Trends in the development of air defense radars of NATO countries. A complete failure of NATO air defense. Organization of a joint NATO air defense system

Compact and poor Georgia, with a population of about 3.8 million people, continues to develop its air defense system, focusing on modern and very expensive standards of leading NATO countries. Recently, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria stated, that 238 million lari (more than 96 million dollars) were allocated for the development of air defense in the 2018 budget. A few months earlier, she began retraining specialized military specialists.

The contract documents are classified as "secret", but everyone knows that high-tech air defense products are very expensive. There are not enough own funds, and Georgia intends to pay for expensive defense systems on credit or in installments, for many years. The United States promised Tbilisi one billion dollars for armaments after August 2008 and is partially fulfilling the promise. A five-year loan (with a floating rate ranging from 1.27 to 2.1%) for 82.82 million euros to Georgia was favorably guaranteed by the private insurance company COFACE (Compagnie Francaise d "Assurance pour le Commerce Exterieur), which provides export guarantees on behalf of the French government.

Under the terms of the agreement, 77.63 million euros out of 82.82 million euros are allocated for the purchase modern systems Air defense from the American-French company ThalesRaytheonSystems: ground radars and control systems - more than 52 million euros, anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) of the MBDA group - about 25 million euros and Georgia will spend another 5 million euros to compensate for other COFACE expenses. Such an air defense system is clearly redundant for Georgia. American patronage comes at a price.

Precious iron

What does Tbilisi get? A family of universal multi-purpose ground-based radar systems based on common blocks and interfaces. The fully digital radar system simultaneously performs air defense and surveillance functions. The compact, mobile and multifunctional Ground Fire radar deploys in 15 minutes and offers a high level of performance, tracking of air, ground, and surface targets.

Multi-band radar medium range Ground Master GM200 is capable of simultaneously observing the air and the surface, detecting air targets within a radius of up to 250 kilometers (in combat mode - up to 100 kilometers). The GM200 has an open architecture with the ability to integrate with other Ground Master (GM 400) systems, command and control systems and air defense strike systems. If ThalesRaytheonSystems' pricing policy has not changed much since 2013, when the UAE purchased 17 GM200 radars for $396 million, then one radar (without missile weapons) costs Georgia about $23 million.

The Ground Master GM403 long-range air target detection radar on a Renault Truck Defense chassis was first demonstrated in Tbilisi on May 26, 2018, in connection with the 100th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the republic. The GM403 radar is capable of monitoring airspace at a range of up to 470 kilometers and at altitudes of up to 30 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, the GM 400 operates in a wide range of targets - from highly maneuverable low-flying tactical aircraft to small objects, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The radar can be installed by a crew of four in 30 minutes (the system is housed in a 20-foot container). Once deployed on site, the radar can be connected to operate as part of an integrated air defense, has a remote control function.

The Ground Master radar line in Georgia is complemented combat vehicles the Israeli SPYDER anti-aircraft missile system with Rafael Python 4 anti-aircraft guided missiles, the German-French-Italian SAMP-T air defense system, which can allegedly shoot down Russian Iskander missiles (OTRK), as well as the French third-generation Mistral anti-aircraft missile systems and other strike weapons.

Radius of action

The republic has a maximum length from west to east of 440 kilometers, from north to south - less than 200 kilometers. From the point of view of national security, it makes no sense for Tbilisi to spend huge amounts of money on means of controlling airspace within a radius of up to 470 kilometers above western part the Black Sea and neighboring countries, including the south of Russia (as far as Novorossiysk, Krasnodar and Stavropol), all of Armenia and Azerbaijan (as far as the Caspian Sea), Abkhazia and South Ossetia. No one is threatening Georgia; the neighbors have no territorial claims. Obviously, a modern and developed air defense system in Georgia is necessary, first of all, to cover the likely (prospective) deployment of NATO troops and further aggressive actions of the alliance in the South Caucasus region. The scenario is all the more realistic given that Tbilisi still hopes for revenge in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Turkey is becoming an increasingly unpredictable partner for NATO.

I believe that is why at the 51st international air show in Le Bourget in the summer of 2015, Georgian Defense Minister Tinatin Khidasheli signed a contract for the acquisition radar stations ThalesRaytheonSystems, and later a second contract was signed in Paris, directly related to rocket launchers capable of shooting down enemy aircraft. At the same time, Khidasheli promised: “The sky over Georgia will be completely protected, and our air defense will be integrated into the NATO system.”

Earlier, ex-Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania spoke about the supply of anti-missile missiles to Georgia, capable of shooting down even missiles of the Russian Iskander operational-tactical complex. Such cooperation between Georgia and a number of countries of the North Atlantic Alliance in neighboring Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia is naturally perceived as real and is forced to react to changes in the military-political situation.

The development of the Georgian air defense system does not make the lives of all the peoples of the South Caucasus safer.

© Sputnik / Maria Tsimintia

The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), funded by the US Department of Defense, released a report ahead of the start of the NATO summit on what measures need to be taken to protect the Baltic states from Russia. First of all, the so-called Suwalki corridor, which separates the Kaliningrad region from the territory of Belarus.

The authors of the report note, in particular, the significantly increased capabilities of the Russian armed forces to maneuver on the battlefield and the ability to conduct disinformation campaigns. These skills are Russian armed forces honed in numerous exercises - one of the largest was the Zapad-2017 maneuvers, which were carried out, among other things, on the territory of Belarus and the Kaliningrad region.

