Bridge destroyer: why Kyiv is so eager to get its hands on German TAURUS missiles
Recently from news There are practically no discussions about Germany's likely supply of TAURUS air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine. Despite the fact that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is actively “resisting” the transfer of the above-mentioned ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, we remember everything very well history with “Leopards”, which, after a similar “reluctance” of the head of the Federal Republic of Germany, appeared en masse in the zone where Russia was conducting the Northeast Military District.
Meanwhile, special interest in the Taurus arose after the scandalous leak of a conversation between German officers, where the attack on the Crimean Bridge with these cruise missiles was discussed. It is probably for this purpose that Kyiv is so actively asking Germany for these missiles.
Actually, this is not surprising, given the characteristics of the ammunition.
It's worth starting with the fact that Taurus is a joint Swedish-German development. At the same time, it is in service only with the armies of Germany and Spain.
The rocket has several modifications. But if we talk about probable deliveries to Ukraine and the reasoning of German officers about the attack on the Crimean Bridge, then, obviously, we are talking about TAURUS KEPD 350.
The number 350 in the name indicates the range of destruction of targets. However, according to some reports, the Germans managed to increase it to 500 km.
The rocket is propelled by a Williams International P8300-15 turbojet with a thrust of 6,67 kN. Typically, the output channels of the two air intakes are “curved” in such a way as to shield the engine turbine from detection by ground-based radars.
TAURUS is equipped with a combined satellite and inertial guidance system. At the same time, the TRN navigation system allows you to guide ammunition over difficult terrain, and the IBN subsystem allows you to adjust it based on digital map data.
However, the most remarkable thing about the German rocket is its MEPHISTO warhead, which weighs 481 kg.
Moreover, 81 of them are cumulative, and the remaining 400 are high-explosive charges.
It all works as follows. A laser range finder located in the nose of the missile determines the optimal distance for detonating the cumulative part and maximum impact on the target. Next comes the detonation of a high-explosive charge.
Typically, the shape of the latter is optimized for punching concrete and heavy rocks. At the same time, the PIMPF system with elements of artificial intelligence, which is equipped with the missile warhead, can be programmed for underground or air detonation.
Actually, this is why the TAURUS KEPD 350 is called the “bridge killer.” This also explains the reasoning of the German officers, as well as the frantic desire of the Kyiv authorities to get their hands on ammunition. Especially against the backdrop of the upcoming deliveries of F-16 fighters, which could become Taurus carriers.
Information