Aviation missile system “Dagger. The danger of completely replacing “Dirks” and “Daggers” with new ship-based air defense systems “M-Tor” and “Wasps” of the 21st century Air defense system dagger performance characteristics

Combat module of the M-Tor complex on a frigate-class ship (KZRK version for Navy Russia)

We are all well aware of the long-standing and very successful tradition of Soviet defense design bureaus, which consists in the development of ship-based modifications of anti-aircraft missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems, almost completely unified with their ground-based versions of missile defense interceptors, and in some cases, multifunctional ones Control radar fire. So, for example, a ship's anti-aircraft gun missile system The long-range S-300F "Fort" differs from the ground-based S-300PS air defense missile launcher in the round design of the PFAR and the reduced capacity of the 3R41 "Volna" maritime radar (3 simultaneously "captured" targets versus 6 targets for the land-based RPN 30N6E), as well as the modernized 5V55RM missile defense system , which, unlike the 5V55R version, has on board specialized radio communication modules with B-204A VPU transport and launch containers. Based on a similar principle, anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems (ZRAK) “Kortik”, “Pantsir-M” and self-defense air defense systems “Osa-M”, “Kinzhal”, “Gibka” were created, which received complete unification in terms of missiles with military complexes"Osa", "Tunguska", "Pantsir-S1", "Osa" and "Tor-M1" and "Igla-S".

We can confidently say that this resolved all the issues with interchangeability between the naval and military arsenals of anti-aircraft guided missiles of the above complexes. At the same time, the combination of these air defense systems in a tightly held ship or aircraft carrier strike group makes it possible to create a powerful layered air defense-missile defense system, when, for example, at the far end, targets are intercepted by the “Fort” from the air defense missile cruiser “Moscow”, on the middle - by the “Shtilem- 1" with SK pr. 11356 "Admiral Grigorovich", and on the near side - with AK-630M anti-aircraft artillery systems and Osa-M and Gibka air defense systems (using the example of the Black Sea Fleet KUG). But judging by the latest, not everything in the construction of naval air defense of the 21st century is going as smoothly as we would like.

So, on September 26, 2016, two very important news came from the General Director of JSC Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol Fanil Ziyatdinov, which can be classified as “good and bad.” The good thing is that the Kupol plant, which is part of JSC Concern VKO Almaz-Antey, is starting a program to update the hardware and software base of self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems of the Tor-M2/2KM family to realize the possibility of intercepting small-sized hypersonic elements of high-precision . The Tor-M2 family may become the first mobile air defense system capable of shooting down targets at speeds of up to 1500 m/s, which was previously only available to systems such as the S-300PS. Military air defense will be endowed with even greater anti-missile qualities of a full-fledged aerospace defense (it is also known that the air defense of the Ground Forces will receive the Buk-M3 with a target speed range of up to 3000 m/s). The second news from the general director of Kupol raises very controversial opinions and is more likely to be considered bad.

It is noted that a new shipborne modification of the Tor-M2KM air defense system, M-Tor, is being developed, which will gradually replace various classes warships ZRAK "Kortik" and SAM "Dagger". Similar information, February 2, 2014, already reported by the press secretary of the general director of Almaz-Antey, Yuri Baykov. New combat modules (CM) and launchers will begin to be supplied to the fleet around 2018. What does it mean?

From such NKs as patrol ships of project 11540 "Yastreb" ("Neustrashimiy"), as well as large anti-submarine ships of project 1155/1155.1 "Udaloy/Udaloy-II" combat modules 3S87-1 ZRAK "Kortik-M" will be dismantled, as well as the Kinzhal air defense system, including eight-armed revolving vertical launchers 4S95 and antenna posts of multifunctional illumination radars K-12-1. And instead of them, on special pedestals, autonomous combat control modules with 9A331MK-1 on-load tap-changers will be installed, as well as a certain number of quadruple 9M334D anti-aircraft missile modules with 9M331D missile defense systems, depending on the ship’s displacement. There is no doubt that the process of re-equipping ships with modular M-Tor air defense systems is several times less labor-intensive and costly than installing Daggers deeply integrated into the design, but it is difficult to imagine the level of combat potential of warships updated in this way, and even more so after removing "Kortikov-M". There will be an inevitable decrease in the anti-missile potential of the ships, due to the irrational location of the M-Tor antenna post relative to the superstructures that interfere with the view and the lack of protection “ dead zone", which was usually carried out by ZRAK "Kortik-M".

