ZRK "Vityaz": characteristics of the anti-aircraft missile system

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The domestic Vityaz air defense missile system is a medium-range anti-aircraft missile system used for air defense. Weapons of the S-350 50 R6A series were developed by the designers of the well-known Almaz-Antey concern. The creation of military equipment began in 2007 under the leadership of chief engineer Ilya Isakov. The planned adoption of the complex for service is 2012. Until 2020, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation intends to purchase at least 38 sets. For this purpose, combines for the construction of machines are being built (in Kirov and Nizhny Novgorod). The factories are focused on the production of rocket systems and radar devices of the latest generation. Consider the features and parameters of this strategic object, which is also exported.

General information

SAM "Vityaz" began to be developed in a pilot version in the early 90s of the last century. It was first mentioned by the Almaz manufacturer as one of the exhibits of the Max-2001 air show. The KamAZ chassis was used as the basis. The new weapon was supposed to replace the obsolete analogue of the S-300 series. The designers successfully coped with the task

Improved domesticthe anti-aircraft missile system is aimed at creating a multi-level protection that makes it possible to secure the air and outer space of the state. This will prevent strikes from drones, manned aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles. In addition, it can hit low-flying objects. The Vityaz S 350-2017 air defense system will become part of the defense aerospace sector with a certain limitation of tactical capabilities against missiles. The equipment is somewhat smaller than the S-400 counterpart, but is classified as highly mobile military equipment and uses the same charges, the 9M96E2 brand. The effectiveness of this tool has been tested in numerous tests both in Russia and abroad.

Features

In addition to the Vityaz air defense system, the aerospace defense complex will include the S-400, S-500, S-300E systems and a short-range device called Pantsir.

When designing the considered anti-aircraft missile system, developments were used according to the export version of the KM-SAM type. It was also designed by the Almaz-Antey bureau and is focused on the South Korean market. The active development phase began after the company won an international tender from American and French competitors. They have also been actively developing air defense capabilities for Seoul.

Financing of the work performed was carried out by the customer, which allowed us to continue working on the project in the optimal mode. At that time, most of the defense complex plants on the domestic market survived solely due to orders forexport. Cooperation with the Koreans made it possible not only to continue working on the creation of a new complex, but also to gain precious experience in terms of mastering modern technologies. This is largely due to the fact that South Korea did not restrict the access of Russian designers to the foreign base of elements, actively helping to master it. This helped in many ways to create a similar design that has a multi-purpose profile.

Presentation and Appointment

The first prototype of the Vityaz S 350E air defense system, the characteristics of which are presented below, was publicly demonstrated at the Obukhov Combine in St. Petersburg. (19.06.2013). From that moment on, the weapon was freed from the veil of secrecy. The serial production of the anti-aircraft missile system is carried out at the AVO Almaz-Antey concern in the North-West region. The main producers are the state plant in Obukhov and the plant of radio equipment.

The new installation is capable of operating in self-propelled mode, aggregating with a fixed multifunctional radar. In addition, electronic space scanning and a command post based on the main chassis are provided. The Vityaz S 350 air defense system is designed to protect social, industrial, administrative and military territories from massive strikes carried out by means of various types of air attack. The system is able to repel an attack in a circular sector from various attacks, including small and increased range of missiles. The autonomous operation of the complex allows it to participate in the air defense groupsdefense, with control from higher command posts. The combat configuration of the equipment is carried out absolutely automatically, while the full-time crew is only responsible for the operation and control of the weapon during combat operations.

TTX SAM "Vityaz"

Modern models of the considered anti-aircraft complex are mounted on the BAZ-69092-012 chassis. Below are the performance characteristics of this military equipment:

• Power plant - 470 horsepower diesel engine.
• Curb weight - 15.8 t.
• Payload - 14, 2 t.
• Total weight after installation - up to 30 tons.
• The maximum climb angle is 30 degrees.
• Wade in depth - 1700 mm.
• Simultaneous hitting aerodynamic/ballistic targets - 16/12.
• The indicator of the synchronous number of induced anti-aircraft guided charges is 32.
• Parameters of the affected area in terms of maximum range and height (aerodynamic targets) - 60/30 km.
• Similar characteristics for ballistic targets - 30/25 km.
• The period of bringing the vehicle into combat condition on the march is no more than 5 minutes.
• Combat crew - 3 people.

Install launch 50P6E

The Vityaz air defense missile system is equipped with a launcher, which is designed for transportation, storage, launch of anti-aircraft charges and automatic preparation before a working start. It plays a critical role in the functionality of the entire machine.

Nominal combat parametersparts:

• The number of missiles on the launcher is 12.
• The interval between launches of anti-aircraft ammunition at a minimum is 2 seconds.
• Charging and discharging - 30 minutes.
• The maximum distance to the command post is 2 kilometers.
• The number of anti-aircraft guided missiles on the launcher is 12.

Multifunctional radar type 50H6E

SAM (S 350E "Vityaz") is equipped with a multifunctional radar locator. It works in both circular and sector mode. This element is the main information device of this type of military equipment. The combat participation of the device is carried out fully automatically, does not require the participation of an operator, is controlled remotely from a command control post.

