Winged and strategic. New missiles of UkraineStory. Cruise missile project "Korshun" (Ukraine) Nuclear weapons of Ukraine

Back in 2006, the government remembered that everything needed to create missiles was located on the territory of Dnepropetrovsk. As is known, during the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine abandoned its nuclear potential. But in connection with the unfolding events at the moment, there are more and more rumors that the country is again ready to begin developing missiles and other land-based weapons. Thus, it is worth paying attention to the actions of the state in recent years in order to determine what kind of modern Ukrainian missile weapons can be produced on the territory of this country.

History of the resumption of rocket creation

In 2009, a column appeared in the country’s budget for the allocation of funds for the creation of a combat missile, which will be called “Sapsan”. The project cost just under $7 million. The project represents the creation of a multifunctional operational-tactical complex to increase the country's ability to fend for itself. The bulk of the funds were sent to the Yuzhnoye design bureau, which is located in Dnepropetrovsk. In the same year, the bureau was able to defend and convey to the government about the benefits of its development.

At that time, the Ministry of Defense fully supported the project and considered its creation necessary. Another reason for resuming missile production was the fact that by 2015-2016, that is, by the present moment, the weapons that were in Ukraine will become unusable and will be subject to decommissioning. Therefore, when Viktor Yanukovych took office, he supported the continuation of production of the Sapsan complex in 2011. And in 2012 the project was suspended due to funding. But despite such interruptions in funding, the design bureau continues to create very diverse types.

"Sapsan" now

The Director of the Bureau tried to support the development, but it still didn’t work out. First, the project lost its priority of importance, and then it was completely reduced to nothing. At the moment, the only prospect awaiting Ukraine regarding this complex is 2018. This is exactly how much time the bureau needs to fully complete the project and provide the missile system for testing. At first it was assumed that the range of the missiles would be 280 kilometers with an accuracy of a couple of meters, but now Yuzhnoye is proposing to increase the range to 500 kilometers.

Scud missile

Back in 2010, it was announced that Scud liquid-fuel missiles had been completely destroyed as Ukrainian missile weapons. They were created during the Second World War. By the way, this model is considered one of the most common around the world. Recently it turned out that there are still some copies of these weapons on the territory of the country, and are actively used in the struggle between the east of Ukraine and the armed forces of the country.

It is worth noting that despite the range of this weapon (the damage radius is up to 300 kilometers), it is very inaccurate; hits on the target can deviate by a rather indefinite distance of up to 500 meters. At the same time, the unit weighs almost a ton.

Tochka rocket

Ukraine still claims that it does not use these missiles. In order for the missile system to work, you need to know the enemy’s location in advance. Four warheads with precisely specified coordinates are produced. The strike is delivered depending on the established coordinates and the range at which the shooting is carried out.

The error can range from 10 to 200 meters. In this case, one warhead affects from 2 to approximately 6 hectares. The rocket's flight speed exceeds 1000 meters per second. This weapon can play a decisive role in any battle. But officially, Ukrainians refuse to use this type of weapon. It remains to be seen whether this warhead constitutes a Ukrainian missile weapon.

Rocket "Grom-2"

Back in the early nineties, the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau presented the idea of ​​​​producing the Grom-2 operational-tactical missile. Its flight range should be 500 meters. The original name of this project was “Borisfen”. At that time, this missile system was supposed to be used to create a new protective shield for Ukraine to replace outdated weapons. At that time, there were more than 200 launchers of Scud and Tochka-U missiles in the country. But given the social and economic state of the country, the creation of missiles was an irrelevant issue. In addition, the army was then constantly shrinking. Then the Yuzhnoye state bureau began sending sketches of its inventions to foreign exhibitions, where these missiles received the name “Thunder”.

Ukrainian-made military weapons and equipment often attract attention at such international exhibitions. These developments involved the creation of a new generation of precision weapons that would be able to provide the country with a shield capable of resisting a conventional attack. The missile system was intended to destroy stationary group and single targets. The range of the missiles would be from 80 to 500 kilometers. Moreover, the missiles would be quite light, less than half a ton. It was planned to create an on-board inertial-type system equipped with navigation and guidance. The launcher would be automatic, and the basis for it would be a chassis equipped with automatic preparation for launching warheads.

