Arms-2010-2

DSA 2010: LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS he upcoming event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which takes place on 19th of April, will be conducted in the wake of Defense Service Asia Exhibition 2008, that is considered to be one of the world's top 5 Defense and Security exhibitions and firmly remains the Asia Pacific region's most vital procurement hub for Defense and Security. 712 companies from 49 countries participated at the 11th Defense Services Asia Exhibition and Conference DSA 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing their products and technology for the Army, Navy, Air Force as well as the security and homeland enforcement agencies. The Malaysian government signed a total of US $360 million of contracts with local and foreign companies and agencies.

The Russian Federation traditionally has wide participation in the DSA exhibitions. Last DSA 2008 Russian defense products of more than 490 types were put on display as a common exhibition representing 17 enterprises, among them such worldknown arms manufacturers as the Almaz-Antei missile developer, the Oboronnye Sistemy (Defence Systems), Uralvagonzavod, and Izhmash. The Russian delegation was led by Mikhail Petukhov, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation.

The Russian Federation put on view a broad spectrum of products of military purpose for all arms and services, including the latest products of development studies in the field of land military vehicles: the missile and gun tank T-90S, the armored repair and recovery vehicle BREM-1M and highly mobile versatile GAZ39371 Vodnik designed to install functional modules for the transportation of people and loads in heavy-going areas.

The hosters expect over 700 companies from more than 40 countries to be exhibited their products. More than 25,000 trade visitors from over 60 countries/nations are forecasted to be present.

According to the Russian plans in the light of arms export, Moscow plans to export $9–$10 billion worth of arms annually over the coming years. Russia's combat aircraft accounted for some 50% of exports followed by anti-aircraft systems and navy weaponry and equipment.

Malaysia remains Russia's main customer. It is among the targets of a marketing blitz aimed at winning new friends as well as to restore defense industries. Already equipped with Russian fighter jets, Kuala Lumpur is believed to be considering other acquisitions from Russia, ranging from battlefield tanks to submarines and missile batteries.

T

Anton CHERNOV Editor-in-Chief of “ARMS” Magazine

Salamat Datang, Russia!

2(52).2010

C O N T E N T S EXHIBITIONS

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief of “Arms” Magazine Anton Chernov Editor-in-Chief of “Arsenal” Magazine Eduard Voitenko Editor-in-Chief of “Airfleet” Magazine Alexander Gudko Editor-in-Chief of “World Airshows” Magazine Svetlana Komagorova Editors Alexander Velovich, Viktor Murakhovskiy, Yaroslav Parkhomenko DESIGN AND LAYOUT Art-Director Al'vina Kirillova Designers Alexander Strelyaev, Alexander Cheredaiko Layout Designer Elena Shishova GRAPHIC ARTS Photo V. Kuzmin, V. Belogrud PUBLISHING HOUSE Director General Evgeny Osipov Deputy Director General Alexander Kiryanov, Vyacheslav Schesnovich Marketing Director of “Arsenal” and “Arms” Magazines Valery Parshin Deputy Marketing Director Dmitriy Semenov Projects Manager Yana Zhvirbo IT Support Pavel Chernyak OFFICE IN ST PETERSBURG Deputy Director General, Head of Office Oleg Perevoschikov Deputy Director General Viktor Mozgovoy Deputy Head of Office Mikhail Kybalny Commercial Director Sergey Baydak Development Director Stanislav Zhigimont Circulation: 8000 The magazine is registered in the Committee for Press of the Russian Federation. Certificate № 016692 as of 20.10.1997. Certificate № 77-15450 as of 19.05.2003.

Any material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The editorial staff’s opinion does not necessarily coincide with that of the authors. Advertisers bear responsibility for the content of provided materials.

ARMS, 2010 ADDRESS P.O. Box 77, Moscow, 125057, Russia Tel.: + 7 495 626-52-11 Fax.: + 7 499 151-61-50 E-mail: af@airfleet.ru Office 1V, 2/6, Moskovsky prospect, Saint Petersburg, 190031, Russia Tel./fax: +7 812 310-61-46 E-mail: arsenal@msk2.da.ru

www.interarms.ru

p. 10

4 Russian-Malaysian Military Cooperation Promises Bright Future

MEDICAL SUPPORT 6 Tactical Level Battlefield Medicine

NAVY

p. 24

10 Russian Fleet Submarine Forces' Challenging Tasks 14 From Peter the Great's epoch of cannons made of bronze up to cutting-edge space technology

WEAPONS p. 32 20 Unified Fire Control System for Armoured Vehicles 24 Night Vision Equipment: From Generation to Generation

AIR DEFENSE 32 Upgraded ZU-23 Anti-Aircraft Mount 36 Buk Air Defense Missile System: Old Friends are Best

LAND FORCES 42 Russian light multirole Armored Vehicles

p. 42

EXHIBITIONS

RUSSIAN-MALAYSIAN MILITARY COOPERATION PROMISES BRIGHT FUTURE he history of the bilateral relations between Russia and Malaysia starts in 1966 when the first direct contacts between representatives of the Soviet Union and Malaysia took place in Moscow in September.

Later on, in the wake of the contacts in Moscow, Malaysia hosted a meeting in March 1967. As far as the first agreements are concerned, an intergovernmental agreement on air communications was signed in 1969, after that Aeroflot, then Soviet Union Airlines, established a direct link between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur. The same year saw the first Soviet trade and industrial exhibition held in Malaysia.

An important event in bilateral relations happened in 1972, when Prime Minister Abdul Razak of Malaysia paid his first official visit to the USSR to sign economic-and-technical and cultural-and-scientific cooperation agreements.

The nowadays history is marked by the visits of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to Russia in 1987 and 2002, as well as his working visits to Khabarovsk and Ulan-Ude in 1999. In 2007 Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hold negotiations with Russian Federation

T

4

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

President Vladimir Putin concerning (six of them were delivered in October space and defense cooperation, en- 2008). The Su-30MKM fighter is very ergy partnership and bilateral trade. similar to a Su-30MKI version which Regarding the visits of some is delivered to India. However the difRussian high ranking officials, ferences are that the Su-30MKM fightthe visit of the Russian President er is not equipped with Israeli avionVladimir Putin in July 2003 became ics, has thrust vectoring nozzle, caa landmark event in bilateral rela- nard surfaces and a phased array antions where their effectiveness was tenna radar. concerned. Noteworthy that the visThe chose of Su-30MKM Flanker-C it was postponed one time. Due fighters does not mean that Malaysia to the terrorist attack in Tushino has not considered MiG-29 as a up(Moscow district) in June of 2003, to-date fighter. The decision to purthe visit was canceled. The Malaysian chase 18 Sukhoi jets shows the intenauthorities fully understood the de- tion to increase the sector of its decision of then President V. Putin. fense as the Fulcrums well provide It once again proves the importance closer sector. The task of the Flankers of the development of cooperation to enhance Malaysia's strategic capabetween two countries. bilities to defend.

The most dynamic component The Russia-Malaysia project is alof Russian-Malaysian economic rela- so a unique one, as all Russian govtions is cooperation in the aerospace ernmental bodies, such as Ministry sphere. It is no wonder that the first of Defense, Defense Export State breakthrough took place in 1994 Corporation Rosoboronexport, when the first 18 MiG-29 fighters Joint- Stock Com pany Sukhoi were delivered. That deal marked Design Bureau etc. were involved the breakthrough of Russia to into the fulfillment of the project. the South-Asian market and showed A very important role of it belongs that not all countries would follow to the Russian President. So huge the United States after the collapse participation of the state bodies proof the Soviet Union. ceeded from the competitors, who alCurrently the two countries have so took part in the tender. First of all it been developing the $900 million was an American fighter, F/A–18E/D. The success of the Russian comworth project on acquiring 18 Russian serial Su-30MKM Flanker-C fighters panies on the Malaysian market is

EXHIBITIONS also stipulated by the verity of military hardware, some Russian enterprises are able to offer, and creation of some service centers, in particular for Su-30MKM Flanker-C. The bilateral cooperation can be assessed as good and the tendency of the future development offers great opportunities. In 2001 Malaysia bought the “Metis”antitank system and in 2002 the “Igla” air-defense system.

As far as future-oriented projects are concern, it is necessary to mention the interest of purchasing the Be-200 and multipurpose amphibious aircraft and Be-103, a seaplane. Both designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company and manufactured by Irkut. The high performances of these planes were tested

by Indonesia in 2006, when the authorities decided to rent the Be-200 aircraft for one year, by Azerbaijan EMERCOM, that purchased one Be-200 and by Greece. The latter ordered five planes of this type.

Besides, Malaysia is interested in the Russian combat ships and purchasing of some modern tanks T-90.

Rosoboronexport actively participates in tenders for the supply of BTR-90 APC, the “Vodnik” and “Vystrel” 4-wheel drive armored vehicles and the “Avtobaza-M” radio-electronic surveillance system.

Malaysia expresses interest in the Russian transport helicopters, Mi26MT, Mi-171 and Mi-17, as well as in some anti-aircraft systems, such as BUK-M2E and Igla.

In conclusion I'd like to mention that apart of pure military cooperation, Russia and Malaysia actively seek collaboration in commercial space reclamation, development of scientific and technical cooperation in the sphere of advanced technologies, aircraft and shipping development as well as realization of investment projects in Malaysia oriented to local markets and Third Word countries, first of all the ASEAN countries, realization of investment projects in Russia and cooperated promotion in markets of Third World countries.

Anton Chernov 2(52).2010

●

5

MEDICAL SUPPORT

TACTICAL LEVEL BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE I n modern hi-tech wars, soldiers die and are getting wounded just as at the time of the Roman legions. There is a continuous competition for soldier lives between lethal weaponry and survival kits on the battlefield. The key role is played by military medicine.

Progress in military medicine is obvious. During World War II, the lethal outcome among wounded men in the Red Army was 5.7%. 40 years later, during the Afghan war, it decreased to 3.4%. 10 more years later, during the counter terrorist operations in Chechnya, the lethal outcomes compounded 1.2%. Such results were achieved owing to the development of medical technologies as a whole and closer attention to tactical level medical support of the troops.

For a wounded soldier the first 30 minutes are known to be crucial. This is the time when most of the wounded men die. That is why the improvement in medical support at the tactical level is a key element for the soldiers’ survival on the battlefield.

There are three major aspects here.

First: how soon the wounded are found on the battlefield and evacu-

6

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

The armored first-aid medical vehicle is designed and equipped for setting up mobile dressing posts and rendering first aid in the combat zone.

The MT-LBu multipurpose tracked armored personnel carrier, used as the baseline chassis, provides cross-country mobility, river crossing and protection of its crew against bullets and shell fragments.

Medical equipment and instruments, a stock of medicines and dressing materials are housed by the compartment of 8 m³ in the front part of the vehicle. Fold-back seats for the transportation of the lightly

wounded are fixed in it. Three layers of stretchers with the critically wounded can be fixed there.