Let's start with the question of the irrational location of the autonomous combat module(ABM) 9A331MK-1, and, accordingly, the control radar for the M-Tor complex. On the sketches provided online and graphic images you can see a frigate-class warship, with its bow in place artillery installation there is one autonomous module ABM 9A331MK-1, and on the sides of it there are 4 vertical built-in launchers for 16 missiles, assembled into 2 anti-aircraft missile modules ZRM 9M334D (8 missiles in each). There are absolutely no questions about launchers, since vertical “cold” start anti-aircraft missiles The 9M331, as in early revolving VPUs, provides all-angle shooting at air targets regardless of their location on the ship’s deck, which cannot be said about the location of the ABM. Its location in the bow of the frigate is expressed by large restrictions on the sector of operation of the multifunctional radar in the rear hemisphere of the ship. The entire view of the main firing radar of the M-Tor is blocked by the architecture of the ship's superstructure and mast devices, which is why about 20 degrees of azimuth of the rear hemisphere of the ship in the heading direction remain completely unprotected from the impact of even one high-speed and intensively maneuvering anti-ship missile.

This means that on frigate-class displacement ships, apparently, there will not be a rear autonomous combat module 9A331MK-1 with a second “firing” radar to work on targets attacking the ship from behind, since, firstly, additional space is needed for the installation of an artillery installation, secondly, empty areas of the superstructure are also usually occupied by radars for detecting surface targets within the radio horizon, as well as artillery fire control radars and anti-ship missile systems. The K-12-1 antenna posts of the Kinzhal complex have the most optimal location in the upper settings, due to which the radio horizon in terms of detecting approaching anti-ship missiles is pushed back another 4-5 km. Without ZRAK cover of the “Dirk” type, which protect the near air line of the ship, the new “M-Tor” will not be able to repel the “star raid” of several dozen anti-ship missiles, some of which will be able to break into the 1.5-kilometer “dead zone” of the complex, and Therefore, dismantling them is a completely wrong decision. If a similar “modernization” is carried out on “Peter the Great” and “Admiral Kuznetsov”, we will get 2 flagships with a missing lower echelon of missile defense, which in the end can become decisive.

A much more correct solution may be to replace the Dirks with more advanced Pantsir-M anti-aircraft artillery systems, followed by modernization of the latter to expand the speed range of intercepted targets, since even deeply modernized M-Tors, capable of intercepting hypersonic targets, will have a “dead zone” extending about 800 - 1000 m from the carrier ship. Also, a very interesting option could be the modernization of the radar elements of the ship-based Kinzhal air defense system in service while maintaining the 4S95 revolver launchers.

It consists in the development of a promising 4-way multifunctional guidance radar based on active or passive phased arrays, which can be installed in 4 rotating antenna posts located on the upper corners of the warship superstructure to provide the most productive overview of the airspace. Each antenna post must have the design ability to rotate +/- 90 degrees in the azimuthal plane: as a result, this will allow 3 antenna arrays to simultaneously track and capture a large number of targets in a small area of ​​airspace. As you know, all existing radars, including Poliment and AN/SPY-1A/D, have fixed phased array panels on each face of the superstructure, which is why only 2 of them can operate in one missile-hazardous direction, which reduces the overall performance of the ship SAM. A version with moving radars would radically change the situation. Based on the modular concept of the M-Tor complex, such modernization can be carried out by placing four autonomous combat modules 9A331MK-1 on the corners of the superstructure, but the whole point is that they are large enough for ships with a displacement of up to 6000 tons, and therefore the development of a small one will be required antenna post.

The ship-based Kinzhal air defense system, as well as the 9M331MKM Tor-M2KM anti-aircraft missile system, are 4-channel, and therefore, for example, for any configuration of the naval Tor with four multifunctional radars, the number of targets fired will be 16 units, from 12 to 18 from which they can be fired simultaneously in one direction. At the MAKS-2013 air show, the Tactical Corporation missile weapons» presented a new missile defense system for the Tor-M2 family complexes - 9M338 (R3V-MD). This interceptor missile, unlike the 9M331 and 9M331D missiles, has a 1.2 times higher maximum speed (1000 m/s), a range of 16 km (previous versions have 12-15 km), better maneuverability, and more advanced avionics radio command control system. The aerodynamic design and geometric dimensions of the 9M338 have undergone significant changes: from the “duck” design, Vympel Design Bureau specialists came to a normal aerodynamic design with a tail arrangement of aerodynamic rudders and stabilizers.

The most important advantage of this missile is its significantly smaller dimensions when the planes are folded, which made it possible to reduce the transverse size of the new cylindrical transport and launch container 9M338K by approximately 35% compared to the modular square TPK 9Y281 of the Tor-M1 complex. Thanks to this, it is planned to almost double the total ammunition load of missiles in the launch modules of all the latest modifications of the Tor-M2 air defense system. The smaller span of the rudders and stabilizers, “packed” into the TPK, was achieved not only by reducing their size, but also by placing the folding mechanism: if the 9M331 had the folding mechanism in the middle of the planes, then in the 9M338 it is located in the root part.