According to CEPA analysts, the aggravation in the Baltic states (and a hypothetical attack by Russia through the Suwalki corridor) will also be accompanied by an aggravation of all conflicts in the post-Soviet space, from Donbass and Transnistria to Nagorno-Karabakh.

However, other than Russia’s desire to “create a land bridge” across Suwalki and thus strengthen its political influence in the region, there are no other clear motives for such a scenario (fraught with a full-scale nuclear war, taking into account the provisions of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty) is not given in the report. It should be noted that the author is General Ben Hodges, who was until recently the commander of NATO Allied Forces in Europe.

As measures to contain Russia, it is proposed, firstly, to strengthen the defensive component in the Baltic states and to redeploy M1097 Avenger short-range missile defense systems closer to the Suwalki corridor and the Kaliningrad region. Secondly, to provide operational capabilities to NATO units in the region, create forward logistics points and fuel depots so that they can quickly transfer additional troops to the Baltics from Germany and Poland.

Thirdly, it is proposed to reduce the time it takes to respond to potential threats to Russia, as well as strengthen the exchange of intelligence between NATO member countries, as well as between NATO and non-alliance partner countries such as Finland, Sweden and Ukraine. At the same time, the importance of restoring the competencies of the alliance member countries in the field of Russian language proficiency and understanding is emphasized regional problems. It is also proposed to instruct NATO Special Operations Forces units stationed in the Baltics to train local law enforcement agencies tactics to counter Russia's subversive actions.

Plus, they propose to place a full-fledged field headquarters on the division’s staffs on the borders with Russia, instead of rotating every 90 days, which should “send a signal of containment of Russia.” In addition, it is proposed to establish a new NATO Close Operations Command (REOC), as well as give more powers to the multinational NATO division in the northeast, in Szczecin, Poland, in order to “transfer the decision-making initiative in the event of a Russian attack to the commanders of units located directly in the Baltics."

Alarming and sometimes alarmist notes regarding NATO’s potential capabilities to confront Russia in the Baltic states have already become the usual leitmotif of a significant part of publications on the topic of Russian-American relations in Western media. Thus, the American press complains that NATO troops in the event of a conflict with Russia may lose the first phase of the war due to bad roads and bureaucracy. While the main parts of the North Atlantic Alliance will reach the eastern borders, Russian army will occupy the entire Baltic region, which became clear from the analysis of the latest exercises of the Saber Strike alliance forces.

Thus, US heavy equipment returned from exercises to its place of permanent deployment in Germany for four months by rail, and the soldiers of the unit at this time were left without means of transportation. It is clarified that the equipment had to be unloaded and loaded again, since the rails were on railways in the Baltics are wider than in Western Europe. The movement was slowed down by the detention of American military personnel by Hungarian border guards due to improper coupling of armored personnel carriers with wagons.

The increase in NATO military activity in the EU can already be observed. The international military exercises of the Saber Strike 2018 alliance began in Latvia. About three thousand soldiers from 12 countries take part in them, including the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Latvia, Albania and others. According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the purpose of the maneuvers, which will last until June 15, is to improve the quality of cooperation between alliance members and NATO regional partners.

Atlantic Resolve,” for which the Pentagon received four times more funds in 2017 – $3.4 billion – is supposed to expand the presence of NATO troops, in particular the United States, on the “eastern flank” to “deterrify” and contain Russia. At the end of the past 1,750 soldiers and 60 aircraft units of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade have already arrived in Germany to counter Russia, from where units have been distributed to Latvia, Romania and Poland.NATO plans include strengthening troop groups along the entire western border of Russia - in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia , Poland, Bulgaria and Romania.

According to the European press, NATO also intends to increase the contingent of the rapid reaction force, located primarily in Eastern Europe, - representatives of 23 EU states signed a declaration of intent to take part in “permanent structural cooperation on security and defense issues,” with the final decision on the composition of the group to be made in December this year. In particular, it is assumed that the operational group will be staffed by 30 thousand military personnel, it will also include several hundred combat aircraft and ships. It is worth noting that on this moment international rapid response teams stationed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are under the control of Germany, Great Britain, the USA and Canada.

According to a number of European military analysts, the increase in the degree of anti-Russian sentiment on the eve of the start of the 29th NATO summit is an attempt to torpedo Trump’s policy of increasing the share of European expenditures in the alliance’s budget structure - since at the moment the main financial burden of the military bloc is borne by the United States. The current American administration is inclined to change this order. Immediately, however, the bogey of a “Russian threat” once again appears on the horizon, which can seize all nearby countries and spread its “authoritarian influence”...

Guided by aggressive goals, the military circles of the imperialist states pay great attention to weapons of an offensive nature. At the same time, many military experts abroad believe that in a future war, the participating countries will be subject to retaliatory strikes. That is why these countries attach special importance to air defense.

For a number of reasons, air defense systems designed to hit targets at medium and high altitudes. At the same time, the capabilities of means of detecting and destroying aircraft operating from low and extremely low altitudes (according to NATO military experts, the ranges of extremely low altitudes are heights from several meters to 30 - 40 m; low altitudes - from 30 - 40 m to 100 - 300 m, medium altitudes - 300 - 5000 m; high altitudes - over 5000 m), remained very limited.

The ability of aircraft to more successfully overcome military air defense at low and extremely low altitudes led, on the one hand, to the need for early radar detection of low-flying targets, and on the other, to the appearance of highly automated anti-aircraft guided missile systems in service with military air defense. missile weapons(ZURO) and anti-aircraft artillery (ZA).