A special tent is set up opposite the rear door at the stern of the vehicle at the halt and is used as a wound-dressing compartment in the field conditions. When mobile the tent is transported in the baskets arranged on both sides of the vehicle.

The vehicle is equipped with the air filtration and climate control units and a potable water tank.

The portable 5kW AC diesel generator is used to maintain self-contained power supply of the vehicle.

MEDICAL SUPPORT ated to the place where medical assistance is rendered.

Second: immediate rendering of basic medical assistance when the person is wounded in order to stabilize him or her and prevent the lethal outcome.

Third: getting qualified medical assistance to the battlefield and its organization on the battalion level.

SEARCH AND EVACUATION OF WOUNDED PERSONNEL Nowadays search and detection of the wounded have not changed for the last several hundred years: visual observation and terrain combing. However, those methods are getting ineffective as a theater of modern warfare is enlarged in scale, increased in pace of combat and rival armies are saturated with cutting edge equipment. It is extremely difficult to search for the unconscious wounded in combat vehicles, urbanized areas and cross-country terrain, etc.

Due to the entered-in-service advanced outfit kits as well as personal radio sets the acuteness of the search and rescue problem has slightly dissolved. However, in case of a sharp pain shock, contusion conjugated with loop of speech and hearing, as well as unconscious condition a soldier is not able to report on his or her being wounded. That is why experts suggest every soldier be equipped with an “emergency button”. When pushed, it brings into action a GPS beacon which transmits the coordinates of a wounded soldier.

Nowadays some outfit-in-built systems, that are able automatically register physiological parameters of a soldier, are under research. Such systems are able to detect that a soldier has been hit and transmit a signal to a relevant combat and combat support network.

The detection of a wounded soldier is only the first stage of casualty evacuation (casevac). It is necessary to whisk the casualty away from the enemy fire to the nearest shelter where a soldier can receive first aid. Based on the Chechen Counter Terrorist War experience, ad-hoc riflemen/medics were commissioned to a platoon level to search for

and evacuate casualties from the as the BigDog quadruped robot debattlefield. When necessary, special veloped by Boston Dynamics.

BММ and GAZ-59039 specialsearch groups headed by a medic or paramedic were organized. When ized armored medical vehicles, GTS first aid had been rendered, the ca- and MTLB tracked carriers, APCs sualties were transfered to the shel- and IFVs are equipped and used for ters where they could be protected casevac from ‘nests of the woundagainst direct fire of the enemy (the ed’ to the places where the first aid so-called “nests of the wounded”. It would be rendered in the immecould be a trench, a wall, a basement diate rear area (regimental or brietc.), and then they were casevaced gade level).

At further stages of casevac, Mi-8 by a combat or a medical vehicle to helicopters and An-72 and Il-76 the next stage of casevac.

Stretchers of various types were “Scalpel” airborne hospitals would be used for foot evacuation. The wound- widely used. ed were often dragged under enemy FIRST AID EQUIPMENT fire. The special SH-4 stretches were As was mentioned above, it is exdesigned to evacuate the wounded tremely important to render medical from combat vehicles.

In the future, it will be possible to aid within the first 30 minutes after use remote control or self-contained a soldier was got wounded to reduce vehicles for casevac under fire such the possibility of the lethal outcome.

The GAZ-59039 (BMM) armored multipurpose amphibious medical vehicle is used for search, collection and evacuation of the wounded on a battlefield and rendering them first aid during their transportation.

It operates under various weather conditions on inaccessible terrain during day and night.

The vehicle is equipped with a special set of the medical equipment. It consists of the

racks designed for fixation of the stretchers and medical equipment, safe, a tank for potable water, a washstand (a tap is controlled by elbows), a water tank with a bleed valve, a six-man seat with fastened belts. The fully loaded BMM weights 13.6 tons, is manned by three men, seven men can be placed in the medical compartment and two on the stretchers on the roof of a vehicle.

2(52).2010

●

7

MEDICAL SUPPORT

If we could make some minor changes in our common soldier medical skills training, we could improve the survival rate of 15–20 percent of all battlefield deaths.

Based on the experience in the Chechen War on Terrorism, it is obvious that wounds of extremities (63.1%) and head (24.4%) dominate among all the wounds due to the peculiarities of operations in urbanized areas, numerous snipers used by the enemy and use of body armor by personnel.

Heavy wounds totaled 25%. In accordance with the type of projectile they are subdivided as follows: ■ 38% of gunshot wounds; ■ 58% of shell fragment wounds;

8

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

■ 4% of explosive wounds.

■ on the forward edge of the battle

Most of the deaths on the battlefield are caused by: ■ fatal trauma — 56%; ■ fatal hemorrhage — 28%; ■ Damage of vitals — 16%.

Statistical analysis of battlefield deaths during the US Army operations in Iraq and Afghanistan showed that soldiers die from the following wounds: ■ penetrating head trauma — 31%; ■ uncorrectable torso trauma — 25%; ■ potentially correctable torso trauma — 10%; ■ hemorrhage from extremity wounds — 9%; ■ mutilating blast trauma — 7%; ■ tension pneumothorax (collapsed lung under pressure) 5%.

Modern conflicts show that it is necessary to improve medical training of troops and beef up individual medical kits (for example, AI1 first-aid individual medical kit and AV troops first-aid kit) and group medical sets (for example, Tactical Medical Kit).

In particular, self-tightening bandages, new sets of stemming of the flow of blood, etc are needed. It is necessary to develop remote diagnostics aids integrated into automated command and control systems.

area (FEBA) — first aid and buddy aid done by a soldier himself or by ad-hoc combat lifesavers or medical instructors or paramedics; ■ in the company — advanced first aid with the elements of first medical assistance in urgent situations.

To exercise the task a company paramedic shall be equipped with an Airborne Medical Kit, an aid man shall be equipped with the “PF” Field Medical Kit and a combat lifesaver with a Tactical Medical Kit; ■ in the battalion — first medical assistance in full; ■ in the regiment/brigade medical aid station — the first medical assistance in full with elements of qualified medical assistance; ■ in special medical groups — qualified medical assistance in full with elements of specialized medical assistance.

Medical personnel and special medical equipment can be increasingly vulnerable to enemy fire when they get closer to the FEBA. This is a main problem of medical assistance on the battlefield. That is why the necessity to equip battalions with armored first-aid medical vehicles was put on the agenda. Such vehicles were designed by several companies and can be batch-produced (for example, the PPMP mobile medical assistance post developed by Minotor-Service in Minsk, Belarus).

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE During the Chechen War on Terrorism, medical assistance came nearer to combat units. The following medical assistance was determined:

Viktor Murakhovskiy

MEDICAL SUPPORT

2(52).2010

●

9

NAVY

Anton Chernov

RUSSIAN FLEET SUBMARINE FORCES' CHALLENGING TASKS n the 5th of February, 2010 Russian President D. Medvedev signed a Decree that approves the Military Doctrine. It stipulates that Russia was, is and will remain as a great power with its own national interests. It means that these interests shall be respected by other states. This is the imperative reality of the 21st century. Russia has not only the biggest territory but also the biggest sea border. The appearance of some cutting edge under water technologies stipulates the expansion of the economic and military activities at the inner space.

Moreover, the rapidly depleting reserves of oil and gas put on an agenda the developing of under sea gas and oil reserves as well as other ma-

O

10

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

terials not only at the shelf zones but also at the abyssal planes. Therefore the partition of areas of economic influence in the World's oceans and Seas is getting inevitable. It stands to reason that these activities are fraught with grave consequences which can lead to the rise of military tensions. The history of international relations has been showing that approaches and leverages to settle the tensions are characterized by the real potential level and readiness of the Navy of the conflicting parties. The essence of the national policy of the sea-power states has not been changed since the last centuries and Russia will expect an inevitable contest on this field in the near future. That's why the threats from the seas and oceans will have a ten-

dency to be increased. In order to neutralize military threats Russia will need the powerful Navy and its integral part Fleet Submarine Forces.

Today Russian specialists have restored and renewed technologies of building nuclear submarines, have embarked on the process of deep modernization of the fleet as well as launched new battle ship projects, which are planned to be the face of the new generation fleet, Fleet of the 21st century. Today scientific facilities and industrial enterprises are undergone the complex process of transformation towards the new realities of the 21st century. The Military Doctrine is expected to push the process of modernization and transformation. However to achieve the desire hight some important disposal, con-

NAVY Yuriy Dolgorukiy is the first SSBN submarine of the Borei class

Today Yuri Dolgorukiy-class submarines are one of the best in the world. In the nearest decade they will be the main Russia’s strategic nuclear weapon in the Navy. Having relatively low cost, these vessels are powerful, well-equipped and controlled and possess an extremely high stealthiness.

struction and upgrading activities are to be completed. It's clear that the use of old infrastructure, scientific and industrial facilities as well as engineering capabilities give no chance for upto-date submarine forces.

Currently Russian engineers are working on a New Look of the Russian Navy at a quick pace. Russian President D. Medvedev In a speech, addressed to the high ranking militaries and politicians, heralds that Russia needs the powerful Navy and all efforts are done to achieve this goal. He underlines that the time when Russia patched the holes has already past for good and the Russian Federation has started the creation of the new Armed Forces lest a thought to threaten Russia or its allies should cross somebody's mind.

In accordance with the Naval Doctrine, scheduled up to 2020, the main task of the Russian Navy is to provide the strategic deterrence

Laid down

2 November 1996

Launched

13 February 2008

Displacement

■ 14,720 t (14,488 long tons) surfaced ■ 24,000 t (23,621 long tons) submerged

Length

170 m (557' 9'')

Beam

13.5 m (44' 3'')

Draught

10 m (32' 10'') ■ 1 × OK-650B nuclear reactor

Propulsion

■ 1 × AEU steam turbine ■ 1 shaft

Speed

25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h)

Complement

130 officers and men

Armament

■ 16 × Bulava SLBMs ■ 6 × SS-N-15 cruise missiles (21'' (533 mm) torpedo

tubes) of initiation of a war against Russia and its allies. In this vain, the submarine forces are considered to be the most effective element of the Naval presence in the important areas of the oceans as well as in peace and war time.

Today submarine forces are posed as a backbone of the Russian Naval Strength. At war possessing much more combat stability in comparison with other forces of the Navy, the Russian Submarine Forces such as missile cruisers of general-purpose naval forces and nuclear-deterrent naval forces are the most credible element to ensure retaliation. In future operational flexibility and offensive firepower of the Submarine Forces are going to be improved due to the phase-in operation command and control systems, including the wide usage of multi-purpose and multi-role robots and unmanned vehicles, strike radio-electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, communications systems and up-to-date facilities of coastal infrastructure.

It is worth to mention that the Navy, and the Submarine Forces in particular, will be the first to face the cruise missiles and aircraft of a foe in case a war breaks out. As all missiles and aircraft should cross the Russian sea border first. Taking into account the experience of the Cold War, the deterrence is possible in case if 2(52).2010

●

11

NAVY unavoidable and unacceptable losses be inflicted by All-Arms Naval Forces.