In addition, according to the statements of the Deputy General Director of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern Sergei Druzin, who previously commented on training interceptions of elements of the mock enemy’s air defense missiles, the RZV-MD demonstrated the highest accuracy: of the five targets destroyed by 9M338 anti-aircraft guided missiles, three were hit by a direct hit (kinetic interception - “hit-to-kill”). As is known, conventional radio command control can only in rare cases provide a direct “missile to missile” hit; this requires either an active or semi-active radar homing head; a radio correction method from an optical-electronic TV/IR viewer installed on the BM can also be used the Thor family. The 9M338 missile, as is known, has only the latter, and therefore its high accuracy the complex is also equipped with a guidance radar with a low-element phased array operating in the centimeter X-band with a beam width of no more than 1 degree. Even the first modifications of the 9M331 missile defense system had a significant compartment volume for the radio fuse, but later the 9M338 could also accommodate a compact high-energy ARGSN, capable of destroying hypersonic targets with a direct hit even with the strongest electronic countermeasures from the enemy.
It is possible that further work by Almaz-Antey on the modernization of Tor-M2KM and M-Tor in terms of developing new homing methods (including active radar) will lead to the emergence of more multi-channel naval and military options capable of simultaneously intercepting 6 and more air targets. And at the moment, it is very early to talk about the complete replacement of the universal and unique in combat qualities anti-aircraft artillery “Dirks” and “Daggers” optimized for all-angle interception, which have proven themselves over a couple of decades of use, with M-Torah combat modules.

“SECOND WIND” FOR 9K33M3 “OSA-AKM” ANTI-AIRMISSILE SYSTEMS: REACHING THE “STYLET”

With all the intensity of modernization work on projects for promising ship-based and land-based versions of anti-aircraft missile systems of the Tor-M2U family, the Kupol plant does not forget about the earlier military short-range self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems of the Osa family. Despite the fact that single-channel Osa-AK/AKM air defense systems are practically unsuitable for repelling attacks from modern stealth air attack weapons, their modernization potential still remains at a fairly high level, which has led to the development of various advanced Osa concepts by Russian and Belarusian and Polish design bureaus. In your application for funds mass media, F. Ziyatdinov noted the modernization of the Osa-AKM air defense system to the Osa-AKM1 level, which will extend their operational life for another 15 years.

The 9K33 “Osa” self-propelled military air defense system on October 4, 2016 marks exactly 45 years since it was adopted by the USSR Ground Forces, and during this “hot” and complex, from a geostrategic point of view, period of time, the complex more than once had to prove its high technical level and prestige products of the Russian defense industry in numerous military conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and also in Iraq. The baptism of fire of the first Osa complexes took place in the First Lebanon War, where several Hel Haavir strike fighters (Israeli Air Force) were shot down, and the optical-location guidance used for the first time on self-propelled air defense systems using passive optical radars caused incredible fear among Israeli pilots. television-optical sights, which is why the radiation warning system of the Phantoms was often silent, and it was possible to prepare for an anti-aircraft maneuver only after detecting a smoke strip from the turbojet engine of a launching 9M33 anti-aircraft missile; often at that moment the plane was already doomed.

Subsequently, the 9K33M2 Osa-AK air defense systems supplied to Iraq's air defense were able to intercept several Tomahawk strategic cruise missiles during the start of a massive missile and air strike by the US Navy before Operation Desert Storm. This modification was developed on the basis of the Osa complex back in 1975, and even it confirmed the ability to cover troops and strategic objects from single strikes of modern high-precision weapons. Now several captured Osa-AK complexes, captured during battles from Ukrainian military formations, have formed the basis of the middle air defense line of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. In Novorossiya they cover the largest transport interchanges, machine-building and coke-chemical enterprises, as well as military warehouses of the VSN in the Donetsk-Makeevka agglomeration from attacks by Su-25 attack aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force.

The Polish modification of the Osa-AK - SA-8 "Sting", at first glance, is a licensed analogue of the Russian complex, but apparently has improved display equipment for automated combat crew workstations, based on the MFI LCD, as well as a radio station for exchanging tactical information with other BM 9A33BM "Osa-AK" at the battery level and receiving information about the air situation from radar-AWACS and radar detectors of long-range air defense systems such as S-300PS, "Buk-M1/2". The appearance of detection and tracking radar stations, as well as the missile unit, remained the same. Almost nothing is known about the “filling” of the SA-8 “Sting”, since this information was not disclosed to the media and amateurs. Obviously, the update was carried out approximately according to the same scheme as during development Russian version"Osa-AKM".

Modernization of the Osa-AKM air defense system to the Osa-AKM1 level at the Kupol plant no longer consists simply of integrating network-centric data exchange equipment with other air defense units and installing multifunctional liquid crystal indicators for displaying data from radar and guidance radars, but also complete digitization of the entire element base in the transmitter and receiver paths of the radar signal, as well as in the television-optical image converter for the passive operation of the anti-aircraft missile system. Fanil Ziyatdinov noted that the noise immunity of the Osa-AKM1 will be significantly higher than that of the previous modification. After the update, AKM1 will remain confidently competitive in the African and Asian arms markets. In what direction will the improvement of one of the most famous military self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems move?

