Coastal missile system "Rubezh-ME"
Self-propelled launcher DBK "Rubezh-ME" at the IMDS-2019 exhibition. Photo: Bmpd.livejournal.com
Several years ago, the Russian defense industry introduced a promising coastal missile system called Rubezh-ME. It was created using readily available components, including parts from existing equipment. Also, new ideas and solutions were used in its development. The result was a coastal missile system with characteristics not inferior to other domestic models, but at the same time easier to operate and use.
At exhibitions and training grounds
The promising coastal missile system (BRK) "Rubezh-M" and its export version "Rubezh-ME" were developed by the Kaluga instrument-making plant "Typhoon", part of the Morinformsystems-Agat concern.
Design began in the mid-2010s and was successfully completed by the end of the decade. At the beginning of 2019, the Typhoon plant presented promotional materials for the new DBK for the first time. They depicted the appearance of the complex’s facilities, and also revealed its main features and parameters.
Later it became known that by this time the development company had begun manufacturing an experimental missile system or had already managed to complete it. In July of the same year, the Rubezh-ME self-propelled launcher and control center were demonstrated to the public for the first time. Prototypes of two types were included in the exposition of the International Naval Show (IMMS-2019) in St. Petersburg. The promotional materials for the exhibition cited some features of the complex, some of its characteristics, etc.
View from a different angle. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
Subsequently, the new type of equipment was repeatedly demonstrated at various domestic exhibitions. For example, the next International Naval Show (IMMS) was recently held in St. Petersburg, where Typhoon and the Morinformsystems-Agat company presented a promising coastal missile system (BRK). They also talked about the strengths and advantages of this complex.
In parallel with the promotion of export DBK on the market, tests were carried out. The first checks at the test site took place back in the late 1900s, probably during the same period when Rubezh-ME was first shown to the public. Subsequently, test deployments and test launches of missiles were carried out.
In September 2020, the management of the development concern announced that the current tests of the DBK will be completed by the end of 2021. At the same time, it was not specified what kind of tests we were talking about - factory, state or joint.
Apparently, by now the Typhoon plant has put its new DBK through all the necessary tests, and it has performed well. This allows us to again demonstrate the export version of the complex at exhibitions and look for potential customers.
"Boat on wheels"
"Rubezh-M/ME" is a self-propelled coastal missile system that is used to protect territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone from enemy ships and vessels. This complex is capable of detecting various surface targets and attacking them with anti-ship missiles. In addition, it can probably be used to destroy ground targets.
Self-propelled command and control post. Photo: Bmpd.livejournal.com
The new Rubezh-M complex differs from its predecessor 4K51 Rubezh, which was put into service in the 70s. Although they have a common name, Rubezh-M is a more modern development. It is based on some solutions from the 3K60 “Bal” project, but the design has been seriously redesigned and supplemented with new systems and units.
The main feature of Rubezh-M/ME is that all the main assets of the complex are located on a single chassis. The combat vehicle of the complex includes a radar, a control cabin with the necessary equipment and a launcher with missiles. This self-propelled launcher is capable of independently performing all combat missions: searching and finding targets, attacking them and monitoring the results of the strike.
This concept of a combat vehicle was called a “boat on wheels.” This name indicates the similarity of the Rubezh-ME self-propelled launcher with naval missile boats. fleet. Both types of weapons have high mobility and maneuverability, although they operate in different environments. In addition, they do not need the help of other forces when using their weapons.
Technical features
The Rubezh-ME self-propelled missile launcher is based on a four-wheeled chassis of a KamAZ vehicle. This vehicle retains the factory powertrain and transmission as well as the standard cab. However, a superstructure with a missile system and various additional devices is installed on the chassis.
Rocket Kh-35UE. Photo by Wikimedia Commons
The superstructure has a welded hull with two large compartments. The front compartment contains various equipment, and the rear compartment contains a launcher with mounts for four transport and launch containers with missiles. In the aft part of the superstructure there is also a lifting mast with an antenna device, which can be of two types.