The effectiveness of modern military air defense, according to foreign military experts, largely depends on equipping it with advanced radar equipment. In this regard, in recent years, many new ground-based tactical radars for detecting air targets and target designation, as well as modern highly automated ZURO and ZA complexes (including mixed ZURO-ZA complexes), equipped with usually by radar stations.

Tactical radars for detection and target designation of military air defense, which are not directly included in anti-aircraft systems, are intended mainly for radar cover of troop concentration areas and important objects. They are assigned the following main tasks: timely detection and identification of targets (primarily low-flying ones), determination of their coordinates and degree of threat, and then transfer of target designation data either to anti-aircraft weapons systems or to control posts of a certain military air defense system. In addition to solving these problems, they are used to guide interceptor fighters to targets and bring them to their base areas in difficult weather conditions; the stations can also be used as control rooms when organizing temporary airfields for army (tactical) aviation, and if necessary, they can replace a disabled (destroyed) stationary radar of the zone air defense system.

As an analysis of foreign press materials shows, general directions The development of ground-based radars for this purpose are: increasing the ability to detect low-flying (including high-speed) targets; increasing mobility, operational reliability, noise immunity, ease of use; improvement of basic tactical and technical characteristics(detection range, coordinate determination accuracy, resolution).

When developing new types of tactical radars, the latest achievements in various fields of science and technology are increasingly taken into account, as well as the positive experience accumulated in the production and operation of new radar equipment for various purposes. For example, increasing reliability, reducing the weight and dimensions of tactical detection and target designation stations are achieved by using experience in the production and operation of compact on-board aerospace equipment. Electrovacuum devices are currently almost never used in electronic components (with the exception of cathode ray tubes of indicators, powerful generators transmitters and some other devices). Block and modular design principles involving integrated and hybrid circuits, as well as the introduction of new structural materials (conductive plastics, high-strength parts, optoelectronic semiconductors, liquid crystals, etc.) have found wide application in the development of stations.

At the same time, quite a long operation on large ground-based and shipborne radars of antennas that form a partial (multi-beam) radiation pattern and antennas with phased arrays has shown their undeniable advantages over antennas with conventional, electromechanical scanning, both in terms of information content (quick overview of space in a large sector, determination of three coordinates of targets, etc.), and the design of small-sized and compact equipment.

In a number of models of military air defense radars of some NATO countries (,), created recently, there is a clear tendency to use antenna systems that form a partial radiation pattern in the vertical plane. As for phased array antennas in their “classical” design, their use in such stations should be considered the near future.

Tactical radars for detecting air targets and targeting military air defense are currently being mass-produced in the USA, France, Great Britain, Italy, and some other capitalist countries.

In the USA, for example, in recent years the following stations for this purpose have entered service with troops: AN/TPS-32, -43, -44, -48, -50, -54, -61; AN/MPQ-49 (FAAR). In France, mobile stations RL-521, RM-521, THD 1060, THD 1094, THD 1096, THD 1940 were adopted, and new stations “Matador” (TRS 2210), “Picador” (TRS2200), “Volex” were developed. III (THD 1945), Domino series and others. In the UK, S600 mobile radar systems, AR-1 stations and others are produced to detect low-flying targets. Several samples of mobile tactical radars were created by Italian and West German companies. In many cases, the development and production of radar equipment for the needs of military air defense is carried out by the joint efforts of several NATO countries. The leading position is occupied by American and French companies.

One of the characteristic trends in the development of tactical radars, which has emerged especially in recent years, is the creation of mobile and reliable three-coordinate stations. According to foreign military experts, such stations significantly increase the ability to successfully detect and intercept high-speed, low-flying targets, including aircraft flying using terrain tracking devices at extremely low altitudes.

The first three-dimensional radar VPA-2M was created for military air defense in France in 1956-1957. After modification, it began to be called THD 1940. The station, operating in the 10-cm wavelength range, uses an antenna system of the VT series (VT-150) with an original electromechanical irradiating and scanning device that provides beam sweep in the vertical plane and determination of three coordinates of targets at ranges up to 110 km. The station's antenna generates a pencil beam with a width in both planes of 2° and circular polarization, which creates opportunities for detecting targets in difficult weather conditions. The accuracy of altitude determination at the maximum range is ± 450 m, the viewing sector in elevation is 0-30° (0-15°; 15-30°), the radiation power per pulse is 400 kW. All station equipment is placed on one truck (transportable version) or mounted on a truck and trailer (mobile version). The antenna reflector has dimensions of 3.4 X 3.7 m; for ease of transportation, it can be disassembled into several sections. The block-modular design of the station has a small total weight(in the lightweight version, about 900 kg), allows you to quickly roll up the equipment and change position (deployment time is about 1 hour).

The VT-150 antenna design in various versions is used in mobile, semi-fixed and shipborne radars of many types. Thus, since 1970, the French mobile three-dimensional military air defense radar “Picador” (TRS 2200) has been in serial production, on which an improved version of the VT-150 antenna is installed (Fig. 1). The station operates in the 10-cm wavelength range in pulsed radiation mode. Its range is about 180 km (according to a fighter, with a detection probability of 90%), the accuracy of altitude determination is approximately ± 400 m (at maximum range). Its remaining characteristics are slightly higher than those of the THD 1940 radar.

Rice. 1. Three-coordinate French radar station “Picador” (TRS 2200) with a VT series antenna.