As an example of the most advanced versions of the Osa-AKM air defense system, we can consider the projects of the Belarusian research and production enterprise Tetrahedr, which is also known for upgrading the air defense system with the infrared guidance system Strela-10M2 to the level of Strela-10T, as well as S- 125 "Pechora" to the level of S-125-2TM "Pechora-2TM". These projects include an intermediate modification of the Osa - 9K33-1T Osa-1T, as well as the most advanced version of the T38 Stiletto. In terms of hardware, these complexes are almost the same; the main differences are observed in the missile part.
The Osa-1T air defense system, which is a deep modernization of the Osa-AK complex, received a completely new three-axle MZKT-69222 off-road chassis with a 420-horsepower YaMZ-7513.10 diesel engine; the Tor-7513.10 self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system is based on a similar chassis. M2E". Due to this, the fuel reserve without refueling (with a two-hour combat duty at a position) of the Osa-1T is 500 km, which is 2 times more than that of the previous Osa complexes, based on a three-axle BAZ-5937 chassis with a diesel engine BD20K300 with a power of 300 hp.
Even though the MZKT-69222 is not a floating platform, its better high-torque capability provides additional advantages in the European theater of operations with wet and soft soil. The speed parameters in stowed position remained at the same level - about 75 km/h on the highway.

As for the anti-aircraft potential of the new Osa-1T, it is much higher than that of the Osa-AK/AKM. So, thanks to the new hardware and software with advanced radio command control algorithms for the standard 9M33M2/3 missile defense system, the probability of hitting a fighter-type target increased from approximately 0.7 to 0.85. Increasing the sensitivity of the receiver and converter of the reflected signal made it possible to work on ultra-small targets with an effective scattering surface of 0.02 m2 (the complex can intercept F-35A fighters, as well as AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles and others precision weapons). The interception range of air targets, compared to the Osa-AKM, increased from 10 to 12 km, and the altitude from 5 to 7 km.

According to the graphs given on the advertising page for Tetrahedra products, the Osa-1T is capable of intercepting targets flying at a speed of 500 m/s at an altitude of 6 km in a range of ranges from 3500 to 8000 m (Osa-AKM intercepts similar targets at an altitude of only 5 km and with a small range of 5 to 6 km). If we talk about the destruction of the AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile at a speed of 700 m/s (2200 km/h), then the Osa-AKM will not be able to complete this task, because HARM speed will exceed the speed limit of the complex. Osa-1T will intercept a similar target at an altitude of 5 km and in a range of 4 to 7 km. The updated two-channel counting and solving device SRP-1 also makes its contribution to increasing the speed limit and interception accuracy, allowing the launch of two missiles at once against one target.

In addition to the standard single-stage 9M33M3 anti-aircraft guided missiles, which develop a speed of 500 m/s, the ammunition load of the Osa-1T family may also include high-speed two-caliber T382 missiles, developed by the Kiev State Design Bureau "Luch". After being equipped with similar missiles, as well as minor software and hardware upgrades, the complex turns into a radically modernized version of the T-38 Stiletto. Ammunition from the new missiles is placed in 2 quad inclined launchers with cylindrical transport and launch containers (TPC). Fighting machine The T381 of the T38 “Stiletto” complex can also carry mixed ammunition in the form of a standard triple launcher with 9M33M2(3) missiles on one side of the combat module and a launcher with T382 missiles on the other side.

The combat characteristics of the Stiletto with T382 missiles are approximately 35% higher than with the 9M33M2 missiles. Strategic cruise missiles of the Tomahawk type or AGM-86C ALCM are intercepted by the new anti-aircraft missile at a range of 12 km, attack helicopters and enemy tactical aviation - up to 20 km, high-precision air attack weapons (PRLR, guided bombs, etc.) can be hit at a distance of 7 km. If you carefully compare the range graphs for the Stiletto with the 9M33M3 and T382 missiles, you will notice that the T382’s range of destruction of cruise missiles is much greater, and the range of operation against small-sized elements of the high-tech weapon is identical for both missiles. The whole point here is that the weaker 9M33M3 rocket engine does not allow for sufficient speed and range to destroy remote low-altitude missiles at a distance of more than 8 km, but for the two-stage T382 this is achievable. At the same time, the previous parameters of the tracking and target guidance station (STS) do not allow either the 9M33M3 or the T382 to capture stealthy high-tech weapons at ranges exceeding 7 km. This confirms the difference between the Osa-1T and the Stiletto only in terms of the rocket. Let's move on directly to the review of the T382 missile defense system.

The first stage of the interceptor missile has a diameter of 209.6 mm, and is represented by a powerful solid-fuel booster that accelerates the missile to 3100 km/h (for 9M33M3 - 1800 km/h). After accelerating to the required speed and “burning out” of the accelerator, the latter is separated and the combat stage propulsion engine comes into operation with an operating time of 20 s, maintaining a high supersonic flight speed even in the final interception phase. The combat stage has a diameter of 108 mm and is equipped with a 61% heavier warhead (23 kg versus 14.27 kg) than that of the 9M33M3: reliable target destruction is achieved even with a strong guidance error of the missile defense system, in the case of active electronic countermeasures. A compact sustainer stage with large stabilizers and aerodynamic rudders can maneuver with overloads of more than 40 units, making it impossible to dodge it aircrafts, performing anti-aircraft maneuvers with overloads of up to 15 units.