To independently detect a target, Rubezh-M uses either the SPU-A radar or the SPU-P electronic intelligence system/passive radar. The active search method allows you to detect surface targets at a distance of up to 250 km, and the passive station increases this distance to 450 km. The received information is processed by on-board equipment and transmitted to the rocket.
The Rubezh-ME combat control system processes data coming from its own reconnaissance means or from third-party systems. The output of information to the rocket occurs automatically, with minimal operator participation in the operation of the system. Thanks to this, the radio and fire equipment of the launcher can be controlled by just one person.
The promising coastal missile system uses the existing Kh-35UE anti-ship missile as a means of destruction. This rocket has a length of 4,4 meters (including the launch engine) and a body diameter of 420 mm. Its launch weight is 670 kilograms. The Kh-35UE is built in a cylindrical body and is equipped with a wing with a span of 1,33 meters.
The Kh-35UE is equipped with a small-sized short-life turbojet engine, which provides it with a speed of no more than 0,8–0,85 M. The flight range of the export missile is limited to 260 kilometers. Domestic products Kh-35U, as previously reported, can fly at a distance of up to 450–500 kilometers.
The Rubezh DBK launcher - the new Rubezh-ME has fundamental differences. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
For most of the flight, the rocket moves along a given trajectory using inertial navigation. When a certain distance remains to the target, the radar homing head (GOS) is turned on, which can operate in both active and passive modes.
The missile is equipped with a 145-kilogram high-explosive warhead designed to destroy surface targets of small and medium displacement. The use of several such missiles can cause serious damage to larger targets.
Earlier at exhibitions, the Morinformsystem-Agat company demonstrated another component of the Rubezh-M coastal missile system - a self-propelled control and communications command post (SKPUS). This vehicle is also built on a four-axle chassis, but has a different superstructure. In the front of the vehicle there is a cabin with an operator’s seat and some units, and in the center and stern there is a lifting antenna for the Monolit-B radar.
The Monolit-B radar differs from previous versions in its higher range characteristics, the ability to track a larger number of targets, and so on.
The SKPUS crew, using standard equipment, processes data on the surface situation, identifies detected targets, assesses their degree of danger and issues target designations for self-propelled launchers. However, the Rubezh-M complex can operate without a separate command post vehicle.
Experience used
The promising coastal missile system Rubezh-ME was developed taking into account the experience of operating and using similar systems. It therefore includes proven solutions and components that have proven themselves in the past.
At the same time, new ideas were introduced into it aimed at facilitating operation and application, as well as increasing the overall potential of the system.
DBK "Bal" launches the Kh-35 missile. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
Like other Russian coastal missile systems (CBMS), the new Rubezh-M/ME complex has high mobility and agility. It can move quickly on roads and off-roads, delivering missiles to a designated position.
The composition of the complex allows for the deployment of both individual launchers and entire batteries with a self-propelled command post, depending on the situation and assigned tasks. In both cases, the ability to fully search, fire and hit targets is provided.
A serial anti-ship missile (ASM) of the X-35U(E) type, which is already in service with the Russian Navy, was selected as ammunition for Rubezh-ME. This missile has high tactical and technical characteristics and can be used by various carriers. Its use as part of a ballistic missile system makes it possible to achieve high combat qualities at a limited cost of ammunition compared to other types of missiles.
At the test stage
The Russian defense industry does not stand still and continues to develop new types of weapons and systems for the coastal defense of the Navy. One of these models is the Rubezh-M(E) missile system, which is designed to enhance the potential troop and their capabilities in protecting the coast and territorial waters from enemy ships.
According to available information, Rubezh-M has successfully passed tests, and the issue of its adoption into service is now being decided. In addition, the development company is actively promoting this complex on the international market and hopes to receive orders. Probably, both issues will be resolved positively, and a modern coastal missile system will be put into production and put into service.
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