Foreign military experts note the high mobility and compactness of the Picador radar, as well as its good ability to select targets against the background of strong interference. The station's electronic equipment is made almost entirely of semiconductor devices using integrated circuits and printed wiring. All equipment and equipment are placed in two standard container cabins, which can be transported by any type of transport. The station deployment time is about 2 hours.

The combination of two VT series antennas (VT-359 and VT-150) is used on the French transportable three-axis radar Volex III (THD 1945). This station operates in the 10 cm wavelength range in pulse mode. To increase noise immunity, a method of working with separation in frequency and polarization of radiation is used. The station's range is approximately 280 km, the accuracy of altitude determination is about 600 m (at maximum range), and the weight is approximately 900 kg.

One of the promising directions in the development of tactical three-coordinate PJICs for detection of air targets and target designation is the creation for them of antenna systems with electronic scanning of beams (beam), forming, in particular, a partial radiation pattern in the vertical plane. Azimuth viewing is carried out in the usual way - by rotating the antenna in the horizontal plane.

The principle of forming partial patterns is used in large stations (for example, in the French Palmier-G radar system). It is characterized by the fact that the antenna system (simultaneously or sequentially) forms a multi-beam pattern in the vertical plane, the rays of which are located with some overlap above each other , thus covering a wide viewing sector (almost from 0 to 40-50°). With the help of such a diagram (scanning or fixed) we provide precise definition elevation angle (height) of detected targets and high resolution. In addition, using the principle of forming beams with frequency separation, it is possible to more reliably determine the angular coordinates of the target and carry out more reliable tracking of it.

The principle of creating partial diagrams is being intensively implemented in the creation of tactical three-coordinate radars for military air defense. An antenna that implements this principle is used, in particular, in the American tactical radar AN/TPS-32, mobile station AN/TPS-43 and the French mobile radar Matador (TRS 2210). All these stations operate in the 10 cm wavelength range. They are equipped with effective anti-jamming devices, which allows them to detect air targets in advance against a background of strong interference and provide target designation data to anti-aircraft weapons control systems.

The AN/TPS-32 radar antenna feed is made in the form of several horns located vertically one above the other. The partial diagram formed by the antenna contains nine beams in the vertical plane, and radiation from each of them occurs at nine different frequencies. The spatial position of the beams relative to each other remains unchanged, and by electronically scanning them, a wide field of view in the vertical plane, increased resolution and determination of target height are provided. Characteristic feature This station is to interface it with a computer that automatically processes radar signals, including friend-or-foe identification signals coming from the AN/TPX-50 station, as well as controlling the radiation mode (carrier frequency, radiation power per pulse, duration and pulse repetition frequency). A lightweight version of the station, all equipment and equipment of which are arranged in three standard containers (one measuring 3.7X2X2 m and two measuring 2.5X2X2 m), ensures target detection at ranges of up to 250-300 km with an accuracy of altitude determination at a maximum range of up to 600 m .

The mobile American radar AN/TPS-43, developed by Westinghouse, having an antenna similar to the antenna of the AN/TPS-32 station, forms a six-beam diagram in the vertical plane. The width of each beam in the azimuthal plane is 1.1°, the overlap sector in elevation is 0.5-20°. The accuracy of determining the elevation angle is 1.5-2°, the range is about 200 km. The station operates in pulse mode (3 MW per pulse), its transmitter is assembled on a twistron. Features of the station: the ability to adjust the frequency from pulse to pulse and automatic (or manual) transition from one discrete frequency to another in the 200 MHz band (there are 16 discrete frequencies) in the event of a complex radio-electronic environment. The radar is housed in two standard container cabins (with a total weight of 1600 kg), which can be transported by all types of transport, including air.

In 1971, at the aerospace exhibition in Paris, France demonstrated a three-dimensional radar of the Matador military air defense system (TRS2210). NATO military experts highly appreciated the prototype station (Fig. 2), noting that the Matador radar meets modern requirements, being also quite small in size.

Rice. 2 Three-coordinate French radar station “Matador” (TRS2210) with an antenna that forms a partial radiation pattern.

A distinctive feature of the Matador station (TRS 2210) is the compactness of its antenna system, which forms a partial diagram in the vertical plane, consisting of three rigid related friend with a friend of rays with scanning controlled by a special computer program. The station feed is made of 40 horns. This creates the possibility of forming narrow beams (1.5°X1>9°)> which in turn makes it possible to determine the elevation angle in the viewing sector from -5° to +30° with an accuracy of 0.14° at a maximum range of 240 km. Radiation power per pulse is 1 MW, pulse duration is 4 μsec; signal processing when determining the target's flight altitude (elevation angle) is carried out using the monopulse method. The station is characterized by high mobility: all equipment and equipment, including a collapsible antenna, are placed in three relatively small packages; deployment time does not exceed 1 hour. Serial production of the station is scheduled for 1972.

The need to work in difficult conditions, frequent changes of positions during combat operations, long duration of trouble-free operation - all these very stringent requirements are imposed when developing a radar for military air defense. In addition to the previously noted measures (increasing reliability, introducing semiconductor electronics, new structural materials, etc.), foreign companies are increasingly resorting to unification of elements and systems of radar equipment. Thus, in France, a reliable transceiver THD 047 has been developed (included, for example, in the Picador, Volex III and others stations), a VT series antenna, several types of small-sized indicators, etc. A similar unification of equipment is noted in the USA and Great Britain .

In Great Britain, the tendency to unify equipment in the development of tactical three-coordinate stations manifested itself in the creation of not a single radar, but a mobile radar complex. Such a complex is assembled from standard unified units and blocks. It may consist, for example, of one or more two-coordinate stations and one radar altimeter. The English tactical radar system S600 is designed according to this principle.

