Modular air defense system 9K331MKM "Tor-M2KM" and its capabilities
Autonomous combat module "Tor-M2KM" or "Tor-MF" on board the frigate "Admiral Grigorovich", 2021. Photo from IEMZ "Dome"
The Russian defense industry offers customers anti-aircraft missile "Tor" complexes of various versions and modifications. Among them, the modular version of the complex under the designation 9K331MKM or "Tor-M2KM" deserves special attention. This complex has a special architecture, which gives it wide operational and combat capabilities.
Modular modification
In 2007, enterprises from the Almaz-Antey VKO concern presented a new version of the Tor anti-aircraft missile system - product 9K332 Tor-M2. It differed from previous models in the composition of its equipment and improved tactical and technical characteristics.
At the beginning of the tenth years, the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Kupol" developed its own version of the development of this complex - 9K332MKM "Tor-M2KM". This project involved abandoning the self-propelled chassis and installing all the equipment on a single module.
The new air defense system was proposed to be installed in stationary positions or mounted on various chassis suitable for the customer. In any case, he demonstrated high technical and combat characteristics, and was also able to solve the entire range of assigned tasks.
IEMZ "Kupol" and other enterprises of "Almaz-Antey" have repeatedly shown various options for deploying 9K322MKM at exhibitions and exercises. The module was mounted on domestic and foreign-made trucks, installed on the ground on supports, etc.
"Tor-M2" launches a rocket. Photo by Rosoboronexport
Several years later, another version of the anti-aircraft module became known. The Tor-MF project was developed as a modification of the Tor-M2KM for installation on ships. This module was proposed to be placed on the free part of the deck to strengthen the ship's Defense.
Practical activities
According to available information, by the time of its appearance, the Tor-M2KM modular complex had already passed part of the tests. The main stage of testing was completed around the middle of the last decade and made it possible to improve the existing design.
In 2016 and 2021 Tests of a modular air defense system were carried out on the deck of Russian Navy ships. It is unclear which version of the complex was used in these tests. It is possible that the ships were equipped with the basic Tor-M2KM, although it cannot be ruled out that it was a modified ship version of the Tor-MF.
During two stages of testing, "Thor" on deck demonstrated its ability to fully operate and carry out combat missions at sea. The complex's radar equipment monitored the situation and detected targets, and the missiles successfully hit them. The interaction of an improved ground-based air defense system with ship-based fire control systems was also tested.
Complexes in operation
The Tor family air defense systems of several recent modifications have become widespread in the Russian ground forces. Also, these complexes are actively supplied to foreign customers. One of the modifications of the complex - "Tor-M2KM" - is currently being produced only in a small series and only for one customer. However, there is a possibility that the situation will change in the future.
"Tor-M2KM" on an Indian TATA truck at the MAKS-2013 exhibition. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
Modular air defense systems have found application in the Russian Navy in mid-2022. Several of these products have become available to the Black Sea fleet. It is not known exactly what modification of the complexes was transmitted - it could be both “M2km” and “MF”.
Due to the threat of Ukrainian missiles and UAVs, modular systems were installed on a number of ships and vessels that do not have developed anti-aircraft weapons. It is known that carrier-based “Thors” have repeatedly had to intercept various air targets. The effectiveness of combat work turned out to be at the level of standard use in the air defense of the ground forces.
Technical features
"Tor-M2KM" is a modification of the self-propelled "Tor-M2", devoid of a chassis and having all the necessary units on board. Such a module is a completely autonomous system and is capable of full-fledged operation and solving combat missions.
The 9K322MKM product has a new body on which a standard launcher turret is located. This architecture allows the air defense system to be deployed on a site of sufficient size or installed on a suitable vehicle chassis, trailer, etc. Installation is carried out using supports and brackets and takes minimal time.
The length of the module does not exceed 7,5 m, width - 2,9 m, total height (with supports) - 3,2 m. Maximum weight - 15 tons. Tor-M2KM is significantly smaller and lighter than other complexes of its family.
View on board the module, the door of the operator's cabin is open. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The autonomous combat module contains all the necessary means. Inside the body there is a two-seat operator cabin, radio-electronic equipment, etc. An own power supply system based on a gas turbine unit is provided. In this case, it is possible to connect to industrial networks or other power sources.
The rotating antenna of the target detection radar (SOC) is located on the module tower. This is a centimeter radar with a detection range of an aircraft-type target of at least 30–32 km. The SOC simultaneously processes 48 air targets and transmits data to the air defense missile system computer system.
Also installed on the tower is a guidance station (SN) antenna. She is responsible for tracking an air target and an anti-aircraft missile, as well as for transmitting commands on board the missile defense system. The range of the guidance station exceeds the combat radius of the missiles. Simultaneous firing of four targets is ensured.
On board the Tor-M2KM air defense system there is also a set of other radio-electronic systems. The complex is equipped with satellite navigation, a computer for data processing and fire control, as well as communications equipment. The air defense system can operate independently or as part of a unit. In the latter case, it receives target designation from a third-party radar or exchanges data with other air defense systems.
"Tor-M2" and its modifications use the so-called. anti-aircraft missile module. Essentially, this is a transport and launch container with four cells for 9M330, 9M331 or 9M338 missiles. The air defense system simultaneously carries two such modules - eight missiles are constantly ready for launch.
Preparation for testing the module on the ship. Photo of IEMZ "Dome"
Depending on the type of missile used, the launch range reaches 15–16 km. The target's flight altitude is up to 10 km. It is possible to hit targets at a speed of 700 m/s on oncoming and catching courses. The missiles carry high-explosive fragmentation warheads weighing more than 12 kg.
Big potential
From a technical point of view, Tor-M2KM is very similar to a unified self-propelled complex. However, there are fundamental differences in architecture and layout that give the modular air defense system certain advantages.
The main advantage of Tora-M2KM is its compatibility with various chassis. Thanks to this, a potential customer can independently choose the configuration of the complex based on their needs and capabilities. This gives Toru-M2KM a serious competitive advantage.
The combat module can be placed not only on self-propelled vehicles, but also on a suitable site. The stationary version of the Tora actually moves into the category of target air defense systems. This versatility allows you to unify systems for various purposes and also becomes an advantage in the market.
As the experience of our Navy has shown, a modular air defense system allows you to quickly strengthen the defense of any objects, including ships. The M2KM or MF version of the air defense missile system takes up space on the deck, but improving the combat qualities and stability of the pennant carrier is worth such measures.
Training rocket launch. Photo of IEMZ "Dome"
In terms of operational, technical, combat and other characteristics, the modular Tor is practically no different from the self-propelled one. It shows high efficiency in the fight against various air targets, both when operating independently and as part of a layered air defense system.
Large family
Based on the results of several decades of development, the Thor family includes a number of anti-aircraft missile systems, each of which has its own characteristics and capabilities. At the moment, the latest in this line are the Tor-M2 air defense system and its modifications.
One of the areas of development of Tor-M2 was the creation of several variants on different types of chassis that meet the requirements of different customers and the specifics of operation in different conditions. In addition, there is a modification that does not have a chassis at all and is a module with a full set of necessary components.
Such projects demonstrate the potential for development of the original design and the possibility of using the Tor air defense system in various fields and conditions. Some variants of the Tor are already successfully used in the Russian armed forces, and recently they were joined by the 9K331MKM air defense system. The practical application of this model made it possible to fully realize the potential of the original concept and find a suitable area of application for it.
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