The speed of the target hit when equipped with the T38 “Stiletto” complex with the T382 missile reaches 900 m/s (3240 km/h), which brings the updated Belarusian “Osa” to an intermediate level between “Tor-M2E” and “Pantsir-S1”; Of course, this concerns exclusively the speed of intercepted objects, as well as work on targets in pursuit, since when repelling a massive air strike, the Stiletto with 2 target channels has superiority only over the Tor-M1 air defense system - it is also 2-channel. In terms of the height of the destroyed IOS, which is 10,000 m, the Stiletto also does not lag behind the Tor-M2E: it is in the altitude range from 5 to 12 km that most of the future air combat between multi-role fighters of the “4++” and “5” generation, and here both the new “OsyAKM1” and “Stilettos” are capable of supporting our fighter aircraft well over their own territory, having the ability to operate covertly using television-optical sights of the 9Sh38- type 2 or OES-1T.

ZRSK T38 “Stiletto” with a mixed weapon system (on the left is a TPK with 9M33M3 missiles, on the right is a TPK with high-speed T382 missiles)

If the modernization of the Russian Osa-AKM air defense systems is aimed at updating the missile unit according to the Belarusian method, Kupol will need to develop its own high-speed missile defense system, similar in characteristics to the Ukrainian T382, because cooperation with the State Design Bureau Luch has now completely stopped. Its development will not require a long period of time, as well as significant and costly research, since our rocket scientists have already had a project for a two-stage, two-caliber, high-speed interceptor missile system for a long time. We are talking about the 9M335 (57E6) missile defense system, which is the basis of the armament of the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems. The ballistic qualities of the compact sustainer stage of this missile significantly exceed those of the Ukrainian T382: the initial speed of the 57E6 reaches 1300 m/s (4680 km/h), and the deceleration rate of the sustainer stage (40 m/s per 1 km trajectory) is significantly lower than that of the Ukrainian version . Despite the smaller weight and overall dimensions of the 57E6 (the diameter of the launch stage is 90 mm and the sustainer stage is 76 mm), the rocket carries a similar heavy rod combat unit weighing 20 kg. The operating time of the 57E6 launch stage is 2.4 s (T382 - 1.5 s), during which the missile accelerates to maximum speed, thanks to which it can hit targets at altitudes of 15,000 m. The compactness of the missile, with unique performance characteristics, was preserved due to the absence of a rocket engine sustainer stage while simultaneously imparting significant qualities to the starting accelerator.

The 9M335 missiles used by the Pantsir-S1 complex also have radio command guidance based on a fully digital electronic computer base and data exchange equipment, and therefore their integration into the weapons control system of the new Osa-AKM1 is quite feasible. Not much is known about the details of the modernization, but its potential for the Osa-AKM remains very, very large, which is noticeable in the example of the Belarusian Stiletto. A huge number of armies of countries operating the Osa family complexes, the “club” of which includes the Armed Forces of Russia, India, Greece and Armenia, continue to feed big hopes regarding the updating of the complexes in service to indicators that make it possible to defend the skies of the 21st century on a par with such complexes as “Tor-M1” and “Pantsir-S1”, and therefore funding for the ambitious program will continue for many more years.

Information sources:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/stilet/stilet.shtml
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/osa_akm/osa_akm.shtml
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/tor-m2km/tor-m2km.shtml
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/kinzgal/kinzgal.shtml

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Antenna post of the Kinzhal air defense system on the Admiral Vinogradov BOD

Carriers

Rockets

Below-deck launchers of the Kinzhal complex were developed by the Start design bureau under the leadership of chief designer Yaskin A.I., and consist of 3-4 drum-type launch modules of 8 TPKs with missiles in each. The weight of the launch module without missiles is 41.5 tons, the occupied area is 113 square meters. m. The complex crew consists of 13 people.

The rocket launch is vertical, using a gas catapult; after leaving the launcher, the main engine is launched and the rocket is deflected by the gas-dynamic system towards the target. Reloading is automatic, start interval is 3 seconds.

Radar 3R95

Interference-proof antenna with phased array and electronically controlled beam, allows you to detect a large number of targets at a distance of up to 45 km and direct up to 8 missiles at 4 targets simultaneously (in a 60x60° sector).

Launcher 3S95E

Performance characteristics

see also

Notes

Literature

• Angelsky R., Korovin V. Anti-aircraft missile system "Dagger" (Russian) // Equipment and weapons yesterday, today, tomorrow: magazine. - 2014. - May (No. 05). - pp. 12-18.

Links

• SHIP ANTI-AIRcraft MISSILE SYSTEM "DAGGER" (SA-N-9 GAUNTLET)

Anti-aircraft missile system"Dagger" is a multi-channel, all-pod, autonomous short-range anti-aircraft missile system capable of repelling a massive attack of low-flying anti-ship, anti-radar missiles, guided and unguided bombs, airplanes, helicopters, etc.