The S600 complex is a set of intercompatible, unified blocks and units (transmitters, receivers, antennas, indicators), from which you can quickly assemble a tactical radar for any purpose (detection of air targets, determining altitude, controlling anti-aircraft weapons, controlling air traffic). According to foreign military experts, this approach to the design of tactical radars is considered the most progressive, as it provides more high technology production, simplifies maintenance and repair, and increases flexibility combat use. There are six options for completing the complex elements. For example, a complex for a military air defense system may consist of two detection and target designation radars, two radar altimeters, four control cabins, one cabin with data processing equipment, including one or more computers. All equipment and equipment of such a complex can be transported by helicopter, C-130 plane or by car.

The trend towards unification of radar equipment units is also observed in France. The proof is the THD 1094 military air defense complex, consisting of two surveillance radars and a radar altimeter.

In addition to three-coordinate radars for detecting air targets and target designation, the military air defense of all NATO countries also includes two-coordinate stations for a similar purpose. They are somewhat less informative (they do not measure the target’s flight altitude), but their design is usually simpler, lighter and more mobile than three-coordinate ones. Such radar stations can be quickly transferred and deployed in areas that need radar cover for troops or objects.

Work on the creation of small two-dimensional detection and target designation radars is being carried out in almost all developed capitalist countries. Some of these radars are interfaced with specific ZURO or ZA anti-aircraft systems, others are more universal.

Two-dimensional tactical radars developed in the USA are, for example, FAAR (AN/MPQ-49), AN/TPS-50, -54, -61.

The AN/MPQ-49 station (Fig. 3) was created by order of the US Ground Forces specifically for the Chaparral-Vulcan mixed air defense complex. It is considered possible to use this radar for target designation of anti-aircraft missiles. Main distinctive features station are its mobility and ability to work in the front line on rough and mountainous terrain. Special measures have been taken to increase noise immunity. According to the principle of operation, the station is pulse-Doppler; it operates in the 25-cm wavelength range. The antenna system (together with the antenna of the AN/TPX-50 identification station) is installed on a telescopic mast, the height of which can be automatically adjusted. The station can be remotely controlled at distances of up to 50 m using a remote control. All equipment, including the AN/VRC-46 communications radio, is mounted on a 1.25-ton M561 articulated vehicle. The American command, when ordering this radar, pursued the goal of solving the problem of operational control of military air defense systems.

Rice. 3. Two-coordinate American radar station AN/MPQ-49 for issuing target designation data to the military complex ZURO-ZA “Chaparral-Vulcan”.

The AN/TPS-50 station, developed by Emerson, is light in weight and very small in size. Its range is 90-100 km. All station equipment can be carried by seven soldiers. Deployment time is 20-30 minutes. In 1968, an improved version of this station was created - AN/TPS-54, which has a longer range (180 km) and “friend-foe” identification equipment. The peculiarity of the station lies in its efficiency and the layout of high-frequency components: the transceiver unit is mounted directly under the horn feed. This eliminates the rotating joint, shortens the feeder and therefore eliminates the inevitable loss of RF energy. The station operates in the 25-cm wavelength range, pulse power is 25 kW, and the azimuth beam width is about 3°. Total weight does not exceed 280 kg, power consumption 560 watts.

Among other two-dimensional tactical early warning and target designation radars, US military experts also highlight the AN/TPS-61 mobile station weighing 1.7 tons. It is housed in one standard cabin measuring 4 X 1.2 X 2 m, installed in the back of a car. During transportation, the disassembled antenna is located inside the cabin. The station operates in pulse mode in the frequency range 1250-1350 MHz. Its range is about 150 km. The use of noise protection circuits in the equipment makes it possible to isolate a useful signal that is 45 dB lower than the interference level.

Several small-sized mobile tactical two-dimensional radars have been developed in France. They easily interface with ZURO and ZA military air defense systems. Western military observers consider the Domino-20, -30, -40, -40N radar series and the Tiger radar (TRS 2100) to be the most promising stations. All of them are designed specifically for detecting low-flying targets, operate in the 25-cm range (“Tiger” in the 10-cm range) and are coherent pulse-Doppler based on the principle of operation. The detection range of the Domino-20 radar reaches 17 km, Domino-30 - 30 km, Domino-40 - 75 km, Domino-40N - 80 km. The range accuracy of the Domino-30 radar is 400 m and azimuth 1.5°, weight is 360 kg. The range of the Tiger station is 100 km. All marked stations have an automatic scanning mode during target tracking and “friend or foe” identification equipment. Their layout is modular; they can be mounted and installed on the ground or any vehicles. Station deployment time is 30-60 minutes.

The radar stations of the military complexes ZURO and ZA (directly included in the complex) solve problems of searching, detecting, identifying targets, target designation, tracking and controlling anti-aircraft weapons.

The main concept in the development of military air defense systems of the main NATO countries is to create autonomous, highly automated systems with mobility equal to or even slightly greater than that of armored forces. Their characteristic feature is their placement on tanks and other combat vehicles. This places very stringent requirements on the designs of radar stations. Foreign experts believe that the radar equipment of such complexes must meet the requirements for aerospace on-board equipment.

Currently, the military air defense of NATO countries includes (or will receive in the near future) a number of autonomous anti-aircraft missile systems and air defense systems.