Rocket "Korshun-2"

One of the priority tasks of the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau is the development of the Korshun-2 missile and rocket weapons system. This is a multi-functional missile system, the main task of which is to provide a shield for the country that can withstand a conventional attack. The project will use cruise missiles capable of hitting ground targets. In theory, it could represent Ukraine's missile weapons in full. The missiles' payload does not exceed half a ton, and the warhead's flight range is 300 kilometers. The estimated mass of the complex's combat equipment will be 480 kilograms. The new cruise missile will reach a flight altitude of 50 kilometers with the ability to skirt the terrain taking into account its topography.

"Ukraine". Missile cruiser

The country also has a missile cruiser in its arsenal, but, unfortunately, its use is impossible. Therefore, the head of the navy decided to sell it. With the money raised, the country will be able to replenish its resources to protect water areas. The main problem of the missile cruiser is that almost 80 percent of the ship operates using Russian equipment. This missile cruiser could well represent Ukraine’s precision weapons. At the moment, such products are not produced on the territory of Ukraine, so the ship is, as they say, idle, and cannot serve the benefit of the homeland.

Unfortunately, the cost of the cruiser on the market is much lower than what the country spent on its creation and maintenance, but now it is more profitable for the state to sell it than to continue to maintain and maintain its condition. It could represent a new weapon of war for Ukraine, because the ship is equipped with a medium-range weapon, there are installations for anti-ship missiles, and there are also 3 batteries of thirty-millimeter six-barreled guns. The cruiser is equipped with a torpedo tube, an artillery system, and that’s not all that’s installed on it.

Weapon

It is known that Ukraine will begin to use modern small arms of the world only in 2016. At the moment, every Ukrainian soldier is equipped with a type of Kalashnikov assault rifle, one of the models of TT, PM or PS pistols, as well as a wide variety of light machine guns and grenade launchers. In some cases, there are light machine guns and grenade launchers. Sniper rifles are issued to soldiers of some units.

There are models of Ukrainian-made weapons and units purchased abroad. Almost all of these weapons remain from Soviet times. But the command is not going to stop with outdated models; now there are non-standard models representing new small arms of Ukraine. They were created both within the state and abroad. Most of the new weapons include sniper rifles, pistols and other units for single weapons.

Ukraine's nuclear weapons

According to experts, the only thing Ukraine lacks to create an atomic bomb is money. After all, everything else is present in the state in large quantities. Resources are extracted in local mines, and scientists have remained and are ready to resume their work. In addition, Ukraine has carriers capable of delivering a finished bomb to enemy territory. In addition, the equipment necessary to create a warhead is available. As we see, the Ukrainian still exists, at least according to experts and analysts.

Everyone understands perfectly well that the country does not have money for this, but the option of using old reserves is quite possible. During the disarmament of the country, part of the weapons stockpile disappeared. For example, one nuclear warhead and two strategic bombers are missing. At the end of the nineties, it was officially announced that all nuclear missiles in the territory had been eliminated, but over time, more than thirty combat units were discovered in warehouses. Therefore, according to foreign experts, if weapons are found, they will be quite enough to carry out warning strikes and more.

DATA FOR 2015 (standard update)

Complex 2K5 "Korshun", missile 3R7

Tactical missile. The design of a liquid-propellant tactical rocket for salvo firing began in 1952. OKB-3 NII-88 (Podlipki, Moscow region), chief designer D.D. Sevruk. In 1953, work on the topic received official status - on September 19, the USSR Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. 2469-1022 on the development of the Korshun rocket system. The 2K5 "Korshun" complex with 3R7 liquid-propelled unguided missiles was intended, first of all, to create corridors in enemy defenses for advancing tanks. It was supposed to fire from mobile vehicle installations simultaneously by 2 or 3 divisions at a range of up to 55 km.

Missile tests were carried out starting in July 1954 from a launch stand. Preparations for serial production at the Izhmash plant (Izhevsk) began in 1956. Serial production of the complex began in 1957. The complex was in trial operation in the USSR Armed Forces. The missile had low accuracy and a high accident rate at subzero air temperatures (it exploded, Grinberg V.N.).

Vehicles of the complex have repeatedly participated in Parades on Red Square in Moscow since 1957. Production was discontinued after the production of a small batch of complexes in accordance with Resolutions of the USSR Council of Ministers No. 2399-rs dated 08/26/1959 and No. 135-48 dated 02/05/1960.