In this context the real combat readiness of the Submarine Forces will play the utmost important role.

One cannot slough off a role of the Navy in the Sixth Generation Wars, network centric warfare, with great use of verity of robots and unmanned vehicles in the air, on the land and of course in the sea. For sure, the Russia's activities in the seas and oceans should be enough to provide security and stable economic development of the country. In accordance with the International Law, Russia has 12 million square meters of sea-bed economic area. However, some areas are disputable and mootDisplacement

■ 23,200–24,500 t (22,830–24,110 long tons) surfaced ■ 33,800–48,000 t (33,270–47,240 long tons) submerged

Length

175 m (574' 2'')

Beam

23 m (75' 6'')

Draught

Endurance

12 m (39' 4'') ■ 2 × OK-650 pressurized-water nuclear reactors, 90 MW (120,700 hp) ea.

■ 2 × VV-type steam turbines, 37 MW (49,600 hp) ea.

■ 2 shafts ■ 7 bladed shrouded screws 22.22 knots (41.15 km/h; 25.57 mph) surfaced 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) submerged 180 days submerged

Test depth

400 m (1,300')

Complement

163 ■ 1 × 9K38 Igla SAM ■ 2 × 650 mm (26'') torpedo tubes ■ RPK-7 Vodopad AShMs ■ Type 65K torpedoes ■ 4 × 533 mm (21'') torpedo tubes ■ RPK-2 Viyuga cruise missiles ■ Type 53 torpedoes ■ D-19 launch system ■ 20 × RSM-52 SLBMs

Propulsion

Speed

The project 941 or Akula class submarine (NATO reporting name: Typhoon) is a type of nuclearpowered ballistic missile submarine deployed by the Soviet Navy in the 1980s

12

●

ed by the neighboring states. If one remembers the history of the past wars, mostly they emerge from some territorial disputes.

Nowadays a new territorial dispute can appear. It is Arctic.

The question about the Arctic territories is considered as a milestone in the international relations of the 21st century. The question is getting tougher due to oil and gas reserves got depleted as well as due to the situation in the Middle East and North African Countries which remains unpredictable and volatile.

Today the intentions of groups of the countries, which are aimed at some territorial changes in Arctic, have been determined. The first

Armament

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

group is composed of USA, Canada, Norway and Denmark. These countries united and consolidated their position in the framework of NATO and stand for a solution by force.

They have already embarked on creation of a fleet armed with ice class battle vessels, deployment of military infrastructure and increase of fishery and scientific-research activities.

The second group is characterized by some countries, for instance China and Japan, which call for fair partition of common heritage of mankind located in the Arctic Region.

Taking into account the last developments over Arctic and position of some countries Russia needs the powerful Northern Fleet in order to secure its own Northern border. To face the challenging task the Russian leadership has already done some steps and propelled counter measures, in particular, Arctic troops were created.

Speaking about the usage of robots and unmanned vessels its worth to mention their big role and successful implementation on the battlefield based on the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars on Terrorism. In many eyes reconnaissance-and-attack robots are going to become the main weapon of the 21st century. Their main combat feature is a high level of operational security and as a consequence of this fluidity, surprise and unavoidably of a strike. The vanishing-man concept in the Armed Forces has been launched and cannot be halted also due to the fact that a robot does not take into account its own life, so the only one thing can matter is selection of a target and the way the target has to be destroyed. It seems that military multi-robot systems will play the main role on matters of the victory or devastated defeat during a network centric warfare. Unmanned underwater vehicles, which are able to submerge at a depth of more than 200 meters and sail without refilling and recharging up to 400 nautical miles, are considered today as a momentous weapon. Their cheaper price less tonnage than a submarine make them far more attractive.

NAVY The Ocean Engineering is a complicated, hard and complex work that could be compared with the Space engineering, thus the work needs much concentration by the government to mobilize the manufacturing, financial resources and facilities as well as combined research and scientific activities not only of naval specialists but also other fields specialists. Every step on the path towards the bottom line of the Ocean requires up-to-date and breakthrough sci-tech technologies and bushels of money.

But efforts and money are worth to be spent on if Russia does not want to be hedged and isolated within its land borders and finally be destroyed. These active steps should be done in the nearest future even regardless of the financial, technical and organizational burden housed on the shoulders of modern Russia. The Ocean Engineering stems from the necessity to accelerate the process of the Russian industry of the Undersea Fleet. This topic is put on the agenda of some national oriented authorities as well as militaries and politicians.

The unification of efforts of a wide range of specialists, thinktanks and manufacturing facilities in order to create underwater weaponry, military and special equipment of new generation should be done in the framework of a Focused Government Program calculated on a five, ten, fifteen, twenty and

Class and type

attack submarine

Displacement

2,300 tons surfaced, 3,200 tons submerged

Length

81.4 metres

Beam

9.5 metres

Draught

7.6 metres ■ OK-550 or BM-40A, 155-MWt Lead-bismuth cooled

Propulsion

fast reactor ■ 40000 shp steam turbine, one shaft

Speed

12 knots surfaced, 41 knots submerged

Test depth

350 m test

Complement

31 (all officers) ■ Six 533-mm (21-inch) torpedo tubes: ■ 18 SET-65 or 53-65K torpedoes ■ 20 VA-111 Shkval torpedoes ■ 21 SS-N-15 cruise missiles ■ 12 SS-N-16 cruise missiles ■ 24 mines

Armament

more year period. The Government Program should have top-priority as these weaponry military and special equipment will provide the security of the national interests of Russia and assist to react towards challenging threats.

The Soviet Union/Russian Navy Project 705 (Лира/Lira) was a submarine class of hunter/killer nuclear powered vessels

Only the successful implementation of the Government Programs will lead to the creation of the cutting-edge underwater weapon systems which provide the military and economic security of the Russian Federation on its sea borders.

The Russian border of the Arctic Region is planned to be secured by the FSB Boarder Guards by 2016. Combined troops are also expected to be deployed in the region.

2(52).2010

●

13

NAVY

FROM PETER THE GREAT'S EPOCH OF CANNONS MADE OF BRONZE UP TO CUTTING-EDGE SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Old building of “Arsenal” he St. Petersburg “Arsenal” Enterprise is the oldest Russian defense factory, which was built under the Peter the First' s decree in 1711 to produce more advanced naval and army artillery ammunition. At that time it was called Nowadays “Liteiny Dvor” (Mold Yard) and sit“Arsenal” uated closer to the Niva at an ave-

T

14

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

nue which was called Liteiny (Mold).

The “Arsenal” factory was relocated out of the city to the opposite bank of the river in the middle of 19th century. Afterwards the Arsenal quay and the Arsenal avenue appeared at the new place.

Unique up-to-date army and naval artillery guns have been produced along the all history of the

factory. However, not only the modern artillery pieces were produced here. The famous Peter-on-Horse monument by B. Rastrelli, which is situated closer to the Engineer Castle, and world wide known the Bronze Horseman, monument to Peter the Great by A. Falcone, were produced by the molders of the plant. The first missile launchers were developed and manufactured in the 20s of the 19th century under the leadership of a new chief of the plant, famous artillery general, Alexander Dmitrievich Zasyadko, the creator of the first solid fuel rockets. However the main output of the factory was naval artillery for the Russian Navy.

A part of the factory was relocated in the rear. The engineers, designers and workers who left at the “Arsenal” plant managed to develop and produce an anti-tank gun based on the 45mm casemate artillery piece within 24 days. By means of hundreds of these guns an enemy tank assault was stopped. At the same time mortars were also manufactured at the plant and were delivered to the front line. Since 1944 for war effort “Arsenal” embarked on the producing of the BS-3 100 mm antitank gun — the danger for the fascist “Tiger” heavy tanks.

After the war the Russian Navy demanded recovering and new up-todate military hardware. For that purpose Central Design Bureau-7 (nowadays Design Bureau “Arsenal”) was founded at “Arsenal” in 1949, which possessed experiment production capacities for developing naval anti-aircraft artillery automatic weapon. “Arsenal” has created more than 20 models of one-, two- and fourgun artillery systems with the caliber from 45 to 130 mm. The “Arsenal” specialists also developed antiaircraft naval missile systems and jamming systems. The AK-130 multipurpose artillery system, which was put into service in 1985, ranks second

NAVY AK 130 artillery piece

to none in the world for fire power.

The vast majority of the Russian battle ships have military hardware produced by the “Arsenal” enterprise.

The Design Bureau and factory manufactured strategic combat missile systems armed with solid fuel ballistic missiles. The following missiles were designed and handed over for trial performance: the first in the world mobile combat missile system armed with the RT-15 middle range missile was created for the Strategic Missile Forces; the D-11 combat missile system armed with the R-31 medium range missile, which was the first Russian solid-fuel ballistic missile, was created for the Submarine Fleet.

Acting as a head contractor, the “Arsenal” Design Bureau in 1972 modernized, completed and delivered to the Strategic Missile Forces inventory the RT-2P silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile, which was equipped with a suppression of antimissile defense system. The missile had been in the combat duty during 20 years since.

Taking into the account the technical level of “Arsenal”, it was ordered to develop high-accuracy and high-

AK 130 KEY SPECIFICATIONS Number of guns Caliber, mm Range of fire, km Preset limits of pointing: elevation, deg traverse, deg Rate of fire, rounds/min Personnel

2 130 up to 23

–8... +80 ±180 up to 60 6

ZIF-122 launcher

2(52).2010

●

15

NAVY Self-propelled launcher with RT-15 missile

Loading the RT-2P missile to silo

R-31 ballistic missile

16

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

power actuators with digital control system for a swiveling chamber of the liquid-fuel missile engines of the “Energiya” (Energy) booster of the “Energiya-Buran” expendable launch system. Later on, after modernization, an actuator was installed on the RD-180 engine, which is used by the United States of America at the “Atlas-III” and “Atlas-V” expendable launch systems.

Since 1969 “Arsenal” has been embarked on space-based technology.

In 1981 the “Arsenal” Design Bureau was awarded a head contractor status for some space complexes of a naval space reconnaissance and target designation system. Since that times space-based technology has become a general guidance.

“Arsenal” produced two types of spacecraft: radar surveillance and communications surveillance craft.

The radar surveillance craft were equipped with the “Buk” and “Topaz” nuclear propulsion units. Around 30 craft of this type were launched into space. World space technology had no experience in use of the spacecraft equipped with nuclear propulsion units. The spacecraft of this type have a specially designed system which allows to shift a radiation hazard part of a craft to a higher orbit after the term of usage.

Experience gained by “Arsenal”, both Design Bureau and Machine Engineering Plant, could be used to develop some advanced spacecraft equipped with much more powerful nuclear propulsion units.