According to foreign military experts, the most advanced mobile military air defense missile system designed to combat low-flying (including high-speed at M = 1.2) targets at ranges up to 18 km is the French all-weather complex (THD 5000). All his equipment is located in two armored vehicles high cross-country ability(Fig. 4): one of them (located in the control platoon) is equipped with the Mirador II detection and target designation radar, an electronic computer and target designation data output equipment; on the other (in the fire platoon) - a target tracking and missile guidance radar, an electronic computer for calculating the flight trajectories of targets and missiles (it simulates the entire process of destroying detected low-flying targets immediately before launch), a launcher with four missiles, infrared and television systems tracking and devices for transmitting radio commands for missile guidance.

Rice. 4. French military complex ZURO “Crotal” (THD5000). A. Detection and targeting radar. B. Radar station for target tracking and missile guidance (combined with the launcher).

The Mirador II detection and target designation station provides radar search and acquisition of targets, determination of their coordinates and transmission of data to the tracking and guidance radar of the fire platoon. According to the principle of operation, the station is coherent - pulse - Doppler, it has high resolution and noise immunity. The station operates in the 10 cm wavelength range; The antenna rotates in azimuth at a speed of 60 rpm, which ensures a high rate of data acquisition. The radar is capable of detecting up to 30 targets simultaneously and providing the information necessary to classify them according to the degree of threat and then select 12 targets for issuing target designation data (taking into account the importance of the target) to the radar of firing platoons. The accuracy of determining the target range and height is about 200 m. One Mirador II station can serve several tracking radars, thus increasing firepower covering areas of concentration or troop movement routes (stations can operate on the march) from air attack. The tracking and guidance radar operates in the 8-mm wavelength range and has a range of 16 km. The antenna forms a beam 1.1° wide with circular polarization. To increase noise immunity, a change in operating frequencies is provided. The station can simultaneously monitor one target and direct two missiles at it. An infrared device with a radiation pattern of ±5° ensures launch of the missile at the initial part of the trajectory (the first 500 m of flight). The “dead zone” of the complex is an area within a radius of no more than 1000 m, the reaction time is up to 6 seconds.

Although the tactical and technical characteristics of the Krotal missile defense system are high and it is currently in mass production (purchased by South Africa, the USA, Lebanon, Germany), some NATO experts prefer the layout of the entire complex on one vehicle (armored personnel carrier, trailer, car) . Such a promising complex is, for example, the Skygard-M missile defense system (Fig. 5), a prototype of which was demonstrated in 1971 by the Italian-Swiss company Contraves.

Rice. 5. Model of the mobile complex ZURO "Skygard-M".

The Skygard-M missile defense system uses two radars (a detection and target designation station and a target and missile tracking station), mounted on the same platform and having a common 3-cm range transmitter. Both radars are coherent pulse-Doppler, and the tracking radar uses a monopulse signal processing method, which reduces the angular error to 0.08°. The radar range is about 18 km. The transmitter is made on a traveling wave tube; in addition, it has an instantaneous automatic frequency tuning circuit (by 5%), which turns on in the event of strong interference. The tracking radar can simultaneously track the target and its missile. The reaction time of the complex is 6-8 seconds.
The control equipment of the Skygard-M ZURO complex is also used in the Skygard ZA complex (Fig. 6). A characteristic feature of the complex’s design is the radar equipment that can be retracted inside the cabin. Three versions of the Skyguard complex have been developed: on an armored personnel carrier, on a truck and on a trailer. The complexes will enter service with military air defense to replace the Superfledermaus system of similar purpose, widely used in the armies of almost all NATO countries.

Rice. 6. Mobile complex ZA "Skyguard" of Italian-Swiss production.

The military air defense systems of NATO countries are armed with several more mobile missile defense systems (clear-weather, mixed all-weather systems and others), which use advanced radars that have approximately the same characteristics as the stations of the Krotal and Skygard complexes, and decisive similar tasks.

The need for air defense of troops (especially armored units) on the move led to the creation of highly mobile military systems of small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery (MZA) based on modern tanks. The radar systems of such complexes have either one radar operating sequentially in the modes of detection, target designation, tracking and gun guidance, or two stations between which these tasks are divided.

An example of the first solution is the French MZA “Black Eye” complex, made on the basis of the AMX-13 tank. The MZA DR-VC-1A (RD515) radar of the complex operates on the basis of the coherent-pulse Doppler principle. It is characterized by a high rate of data output and increased noise immunity. The radar provides all-round or sector visibility, target detection and continuous measurement of their coordinates. The received data enters the fire control device, which within a few seconds calculates the pre-emptive coordinates of the target and ensures that a 30-mm coaxial anti-aircraft gun is aimed at it. The target detection range reaches 15 km, the error in determining the range is ±50 m, the station's radiation power per pulse is 120 watts. The station operates in the 25 cm wavelength range (operating frequency from 1710 to 1750 MHz). It can detect targets flying at speeds from 50 to 300 m/sec.

In addition, if necessary, the complex can be used to combat ground targets, while the accuracy of determining the azimuth is 1-2°. In the stowed position, the station is folded and closed with armored curtains (Fig. 7).

Rice. 7. Radar antenna of the French mobile complex MZA “Black Eye” (automatic deployment to combat position).

Rice. 8. West German mobile complex 5PFZ-A based on a tank: 1 - detection and target designation radar antenna; 2 - “friend or foe” identification radar antenna; 3 - radar antenna for target tracking and gun guidance.

