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Issue 32. March - April 1999 | |
PANTSYR-S1 AIR DEFENSE MISSILE-GUN SYSTEM AND ITS MODIFICATIONS |
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Arkady Shipunov, General Designer and Head of the Instrument Design Bureau |
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The reliable protection of many vital military and industrial facilities is possible only in case of using a close-in air defense system. |
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 n modern military operations, air attack weapons can deal strikes at vital facilities of the armed forces, economy and power idustry throughout the entire depth of a country, resolve strategic tasks and predetermine the outcome of war before the beginning of ground combat actions.
The reliable protection of many vital military and industrial facilities is possible only in case of using a close-in air defense system. Such a system must meet stringent requirements pertaining to combat effectiveness at a relatively low cost. The development of a system possessing the properties of a close-range system (engagement of low-flying and surprise targets, operation on the move during protection of mechanized convoys, relatively low cost, especially that of SAMs) and medium-range systems (capability of fighting air attack weapons before their use of onboard ammunition, high capacity to engage targets per unit of time and jamming immunity) will allow the organization of two-level air defense based on a universal close-in system and long-range systems. Such a universal system is represented by the Pantsyr-S1 air defense missile-gun system developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau and intended for air defense of mobile units, strategically important military and industrial facilities (airfields, military bases, communication nodes and industrial facilities) and surface ships under any battle environment. PANTSYR-S1 SYSTEM FEATURES The integrated missile and gun armament creating an uninterrupted engagement zone of 18 to 20 km in range and of up to 10 km in altitude.
Absolute jamming immunity attained via a common multimode and multispectral radar and optical control system operating in the decimetric, centimetric, millimetric and IR wave bands. The capability to fire on the move of gun and missile system which no other air defense system in the world can do (the Tunguska system can deliver only gun fire on the move). The universal nature of target engagement, i.e., engagement of a wide range of air targets: aircraft and helicopters before they fire their weapons, small-size guided missiles, as well as lightly armored ground targets and manpower. The completely automatic mode of battle performance of a separate combat vehicle and several combat vehicles acting as part of an air defense unit, which improves time characteristics and reduces psychological and physiological loads on crew members. The great number of targets engaged per time unit due to the short reaction time, high speed of SAM flight and the availability of two independent guidance channels operating in a wide sector (90 x 90o in azimuth and elevation). Autonomous operation due to the fact that each combat vehicle contains equipment for detection, tracking and engagement of targets. The command system of SAM guidance ensuring high effectiveness of the small-size agile missile.
The modular construction and compactness, which make it possible to install the system on tracked and wheeled vehicles and in shelters. SYSTEM COMPONENTS COMBAT ASSETS:
combat vehicle (up to six in a battery);
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES:
Training aids: POSSIBLE VERSIONS OF PANTSYR-S1 AIR DEFENSE MISSILE-GUN SYSTEM The main structural feature of the system is a unified turret which can be installed on tracked and wheeled vehicles, surface ship decks, buildings, in stationary structures and shelters. MAIN PROPERTIES OF GUIDANCE SYSTEM Simultaneous engagement of two targets approaching from different directions owing to two independent posts (radar post and optical post). High immunity to any type of interference due to the integration of radar and optronic means into a unified system operating in the decimetric, centimetric, millimetric and IR wave bands. Two-missile salvo at one target in the radar mode of operation. Short reaction time (4 to 6 s) owing to automatic tracking of up to 20 targets by the target acquisition radar (TAR) and target designation accurate to 0.4o in azimuth, 0.7o in elevation and 50 m in range ensuring rapid target search and lockon by the target and missile tracking radar and the TV-optical system. Computation of target dynamic parameters and its motion, weapon selection and assignment of the kind of fire. Implementation of the full cycle of battle performance from search of targets until their defeat in the automatic mode. Operation of the system by the crew in the semiautomatic mode. 57E6YE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE FEATURES
Short flight time at the boost phase (t = 1.5 s, Vmax = 1,300 m/s). Employment of rod subprojectiles in the warhead ensuring positive engagement of a broad class of targets. Availability of the air-dynamic control actuator (without limitations in terms of service life). Microminiature onboard equipment. 2A38 AUTOMATIC GUN The gun armament comprises two 2A38 twin-barrel automatic guns of the Tunguska air defense system capable of engaging air and ground targets up to 4 km in range and up to 3 km in altitude. FEATURES
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
Caliber, mm 30 VARIANTS OF COMBAT EMPLOYMENT Proceeding from the expected intensity of strikes by air attack weapons, peculiarities of facilities under defense and relief of the terrain, the most typical variants of combat employment of the Pantsyr-S1 system will be the following: full strength employment (six combat vehicles), reduced strength employment (three combat vehicles) and autonomous operation of the combat vehicles. Each variant must comply with an assigned mission and ensure: the utmost use of the armament capabilities; reliable protection from all directions; uninterrupted cooperation with objects under protection and adjacent units; prompt maneuvering; the use of terrain conditions to the best advantage; ease of control;
electromagnetic compatibility. | ||
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The organization of effective air defense, as is acknowledged in the world, is based on the echeloned air defense including close-range systems such as the Tunguska, Tor, Roland and Crotale systems, medium-range systems such as the HAWK and Buk and long-range systems such as the Patriot and S-300. Being highly effective in terms of combat employment, the medium- and long-range systems cannot implement their capabilities in fighting small-size low-flying targets in the close zone and varied terrain environment. In addition, a tactical stratagem is used against such systems to expend sophisticated and expensive surface-to-air missiles (SAM) by using cheap and massive targets such as various remotely piloted vehicles (RPV). The number of such systems is always insufficient owing to their high cost.
The small-size surface-to-air missile with high flight and ballistic characteristics (Vmax = 1,300 m/s) and a highly powerful fragmentation rod warhead (it weighs 20 kg with the sustainer weight being 30 kg).
The passive mode of operation and superhigh accuracy of guidance due to the use of the long-wave band IR channel with logical signal processing and automatic target tracking.
High rate of fire (up to 5,000 rds/min).