Special thanks to the user "dimon-13" for their help in summarizing the data on the Korshun missiles.

Launcher- 2P5 (SM-44) / BM-25 - truss guides for a package of 6 missiles on a car chassis. The artillery unit of the SM-55 launcher was developed by TsKB-34 (Leningrad, the project was completed on April 14, 1955). Chassis - YaAZ-214 (after the transfer of production to the Kremenchug Automobile Plant - KrAZ-214, produced from 1956 to 1959, a total of 1265 units were produced).

Engine - diesel YaAZ-206B, 6 cylinders, power 205 hp.

PU weight - 18140 kg
Chassis load capacity (YAZ-214) - 7000 kg

Vertical guidance angles - up to +52 degrees

Horizontal pointing angles - +-6 degrees

Highway speed - 55 km/h

The steepness of the climb is 30 degrees.

Cruising range - 530 km

SPU 2P5 of the Korshun complex

Launcher of the Korshun complex (Shirokorad A.B., Domestic mortars and rocket artillery. Minsk, Harvest, 2000)

SPU 2P5 on the YaAZ-214 chassis of the Korshun complex

Launcher 2P5 of the Korshun complex at the parade on Red Square, Moscow, 11/07/1960 (photo from the Doctor’s archive, http://russianarms.ru).

Rocket 3R7
Design- to reduce aerodynamic drag and ease of placement on a combat vehicle, the body of the 3R7 rocket was made in a large elongation. To do this, it was necessary to move away from the design of previously developed anti-aircraft unguided missiles, in which the oxidizer tank concentrically covered the fuel tank. On 3P7, the layout was made according to the traditional scheme with a sequential arrangement of tanks. The rocket used a previously proven liquid fuel displacement supply system, which simplified the design.

Structurally, the rocket consists of two parts - combat and jet. The warhead is located in front. At the junction of the parts there is a compartment (similar to the German ZNURS "Typhoon" and its Soviet modifications) filled with disks for adjusting the rocket to the required weight. The rocket is brought to the required weight ±0.5 kg.

3R7 rocket of the Korshun complex

Control system and guidance- guidance is carried out by the artillery part of the launcher, stabilization of the launcher is carried out by rotation, which is set by the launcher guides and supported by aerodynamic stabilizers. The missile did not go into mass production due to low accuracy and high dispersion.

Engine:
Initially, the 3R7 used the S3.25 liquid jet engine with self-igniting fuel TG-02 (Tonka) and nitric acid, but later, to reduce the cost of the rocket, they began to use the S3.25B engine, where the main fuel was non-self-igniting fuel TM-130, and a small amount of TG-02 fuel was used as starting fuel.

Option 1 - single-chamber liquid rocket engine S3.25. Fuel supply is test. The tanks are located in series.
Fuel - triethylamine xylidine (TG-02, Tonka)
Oxidizing agent - nitric acid

Effective gas flow velocity - 2035 m/s

Option 2 - single-chamber liquid rocket engine S3.25B using TG-02 as starting fuel.
Fuel - kerosene mixture TM-130
Oxidizing agent - nitric acid

Performance characteristics of the missile:

Length - 5535 mm

Caliber / Diameter - 250 mm

The tail stabilizing moment coefficient is 0.0273

Weight - 375 kg / 385 kg (according to various sources)

Warhead mass - 100 kg / 108 kg (according to various sources)

Fuel mass - 162 kg / 161.2 kg (according to various sources)

Range - 55 km

The length of the active section of the trajectory is 3.8 km

Maximum speed - 990 m/s / 1002 m/s (according to various sources)
Dismounting speed from the guides - 34 m/s
Range deviation - 1/100
Lateral deviation - 1/130
The time the rocket leaves the guides is 0.34 s

Engine operating time - 7.8 s
Flight time to maximum range - 137 s

Warhead- high explosive. The warhead has two fuses: the head fuses are mechanical, the impact fuses are non-safety type, and the bottom fuses are electromechanical. The warhead body is made of 40x steel and has a screw bottom. The TGAG-5 explosive is loaded from the bottom using the lump filling method.

Type explosive - TGAG-5
Explosive weight - 50 kg

Modifications:
- 2K5 "Korshun" complex with 3R7 missile - basic version, ballistic unguided tactical missile.