Promising MZA complexes made on the basis of the Leopard tank, in which search, detection and identification tasks are solved by one radar, and the tasks of target tracking and control of a coaxial anti-aircraft gun by another radar, are considered: 5PFZ-A (Fig. 5PFZ-B , 5PFZ-C and Matador 30 ZLA (Fig. 9).These complexes are equipped with highly reliable pulse-Doppler stations capable of searching in a wide or circular sector and highlighting signals from low-flying targets against the background of high levels of interference.

Rice. 9. West German mobile complex MZA “Matador” 30 ZLA based on the Leopard tank.

The development of radars for such MZA complexes, and possibly for medium-caliber ZA, as NATO experts believe, will continue. The main direction of development will be the creation of more informative, small-sized and reliable radar equipment. The same development prospects are possible for radar systems of ZURO complexes and for tactical radar stations for detecting air targets and target designation.

Foreign military experts note that if previously the main weapons of anti-aircraft missile units and air forces of NATO countries were long- and medium-range air defense systems developed in the United States, now, in addition to them, short-range air defense systems () and "( ).

Rice. 1 Control position of the Nike-Hercules air defense system. In the foreground is a target tracking radar, in the background is a target detection radar.

Long and medium range air defense systems

The NATO command plans to use these complexes for air cover of large industrial facilities and troop concentration areas.

All-weather air defense system long range"Nike Hercules"(USA) is designed to combat subsonic and supersonic aircraft flying mainly at medium and high altitudes. However, as reported in the foreign press, as a result of the tests it was established that this complex in some cases can be used to combat tactical ballistic missiles.

The fire unit (battery) includes: anti-aircraft guided missiles; five radars located at the control position (low-power detection radar, target tracking radar, missile tracking radar, radio range finder, high-power radar for detecting small targets); control point for launching missiles and guiding them to the target; up to nine stationary or mobile launchers; power supplies; auxiliary equipment (transport and loading, control and testing, etc.). The control position of the Nike-Hercules air defense system is shown in Fig. 1.

In total, a division can include up to four batteries. According to foreign press reports, the Nike-Hercules complex has been repeatedly modernized in order to increase the reliability of its elements and reduce operating costs.

All-weather long-range air defense system "Bloodhound" Mk.2(UK) designed to combat subsonic and supersonic aircraft. Composition of the fire unit (battery): missile defense; Target illumination radar (stationary and more powerful or mobile, but less powerful “Firelight”); 4-8 launchers with one guide each; missile launch control point. Bloodhound Mk.2 batteries are organized into squadrons.

Information about air targets is transmitted directly to the target illumination radar from its own detection radar or from a radar from the general detection and warning system deployed in a given area.

The Bloodhound air defense systems are in service with units and units of the British Air Force, which are based in the territories of this country and. In addition, they are equipped with the air forces of Sweden, Switzerland and Singapore. Serial production of these systems has been discontinued, and to replace them, a new air defense system is being developed in the UK and France.

All-weather medium-range air defense system "Hawk"(USA) designed to combat subsonic and supersonic aircraft flying at low and medium altitudes.

Rice. 2. Medium and short-range air defense systems: a - self-propelled launcher of Hawk anti-aircraft guided missiles (based on the XM-727 tracked transporter); b - air defense missile system guidance and control post with a launcher in position; c - anti-aircraft missile system mounted on a tracked armored personnel carrier; d - launcher of the Krotal air defense system (left) and target tracking radar (right)

The fire unit (battery) includes: missile defense systems; Detection radar operating in pulse mode; Detection radar operating in continuous radiation mode; two target illumination radars; radio rangefinder; command centre; six PU (each has three guides); power supplies and auxiliary equipment. Low and high power radars are used to illuminate the target (the latter is used when shooting at small air targets).

The Air Force is also armed with a self-propelled version of the Hawk air defense system, created on the basis of the XM-727 tracked transporters (Fig. 2, a). This complex includes conveyors, each of which has a control unit with three guides. While on the move, these transporters tow on trailers all the radar and auxiliary equipment necessary for deploying the battery.

The foreign press reports that the improved Hawk air defense system has now been put into service in the United States. Its main difference from the basic version is that new rocket(MIM-23B) has increased reliability, a more powerful warhead and a new engine. Ground control equipment was also improved. All this, according to American experts, made it possible to increase the range of the air defense system and the likelihood of hitting a target. It is reported that the US NATO allies are planning to launch licensed production of all the necessary hardware and equipment to modernize their existing Hawk air defense systems.

Short-range air defense system

These are mainly designed to combat low-flying aircraft in the defense of air bases and other individual facilities.

Clear-weather air defense system "Tiger Cat"(Great Britain) is designed to combat subsonic and transonic low-flying aircraft (can also be used to fire at ground targets). It was created on the basis of the ship version of the ZURO, which has been repeatedly modernized in recent years.

Composition of the fire unit: missile defense; guidance and control station with a binocular sight, radio command transmitter, computer and control panel; PU with three guides; SAM launch preparation software unit; generator; auxiliary and spare equipment (Fig. 2, b).

The Tiger Cat complex is highly mobile. All equipment of the fire unit is placed on two Land Rover vehicles and two trailers towed by them. Combat crew of five people. It is possible to place this air defense system on various armored vehicles. Recently, the ST-850 radar has been included in the complex, which, according to British experts, will allow it to be used in any meteorological conditions.

According to foreign press reports, the Tiger Cat air defense system is also in service with the air forces of Iran, India, Jordan and Argentina.

Clear-weather air defense system "Rapier"(UK) designed to combat subsonic and supersonic low-flying aircraft.