In 1980-s “Arsenal” exercised modernization of the spacecraft of the space complexes of a naval

NAVY The “Arsenal” Design Bureau is engaged into the diversification of the space topics in order to provide the economic stability under the market relations which the Design Bureau is involved in. The most rational decision of the diversification for the Design Bureau is to design some space systems for scientific and social-economic purposes. For instance, the Design Bureau created a pilot scheme of the “Neva” Unified Small Space Platform, as well as an integrated working-out and several projects of space systems were done which are used on the basis of the Unified Small Space Platform.

For example the “Zvezdny Patrul” (Star Patrol) development activities were furnished. The aim of the activities is to develop a space station to control over the circumterrestrial space and create optical transients to use them in outerspace. The “Arsenal” Design Bureau space reconnaissance and target designation system and improved much their functional and performance characteristics. The spacecraft equipped with radar surveillance systems had been provided Russian Navy with needed information 24 hours a day under different weather conditions for a long time.

The 300-year-anniversary of the “Arsenal” foundation is getting closer (it will be celebrated on October 15, 2011). During last decades the main creative efforts of “Arsenal” and the co-enterprises were aimed at the development and ground-completionmethods of a new space system designed for radiophysical research of the land surface (different terrain and sea areas) in order to enlarge broad spectrum of manifold challenges on behalf of different customers. The being created space complex uses cutting-edge researchand-engineering achievements in the industry sector. Particularly, the latest radio-technical and radar equipment is used in the complex.

Nowadays the “Arsenal” enterprise has embarked on flight tests and full-scale development test of the new generation spacecraft which is integrated into the mentioned space complex.

R-31 missile salvo

Submarine firing the R-31 missile

2(52).2010

●

17

NAVY

US-AM spacecraft

US-PU spacecraft

18

●

in cooperation with Institute for Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INASAN, Moscow) in accordance with design specification by Central Research Institute for Engineering Technology conducted scientific research of the possible layout of a future space complex designed to control the circumterrestrial space as well as to solve the problems with asteroidal threat.

The implementation of “Zvezdny Patrul” can be done with use of

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

spacecraft which are built on the basis of low earth orbit and high earth orbit variants of the “Neva” Unified Small Space Platform. Roskosmos, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergency Management and Natural Disasters Response show their interest in this development. Bearing in mind the urgency of an issue, the “Arsenal” Design Bureau suggested that the

“Zvezdny Patrul” development activities should be done before 2020. At the same time some activities are in progress on the foreign markets to forward the projects where they could find a use. For this purpose an agreement with “Kosmoexport” was inked.

It should be noted that the “Arsenal” Design Bureau has been involved in further research activities to use spacecraft equipped with nuclear propulsion units to meet socialeconomic and scientific challenges including national and global security tasks.

Coming closer to the 300 anniversary St. Petersburg “Arsenal” does not forget its traditional assignment, which was given by Peter the First, to work out the A-192 new-generation multipurpose gun mount.

“Arsenal” Design Bureau “Arsenal” Federal State Unitary Enterprise, Press Service Advertising and Public Relations Department of OJSC “MZ “Arsenal”

NAVY

2(52).2010

●

19

WEAPONS

BTR-90 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment

UNIFIED FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARMOURED VEHICLES ne of the main factors leading to increase of combat effectiveness of existing armoured vehicles is the use of more advanced fire control system (FCS). Therefore more and more often increase in combat effectiveness is reached by means of upgrading FCS of combat vehicles’ (CV) weapon systems.

For decades development of fire control systems for light armoured vehicles (IFV, AAV and APC) lagged behind the development of tankmounted fire control systems.

For firing BMP-1 IFV’s 73 mm gun coupled with a machine gun and for firing the Malyutka ATGM system the vehicle is equipped with a combined periscopic gunner’s sight with dependent (on the gun) LOS and non-stabilized electric drive motor. Hence, BMP-1 IFV is capable of firing all weapon systems only in stationary position.

FCS for the BMP-2 IFV is the first fire control system for light combat vehicles featuring weapon system stabilizer which enables firing 30 mm gun and coupled machine gun both in stationary position and on the

O

20

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

move, while firing ATGM only in stationary position.

While tanks were already equipped with laser rangefinders and ballistic computers with fire conditions sensors, combat vehicles, like BMP-2 IFV for example, were not.

Adopting BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle by the Russian Armed Forces in 1987 was a qualitative leap for lightly armoured vehicles. the BMP3 weapon system was created at KBP Instrument Design Bureau. In terms of its composition and fire power it was a unique system, excelling both existing series production systems and future IFVs from all countries of the world. the system includes a 100 mm gun, a 30 mm gun, guided weapon with a tube-launched missile and FCS, whose specifications were not inferior to tank FCS being even superior in some aspects.

For the first time BMP-3 FCS, as opposed to BMP-2 FCS, used analogue ballistic computer and gunner’s sighting unit with independent line of sight (LOS), the latter ensuring firing on the move both unguided and guided weapons. Some of the parameters were fed from sensors automatically, e.g. vehicle speed and az-

imuth, angular speed of the target in azimuth channel, vehicle roll, distance to target. Range was measured by laser rangefinder mounted on the barrel. the parameters which change slowly, like ambient air and charge temperature, atmospheric pressure and muzzle velocity deviation could be fed manually. Hence, development of BMP1–>BMP2–>BMP3 FCS demonstrates convergence of trends of tank FCS and lightly armoured vehicles (IFV in particular) FCS development.

At the same time the BMP-3 adopted more than 20 years ago possessed a sufficient reserve for enhancement of performance characteristics. a new step in development of IFV FCS was the KBP-developed fire control system for BMD-4 airborne assault vehicle which in many aspects excelled tank FCS. The FCS consisted of the following major components: combined gunner’s day/night sight, commander’s panoramic sight, accuracy armament stabilizer, digital ballistic computer with sensor package and IR automatic target tracker.

The combined gunner’s sight (GS) combines range-finding, thermal

WEAPONS imaging, sighting and missile guid- LOS field stabilization, with frequenance channels in one module featur- cy laser range-finder and TV guiding one head mirror which ensures ance channel ensures quick and relihigh accuracy LOS stabilization in able search and detection of ground two axes. This allows detecting tar- and aerial targets, all-round surveilgets at large distances while mov- lance independent of the gunner’s ing, reliable target tracking in au- sight, accurate target designation tomatic and semiautomatic modes (up to 0.1 mrad) in azimuth and elwith stabilization accuracy of 0.005– evation and efficient firing all types 0.10 mrad. Incorporation of ther- of armament.

FCS features full back-up of commal imaging sight allowed firing all types of ammunition both by day mander’s actions during the process and at night and under limited visi- of firing all types of armament inbility (haze, smoke) conditions at all cluding guided missiles both by day and at night. weapon operating ranges.

Mirror pointing angles increased Limitation in number of ATGM launch cycles typical of BMP-3 was to 60° in elevation and LOS angular removed. Unified design of the mod- velocities increased to 20 deg/s in ule ensures that misalignment of op- “aerial target” mode, as well as high tical axes of range-finding and sight- frequency (up to 5 Hz) range-finding ing channels in the course of life-cy- ensure highly efficient firing against cle with no adjustment carried out aerial targets especially in automatic does not exceed 0.1 mrad, this en- tracking mode.

Ballistic computer with sensor hancing performance characteristics package. Adoption of digital ballisof the sight.

Range-finding channel of the tic computers instead of analogue sight ensures measuring distance ones makes it possible to process into target with a frequency of 4–5 creased data flow with higher speed Hz, this increasing efficiency of fire and accuracy and to use advanced against ground and especially aeri- fire algorithms.

FCS of the BMD-4 and upgradal targets.

Commander’s panoramic TV sight ed BMP-2 vehicles take account (CPS) with independent two-axis of the following factors: CV speed,

roll and trim difference, target relative angular speed, distance to target, type of ammunition, CV bearing angle, air temperature and pressure, charge temperature, angle of target position, changing distance to target during CV motion, projectile exit angle, number of shots made by the gun.

FCS of the adopted BMD-4 more accurately than the 1V539 ballistic computer (that of BMP-3) considers parameters of target movement relative to the platform: LOS angular speed in horizontal and vertical axes, speed of target approach to platform.

Considering the following parameters also adds significantly to the increase of fire accuracy: angle of target position when determining aiming angles, projectile flight time, firing range limits, non-linear dependence of range corrections on meteoballistic factors — air pressure and temperature and their non-linearity and cross-effect in particular, ballistic wind.

Moreover a newly developed fire permission algorithm allows considering limiting characteristics of CV subsystems during firing, e.g. it features automatic prohibition of firing beyond maximum aimed and aim-

2(52).2010

●

21

WEAPONS off fire distances, when exceeding permissible LOS angular speed, etc.

However tank FCS considers only limitation in permissible drive motor error.

The new 1V539M digital ballistic computer in contrast to BMP-3 analogue ballistic computer ensures easy programming for use of virtually unlimited number of ammunitions with new ballistic characteristics and its use as a component of FCS of various CVs. This combination resulted in increase of firing accuracy. the maximum errors of aiming angle and lateral lead calculation in 1V539M ballistic computer do not exceed tenths of mrad.

Armament stabilizer along with the gunner’s and commander’s sights performs stabilization and laying of the system’s weapons when firing all types of ammunition in stationary position, on the move and afloat.

The operation speed of the stabilizer is enhanced owing to the configuration of the stabilizer control unit in the form of an electronic device based on a minicomputer as well as thanks to application of a DC electric motor with commu-

BMD-4 armed with unified FCS and Bakhcha fighting compartment

BMP-3 armed with unified FCS and Bakhcha fighting compartment

22

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

tatorless electronic switching. As a result, armament stabilization accuracy is enhanced and dynamic errors are reduced. the new stabilizer enables optimal operation of the turret and armament laying drives in various modes, as well as adjustment of the drives in case of wide spread of mechanical parameters of different objects of control.

TV/IR automatic target tracker automatically tracks the LOS of the TV (commander’s panoramic sight) or thermal (thermal module of the gunner’s sight) sight to the target assigned by the gunner or commander.

It also enables high-precision laying of the aiming mark at the target in real combat conditions, which is particularly important when firing a guided missile.

The TV/IR automatic target tracker implements the “fire-and-forget” principle. the hit probability of the missile becomes technically guaranteed because the man is excluded from the guidance loop.

This enables to reduce the workload on the operator, to have stable tracking in stress situations of the battle, as well as to restore tracking after

its loss owing to the inertial tracking mode in case of temporal interruption (up to 5 seconds) of the signal in respect of the target.

The installation of the new FCS on the BMD-4 imposed additional requirements on the automatic loading, and this issue was solved by a common automatic loader of unguided and guided projectiles.

Automatic target tracking significantly increases fire accuracy, especially when firing at moving targets and when moving with high speed. the TV/IR automatic target tracker enables to reduce errors of LOS stabilization by a factor of 1.5–2.5.

The proposed FCS features modular design: various types of Russian and foreign thermal imagers can be installed; anti-tank missile guidance modules can be replaced; various ballistics of unguided projectiles can be input; layout of the modules on the CV can be varied. According to customer’s request any FCS composition version can be installed, including a reduced one.