The lead developer of the complex is NPO Altair (chief designer is S. A. Fadeev), the anti-aircraft missile is the Fakel design bureau.

Ship tests of the complex began in 1982 on the Black Sea on a small anti-submarine ship, Project 1124. During demonstration firing in the spring of 1986, 4 P-35 cruise missiles were launched from coastal installations at the MPK. All P-35s were shot down by 4 Kinzhal air defense missiles. The tests were difficult and missed all deadlines. So, for example, it was supposed to equip the Novorossiysk aircraft carrier with the Kinzhal, but it was put into service with “holes” for the Kinzhal. On the first ships of Project 1155, one complex was installed instead of the required two.

Only in 1989, the Kinzhal air defense system was officially adopted by large anti-submarine ships of Project 1155, on which 8 modules of 8 missiles were installed.

Currently, the Kinzhal air defense system is in service with the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (Project 1144.4), large anti-submarine ships Project 1155, 11551 and the newest patrol ships of the Neustrashimy type.

The Kinzhal air defense system is offered to foreign buyers under the name Blade.

In the west the complex received the designation SA-N-9 GAUNTLET.

The complex uses a remote-controlled anti-aircraft missile 9M330-2, unified with the missile of the Tor land complex, or the 9M331 missile defense system of the Tor-M complex. The 9M330-2 is made according to the canard aerodynamic configuration and uses a freely rotating wing unit. Its wings are foldable, which made it possible to place the 9M330 in an extremely “compressed” TPK with a square section. The missile launch is vertical under the action of a catapult with further declination of the missile by a gas-dynamic system, with the help of which in less than one second, in the process of rising to the launch altitude of the main engine, the missile turns towards the target.

The detonation of a high-explosive fragmentation warhead is carried out at the command of a pulse radio fuse in close proximity to the target. The radio fuse is noise-resistant and adapts when approaching the water surface. The missiles are placed in transport and launch containers and do not need to be checked for 10 years.

The Kinzhal air defense system is equipped with its own radar detection equipment (module K-12–1), providing the complex with complete independence and operational actions in the most difficult situations. The multichannel complex is based on phased array antennas with electronic beam control and a booster computing complex. The main operating mode of the complex is automatic (without the participation of personnel), based on the principles of “artificial intelligence”.

The television-optical target detection devices built into the antenna post not only increase its immunity to interference in conditions of intense radio countermeasures, but also allow personnel to visually assess the nature of tracking and hitting targets. The radar equipment of the complex was developed at the Kvant Research Institute under the leadership of V.I. Guz and provides a detection range of air targets of 45 km at an altitude of 3.5 km.

The Kinzhal can simultaneously fire at up to four targets in a spatial sector of 60° by 60°, while up to 8 missiles are aimed in parallel. The reaction time of the complex ranges from 8 to 24 seconds depending on the radar mode. In addition to the missile defense system, the fire control system of the Kinzhal complex can control the fire of 30-mm AK-360M assault rifles, completing the shooting of surviving targets at a distance of up to 200 meters.

The 4S95 launcher of the Kinzhal complex was developed by the Start design bureau under the leadership of chief designer A.I. Yaskin. The launcher is below deck and consists of 3–4 drum-type launch modules, each containing 8 TPKs with missiles. The weight of the module without missiles is 41.5 tons, the occupied area is 113 square meters. m.

How to resist an enemy with overwhelming superiority? Obviously, the way out of this situation will be provided by available means capable of causing unacceptable damage to the enemy. The Russian hypersonic aviation missile system “Dagger” meets these requirements. Its successful trial was officially announced on March 1, 2018.

As expected, most of the information about this weapon remained outside open access. But what has become known indicates that there are no world analogues of this complex yet.

Unique missile system

The Kinzhal hypersonic airborne missile system (ARK) is designed to carry out high-precision strikes against moving surface and stationary ground targets. It includes a high-speed carrier aircraft and the Kh-47M2 aeroballistic missile. Although this alphanumeric index has not yet been officially announced, a number of experts are inclined towards this designation of the product.

This missile is capable of hitting a moving aircraft carrier-frigate class ship or a fortified ground object at hypersonic speed with high accuracy. As is known, to hypersonic weapons refers to aircraft whose speed exceeds the speed of sound by at least five times.

Kh-47M2 missile

It was the hypersonic Kh-47M2 that became the main innovative element of the Kinzhal complex. Although, high or even, as some experts believe, inflated tactical and technical characteristics have become the subject of controversy and mistrust. However, comparison tactical and technical characteristics the X-47M2 missile and its Western competitors clearly speaks in favor of domestic development.

Comparative characteristics of air-launched missiles

This missile is considered not a cruise missile, but an aeroballistic missile: its flight range is determined by its speed. The aircraft launches at altitudes of about 15,000 m. Having separated from the carrier, the rocket starts its own engine, and then along a ballistic curve gains altitude, according to various estimates reaching 25...50 thousand m.