Composition of the fire unit: missile defense system, removable visual tracking unit, air target detection radar (includes an identification system and a radio command transmitter), an integrated launcher (four guides), a removable litany unit. Calculation of five people.

The complex is highly mobile. All equipment of the fire unit is located on two Land Rover vehicles and two trailers towed by them. It is possible to place air defense missile systems on tracked armored vehicles (Fig. 2, c).

The main version of the complex is clear weather. However, to operate the complex in any weather conditions, a special radar was created and tested. The first air defense systems, which include this radar, have already entered service with some units of the RAF ground defense regiment. The Rapier air defense system is also in service with the Air Forces of Iran and Zambia.

All-weather air defense system "Krotal"(France) is designed to combat subsonic and supersonic low-flying aircraft.

Composition of the fire unit: target tracking radar, launcher with four directing radio command transmitters, infrared tracking device and auxiliary equipment. The three fire units are controlled from the command vehicle, where the pulse-Doppler radar for detecting air targets is located. The detection range of a typical target is reported to be 18.5 km. The radar, equipped with a special computer, detects up to 30 air targets simultaneously, but in auto-tracking mode it can only work on 12 targets. All equipment of the fire unit is placed on an armored vehicle (Fig. 2, d).

The US Department of Defense, in the process of the ongoing arms race, is doing a lot of work to improve existing and create new air defense systems, for example, the SAM-D type (being developed for the US ground forces) and the SLIM type (for the US Air Force).

Complex SAM-D (Surface to Air Missile-Development) all-weather, long range; designed to combat subsonic and supersonic aircraft at all altitudes (excluding extremely low ones). In the early 80s, they are planned to replace the Nike-Hercules air defense systems in service.

American experts believe that the data sampling method used in the radar with time multiplexing of channels will make it possible to simultaneously aim several missiles at different targets or select one target from a group.

Work on the air defense missile system is at the stage of testing experimental samples of missile defense systems and launchers. Testing of the guidance system has begun. At the same time, experts are looking for ways to simplify and reduce the cost of air defense systems.

It will be all-weather with a range of up to 1300 km. It is intended to combat mainly supersonic air targets in the US air defense system. According to preliminary calculations, the maximum flight speed of the SLIM complex missile defense system (Fig. 3) will correspond to the number M = 4 - 6. The guidance system is combined. Possible methods combat use: from fortified ground or underground structures and from carrier aircraft. Launch and guidance can be carried out either from an aircraft equipped with a detection and control system, or from the ground.

The American press reported that preliminary theoretical calculations for the creation of the SLIM air defense system have now been completed in the United States.

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In service with the armies of many states, along with self-propelled and towed anti-aircraft missile systems and barreled anti-aircraft artillery consist of portable short-range anti-aircraft missile systems. Their main purpose is to combat low-flying targets. The Red Eye complex is the first of the NATO countries to enter service. It includes a launcher (gun), a battery-cooler unit and an anti-aircraft guided missile (SAM). The launcher is a pipe made of cast fiberglass in which the missile defense system is stored. The pipe is sealed and filled with nitrogen. On the outside there is a telescopic sight and devices for preparing and launching a missile. In combat conditions, after launch, the pipe is not reused. The telescopic sight has a 2.5-fold magnification, its field of view is 25". The optical system of the sight contains a reticle with divisions for making corrections for lead, as well as two wedge-shaped movable indexes, signaling the readiness of the missile defense system for launch and the capture of targets by the homing head (GSN).

The battery-cooler unit is designed to supply electricity to the on-board equipment of the rocket (cooling system of the sensitive element of the seeker with gaseous freon). This block is connected to launcher through a special socket-fitting. It is disposable and must be replaced if the launch fails.

The FIM-43 missile is single-stage, made according to the canard aerodynamic configuration. The engine is solid fuel. Targeting is carried out by a passive IR homing head. The fuse of the warhead is impact, delayed action, with a safety-actuating mechanism and a self-liquidator.

The main disadvantages of the Red Eye complex are, firstly, its inability to hit targets on a collision course, and secondly, the absence of “friend or foe” identification equipment in the air defense system. Currently in the ground forces and Marine Corps In the United States, the Red Eye complex is being replaced by the Stinger air defense system. However, it remains in service with the armies of some NATO countries.

The Stinger air defense system is capable of hitting low-flying air targets in conditions of good visibility, not only on catch-up courses, but also on collision courses. The complex includes equipment for identifying “friend or foe”. The FIM-92A missile is made using a canard aerodynamic design. In its bow part there are four aerodynamic surfaces. A rocket is launched from a container using a detachable launch accelerator, which, due to the inclined arrangement of the nozzles relative to the missile defense body, imparts an initial rotation to it.

Aerodynamic rudders and stabilizers open after the rocket leaves the container. In order to maintain the rotation of the missile defense system in flight, the planes of the tail stabilizer are installed at an angle to its body.

The main engine is solid fuel, with two thrust modes. It turns on when the rocket moves 8 m away from the launch site. In the first mode, it accelerates the rocket to maximum speed. When switching to the second mode, the thrust level decreases, remaining, however, sufficient to maintain supersonic flight speed.

The missile is equipped with an all-angle IR homing head operating in the wavelength range of 4.1-4.4 microns. The radiation receiver is cooled. The alignment of the axis of the optical system of the head with the direction towards the target in the process of tracking it is carried out using a gyroscopic drive.

The transport and launch container in which the missile is placed is made of fiberglass. Both ends of the container are closed with lids that collapse during startup. The front cover is made of material through which IR radiation passes. The shelf life of a rocket in a container is 10 years.