The FCS modular design allowed to use the prevailing part (up to 90%) of the FCS of the BMD-4 fighting compartment in the fighting compartment of the upgraded BMP-2: the missile guidance channel is replaced in the BMP-2 FCS; the commander’s sight is installed behind the turret due to the lack of space.

In addition, the new FCS installed on the BMP-2 has enabled to conduct missile salvo firing to engage hardlyarmoured targets, to fire an automatic grenade-launcher while stationary, on the move and afloat, as well as to fire other weapons.

Furthermore, in order to upgrade lighter vehicles, e. g. BMD-2, the FCS was installed in the reduced version: only a part of the FCS and a part of the armament (one launcher).

The FCS was tested on the T-72 tank in the course of its upgrade according to one of the options.

The FCS has imparted the following new features to weapon systems of combat vehicles: ■ enhancement of gun fire accuracy; the effective range of fire of 30 mm projectiles has increased from 1100–1400 m up to 1800– 2000 m; the maximum range

WEAPONS

of fire of 100 mm projectiles has increased from 4 up to 7 km; the effective range of tank guns has increased by a factor of 1.3–1.8; ■ increase of target hit probability by an anti-tank guided missile; ■ enhancement of target search and detection capabilities, full backup of firing all types of weapons by the commander; ■ capability to kill a wide range of targets (stationary, maneuvering, small-size, high-speed targets, including aerial targets) under adverse weather and survey conditions while stationary, on the move and afloat, day and night, by all weapons installed on the combat vehicle; ■ increase of air target kill probability by more than an order of magnitude while reducing ammunition expenditure; the effectiveness of air-defence fire of combat vehicles approximates to that of specialized close-in air-defence missile-gun systems; ■ capability of firing from indirect positions; ■ “fire-and-forget” missile fire; ■ engagement of current and advanced tanks due to salvo fire of two anti-tank missiles in one beam and due to elevated missile fire; ■ ease of usage, opportunities to promptly increase the number of types of weapons and ammunition being used and to orient oneself in the combat situation; improvement of ergonomic characteristics of the combat vehicle.

Thus, introduction of the unified automatic round-the-clock FCS has enabled to significantly increase the effectiveness of armoured vehicles armament under all conditions of combat operation: typical target kill probability of the BMD-4 is increased by a factor of 3–4 as compared to that of the BMP-3, and by

a factor of 4–7 for the upgraded BMP2 as compared to the BMP-2.

The KBP-designed BMD-4 and the fighting compartment of the upgraded BMP-2 with the unified FCS currently have the performances, which are superior to those of the best foreign counterparts: Bradley (US), Marder (Germany).

This FCS can be used (totally or partially) as a part of weapon systems in the BMD-2, BMD-3, BTR-90, BMP-3, in the T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks as well as in weapon systems installed on river and sea vessels.

KBP has studied an opportunity to install weapon systems with the new FCS of the BMD-4 on foreign customer’s vehicles: Patria (Finland), ASCOD (Austria) and FAHD (Egypt), and the FCS of the upgraded BMP-2 — on vehicles of the Italian company IVECO. Thus, the proposed FCS is currently in quantity production at KBP Instrument Design Bureau and can be installed on various vehicles according to customer’s request.

BMD-3 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment

BMP-2 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment

BMP-3 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment

2(52).2010

●

23

WEAPONS

NIGHT VISION

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION 24

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

WEAPONS

EQUIPMENT: “H

ungary, to the south and south-east of Lake Balaton Soviet Union troops were repelling an assault of the large infantry and cavalry German forces». The Sovinformbjuro broadcasting agency reported it on March 6, 1945 and repeated it without any changes on March 7 and 8. One day later it was announced “Soviet Union troops were repelling an assault of the large infantry and cavalry enemy forces directed towards the Danube to the south-east and south of Lake Balaton in Hungary. Having suffered heavy losses the enemy managed to buckle in our defense line in several sectors. 72 German tanks and selfpropelled guns were destroyed on March 9 in the region”.

The unimportant buckling in a line was as many as 30 kilometers!

That was the first time during the war the Germans had conducted an offensive at night. They forced to the Danube and were stopped at a great cost of life. 33 thousand men were killed, wounded or missed in action.

But the Germans also lost 40 thousand men and half of the 900 tanks.

The Balaton only disappeared from the reports on March 16.

Short on a time, but exclusive on its dynamics and slogging battles the Balaton defensive operation of the 3rd Ukrainian Front could be compared with the battle of Kursk.

Anyone who knows the history of World War II even a little will pay attention to an unusual combination — the Germans and night battles, moreover offensive operations.

No doubt the German tank troopers saw in darkness like cats!

Mikhail Timoshenko

THE BEGINNING …

That was almost in that way: the image intensifier tube was developed in 1934. The electrons knocked off the photocathode by the IR radiation are accelerated and focalized by 2(52).2010

●

25

WEAPONS

Restored PzKpfw V Panther tank with night vision device mounted on its turret

26

●

an electric magnetic field on the an- Unfortunately, we’ll never find out ode drawing image visible in an eye- the truth. But what a brilliant examglass on a luminescent screen. By ple of successful electronic warfare the end of the war Germany pro- it could be!

Those image intensifier tubes beduced up to thousand IR-devices a month. They were mounted on the came night vision device of generPzKpfw V Panther tanks. It allowed ation zero. Disadvantages: necessiSS-troops to buckle in the Soviet ty of an active auxiliary illumination defense line during the first days provided by the IR-floodlight which of the battle of Balaton Lake though is also a signature; lack of protection the Soviet units had superiority against bright light (flash out protection) and low sensitivity. in tanks and artillery.

Active IR devices with an auxThose devices had low sensitivity — for their usage (they al- iliary illumination were improved lowed engaging our tanks and guns in the first post-war decade. By at the range of 400 m at night) the end of 1950s the march speed the auxiliary illumination was nec- of American military convoys at night essary. It was provided by the flood- was almost the same as in daytime. lights covered with ebonite sheets But at night an IR-floodlight mountand mounted on the Sd. Kfz. II51/II0 ed on the APC or tank was actually Valke APCs. And they had their own “screaming”: ‘I am the target!’ And acheel of Achilles — bright direct light tive devices of generation zero were burnt the photocathode out put- replaced by the passive or image inting the image intensifier tube out tensifying ones. of action. Wasn’t that the reason why GENERATION BY GENERATION … our antiaircraft floodlights floodPassive night vision device teched the Germans when attacking at the Battle of the Seelow Heights? nology is based on the image intensifier tubes (photomultipliers) located between the photocathode and the eyeglass. It allows the device to intensify visible and an IR ranges and draw the image. In other words an electron knocked off the photocathode by light is transmuted into the whole stream of electrons because of the secondary emission in several stages. And this stream can be focalized to draw the visual image.

The principle of operation of such devices is based on the fact the battlefield is not dark; it is always illuminated either by fires, moonlight or stellar light. The human eye is capable to fix even a separate quantum, but it is better to see the enemy — and image intensifiers transmute separate quantum into bright image.

There were several generations of image intensifying night vision devices. Gen I, tested in Vietnam, produced a light amplification of around 1000x and allowed to fight at the light of the quarter moon. Gen II (the Falkland War, 1982 and the Desert Storm, 1991) produced a light amplification of around 20000x and worked at the starlight.

GOES 34210M Then the researchers managed to

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

resist the whiteout at the expense of application of micro channel technology. Improved image-intensifier tubes utilizing micro-channel plate (MCP) accelerate electrons in a large number of bypass channels of diameter about micrometer. If any of them is blinded there will be no problem: a micron size bright point will not spoil the image. Generation III uses a photocathode made with gallium arsenide, which further improves image resolution and amplifies to around 30000–50000x. They are in use nowadays. And Generation IV has an automatic gated power supply and endless MCP system regulates the photocathode voltage allowing the NVD to instantaneously adapt to changing light conditions and increase its range.

Photomultipliers are compact, keep the platform camouflaged and have the high-resolution capability ensuring confident target identification and exact sniper shooting.

But they are only effective against darkness and ineffective against aerosols (fog, smoke) and rain. As ill luck would have it war always takes place in bad weather!

YOU HAVE — TEMPERATURE! That is why thermo vision technologies were also being developed along with image intensification, the long-wave one which does not need any celestial light. As all the military science interesting objects radiate electromagnetic waves in the infra-red spectrum. Even kids know about an IR-homing head of air-to-air missiles. And there are also tank engines, radars, etc. If we consider ourselves, body temperature of human being is 36.6°С.

First, this radiation was captured by thermo resistances ruler, then — sub matrix (both of them had mechanical scanning), and later — matrix. The devices were to be cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature in order to suppress thermal interference. That is why, for example, very powerful compact cooler body was one of the critical technologies used in tank infra-red thermal imagers.

Finally, matrix on uncooled silicon microbolometers appeared.

They require neither cooling nor me-

WEAPONS chanical scanning. However, such a matrix usually uses the Peltier device which can both cool and heat up and serves as a method of thermal stabilization. In the Englishspeaking literature such devices are referred to as TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler). Thermoelectric cooling uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two different types of materials (normally bismuth telluride and silicon germinades) which transfer heat from one side of the device to the other side against the temperature gradient (from cold to hot), with consumption of electrical energy. If cooling the heating part of a Peltier device, for example by a radiator or fan, the temperature of the cold one will become lower. In different equipment these devices are often used as the second or third stage of cooling.

It allows attaining the temperatures of −80°К for one-stage refrigerators and −120°К for the two-stage ones.

Quality of an image drawn by thermal imagers does not depend on the target’s illumination. And its range does depend on the air condition as it operates in a long-wave spectrum. Effective range probability of thermal imagers is about 9092%. They have better interference immunity, but both thermal imagers and night vision devices do not provide necessary range at unfavorable weather conditions. Thermal imagers are more complicated, expensive and larger than photomultipliers.

They have lower resolution and do not seem to like wet, covered with dirt or snow targets. That is why real weapons systems combine both light amplification and thermo vision channels.

THE MISSION MATTERS Modern night vision devices are manufactured in several basic versions.

Night monocular is the simplest variant — It is normally a telescope of low magnification degree handed by the operator.

Night vision binoculars have two image intensifier tubes and produce magnified stereoscopic picture.

Night vision goggles are fixed on a head, provide wide field of view

and normally do not magnify the image or have variable magnification of 1х and more which allows using them as a binocular. Night vision goggles use pseudo-binocular (Cyclops) image intensifier tubes when one image intensifier tube sends picture to both eyeglasses.

Night sight is fixed on the small arms and, as a rule, magnifies the image and has a reticule. These devices should stand the kick and it restricts their application on high-power small arms. The alternative for the night vision device laying is the IR laser target director which is an invisible laser beam being watched through the night vision goggles.

The night vision devices mounted on combat vehicles are integrated into their targeting systems.