Meteorological variant - a variant of the missile with a firing range of 80 km for use as a meteorological one.

MMR-05 / MMR-08 - meteorological missiles created on the basis of the 3R7 "Korshun" missile.

Status- USSR - the complex was in service, but, most likely, it was in “trial operation” and was in limited quantities among the troops.

1957 November 7 - combat vehicles with Korshun missiles are shown for the first time at the Parade on Red Square in Moscow.

Sources:

Cars in uniform. Episode 4. Documentary film. Broadcasting Company of the Russian Armed Forces "Zvezda", 2009
Angelsky R. Long-range salvo. // Equipment and weapons. No. 03 / 2003
Grinberg V.N. About life and about rockets. Lecture. http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru, 2009
Cosmonautics news. Website http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru, 2009

Shirokorad A.B., Domestic mortars and rocket artillery. Minsk, Harvest, 2000

The Ukrainian army will receive several new models of powerful weapons at once - the Vilkha missile system and. The National Security and Defense Council reported this in early February.

Military experts believe that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may receive other weapons from their own military-industrial complex.

Korrespondent.net I figured out what powerful military weapons Ukraine is working on.

Neptune cruise missiles

On January 30, the National Security and Defense Council announced the testing of the first cruise missile entirely of Ukrainian production. The name of the rocket was not disclosed, but military experts concluded that it was Neptune.

The missiles were discussed not only by Ukrainian and Russian media, but also by Western ones. As the Czech newspaper Echo24 notes, there were different comments: in some, the authors warned that the new weapon could threaten even Moscow, while in others they laughed, calling the missile just a demonstration model for the media.

Neptune is similar to the Soviet Kh-35 rocket, also known as the 3M24 Uranus, but with significant modifications.

The missile range is 280 kilometers. Three modifications are planned: ship-based, ground-based and air-based. Neptune will be placed in transport launch containers. The length of the rocket with the accelerator is five meters.

The new Ukrainian missile is designed to destroy warships and transport vessels in strike groups.

Military expert Sergei Zgurets says it can be compared with American, Chinese and Soviet missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers.

He clarified that this is a subsonic missile, its flight pattern is standard for a cruise model.

“On the marching section, the flight altitude is 10-30 m, on the final section 4-5 m. The warhead is high-explosive fragmentation. Due to the equipment with different types of homing heads, it can hit different types of targets. Both with known coordinates and can be used as an anti-radar rocket," explains Zgurets.

Later, an expert in an interview stated that, like any cruise missile, Neptune is equipped with a propulsion engine running on aviation kerosene.

“If you double or triple the fuel tank, the flight range will increase to a thousand kilometers or more. That is, there is a question of the scale of the project,” said Zgurets.

It is assumed that Neptune will be in service with coastal troops. The missiles will be used to control the Black Sea.

It is still unknown when exactly the missiles will enter service, because Neptune must pass all stages of state testing.

Vilkha missile system

A few days after the Neptune demonstration, NSDC Secretary Alexander Turchynov announced tests of the Vilkha missile system, also of Ukrainian design.

Vilkha is a multiple launch rocket system with controlled missile flight based on the Soviet Smerch MLRS, the accuracy of which is quite low.

The range of Alder is 120 kilometers, which is 30 kilometers more than that of Smerch. The launcher contains 12 missiles with a caliber of 300 millimeters, each of which can be aimed at a separate target, and the flight will be controlled. Also, missiles can carry various warheads.

Experts say that the flight of the missiles will be controlled using pulse engines.

Turchynov says that there is already a huge demand for Ukrainian Alder abroad. However, he noted that first it is necessary to provide the Armed Forces.

The National Security and Defense Council reported that serial production of the missile system should begin in 2018.

Developer: Luch Design Bureau

Grom-2 missile system

Not long ago, footage of testing the Grom-2 operational-tactical missile system, a mobile complex with missiles capable of hitting ground targets at a distance of up to 280 kilometers, appeared on the Internet.

The warhead is high-explosive fragmentation or penetrating high-explosive fragmentation - for well-armored objects.

Grom-2 is equipped with less controllable ballistic missiles. However, the website of the developer Yuzhnoye Design Bureau says that this is a high-precision weapon.

