BKO "Vitebsk" in the Special Operation
Attack Ka-52 with the Vitebsk missile defense system. Radiation direction finders are visible in the bow; Spherical optical suppression stations are located under the bottom. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
Front-line and army planes and helicopters aviation, participating in the current Special Operation to protect Donbass, are exposed to known threats. To reduce risks and protect against enemy anti-aircraft weapons, aircraft are equipped with the modern Vitebsk airborne defense system. Its devices detect the launch of enemy missiles in time and suppress their homing heads, disrupting the attack. The capabilities and potential of BCO "Vitebsk" are regularly demonstrated in practice. The complex helps solve combat missions and reduce possible losses.
Complexes in service
The promising BKO "Vitebsk" and several versions of its design for different media were developed in the first half of the 2015s at the Samara Research Institute "Ekran", part of the Concern "Radio-Electronic Technologies" (KRET). In XNUMX, the company mastered the serial production of new devices and began supplying them to aircraft manufacturing plants for installation on serial and field equipment.
By the beginning of the Special Operation to demilitarize the Kyiv regime in 2022, a significant part of the aircraft and helicopters of front-line and army aviation were equipped with new air defense systems. Subsequently, the production of Vitebsk and the corresponding modernization of aviation equipment continued, taking into account the needs of the troops.
Helicopters and airplanes of various types, equipped with Vitebsk, have been participating in the Special Operation from its very beginning. Su-25SM3 attack aircraft, Ka-52 helicopters, etc. They work both over the front line and near the enemy’s rear, where there is a threat in the form of his military air defense. The presence of an onboard defense complex with various means allows them to enter dangerous zones and effectively solve combat missions with minimal risk.
Mi-8AMTSh with "Vitebsk". Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The operation of the Vitebsk air defense system in a real battle was first shown almost two years ago, in mid-March 2022. Then the Ministry of Defense published a video dedicated to the famous landing of troops at the Gostomel airfield. Other materials about this operation appeared in unofficial sources and also showed the work of army aviation and the use of defense systems.
Mi-8 transport helicopters of modern modifications and Ka-52 attack helicopters were involved in the landing operation. The official video showed how the Vitebsk detects threats in the form of enemy missiles and warns the crews about them. In response to missile launches, the pilots performed an anti-aircraft maneuver, and the BKO automatic equipment used standard suppression means. As reported, during the flight in such conditions, each helicopter with Vitebsk managed to evade 3-5 or more missiles.
Experience
The combat work of army and front-line aviation continues. The use of standard airborne defense systems in different designs also continues. From time to time, new reports appear in various sources about the successful use of “Vitebsk” and the rescue of another combat unit from missiles. Wherein news This kind of thing has long become commonplace and no longer attracts the attention it once did. This circumstance directly indicates the success of the modern BCO and its effectiveness.
During combat use, valuable experience is gained that is used to improve the complex. Thus, back in August 2022, KRET reported that the results of the first months of operation in real combat conditions were being analyzed and helping the development of Vitebsk. At the same time, it was noted that there was feedback from direct users who provide the necessary information.
Footage from the optical-electronic system of the Ka-52 helicopter with Vitebsk, which participated in the capture of Gostomel. Still from a video from the Russian Ministry of Defense
The other day, the Zvezda TV channel showed a new episode of the Military Acceptance program, dedicated to the work of KRET. One of the topics of the program was BKO "Vitebsk", its application and ways of further development. The concern's management noted that during the Special Operation the complex operates in the same way as during field testing and fully copes with its tasks. Deliveries of serial Vitebsk missiles to the troops continue, which is yielding the desired results.
Talking about the development of defense equipment, Military Acceptance and the Ekran Research Institute showed a device from the new modification of Vitebsk, undergoing bench tests. This is the so-called a mirror scanner designed to survey the surrounding space and detect launching and/or flying missiles. The ability to detect and track several air targets simultaneously is declared, but other details have not yet been reported.
The positive consequences of the current modernization of Vitebsk are obvious. The complex is being finalized taking into account the experience of working in a combat zone against real threats. The BKO encountered real foreign missiles of different models, which made it possible to clarify various nuances of its operation and introduce appropriate changes. Based on the results of such events, Vitebsk should show an increase in efficiency when working against missiles available to Ukrainian formations and to potential adversaries in the form of NATO countries.
A complex approach
BKO "Vitebsk" is designed as a set of tools intended for installation on different air platforms. Control equipment is mounted inside the aircraft or helicopter, and detectors and countermeasures are installed on external units. There are several variants of devices and a number of configurations - they are intended for different media and meet their requirements and features.
Elements of the BKO "Vitebsk" for the Su-25SM3 aircraft. Still from t/p "Military Acceptance"
Laser radiation sensors and ultraviolet direction finders-scanners installed around the perimeter of the aircraft are responsible for detecting threats. They detect attempts to measure the range and/or track them, and also detect the flame from a missile launch and determine the direction towards it. Data about detected objects is transmitted to the control unit.
Control devices automatically process incoming data, warn the crew about the threat and the direction towards it, and also take measures to protect the aircraft. The automatic mode of operation allows you to quickly respond to threats and select the optimal countermeasures, and also reduces the workload on pilots.
As countermeasures, units for shooting false thermal targets and dipole reflectors, an active jamming station, as well as optical-electronic suppression devices based on lasers are used. Thus, a radar-guided air defense system is exposed to passive or active interference that disrupts tracking and guidance. Infrared seekers are deflected using LTC or directionally suppressed by a laser.
The Vitebsk missile defense system in various configurations is used on a number of modern platforms in service with our aerospace forces. It is carried by Su-25 attack aircraft of the latest modifications, Mi-28 and Ka-52 attack helicopters, as well as Mi-35 and Mi-8AMTSh transport and combat helicopters. In addition, defense systems are available on the aircraft of the special flight detachment "Russia", which is responsible for transporting the country's top leadership.
Direction finder-scanner from the modernized Vitebsk. Still from t/p "Military Acceptance"
An export version of the Vitebsk, called President-S, has been developed and is offered to customers. There is information about several contracts for the supply of such equipment.
Minimal Risk
Practice has shown that the Vitebsk air defense system is one of the most useful recent developments for domestic combat aviation. With the help of this complex, it was possible to reduce to a minimum the risks of being damaged by current foreign air defense systems of the main classes and types. In particular, the unique effectiveness of work against MANPADS missiles was demonstrated.
BKO "Vitebsk" have become widespread in our front-line and army aviation, improving its protection against typical threats. Over the past two years, devices from serial complexes have been helping to preserve equipment and personnel, and also contribute to solving the general tasks of the Special Operations. It should be expected that this practice will continue and Russian aviation will continue to demonstrate high efficiency.
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