WHAT IS THERE INSIDE NVD? So, image intensifier tube is the basis of any night vision device. Image intensifier tubes develop in a close co-operation generation development of night vision devices. Gen I of night vision devices are based on one- and multistage image intensifier tubes using a multislot photocathode of 220 μA/lm made primarily of glass to accelerate the electrons, input and output fiber-optical elements. Gen II of night vision devices are also based on image intensifier tubes. They had input and output fiber-optical elements, micro-channel plate (MCP) and multislot photocathode which had a sensitivity of around 300 μA/lm. This generation is subdivided into inverter and biplanar image intensifier tubes. These are two gaps with parallel electric field: photocathode- micro-channel plate and micro-channel plate -screen. Depending on sensitivity of the multislot photocathode night vision devices are subdivided into Gen II, Gen II+ and Gen II++ and based on the biplanar image intensifier tubes. Gen III night vision device is a biplanar image intensifier tube using photocathode made with gallium arsenide.

Gen II+, II++ and III are being developed within the last 25 years.

However, Generation IV image intensifier tube has become a real achievement for the last few years.

This is an image intensifier tube with the A3V5 photocathode with an ionbarrier film on a micro-channel plate.

It has an automatic gated power supply. Such image intensifier tube has increased impulse/noise ratio (above 33) and extended to 1000 lx operative illumination range. It increases its effective range in extreme low light conditions and allows conducting effective observation in the dynamic lightning including urbanized areas.

As far as the other trends are concerned it is necessary to note

Agava-II Thermal sight

Tank Thermal Vision "ESSA"

2(52).2010

●

27

WEAPONS interest and progress in the field partially mastered. In particular, such of hybrid-module intensifiers (HMI) night vision devices as Naglaznik where there is an electron-raised pseudo-binocular goggles, Leader charge-coupled matrix built-in pseudo-binocular night vision field the image intensifier tube. In such glasses, Skosok flying night vision HMI there are no losses caused goggles, etc. Despite the mentioned by the conversion of an electronic night vision devices a great number stream to the image drawn on the of unusual ones based on the image screen, losses of emanation and res- intensifier tube technology was deolution in the optical devices. And signed. Such as low-profile night vithere are no screen luminophor sion goggles, wide-field goggles with noises. The possibility of converting the user's field of view to around the image to the analogue or digital 60 degrees, etc.

The US companies mastered signal allows the operator to receive the image on the monitor removed the production of biplanar image from the sensor block and conduct intensifier tubes of Gen III with rotational image displacement and withvideo processing.

Quality of image intensifier tubes out it; the European and Israeli prois expressed in a calculated factor duce biplanar image intensifier called Figure of Merit (FOM) which is tubes of Gen II+ and II++ for night an abstract measure of image tube vision devices. The USA run a fullperformance, derived from the num- scale production of night vision deber of line pairs per millimeter (reso- vices based on Gen III image intenlution limit) multiplied by the tube's sifier tubes, the NATO countries’ resignal-to-noise ratio. High quality im- search is based on II++ ones. Key age intensifier tubes are known to characteristics of foreign night vihave a FOM of 1200–1500. Active sion devices are comparable with growth of Gen II + and III image in- ours. In fact, night vision device tensifier tube parameters decreased based on Gen III image intensifier in the last decade of the XX century. tubes are only implemented in poor It should be mentioned that Russian visibility (Е <1•10-3 lx). At this visiimage intensifier tubes of Gen II+ bility effective range of Gen III imand III have increased their FOM dur- age intensifier tubes excel Gen II++ ones. Gen III night vision devices are ing the last years.

A number of design projects have ~1.5–2 times more expensive than been completed in Russia recent- generation II++.

The image intensifier tubes of Gen ly. Biplanar image intensifier tubes of Gen II, II+, II++ with multislot pho- IV should have 1.5 micron spectral tocathode and Gen III tubes with sensitivity, resolution of 64 lp/mm, AIIIB5 photocathode for night vision wave length sensitivity of 1.0 midevices have been developed. Next crons S> 100 μA/W, a signal/noise generation of night vision devices ratio of more than 63. Night vision based on biplanar image intensifi- devices based on the biplanar imer tubes has been successfully de- age intensifier tube with the 1.1 misigned and their production has been cron photocathode sensitivity, mi-

Thermal Vision "Sosna"

28

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

WEAPONS

cro-channel and fiber-optical plates with the 54 lp/mm resolution have been designed. It is possible to research new generation of night vision devices based on the new sensitive elements and increase their effectiveness in 1.5–2 times. Such night vision devices also ensure higher interference immunity.

AND WHAT IS THERE INSIDE A THERMAL IMAGER? Thermo imaging development is divided into four generations:

Gen I: thermal imagers on single rulers of optical detectors on the basis of a MCT (mercury cadmium telluride) liquid melt with two-dimensional scanning. It should be mentioned that a MCT bulk crystal is much more expensive than gold; Gen II: thermal imagers on submatrix on the basis of a MCT with signal summation of more than 2 elements and one-dimensional scanning; Gen III: thermal imagers on CdHgTe matrix with 20-micron

sensitive elements. Hyper sensitivity of such optical detectors allows gaining temperature sensitivity of T<0,07°С; Gen IV: thermal imagers on uncooled thermal matrix on the basis of silicon microbolometers or pyroelectric matrix and other VO materials. There is no detector and deep cooling system in Gen IV thermal imager.

In Russia there is a concept of thermal imagers based on rulers with small number of elements

The military man is equipped with the Alfa-9022 monocular and Alfa-7115 laser target pointer fixed on the assault rifle

2(52).2010

●

29

WEAPONS

The military man is equipped with the PNV-10T night vision device Alfa7115 laser target pointer fixed on the assault rifle

(10–32). Though the concept of production of such optical detectors is very attractive they yield to foreign on 60-element optical detectors. Within the limits of the Federal Night Vision Developments Program Ministry of Defense and civil companies have designed the module construction of thermal imagers.

Some modules as separate elements were made for all the 4 generations of thermal imagers.

Production of MCT bulk crystals has been mastered in the USSR in the 1980s, and thermal imagers for some military equipment could be produced in lots. That means that USSR could have had tank and helicopter thermal imagers even at the Afghan War. But … then other times have come, and capitalism building in Russia ruined militaryindustrial complex. The main tasks

of the Russian Ministry of Defense were personnel reduction and logistic support of those in service.

Russia produces Gen 0 Posobie-1 and Gen I Posobie-2 and Agava-2 thermal imagers. Posobie-1 is an IRcamera based on a 50-element JnSb optical detector for the reconnaissance post. Pokolenie-2, modification of Posobie-1, uses Nevesomost-64 photo-receiving device which consists of 64-element ruler of MCT crystals. We also produce Agava-2 thermo vision sight on the basis of Archa photo-receiving device which is based on the 128-element photo resistor made from MCP. Orion R&D designed thermal imagers with good system of a signal processing. They are based on 128-element 4-column matrix with staggered ordering of plots and MCT matrix.

The US and NATO troops are equipped with thermal imagers of all generations. All the imagers have module construction.

Texas Instrumemts, Hughes (USA) has developed gamma thermal imager on the basis of microbolometric and pyroelectric matrixes. There are gamma thermal imagers such as small arms sight in mass of 1.77 kg and 800 m range, and some other infra-red imagers with excellent performances, for example, the Sophie binocular of French CSF Company on the basis of a 4х288-element submatrix, 2 kg in weight. It detects a human being at the range of 1200–1300 m.

On the basis of this type of optical detectors a driving thermal imager was developed for driving of various military vehicles and some other infra-red imagers.

www.airfleet.ru

targeting your audience since 1997

AIR DEFENSE

32

â&#x2014;?

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

AIR DEFENSE

UPGRADED ZU-23

ANTI-AIRCRAFT MOUNT pen Joint Stock mount was considered to be a basis Company Podolsky for a much more cutting-edge weapElectromechanical Plant on system.

Embarked on modernization OJSC of Special Engineering “PEMZ Spetsmash” and “PEMZ Spetsmash” and CJSK “NTC Closed Joint Stock Company “NTC ELINS” set a goal to update by far the Elins” have introduced to the world aiming and guiding systems of ZU-23. market the up-to-date ZU-23M1-4 Besides, the goal of modernization Anti-Aircraft Mount, that was built was to provide day and night operaon the basis of ZU-23 anti-aircraft tional use capabilities of the system.

To achieve the goal the enterprisgun and modernization equipment es, which were involved in the crepackage.

The 23 mm twinned gun AA ation of ZU-23/30M1-4, fulfilled remount has been soldiering for 50 search and development activities years in different countries all over as well as big number of actual firthe world, particularly in Army Air ing exercises at real air targets were Defense units and Airborne units of executed.

After the modernization the the Russian Armed Forces. 14000 ZU-23 AA guns were produced dur- 23mm ZU-23M1-4 twin anti-aircraft ing Soviet Union time, Bulgaria and gun mount was created to provide China obtained a license to produce protection of sites and non-mobile and manufactured several thousand objects against tactical and assault mounts more. ZU-23 was exported aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, intensively to the Warsaw Pact coun- as well as to inflict damage on UAVs tries, as well as Africa, Middle East and light armored combat vehicles during day and night under condiand other regions.

The outstanding AA mount capa- tions of limited visibility.

Modernization equipment packbilities were proved and tested in different conditions and always demon- age of ZU-23 consists of: strated its outstanding combat char- ■ Vertical and Horizontal Homing acteristics. As a corollary the ZU-23 Electrical Drives;

O

2(52).2010

●

33

AIR DEFENSE ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Optoelectronic Unit; Tracking Automatic Unit; Digital Computing System; Display; Control and Display Panel; ■ Operator Control Panel; ■ Electric Power Supply Unit; ■ Autonomous 27V DC Generating Set; ■ Installation Kit. The 2A14 anti-aircraft guns, loading mechanisms and towed chassis remain unchanged in ZU-23/30M1-4 Target search, finding the target, tracking the target (automatic or semiautomatic), engaging the target are exercised at ZU-23/30M1-4 by one operator instead of two at ZU-23.

The modernization of ZU-23 can take place either in Russia or in another place where a customer resides.

The modernization at the customer's place is done at an enterprise, designated by the customer, in cooperation with teams of Russian specialists and customer's specialists using a modernization equipment package as well as adjusting and alignment equipment and tools, delivered from Russia to update in-inventory ZU-23 mounts. As far as customer's specialists master the modernization process of ZU-23, the upgrading can be handed over to them fully or partially.

At the customer's discretion ZU23/30M1-4 can be equipped with a target designation system, which receives the coordinates and commands via digital coded wire links and radio links from the automated command and control post of a unit.

Units with the in-service up-

graded Anti-Aircraft Mounts can be equipped with spear parts tools and accessories for the modernization equipment package. In addition a maintenance workshop can be commissioned. The workshop provides maintenance and first line repairs of ZU-23/30M1-4 in the field. The delivery package can also have simulators which allow to train operators without using the AA mounts and flying targets.