Military experts say Grom-2 is a continuation of the previously suspended Sapsan project being developed for Saudi Arabia, which has invested $40 million in the project.

Last year, a presentation of a prototype launcher for two missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers and a warhead weighing 480 kilograms took place, and these parameters are identical to the Russian Iskander-E.

Because the missiles were built for export, the range is limited by the export Missile Technology Control Regime, which sets the limit. However, experts say there is a lot of distance built into the complex.

The complex will probably be adopted by the Ukrainian army under the name Sapsan.

Developer: Yuzhnoye Design Bureau

Cruise missile Korshun-2

The Korshun cruise missile, as Echo24 notes, is much more dangerous than Neptune. According to official statements, the flight range reaches 280 kilometers.

“But its appearance and size suggest that this missile can be classified in the same category as the American Tomahawk and Russian Caliber, whose range is about two and a half thousand kilometers. Thus, Kiev can receive a system capable of striking strategic behind enemy lines," the publication notes.

Model of the Korshun-2 rocket / Yuzhnoye Design Bureau

That is, Korshun-2 can receive the status of a strategic weapon. While Korshun is still at the development stage, the very existence of this project raises concerns, the publication’s military expert notes.

They plan to place the missile on a self-propelled launcher, however, at arms exhibitions it was indicated that the missile could be based on both ships and aircraft.

The website of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau stated that Korshun-2 should enter service with the Ukrainian army.

Developer: Yuzhnoye Design Bureau

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In the early fifties, the Soviet defense industry began developing several projects for tactical missile systems. By the end of the decade, a number of new models of this class were adopted for service, differing from each other in various design features and characteristics. In addition, in the early stages of development of missile systems, original versions of their architecture and principles of application were proposed. One of the most interesting options for a “non-standard” tactical missile system was the 2K5 “Korshun” system.

In the early fifties, an original proposal appeared concerning the development of promising tactical missile systems and was based on the characteristic features of systems of this class. At that time, there was no possibility of equipping missiles with control systems, which is why the calculated firing accuracy at long ranges left much to be desired. As a result, it was proposed to compensate for the lack of accuracy using various methods. In the case of the first domestic tactical missile systems, accuracy was compensated by the power of a special warhead. Another project was to use different principles.

The next project proposed using the approach characteristic of multiple launch rocket systems. The probability of hitting an individual target should have been increased by salvo firing of several missiles. Due to such operational features and the proposed technical characteristics, the promising complex was supposed to be a successful combination of MLRS and a tactical missile system.

Complexes "Kite" at the parade. Photo Militaryrussia.ru

The second unusual feature of the promising project was the class of engine used. All previous missile systems were equipped with ammunition equipped with solid fuel engines. In order to improve the basic characteristics, it was proposed to equip the new product with a liquid fuel engine.

Work on a new liquid-propelled unguided ballistic missile began in 1952. The design was carried out by specialists from OKB-3 NII-88 (Podlipki). The work was supervised by chief designer D.D. Sevruk. At the first stage of work, engineers formed the general appearance of the promising ammunition, and also determined the composition of the main units. After completing the preliminary design, the design team presented the new development to the leadership of the military industry.

Analysis of the submitted documentation showed the prospects of the project. The proposed tactical missile system, designed for salvo firing, was of some interest to the troops and could find application in the armed forces. On September 19, 1953, a resolution was issued by the Council of Ministers of the USSR, according to which OKB-3 NII-88 was to continue the development of a promising project. In addition, a list of subcontractor enterprises responsible for the creation of certain components of the complex was specified.

Museum specimen, side view. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The promising tactical missile system received the code “Korshun”. Subsequently, the Main Artillery Directorate assigned the project the index 2K5. The missile of the Korshun complex was designated 3Р7. The system should have included a self-propelled launcher. At various stages of development and testing, this combat vehicle received the designations SM-44, BM-25 and 2P5. The artillery part of the self-propelled launcher was designated SM-55.

During the preliminary work on the project, the main method of combat use of promising missile systems was formed. The Korshun systems were supposed to independently advance to specified positions, and then, with the help of two or three batteries, simultaneously strike at the enemy’s defenses at the required depth. The results of such attacks should have been a general weakening of the enemy’s defenses, as well as the emergence of corridors for the advancement of advancing troops. It was assumed that the relatively large firing range and power of combat units would make it possible to inflict significant damage on the enemy and thereby facilitate the advance of friendly troops.

