and changes to the Design Bureau of Instrument Engineering. A.G. Shipunov (Tula) improved its technical and operational characteristics. Another modernization of this kind has been carried out over the past few years, and now it is producing the desired results.
In the past, representatives of defense enterprises associated with the Krasnopol project have repeatedly mentioned the development of its updated version. In addition, a year ago, in August 2022, the Military Thought magazine of the Ministry of Defense spoke about testing an updated UAS called Krasnopol-M2, and also published photos from the training ground.
It was reported that the new ammunition is a deep modernization of the existing 3OF39 and differs from it in higher performance characteristics. They also expressed confidence that the new UAS will be adopted by the Russian army in the foreseeable future.
Projectile "Krasnopol-M2" at the exhibition (in the foreground). Photo "Rostec"
Our defense industry revealed new information about the modernization of Krasnopol at the Army-2023 military-technical forum. Yes, interesting news August 15 published TASS. From a representative of the holding "High Precision Complexes", which includes the development organization, the agency learned that the new UAS has been brought to production. Finished products are already being delivered to the troops. At the same time, the exact characteristics of the projectile were not named - for security reasons.
On the same day, the managing director of the KBP, Vyacheslav Kovalev, in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel, revealed plans for the production of the UAS of the latest modification Krasnopol-M2. An increase in the rate of their production is planned for the near future. In the next 2024, the output will be 25 times higher than the initial pace. The company is confident in the possibility of accomplishing this task - this will be facilitated by the expansion of production capacity with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Benefits achieved
According to available data, the new projectile "Krasnopol-M2" is a deeply modernized version of the previous products of the family. The purpose of this project was to improve the performance and obtain some new features. The exact level of parameters achieved has not yet been reported, but some data has been disclosed that allows you to compare the upgraded UAS with the original design.
It should be recalled that at the end of the 2s, the KBP demonstrated a shell called Krasnopol-M3 at exhibitions. In fact, it was a modernized 39OF155M "Krasnopol-M" developed in the nineties, made in a 2-mm case. Apparently, the modern project with the letters "MXNUMX" is not directly related to the previous one of the same name.
View from a different angle. Photo "Rostec"
The 3OF39 product and its modified versions are a 152-mm artillery projectile with a homing head, a trajectory control system and a gas generator. A laser seeker is used, which ensures hitting an object illuminated by the target designator. Depending on the modification, such a projectile has a length of 960 to 1300 mm and weighs from 45 to 51 kg. The maximum flight range is 25 km.
It is reported that the new projectile "Krasnopol-M2" differs from its predecessors in increased performance. Apparently, we are talking about increasing the firing range, improving accuracy, etc. Knowing the characteristics of these products, it is possible to present the results of a new project.
Shells of the Krasnopol family are high-explosive fragmentation. For example, the product 3OF39M "Krasnopol-M", with a length of 960 mm and a mass of 45 kg, carries a charge of 9 kg. Probably, the M2 projectile has the same or similar dimensions and combat equipment.
As before, the new UAS uses a laser seeker, which gives high hit accuracy. She detects and accompanies the label from the laser-target designator and gives the appropriate commands to the steering machines. As reported, the complex "Krasnopol-M2" has several modes of operation of the laser guidance system. By changing the frequency or other parameters of the laser beam and the seeker, the simultaneous use of several designators and projectiles is ensured. It is these capabilities of the complex that were demonstrated during the tests in 2022.
Split layout of product 9OF39. Photo by Wikimedia Commons
The 9K25 complex had its own laser designator-rangefinder 1D15 or its modifications. In the future, improved complexes received new means of highlighting the selected target. According to recent news, the latest modernization project provides for an additional expansion of the range of compatible backlights. Various ground and air systems can now be used.
New opportunities
The upgraded Krasnopol-M2 has obvious advantages over previous shells of its family. While maintaining compatibility with all major 152 mm artillery systems, it allows you to increase the range of an effective shot. At the same time, high accuracy is achieved over the entire range of firing ranges, and new opportunities appear.
Of great importance is the updated guidance and target designation system. It can be used with different means of target illumination. Accordingly, the use of "Krasnopol-M2" can be provided by ground artillery reconnaissance or UAVs with a laser designator. In all cases, the speed and efficiency of reconnaissance and strike systems with the use of UAS are increased.
Multiple lighting modes are possible, and such features were demonstrated in last year's tests. Using different modes/channels, the two projectiles attacked two different targets that were at the minimum distance. At the same time, each ammunition hit exactly the designated object. In fact, it becomes possible to simultaneously fire several closely spaced targets - according to the number of available channels.
"Krasnopol-M2" of the first version in caliber 155 mm. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
Thus, using the upgraded Krasnopol-M2, our artillery can attack more distant targets, both single and grouped. In the latter case, the correct organization of reconnaissance and target designation allows you to hit a specific object or destroy each of them with your projectile.
Positive prospects
During the current Special Operation for the Defense of Donbass, Russian artillery, self-propelled and towed, is quite actively using the Krasnopol family UAS. The Ministry of Defense and third-party sources regularly demonstrate the use of such ammunition and the results of attacks on enemy targets. Despite their considerable age and the specifics of combat use, 3OF39 products and their modifications show good results.
According to recent reports, the Russian defense industry has launched the production of a new version of the existing projectile. Krasnopol-M2 products are already being delivered to the troops and are likely to be used in battles or are being prepared for this. At the same time, the manufacturer is ready to increase the pace of production in accordance with the needs of the army.
The appearance in parts of the new UAS and related means for various purposes is of great importance for the development of cannon artillery. With the help of these products, it will be possible to increase the range, accuracy and overall effectiveness of strikes. At the same time, the positive consequences of the production and supply of the new version of Krasnopol will manifest themselves not only within the framework of the current Special Operation. The updated projectile, having shown itself well at the front, will be able to take its place in the artillery arsenals for a long time.
Information