Generally, the upgrade of ZU-23 to ZU-23/30M1-4 has provided: ■ Improvement of the effectiveness while engaging air or ground targets; ■ Day and Night fighting capabilities; ■ Automated process of aiming a target and its tracking;

MAIN TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Type Armament Platform Guidance System

ZU-23

ZU-23/30M1

Two 2A14 23-mm guns

Two 2A14 23-mm guns “Igla” (Igla-S) short range guided missiles

Two-wheeled towed chassis

Two-wheeled towed chassis of ZU-23

Manual optical with mechanical sight

Optoelectronic automatic, semiautomatic and manual (as a backup)

Manual using flywheels

Electro drive

Up to 1.5 Up to 2.0

Up to 3.5 Up to 5.0

Up to 50

Up to 400 (200 for guns)

Not more than 0.023

Not more than 0.7 (up to 0.2 for guns)

Yes

Yes

Targeting System Effective Area of Engagement, km Altitude Range of Fire Velocity of Effectively Engagement of a Target, m/s Target Engagement Probability Ability to engage ground targets

Velocity of targeting, degrees./second Horizontally Vertically 24-Hour Fighting Performance Crew Combat Load, kg

34

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

30

60

40

50

Not provided

Provided

2

1

970

1100

AIR DEFENSE ■ No-live operator estimation of col-

lision; ■ The wide range of effective en-

gagement of fast moving targets; ■ Downsize of the crew.

Hereafter ZU-23/30M1-4 can be armed with man portable SAM weapon “Igla-S” using the “Strelets” equipment and module set. The “Igla-S” surface-to-air missile can be launched from a module that consists of the ZU-23 chassis and “Strelets”. The launch is controlled and commanded via ZU-23/30M1-4.

DIRECTOR GENERAL OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY PODOLSKY ELECTROMECHANICAL PLANT OF Elins” under the leadership of its SPECIAL ENGINEERING “PEMZ Director General TIKMENOV Vasily.

SPETSMASH” CHICH SVYATOSLAV: Our enterprise in cooperation “The upgraded ZU-23M1-4 AA mount was created by a group of with Closed Joint Stock Company leading Russian specialists head- “NTC Elins” totally finished the needed by Head Designer V. Kokurin, ed work-out of the AA mount and is who unfortunately passed away in ready to deliver it both Russian and 2008. His work was continued by O. foreign customers.

ZU-23 M1-4's characteristics and Avdakov. Both were able to create autonomous and high performance terms of delivery cause interest in complex, which has optimum struc- many countries and regions all over the world: Latin America, Africa, ture, combat capabilities and price.

The backbone of the ZU-23 mod- South-East Asia. The mount is needernization was the integration of a ed to be examined and for sure it modern fire control system produced takes time. However we already

by Closed Joint Stock Company “NTC managed to ink a deal with a foreign

Upgraded ZU-23 customer on delivery of several hundreds of the AA mount. Preliminary agreements have been reached with other customers as well.

In cooperation with our counteragents and “Rosoboronexport” the after-sale service of upgraded AA mounts is provided in the customer's place. The fulfillment of the aftersale service in the customer's place is facilitated due to the well engineered modular structure of the system as well as simplicity and maintenance of the guns. I am sure that a client will receive comprehensive highgrade and high quality service.

2(52).2010

●

35

AIR DEFENSE

BUK AIR DEFENSE MISSILE SYSTEM:

OLD FRIENDS ARE BEST

arious modifications to be a reliable system working in seof the Buk air defense vere conditions without any probmissile system have lems. Third, the Buk can be easily inbeen in service in var- tegrated in air defense and aviation ious countries for over combat control systems.

Its history dates back to 1972 30 years. Why so long? First, the Buk is being constantly improved to be which saw the creation of the Bukalways up-to-date. Second, it proved 1 first-stage air defense missile sys-

V

36

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

tem designed to reinforce batteries of Kub air defense missile systems that were part of air defense regiments of tank divisions — the main striking power of the Soviet Army.

The 9A38 transporter erector launcher and radar vehicle (TELAR) placed on the GM-569 chassis com-

AIR DEFENSE bined functions of the self-propelled target acquisition vehicle and selfpropelled launcher. It carried out search for targets in a determined sector, their detection and lock-in, pre-launch actions, launch and homing of its three missiles as well as three 3M9M3 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) placed on a coupled 2P25M3 self-propelled launcher. The self-propelled launcher could receive control and target information from both the reconnaissance and targeting SP vehicle and independently.

The 9A38 TELAR included the 9S35 radar; digital computing system; launching machine with a servodrive; ground-based interrogator operating in the Parol recognition system; TV/optical sight; equipment for data communications with the reconnaissance and control vehicle and wire communications with the SP launcher; self-contained power supply system based on the gas turbine device; navigation, location and orientation equipment; life support system.

The progress in the development of microwave devices, quartz and electromechanical filters and computers allowed the 9S35 radar to

operate as a target detection, tracking and illumination radar. It worked in the centimeter band using one antenna and two transmitters (pulse and continuous emission). The first transmitter was used for target detection and tracking in the quasicontinuous emission mode or, if there are problems with unambiguous range definitions, in the chirped pulse mode.

The second continuous-emission transmitter was used for target and SAM illumination. The antenna system provided sectorial target search in the electromechanical mode, target tracking by angular coordinates and range — in the monopulse mode, while the signals were processed by the on-board computer. The noise factor of the radar’s surveillance and direction-finding receivers was below 10 dB. The radar reaction time was 20 sec. It was protected from active, passive and combined jamming.

The 9A38 TELAR vehicle has a launcher with replaceable guides.

The 9M38 SAM had a two-mode solid-fuel propulsion. It featured a normal X-shaped configuration with a low-aspect wing.

The front part of the missile successively includes the semi-active homing head, autopilot system, power sources and warhead. In order to reduce the alignment dispersion by flight time, the grain chamber is placed closer to the missile center and the nozzle cluster includes an extended duct surrounded by actuator elements.

The 9M38 missile was delivered to the armed forces fully fitted in a transport container. The period of its maintenance-free operation reached 10 years.

The 9M38 was able to engage aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 3 km from the range of 3.4 to 20.5 km and at an altitude of 30 m — from 5 to 15.4 km. The missile could shoot down targets at altitudes from 30 m to 14 km, and at a course parameter of up to 18 km. The aircraft hit probability equaled 0.70–0.93.

The 9S470 command post vehicle placed on GM-579 chassis provided receiving, reflecting and processing of target information coming from the 9S18 target acquisition radar (TAR) and six 9A310 self-propelled mounts as well as from higher command posts, selecting dangerous

2(52).2010

●

37

AIR DEFENSE TABLE. COMPOSITION Complex Command Post Surveillance Radar TELAR TEL

9K37 "Buk"

9K37-1 "Buk-1"

9K37M1 "Buk-M1"

9K37M1-2 "Buk-M1-2"

9K37M2E "Buk-M2E"

9S470

9S470

9S470M1

9S470M1-2

9S510

9S18 Kupol

1S91M3

9S18M1 Kupol-M1

9S18М1-1 9S112

9S36

9А310,9А38

9A38

9A310M1

9A310M1-2

9A317, 9P619

9А39

2P25M3

9A39M1

9A39M1, 9A39M1-2

9A316

targets and their distribution among self-propelled mounts in manual and automatic modes, assigning their responsibility sectors, depicting information on the availability of SAMs on SP mounts and loading mounts, modes of illumination transmitters of SP mounts, their operation, operating regimes of the target acquisition radar. It also ensured the system’s work in ECM environment and during enemy’s employment of antiradar missiles as well as operation documenting and crew training. The command post processed information about 46 targets at altitudes of up to 20 km at a range of 100 km for one surveillance cycle of the target acquisition radar and sent up to 6 instructions to SP launchers.

The 9S18 Kupol 3D coherent/ pulse detection and tracking centimeter-band radar featuring electronic scanning by elevation angle and mechanical (round or in a specific sector) antenna rotation by azimuth using an electric or hydraulic drive was designed to detect and recognize aerial targets at altitudes of up to 120 km (45 km at an altitude of 30 m) and submit air environment information to the 9S470 command post vehicle.

Depending on the surveillance sector by elevation angle and ECM environment, the surveillance rate was from 4.5 to 18 sec in circular scanning and from 2.5 to 4.5 sec in scanning within a 30° sector.

In order to prevent selective jamming, methods of pulse-to-pulse

carrier frequency tuning, distance interval blanking, change of linear FM inclination and distance sectors blanking were used. In case of noise barrage jamming of self-protection and external protection of selected levels, the target detection station could detect a fighter at a range of 50 km. The station allowed target tracking with a probability of at least 0.5 against the background of local objects and passive jamming environment by means of the movingtarget indicator canceller with wind speed self-compensation. It was protected from antiradar missiles by means of programmed carrier frequency tuning within 1.3 sec, switching to circular ranging signal polarization or pulsed light (glitter) mode.

The 9A310 TELAR vehicle differed from the 9A38 one by the connection with the 9S470 command post vehicle and 9A39 transporter-erector launcher (TEL) with a data communications line.

In addition, four 9M38 SAMs were placed on the launching machine of the 9A310 TELAR vehicle. Its reaction time equaled 5 min. It took 20 sec to switch the system from the standby to working mode, particularly after changing its position with switched equipment. The 9A380 TELAR was loaded with four SAMs from the transporter-erector launcher within 12 min and from the transporter vehicle — within 16 min.

The 9A39 TEL placed on the GM577 chassis was designed to transport and store eight SAMs (four on the

launch machine and stationary lodgments), launch four SAMs, self-load its launch machine with four SAMs from the lodgments and transport containers, load and unload the SP launch vehicle with four SAMs. Thus, the Buk’s transporter-erector launcher combined functions of the transport-launch vehicle and SP launcher. Besides the launcher with a servodrive, crane and lodgments, the transporter-erector launcher included the computing system, navigation, survey control and orientation, data communications and power supply equipment as well as power supply units.

The system’s command post received aerial situation data from the command post of the Buk air defense missile brigade (Polyana-D ACS) and target detection station, then processed it and sent instructions to SP launch vehicles, which search for targets and tracked them using this information. The SAM was launched when targets reached the engagement zone. The missile was homed using the proportional navigation technique ensuring high homing accuracy. Approaching the target, the seeker sent the close arming command to the radio proximity fuse. The warhead detonated 17 m away from the target. In case of radio proximity fuse failure, the SAM self-destructed. If the target survived, the second SAM was launched.

The Buk-1 system allowed the simultaneous engagement of up to six targets by one division and, if need-

TABLE. MISSILE Missile Missiles per TEL Missile Weight Engagement range Engagement altitude Maximum target speed (Mach)

38

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

9М38

9М38M1

9M317

4

4

4

690 kg

690 kg

720 kg

4–30 km

3–42 km

3–45 km

30–14000 m

30–22000 m

30–25000 m

2,5

4

4

AIR DEFENSE ed, fulfilling up to six independent combat tasks independently using SP launch vehicles. It provided high target detection reliability by means of joint surveillance of the target detection station and six SP launch vehicles, enhanced jamming protection by means of the target seeker’s onboard computer and special illumination signal and high target engagement efficiency due to increased SAM warhead power.