The intended method of combat use of the 2K5 “Korshun” complex implied the rapid transfer of equipment to the required firing positions, which imposed corresponding requirements on self-propelled launchers. It was decided to build this equipment on the basis of one of the latest automobile chassis with the required load capacity and maneuverability. The best performance among existing samples was shown by the three-axle all-wheel drive truck YaAZ-214.

Vehicle feed and launcher. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

This car was developed by the Yaroslavl Automobile Plant in the early fifties, but went into production only in 1956. Production in Yaroslavl continued until 1959, after which YaAZ was transferred to engine production, and the construction of trucks continued in Kremenchug under the name KrAZ-214. The Korshun complex could use both types of chassis, but there is reason to believe that the production equipment was built primarily on the basis of Yaroslavl vehicles.

YAZ-214 was a three-axle truck with a bonnet design and a 6x6 wheel arrangement. The vehicle was equipped with a YaAZ-206B diesel engine with a power of 205 hp. and a manual transmission based on a five-speed gearbox. A two-speed transfer case was also used. With its own weight of 12.3 tons, the truck could transport cargo up to 7 tons. It was possible to tow trailers of greater weight, including road trains.

During the restructuring of the SM-44 / BM-25 / 2P5 project, the basic automobile chassis received some new units, primarily the SM-55 launcher. A support platform was attached to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, on which a rotating unit with a hinge was placed for installing a package of guides. In addition, at the rear of the platform there were lowered outrigger supports designed to stabilize the vehicle during firing. Another modification to the base vehicle was the installation of shields on the cockpit that covered the windshield during firing.

Cross-section of the 3R7 rocket. Drawing Militaryrussia.ru

The artillery part of the SM-55 launcher, developed in 1955 by the Leningrad TsKB-34, was a platform with fastenings for a swinging package of guides. Due to the existing drives, the platform could be aimed horizontally, turning 6° to the right and left from the longitudinal axis of the combat vehicle. In addition, the possibility of vertical guidance of the package of guides with a lift at an angle of up to 52° was provided. Moreover, due to the small horizontal guidance sector, firing was carried out only forward, “through the cockpit,” which to a certain extent limited the minimum elevation angle.

A package of guides for unguided missiles was attached to the launcher's swinging device. The package was a device of six guides arranged in two horizontal rows of three. On the outer surface of the central guides there were frames necessary to connect all the units into a single block. In addition, the main power elements and hydraulics for guiding the package were located there. The guide package was equipped with an electric ignition system controlled from a remote control in the cockpit.

The SM-55 product used unified guides of a relatively simple design. To launch a rocket, it was proposed to use a device of ten ring-clips connected by longitudinal beams. Four screw guides were attached to the inner struts of the rings, with the help of which the initial spin-up of the rocket was carried out. Due to the specific distribution of loads during shooting, the rings were located at different intervals: with smaller ones in the “muzzle” part and larger ones at the “breech”. At the same time, due to the design of the rocket, the screw guides were not attached to the rear ring and were connected only to the next one.

After installing all the necessary equipment, the mass of the 2P5 launcher reached 18.14 tons. With this weight, the combat vehicle could reach speeds of up to 55 km/h. The power reserve exceeded 500 km. The all-wheel drive chassis ensured movement over rough terrain and overcoming various obstacles. The combat vehicle had the ability to move with ammunition ready for use.

Rocket and guide close-up. Photo Russianarms.ru

The development of the Korshun complex began in 1952 with the creation of an unguided rocket. Subsequently, this product received the designation 3Р7, under which it was brought to testing and mass production. The 3R7 was an unguided liquid-propelled ballistic missile capable of hitting targets over a fairly wide range of ranges.

In order to increase the firing range, the authors of the 3P7 project had to improve the aerodynamics of the rocket as much as possible. The main means of increasing such characteristics was a large elongation of the hull, which required abandoning the proven layout of the units. So, instead of concentrically placing the fuel and oxidizer tanks, containers should be used, located one behind the other in the body.

