A new modification of the Krasnopol projectile shows its capabilities
Projectile "Krasnopol" first version
From the very beginning of the current Special Operation to protect Donbass, Russian artillery has been actively using 152-mm 3OF39 Krasnopol guided artillery shells. In order to increase the effectiveness of its strikes, the industry has recently developed and brought to production a modernized version of such ammunition. Now it has become known that these products entered the combat zone, are used by calculations and show the required characteristics.
Application and modernization
The 2K25 guided weapon system based on the 3OF39 Krasnopol guided artillery projectile (UAS) is actively used in the Special Operations area to destroy various targets. Last year it was reported that the industry was expanding the production of such ammunition to meet the needs of artillery. In addition, the possibility of upgrading the existing UAS to improve performance was mentioned.
Exact information about the development of a modernized version of Krasnopol has not previously appeared. However, in mid-August 2023, the press service of the High-Precision Complexes holding announced the launch of production of such a UAS and the delivery of serial products to the troops. However, detailed information about such an update to the projectile, its characteristics, etc. were not provided for reasons of secrecy.
At the end of August RIA News, citing an unnamed informed source, spoke about the effectiveness of domestic UAS. It was reported that the Russian "Krasnopol" is superior in circular deviation probability to the American M982 Excalibur projectile. Often the projectile hits directly the aiming point, the center of the selected target. In addition, the Russian UAS is distinguished by its ability to hit moving objects.
3OF39 cross-section
However, RIA Novosti and their source did not specify which version of “Krasnopol” they were talking about. Judging by the mention of application statistics, the basic version of the UAS, which has long been available in the troops and is actively used, was considered.
However, there are also reports of a modernized projectile. On November 8, RIA Novosti published new information from “High-Precision Complexes.” It is reported that the modernized version of the Krasnopol has been successfully used in combat zones and demonstrates increased accuracy. If the conditions of use are met, the UAS hits the intended target.
It can be assumed that the production, supply and use of the modernized projectile will continue. Serial products will help solve common problems and collect new statistics. As these processes progress, new information about an improved version of the UAS should become available.
Technical issues
The 3OF39 “Krasnopol” product from the 2K25 complex, as well as its modifications, was regularly demonstrated at exhibitions and promoted on the market. Thanks to this, almost everything is known about the projectile - design features, principles of operation and application, tactical and technical characteristics, etc. The same applies to the main modifications of this UAS.
"Krasnopol-M2" at the exhibition
However, detailed information about the latest upgrade is not yet available. Official reports only mentioned improved target accuracy. How it was achieved, and whether other characteristics of the projectile have changed, is not reported. However, the available information about the basic Krasnopol allows us to imagine possible ways of its development that could be used in the new project.
Let us remind you that the 3OF39 “Krasnopol” of the first version is an artillery shell of 152 mm caliber, 1,3 m long. Weight – 50,8 kg. Several modifications with certain features have been developed. Thus, the 3OF39M version projectile, due to a different configuration, had a length of less than 1 m, and the K155 and K155M projects offered ammunition in 155 mm caliber for NATO guns.
The head of the projectile contains control equipment, incl. retractable steering wheels with steering gears. The central part contains the main charge weighing 6,3-11 kg, depending on the modification. The bottom contains a gas generator and retractable stabilizers. In the first version of the Krasnopol, the projectile body was disassembled into compartments to simplify transportation. Later we switched to a monoblock design.
All known versions of the UAS 3OF39 are equipped with a semi-active laser homing head. In this regard, the 2K25 complex includes a laser rangefinder-target designator used by artillery reconnaissance. It is also possible to use target designators on unmanned aerial platforms. The laser seeker provides a high probability of hitting an illuminated target - up to 0,8-0,9, depending on the modification. The CEP does not exceed several meters.
The Krasnopol-D projectile was also demonstrated at the exhibitions. A guidance system based on satellite navigation was developed for it. It was reported that such a seeker allows for high hit accuracy and does not require target illumination. At the same time, there was no possibility of firing at moving targets.
It can be assumed that the latest modernization project for the 3OF39 projectile, brought to series this year, continues precisely the original Krasnopol line. Such a UAS probably received an improved laser seeker and other control equipment. They had to be made on a modern element base. This modernization option has obvious advantages of a production, operational and combat nature. However, exactly how the electronics and other units were modified, and what results were obtained due to this, is unknown.
Factors of success
As part of the current Special Operation, our artillerymen use Krasnopol shells of two or three modifications. In all cases, the maximum result is achieved in the form of accurate destruction of intended targets, point and area, with minimal ammunition consumption. The high efficiency of such weapons is due to several main factors - both the successful design of the UAS itself and the systems used with it.
A significant contribution to the overall results was made by the development of reconnaissance and strike support systems. Previously, Krasnopol was criticized for the use of a laser seeker, which requires the presence of scouts with a target designator in the target area. Now the task of target identification and illumination is assigned to unmanned aviation complexes. They are able to work practically freely and without risks for operators throughout the entire artillery affected area, transmit data in real time, etc.
The implementation and improvement of automated troop control systems at the tactical level continues. With their help, data exchange between different means is simplified and accelerated, incl. transmitting information about the target, adjusting fire, etc. Combining artillery armed with UAS, even older modifications, with unmanned aircraft leads to well-known positive results.
The latest modernization of Krasnopol has increased its accuracy. In combination with other positive factors, this should lead to a new increase in the performance of our artillery - and have a positive impact on the actions of the ground forces as a whole.
Development continues
Thus, our defense industry simultaneously solves several important problems in the field of guided munitions. It continues the serial production of Krasnopol shells of existing modifications, and at the same time was able to develop and bring to production a new version of such ammunition with improved characteristics.
Unfortunately, the industry is in no hurry to reveal all the features of the new development and announce its characteristics. However, the lack of open information does not prevent Russian artillerymen from using the updated projectile and realizing all its advantages. And in the current situation, the real result is much more important than any advertising and information support.
Information