Upon reaching the top point of the trajectory, the engine is turned off, the head of the rocket separates, and its descent begins. This starting scheme allows you to develop maximum speed, and also accumulate enough energy to maneuver with overloads of at least 25 units.

The capabilities of the Kinzhal ARK require a significant reduction in the reaction time of enemy air defense/missile defense.

Firstly, the specified launch range allows the carrier aircraft to bypass the radar detection zone.

The enemy does not know where to expect the blow from. For example, the maximum detection range of an aircraft by the THAAD missile defense system is up to 1000 km. Theoretically, the detection situation would have been corrected by an AWACS aircraft. But it is unlikely that the combat situation will allow him to do this.

Secondly, the hypersonic speed of approaching a target on a flight path that is unpredictable for the enemy (including an angle of attack of up to 90°) simply does not leave time to calculate the trajectory of the warhead and ensure a successful interception. In addition, most missile defense systems do not have sufficient speed and ability to maneuver with the necessary overloads, including the vaunted RIM-161 “Standard” SM3.

Obviously, such conditions also impose specific requirements on the guidance system of the Kh-47M2 missile itself. But so far we have to judge it only approximately. It can be assumed that the operation algorithm of the guidance system is as follows:

• after separation from the carrier, the primary trajectory correction is activated according to data from the Russian GLONASS satellite system;
• after separation of the warhead - an inertial guidance system with satellite correction;
• at the target search point, the seeker is turned on - radar or optical.

The missile of the Kinzhal complex according to modern trends domestic rocket production will be equipped with a wide range of warheads, including a nuclear version. Thanks to this, it will be able to effectively hit both point and dispersed targets.

Carrier aircraft MiG-31BM

The high-speed carrier aircraft MiG-31BM, the latest modification of the unsurpassed Russian fighter-interceptor, took part in the tests of the Kinzhal ARK. This choice was determined high speed aircraft, the maximum value of which is 3400 km/h.

All of them, except the last one, are capable of carrying the X-47M2 on an appropriately upgraded external sling. A " White Swan"can be equipped with four such missiles using the internal weapons bays without significant modification.

It is planned that the Kinzhal ARK will be part of the armament of the promising long-range aviation complex as a standard weapon.

Thus, the Kinzhal complex received another significant advantage - the versatility of the aircraft carrier.

Expert opinions

Despite the paucity of information, the expert community is actively discussing the capabilities of the new complex. On the one hand, it is noted external resemblance Kh-47M2 with the 9M723 operational-tactical missile of the 9K720 Iskander-M complex. This allowed us to assume that new rocket– the result of a deep modernization of its ground-based counterpart.

Based on this, according to skeptics, the declared flight range could be achieved either at a much lower flight speed (transonic), or by radically reducing the mass of the warhead.

On the other hand, upgrading a successful product has its advantages over creating a completely new weapon. Along with the unification of components and parts, there is a reduction in the time and cost of development and further production of a new model.

As for the indicated speed and flight range, these indicators are provided by the rocket launch conditions.

It is produced at supersonic flight speed of the carrier outside the dense layers of the atmosphere. Part of the flight path passes there, which significantly saves fuel. Therefore, by the time the warhead approaches the border of the air defense zone, its speed may well reach the declared value.

Another problem is the appearance of a plasma shell around a body moving in dense layers of the atmosphere at hypersonic speed. Due to overheating, air molecules break apart and form a “cocoon” of ionized gas, which reflects radio waves. Therefore, receiving navigation data from the satellite and operating the radar seeker becomes impossible.

It turns out that already at the moment the search for the target begins, the speed of the X-47M2 does not reach hypersonic. In addition, maneuvering the warhead without a running engine should, in theory, reduce its speed to supersonic. It follows from this that the “Dagger” poses a threat to enemy air defense, although serious, but surmountable.

However, since the problem of the “plasma cocoon” is far from new, work to overcome it has been going on for a long time, including successful ones. It cannot be ruled out that the result of closed developments was a positive solution to this issue.

It is worth noting that the hypersonic speed of a missile gives it kinetic energy comparable to the explosion energy of a conventional warhead.

In principle, if a large (500 kg) mass of a warhead impedes acceleration or reduces the missile’s flight range, then it can be reduced to a minimum.

Even in this case, if the Kh-47M2 hits, say, an aircraft carrier, it will be disabled. Damage to the flight deck or deprivation of the ship's speed, of course, will not drown such a “carrier of democracy,” but it will definitely stop the flights of carrier-based aircraft.

Let's sum it up

Having objectively weighed the pros and cons regarding the combat capabilities of the Kinzhal ARK, we can assume that they are achievable. It all depends on how much Russian scientific potential has allowed us to overcome the above difficulties. Naturally, success secret developments are not advertised ahead of time.

Thus, based on the declared characteristics of the Kinzhal ARK, this weapon will have the following decisive advantages:

1. The ability to overcome enemy air defense/missile defense due to such capabilities as:

• launch range beyond the detection radius of the carrier aircraft by existing radar stations of a potential enemy;
• maneuvering at hypersonic speeds with overloads inaccessible to modern anti-aircraft missiles;
• use of radio countermeasures.

