Anti-aircraft missile system "Pantsir-SMD-E" for combating UAVs
Module "Pantsir-SMD-E" at the forum "Army-2022"
The Russian defense industry has unveiled a new development - an anti-aircraft missile the Pantsir-SMD-E complex. This is an improved version of a well-known product, which has been optimized to solve specific tasks. Thanks to changes in equipment and weapons, the new SAM system should be more effective in combating unmanned aerial vehicles.
New sample
The Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system was developed at the Tula Instrument Design Bureau (KBP), which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding company of the Rostec state corporation. KBP continues to develop the original project and regularly demonstrates modifications to the complex.
Recently, at the Army-2024 military-technical forum, KBP presented a new development - the Pantsir-SMD-E anti-aircraft missile system. A full-size mock-up or prototype of this product was shown in the open area. They also revealed basic information about him.
Like the previous systems of the Pantsir family, the new complex is a means Defense short-range and is intended to protect important stationary objects or areas. At the same time, they focused on combating UAVs, including massive raids.
The new tasks led to a significant change in the original appearance of the complex. It lost artillery weapons, but received additional missiles. The combat vehicle's electronic equipment was also reworked.
It is not yet known at what stage the new project is at. Perhaps he has already reached the point of building a prototype, which was shown at Army 2024. If tests have not yet been carried out, they may begin soon.
Side view
It is worth noting that the letter “E” in the index of the air defense system presented at the exhibition indicates its export version. This means that KBP, High-Precision Complexes and Rostec are counting on orders from both the Russian army and foreign countries.
In a modified form
At the Army-2024 forum, the new air defense system was shown as a separate combat module. It can be installed on different chassis or stationary bases. The resulting “Pantsir-SMD-E” is similar to previous versions of the air defense missile system, but has a number of significant differences.
The combat module is assembled on a frame on which the base of the rotating turret and the power compartment are located.
The main equipment of the air defense system is located on a rotating turret. A fixed target tracking radar antenna is installed in the front of the turret. On the roof at the stern there is a rotating target detection radar antenna. On the sides of the tower there are missile launchers.
The target detection radar is equipped with an active phased array antenna and provides all-round visibility with large elevation angles. It is capable of detecting various air targets over a wide range of ranges. For example, for an object with an EPR of 1 sq. m. detection range is 45 km. Up to 40 targets can be processed simultaneously.
The second radar is responsible for tracking targets and controlling the launched missile. Its operating range is shorter than that of a detection radar, but exceeds the firing range of missiles.
From the previous Pantsirs, the new SMD-E modification received the 57E6-E anti-aircraft guided missile - a two-stage solid fuel munition with a radio command control system. Its launch range is 20 km, the destruction height is up to 15 km.
The TKB-1055 anti-aircraft guided missile was previously created for the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system. It is characterized by reduced size, weight and flight characteristics. The missile is designed to intercept small air targets, such as Drones. Its range is up to 7 km, and the height of destruction is up to 5 km.
Two Pantsir-SMD-E launchers have space for 12 transport and launch containers with missiles. Larger missiles of the 57E6-E type are placed in the TPK one at a time, and for the TKB-1055 four-person containers with the same dimensions have been created.
The development organization reports that the air defense system's ammunition can include two types of missiles in any combination. Depending on the perceived threats, the launchers can accommodate up to 12 longer-range 57E6-E products or up to 48 TKB-1055 anti-drone products.
Based on experience
The Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system of the first version was put into service quite a long time ago and during its service it showed its best performance. Subsequently, the original project was developed, which resulted in new modifications with their own characteristics and capabilities.
The emergence of a new threat in the form of UAVs of various classes led to the launch of the development of improved versions of air defense systems. Thus, a few years ago, a modernized Pantsir-SM air defense missile system was presented, equipped with improved electronic equipment. Later, a small-sized missile defense system appeared specifically for combating UAVs.
Rear part of the launcher and TPK with missiles
Now Rostec and KBP are presenting another version of the short-range anti-aircraft system. "Pantsir-SMD-E" retains the general architectural solutions of its predecessors, but has new electronics with maximum characteristics.
The Pantsir-SMD-E differs in its armament configuration. The pair of 30mm cannons was eliminated due to their limited firepower, and the new TKB-1055 missiles were fully integrated in their place.
The main advantages of Pantsir-SMD-E are associated precisely with the use of a new small-sized rocket in combination with the existing 57E6-E. The TKB-1055 product is superior to 30-mm guns in its main characteristics, and is also cheaper than a full-size missile defense system. In addition, the small dimensions of the rocket made it possible to obtain a record ammunition load.
The latest version of the Pantsir, with two types of missiles, is capable of more effectively fighting UAVs. Its large ammunition load allows it to repel even massive raids. At the same time, basic capabilities in the context of air defense are successfully preserved.
The execution of an experimental or mock-up complex for the Army 2022 forum is of interest. Such a combat module can be installed permanently or on a chassis. Different installation options may be of interest to both the armed forces and other structures, including foreign ones.
Serial air defense missile system "Pantsir-S1"
In general, the new Pantsir-SMD-E anti-aircraft missile system was the result of the systematic development of the existing family of equipment in a changing environment and the emergence of new threats. By maintaining some solutions and introducing others, as well as using new components, it was again possible to obtain an air defense system with improved combat capabilities.
Great future
The Pantsir missile and gun systems of previous versions have long and firmly taken their place in the domestic air defense system. They are responsible for covering various territories and protecting other types of air defense systems. In addition, these air defense missile systems were used in real military conflicts.
Experience shows that the technical potential of the Pantsir has not yet been fully realized. Development companies take this into account and create new versions with different design features and characteristic combat capabilities.
This year, Rostec and its enterprises presented another version of the anti-aircraft system, this time with improved anti-UAV capabilities. We can expect that the new Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system will pass all the necessary tests, and the army will accept it into service. History "Shell" will continue to benefit our air defense.
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