The 3Р7 rocket was divided into two main units: the combat and rocket parts. A conical head fairing and part of a cylindrical body were placed under the warhead, and elements of the power plant were placed directly behind it. Between the combat and reactive parts there was a small compartment intended for their docking, as well as to ensure the required weight of the product. During the assembly of the rocket, metal disks were placed in this compartment, with the help of which the mass was brought to the required values ​​with an accuracy of up to 500 g. When assembled, the rocket had an elongated cylindrical body with a conical head fairing and four trapezoidal stabilizers in the tail. The stabilizers were mounted at an angle to the rocket axis. In front of the stabilizers there were pins for interaction with the screw guides.

The total length of the 3R7 rocket was 5.535 m, the body diameter was 250 mm. The reference launch weight was 375 kg. Of this, 100 kg was the warhead. The total mass of fuel and oxidizer reached 162 kg.

Diagram of the 2K5 "Korshun" complex from a foreign reference book on Soviet weapons. Figure Wikimedia Commons

Initially, the jet part of the 3P7 product was supposed to contain the C3.25 liquid engine, as well as tanks for fuel and oxidizer. Such a power plant was supposed to use TG-02 fuel and an oxidizer in the form of nitric acid. The fuel pair used ignited on its own and then burned, providing the necessary thrust. Even before the rocket design was completed, calculations showed that the first version of the power plant was too expensive to manufacture and operate. To reduce the cost, the rocket was equipped with an S3.25B engine using non-self-igniting TM-130 fuel. At the same time, a certain amount of TG-02 fuel was retained to start the engine. The oxidizing agent remained the same - nitric acid.

Using the existing engine, the rocket had to leave the launcher and then go through the active phase of the flight. It took 7.8 seconds to produce the entire supply of fuel and oxidizer. When leaving the guide, the rocket speed did not exceed 35 m/s, at the end of the active section - up to 990-1000 m/s. The length of the active section was 3.8 km. The impulse received during acceleration allowed the missile to enter a ballistic trajectory and hit a target at a range of up to 55 km. The flight time to maximum range reached 137 s.

To hit a target, a high-explosive warhead with a total weight of 100 kg was proposed. Inside the metal case were placed a 50-kg explosive charge and two fuses. In order to increase the likelihood of hitting a target, head contact and bottom electromechanical fuses were used.

The parade line passes by the mausoleum. Photo Militaryrussia.ru

The rocket did not have any control systems. Targeting was to be done by setting the required pointing angles of the guide package. By rotating the launcher in the horizontal plane, azimuth guidance was carried out, and tilting the systems changed the trajectory parameters and, as a result, the firing range. When firing at the maximum range, the deviation from the aiming point reached 500-550 m. It was planned to compensate for such low accuracy with salvoes of six missiles, including from several combat vehicles.

It is known that during the development of the Korshun project, 3Р7 missiles became the basis for special-purpose modifications. In 1956, a small meteorological rocket MMR-05 was developed. It differed from the basic product in its increased dimensions and weight. Due to the new head compartment with equipment, the length of the rocket increased to 7.01 m, weight - to 396 kg. The instrument compartment contained a group of four cameras, as well as thermometers, pressure gauges, electronic and telemetric equipment similar to that installed on the MR-1 rocket. The new missile also received a radar transponder to track its flight path. By changing the parameters of the launcher, the ability to fly along a ballistic trajectory with an altitude of up to 50 km was ensured. At the final section of the trajectory, the equipment was lowered to the ground using a parachute.

In 1958, the MMR-08 meteorological rocket appeared. It was about a meter longer than MMP-05 and weighed 485 kg. The existing instrument compartment with the necessary equipment was used, and the difference in size and weight was due to the increased fuel supply. Thanks to a larger amount of fuel and oxidizer, MMP-08 could rise to a height of up to 80 km. In terms of operational characteristics, the rocket was almost no different from its predecessor.

Parade formation. Photo Russianarms.ru

The development of the 3R7 unguided tactical missile was completed in 1954. In July 1954, the first launch of an experimental product from a test bench took place. After the launch of mass production of YaAZ-214 vehicles, participants in the Korshun project had the opportunity to build an experimental self-propelled launcher of the 2P5 type. The production of such a machine made it possible to begin testing the missile system in its entirety. Field tests confirmed the calculated characteristics of the new one.