It is expected that the adoption of the Kinzhal ARK will be a breakthrough in expanding the combat capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces, although in the medium term it will not reduce the importance of aircraft carrier groups of “partner” countries.

The Russian Armed Forces received the Kinzhal aviation missile system (ARC). Vladimir Putin spoke about this in his message to the Federal Assembly. "Heart" new system- This hypersonic missile, capable of performing complex maneuvers. It hits targets within a radius of more than 2 thousand km with high accuracy. On December 1 last year, the newest ARCs began testing combat duty in the Southern Military District. According to experts, the video shown during the president’s speech showed an aviation version of the Iskander ground-based operational-tactical missile system (OTRK). It has been modified for high-altitude supersonic launch. Moreover, the “Dagger” refers to defensive weapons.

According to experts, the new ARC is capable of overcoming any missile defense in a matter of minutes and destroying even underground objects protected by concrete with high precision.

— The most important stage of development modern systems weapons was the creation of a high-precision hypersonic aircraft and missile system, which has no analogues in the world. Its tests have been successfully completed, and, moreover, since December 1 last year, the complex began to carry out experimental combat duty at the airfields of the Southern Military District, Vladimir Putin said during his speech.

As the president noted, the unique flight characteristics of the high-speed carrier aircraft make it possible to deliver the missile to the release point in a matter of minutes.

“At the same time, a missile flying at hypersonic speed, ten times the speed of sound, also maneuvers in all parts of the flight path, which allows it to also be guaranteed to overcome all existing and, I think, promising air defense and missile defense systems, delivering to the target nuclear and conventional warheads at a range of more than 2 thousand km. We called this system “Dagger,” summed up Vladimir Putin.

During the speech, a video of the combat training launch of the Kinzhal was shown.

“The video clearly shows that under the fuselage of the MiG-31 there is a modified aeroballistic missile of the 9M723 series of the Iskander complex,” said Dmitry Kornev, editor-in-chief of the MilitaryRussia Internet project. — The nose of the rocket is streamlined, with several narrowings. You can also consider that the engine compartment has a characteristic barrel-shaped shape. The Kinzhal missile differs from the land version of the Iskander in its redesigned tail section and smaller rudders. There is also a special plug in the tail of the rocket. Apparently it protects the engine nozzles when flying at supersonic speeds. After the rocket is launched from the MiG-31, the plug is separated.

The first diagrams with modernized 9M723 missiles installed on the MiG-31 appeared on various Internet forums about eight years ago. Apparently, they were copied from a brochure-prospectus of one of the companies of the Russian military-industrial complex.

Judging by the video shown during Vladimir Putin’s speech, immediately after launch the rocket gains altitude along a ballistic trajectory. After which she begins to dive sharply. In the target area, the product performs complex maneuvers. They allow you to evade enemy air defenses, as well as provide more accurate aiming. The missile can hit both stationary and moving objects.

— Accelerated to supersonic speed, the MiG-31 serves as the “first stage”, which increases the flight range and speed of the 9M723 several times. After launch, by climbing and diving, the rocket gains hypersonic speed, as well as the necessary energy for maneuvering, noted Dmitry Kornev. — Although the 9M723 is considered aeroballistic, its trajectory in the final section is quite complex. Due to the energy received, the rocket can perform complex maneuvers.

According to the expert, this product contains special units for overcoming missile defense - decoys and jammers. 9M723 can be equipped with optical or radar heads homing. The first detects the target by combining the image stored in its memory with what the camera sees. It is better suited for destroying stationary objects. The second searches for targets using reflected radar signals. It is used to destroy moving targets, in particular ships.

- 9M723 - fully developed and proven system. It has homing heads, systems for overcoming missile defense and the ability to perform maneuvers,” noted military historian Dmitry Boltenkov. — To create from scratch aircraft rocket with similar capabilities it would take at least 7-10 years. Another 2-3 years would have been spent on testing. In the case of Kinzhal, the developers and military managed it in just eight years. It is also quite understandable why the MiG-31 was chosen as the carrier. The "thirty-first" has a high payload capacity and powerful engines. It is the only one capable of accelerating to supersonic speed and at the same time launching a five-ton 9M723 rocket. It is not for nothing that anti-satellite weapons were tested on the MiG-31 in the late 1980s.

As military expert Vladislav Shurygin noted, despite its unique capabilities, the Dagger is a defensive weapon.

“In the event of aggressive actions by the enemy, this system makes it possible to destroy its critical infrastructure,” the expert explained. — For example, to prevent cruise missiles from being launched from ships. “Knock out” warehouses, airfields, headquarters and control points. "Dagger" was a good response to the US deployment of European missile defense.

The development of the 9M723 family of missiles began in the late 1980s. Test launches of products started in 1994 at the Kapustin Yar test site. In 2004, after completion of state tests, the 9M723 was put into service.