Parameters:

• The largest number of tracked targets in the track location range - 100.
• Number of observed targets in precise mode (to the maximum) – 8.
• The maximum number of escorted guided anti-aircraft missiles is 16.
• The rate of rotation of the antenna in azimuth is 40 rotations per minute.
• The maximum distance to the combat adjustment point is 2 kilometers.

Combat control point

This element of the Vityaz air defense system is designed to control multifunctional radars and launch stations. The PBU provides aggregation with parallel S-350 air defense systems and the main command post.

Features:

• Total number of trails tracked - 200.
• The maximum distance from the combat control point to the neighboring complex is 15 km.
• Distance to higher command squad (maximum) - 30 km.

Guided missiles 9M96E/9M96E2

The S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missiles, the characteristics of which are given above, are modern new-generation missiles that incorporate the best characteristics used in modern rocketry. The element is an alloy of the highest category used in scientific research, non-traditional projects, and other design solutions. At the same time, various achievements in material engineering and innovative technological solutions are used. Between themselves, the S-350 Vityaz missiles differ in their propulsion units, maximum flight range, lethality in height and overall parameters.

Thanks to the introduction of new ideas and the use of an improved engine, the charges in question are superior to the French counterpart Aster. In fact, rockets are solid-propellant single-stage elements that are unified in the composition of onboard devices and other equipment, differing only in the size of the propulsion units. High performance is achieved through a combination of inertial and command guidance. At the same time, there is an effect of increased maneuverability, which allows you to set up a homing system at the meeting point with the intended target. Warheads are equipped with intelligenta filling that makes it possible to ensure maximum efficiency in defeating aerodynamic and ballistic analogues of air and space attacks.

Nuances of creating ammunition

For any Vityaz missiles in Syria, elements with a "cold" vertical launch were used. To do this, before the start of the sustainer engine, the warheads are ejected from the working storage to a height of up to 30 meters, after which they are deployed towards the target by means of a gas-dynamic mechanism.

This decision made it possible to reduce the minimum distance of the intended interception. In addition, the system provides excellent charge maneuverability and increases the rocket overload by 20 units. The considered ammunition is focused on confrontation with various air objects and space forces of the enemy. The complex is equipped with a warhead weighing 24 kg and small-sized equipment, its weight is 4 times less than the ZUR-48N6, and the general characteristics are practically in no way inferior to this charge.

Instead of the standard equipment of the 48N6 type with one launch missile, the new complex allows you to place a batch charge of four TPKs compatible with the 9M96E2 SAM on the launcher. Guidance of ammunition on the target is carried out using an inertial correction system and radio correction with radar seeker at the end point of the flight.

The joint control system guarantees a high level of aiming, helps to increase the channels of the SAM c 350 Vityaz missiles and hit targets, and also reduces the dependence of the charge flight on external influences. ExceptIn addition, such a design does not need additional illumination and location when following the intended target.

The "SAM S 350 Vityaz" system provides for the possibility of using "advanced" partially active elements that are capable of independently calculating the target by angular coordinates. The 9M100 short-range rocket charge is equipped with an infrared homing warhead, which makes it possible to capture the target immediately after the rocket is launched. It not only destroys aerial targets, but also destroys their warhead.

Characteristics of anti-aircraft guided missile 9M96E2

Below are the combat parameters of the charge in question:

• Starting at 420 kg.
• The average flight speed is about 1000 meters per second.
• Head configuration - active radar modification with homing.
• Type of aiming - inertial with radio correction.
• The form of the warhead is a high-explosive fragmentation variant.
• The mass of the main charge is 24 kg.

Modifications and performance characteristics of used missiles

The following are the main performance characteristics that missiles have for the considered anti-aircraft missile system:

• Aerodynamics scheme - supporting body with aerodynamic control (9M100) / duck with rotating wings (9M96) / analogue with a movable wing assembly (9M96E2).
• Propulsion - Vector Controlled Solid Propulsion/Standard Solid Propulsion Engines.
• Guidance and control -inertial system with radar/GOS.
• Control type - aerodynamics plus engine thrust vectoring and lattice rudders or gas dynamic control.
• Length - 2500/4750/5650 mm.
• Wingspan - 480 mm.
• Diameter - 125/240 mm.
• Weight - 70/333/420 kg.
• Destruction range - from 10 to 40 km.
• The speed limit is 1000 meters per second.
• A type of combat charge is a contact or high-explosive fragmentation fuse.
• Transverse type load - 20 units at a height of 3 thousand meters and 60 - near the ground.

In closing

Design Bureau "Fakel" began work on a new anti-aircraft complex type 9M96 back in the 80s of the last century. The range of the missile was provided for at least 50 kilometers. The S 350 Vityaz air defense system, the characteristics of which are discussed above, could easily maneuver in the presence of significant overloads, as well as launch charges with a transverse displacement design, which made it possible to ensure high accuracy in hitting targets. An additional effect was guaranteed by automatic homing warheads. At the same time, it was supposed to operate these complexes in the air-to-air format. The Vityaz air defense systems (the characteristics confirm this) were smaller in size, but not inferior in efficiency. They used 9M100 missiles. The main task assigned to the designers at that time was the creation of unified charges, which made it possible to strengthen not only internal defense,but also sold well for export to other countries.