In 1956, based on test results, the 2K5 Korshun tactical missile system was recommended for mass production. The assembly of combat vehicles was entrusted to the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. In 1957, contractor companies handed over to the armed forces the first production copies of launchers and unguided missiles for them. This equipment entered trial operation, but was not adopted for service. On November 7, the Korshun complexes took part in the parade on Red Square for the first time.

During the trial operation of new tactical missile systems, some disadvantages were identified that seriously hampered their use. First of all, complaints were caused by the low accuracy of the missiles, which, together with the low power of the high-explosive warhead, worsened the effectiveness of the weapon. Deviations of up to 500-550 m at maximum range were acceptable for missiles with special warheads, but a 50-kilogram conventional charge could not ensure acceptable target destruction with such accuracy.

Parade formation of "Korshunov" accompanied by other types of equipment. Photo Russianarms.ru

It also turned out that the 3R7 missile has insufficient reliability when used in certain weather conditions. At low air temperatures, equipment failures, even explosions, were observed. This feature of the weapon sharply reduced the possibilities for its use and interfered with normal operation.

The identified shortcomings did not allow full use of the newest missile system, and also did not leave the opportunity to put all its advantages into practice. For this reason, upon completion of trial operation, it was decided to abandon further production and use of the Korshunov. In August 1959 and February 1960, two resolutions of the Council of Ministers were issued stipulating the curtailment of mass production of components of the 2K5 “Korshun” complex. In less than three years, no more than a few dozen self-propelled launchers and several hundred missiles were built.

In 1957, almost simultaneously with the start of trial operation of the Korshunov, scientists “adopted” the small meteorological rocket MMR-05. The first operational launch of such a product took place on November 4 at a rocket sounding station located on Hayes Island (Franz Josef Land archipelago). Until February 18, 1958, meteorologists at this station conducted five more similar studies. The operation of meteorological rockets was also carried out at other stations. Of particular interest is the launch of the MMR-05 rocket, which took place on the last day of 1957. The launch pad for the rocket was the deck of the Ob ship, which stood abeam of the recently opened Antarctic station Mirny.

Operation of MMR-08 missiles began in 1958. These products were used by scientists in various meteorological laboratories, primarily located in high latitudes. Until the end of the fifties, only rockets based on the 3P7 product were used at polar weather stations. In 1957, three missiles were used, in 58 - 36, in 59 - 18. Subsequently, the MMR-05 and MMR-08 missiles were replaced by newer developments with improved characteristics and modern target equipment.

Meteorological rocket MMR-05. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Due to the insufficient characteristics of the rocket and the complex as a whole, in 1959-60 it was decided to cease further operation of the 2K5 Korshun systems. Until this time, the tactical missile system had never been put into service, remaining in trial operation, which showed the impossibility of its full service. The lack of real prospects led to the abandonment of the complex, followed by the decommissioning and disposal of the equipment. The cessation of production of 3Р7 missiles also entailed a halt in the production of MMR-05 and MMR-08 products, however, the created reserve allowed continued operation until the middle of the next decade. According to some data, before 1965, at least 260 MMR-05 missiles and more than 540 MMR-08 missiles were used.

Almost all 2P5 self-propelled launchers were decommissioned and sent for dismantling or conversion. No longer needed ballistic missiles were disposed of. According to available data, only one 2P5 / BM-25 vehicle has been preserved in its original form and is now an exhibit at the Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineering and Signal Corps (St. Petersburg). Along with the combat vehicle, the museum displays several mock-ups of 3R7 missiles.

Project 2K5 "Korshun" was an original attempt to combine in one complex all the advantages of multiple launch rocket systems and tactical ballistic missiles. From the former it was proposed to take the possibility of simultaneous launch of several missiles, allowing to hit targets over a sufficiently large area, and from the latter - the firing range and tactical purpose. Such a combination of the qualities of equipment of different classes could provide certain advantages over existing systems, however, the design flaws of the 3R7 missiles did not allow the full potential to be realized. As a result, the Korshun complex did not leave the trial operation stage. It should be noted that in the future, similar ideas were nevertheless implemented in new projects of long-range MLRS, which entered service later.

Based on materials:
//russianarms.ru/
//dogswar.ru/
//rbase.new-factoria.ru/
//militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-194.html
Shirokorad A.B. Domestic mortars and rocket artillery. – Mn., Harvest, 2000.