Practical and simulation launches proved that the Buk air defense missile system can engage non-maneuvering targets flying at a speed of up to 800 m/sec at altitudes from 25 m to 18 km at ranges from 3 to 25 km and course parameter of up to 18 km with a single-launch hit probability of 0.7–0.8. The hit probability reduced down to 0.6 if the target maneuvered with G loads of up to 8.

Also, the system included the 9V881 maintenance vehicle, 9V883, 9V884 and 9V894 technical service and maintenance vehicles, 9V95 automated control and test mobile station, 9T229 transporter vehicle with 9T319 technological equipment set, 9T31M autocrane and other assets.

The 9S18 TAR, 9A380 TELAR and 9S470 command post vehicles were made by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. The 9A39 TEL was produced at the Sverdlovsk MachineBuilding Plant.

In 1983, the Buk air defense missile system was modernized to raise its combat performance and ECM and antiradiation missiles protection.

The upgraded Buk-M1 featured longer aircraft engagement range, was able to shoot down ALCM cruise missiles with a single-launch hit probability of 0.4, Hew-Cobra helicopters — with a hit probability of 0.6– 0.7 and hovering helicopters — 0.3– 0.4 at a range of 3.5–10 km.

The TELAR vehicle employs 72 pre-set illumination frequencies (instead of 36), which raises its protection from mutual and intentional interference. It can recognize three types of targets — aircraft, ballistic missiles and helicopters. When compared with the 9S470 command post, the 9S470M1 one supports simultaneous reception of data from

the own target detection station and information about six targets from the air defense command post of the motorized infantry (tank) division or from that of the army as well as comprehensive training of all combat crews.

As compared with the 9A38, the 9A310M1 TELAR allows target detection and lock-in at longer ranges (by 25–30%) as well as recognition of aircraft, ballistic missiles and helicopters with a probability of at least 0.6.

The system incorporates a more advanced 9S18M1 (Kupol-M1) TAR featuring a flat elevation-scanned phased array and basing on the GM567M tracked chassis.

The Buk-M1 system features efficient organizational and technical antiradiation missile protection. The Buk-M1’s combat parts are interchangeable with the similar parts of the Buk system without their upgrades. The organization of their combat and technical units is the same, too.

The system’s technological equipment includes the 9V95M1 automated control and test mobile station employing the ZiL-131 chassis with a trailer; 9V883, 9V884 and 9V894 technical service and maintenance vehicles based on Ural-43203-1012; the 9V881 technical service vehicle based on Ural-43203-1012; 9T229 transporter vehicle for eight missiles or six containers with missiles based on a KrAZ-255B; 9T31M autocrane and MTO-ATG-M1 technical service workshop based on ZiL-131.

In 1994-1997, the Buk-M1-2 ADMS was created. Due to the employment of a newer 9M317 missile and upgrading other systems, for the first time it gained the ability to hit Lance tactical ballistic missiles and aircraftlaunched missiles at a range of 20 km, elements of high-precision weapons and ships — at 25 km and ground targets (parked aircraft, launchers and large command posts) — at 15 km. The aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles engagement capability was raised, too. The engagement range was increased up to 45 km and altitude — up to 25 km. The newer missile features an inertial-corrected control system with a semi-active radar target seeker providing proportional navigation guidance. Outwardly, the 9M317 differs from the 9M38 missile by a smaller wing chord length.

In addition to the improved missile, it is planned to equip the system with a new part — the illumination and guidance radar with a telescopic antenna placed at a height of 22 m in the working position. This radar considerably raises the system’s capability to engage low-flying targets, particularly cruise missiles.

The system can be equipped with command posts and launch section of two types: four sections each including one improved TELAR vehicle carrying four SAMs and able to simultaneously engage up to four targets and one transporter-erector launcher with eight missiles; two sections each including one illumination and guidance radar also able to simultaneous2(52).2010

●

39

AIR DEFENSE

ly engage up to four targets and two transporter-erector launchers with eight SAMs on each one.

Upgrading the Buk-M system (Buk-M1-2 and Buk-M2), the Start Machine-Building Design Bureau developed the 9P619 launcher and 9A316 TEL on a tracked chassis as well as the 9A318 launcher on a wheeled chassis.

In general, the development of Kub and Buk air defense missile systems is an excellent example of how weapons evolution can continuously enhance the combat performance of army air defense at a relatively low price.

Now, foreign customers can buy the cutting-edge Buk-M2E mediumrange multifunctional mobile air defense missile system manufactured by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. It can defeat any aerial targets including tactical and strategic aircraft, fire support helicopters including hovering ones, a wide range of tactical ballistic and antiradiation missiles as well as special airborne and cruise missiles.

The system can engage surface targets (destroyers and missile boats) and ground radar-contrast targets both in light and heavy ECM environment. Its target engagement zone is 3–45 km by range and 15 m — 25 km — by altitude.

40

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

The minimal deployment/closure time is 5 min given that the positions of its main combat assets can be changed within 20 sec with switched-on equipment. High-speed tracked chassis provide the system with high mobility.

The employment of advanced phased arrays with an effective phase control allows simultaneous tracking and rapid engagement of up to 24 targets. The efficient optoelectronic system based on the submatrix IR and charge transfer matrix TV channels provides round-theclock operation of its main combat asset — the 9A317E TELAR vehicle.

The optical mode largely raises the system’s jamming protection and survivability. All combat assets are integrated into advanced digital systems allowing rapid data processing and selecting the most dangerous targets, their lock-in and tracking. A single and salvo launch can be made 10-12 sec after target detection.

High mobility and survivability, wide range of engaged targets and high single-launch hit probability (0.9–0.95) attracts attention to the Buk-M2E air defense missile system and raises its popularity on international arms markets.

The Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant is part of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern and is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance air defense systems and the only producer of Buk-M2 air defense missile systems and Tunguska-M1 air defense missile/gun system. The company carries out the modernization of ZSU-23-4 Shilka and Buk-M1 systems.

The plant is conducting R&D works on the modernization of previouslymade items and overhaul of combat and technical assets of Buk and Tunguska systems.

CONTACTS: OJSC ULYANOVSK MECHANICAL PLANT Moskovskoye Highway 94, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432008 Phone: +7 (8422) 42-03-70, fax: +7 (8422) 32-61-63 E-mail: ump@mv.ru OJSC ALMAZ-ANTEY AIR DEFENSE CONCERN Vereiskaya St. 41, Moscow, Russia, 121471 Phone: +7 (095) 780-54-10, fax: +7 (095) 780-54-11 E-mail: vts@almaz-antey.ru

AIR AI I R DEF D DE DEFENSE EF FE EN NS SE

2(52).2010 2 2( (5 52 2))..20 2010 10

●

4 41

LAND FORCES

RUSSIAN LIGHT MULTIROLE ARMORED VEHICLES

42

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

LAND FORCES

Viktor Murakhovskiy

2(52).2010

●

43

LAND FORCES The point, that the use of infantry units during a warfare even without chemical or bacteriological weapon is going to be diminished, obtains a wide circulation not only on bush-league forums but even among some professionals. However, the last local conflicts, for instance in Georgia, show that Infantry remains the most all purpose branch of the Armed Forces which is capable effectively fight against foe's infantry units as well as small guerrilla units. Moreover, the infantry units shall become an absolute obstacle for mechanized units. To full fill the mentioned tasks an infantry unit is supposed to have superiority in fire power and last but not least modern attached armored vehicles

KAMAZ-43269 Vystrel

At the end of the 20th century, the changing nature of military operations required the urgent equipment of armed forces and police with light armored vehicles. The new important tasks emerged, namely counter-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, patrolling missions, border protection, etc.

Performing these missions, military units and law enforcement bodies can be attacked in any place and any time in a situation when there is no front and rear. Command and support units are threatened at the same level as combat units do. Combat units possess combat armored vehicles, but other structures used to employ thin-skinned ones.

Thus, the losses of general purpose vehicles in local wars were too large.

Soon, many countries realized the need in light multirole armored vehicles and started their creation. The US HMMWV Hammer was a kind of symbol of such vehicles.

At present, dozens of companies all over the world manufacture such cars, for example, Renault (France), KMW (Germany), Iveco (Italy), FNSS (Turkey), Bin Jaber Group (UAE) and others.

Such vehicles are used both in military structures and law enforcement bodies as well as in many other fields requiring protected and mobile vehicles.

As for the Russian Federation, the first order for developing light multirole armored vehicles was made by the Federal Border Service at the Special Machine-Building ScienceProduction Center of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

As a result, the BPM-97 Vystrel armored border vehicle was created.

Later on, Russia designed other light armored vehicles — the GAZ3937 Vodnik and GAZ-2330 Tigr, employed by the Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry and other law enforcement bodies.

KAMAZ-43269 VYSTREL The light multirole armored vehicle is delivered in various configurations — command, patrol, medical and reconnaissance.

The armored bodywork is made by Kurganmashzavod, while the Naberezhnye Chelny-based Remdiesel plant carries out the final assembling and installs series parts of the KAMAZ 4326 truck. This solution allowed extending the overhaul life up to 270,000 km — an outstanding characteristic for armored vehicles.

The hull is assembled from rolled armor sheets with optimal slope angles. The armor in the top part of the hull protects from the 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun from 300 m, while the bottom part and rear — from the 7.62-mm SVD sniper rifle from 30 m. The cupola provides for the installation of the 14.5mm KPVT machine gun, 12.7-mm Kord machine gun, 30-mm Plamya grenade launcher and antitank missile system.

The BPM-97 has two 125-liter protected tanks and an extra 20-liter tank in the armored hull. The vehicle features an autonomous heater to maintain working temperature in the troopers compartment irrespectively of the engine operation.

Also, it has an air filtration unit.

In Russia, the KAMAZ-43269 Vystrel is mainly used to carry explosives, money and valuable cargo. In 2005, several vehicles were sold to the Interior Ministries of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

GAZ-3937 VODNIK It is a light multirole armored vehicle of modular configuration. Its hull is welded from rolled armored sheets and represents a combination of front and rear modules. The space limited by the front module includes the powerplant and control compartments separated by

44

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

LAND FORCES a sealed bulkhead. The rear module represents usable volume designed for transporting people and cargo, mounting special equipment and armament.

The two-seat cab with tandem seats is in the front on the left side. It is equipped with a heating/air conditioning unit and adjustable seats.

To the sight, one can see a six-cylinder row turbocharged 175-hp 6.23l engine from the GAZ-5423. The 6.4-t GAZ-3937 can reach a speed of 112 km/h on a highway. The power take-off device allows switching a water-jet motor, a winch and other devices.

Due to the quick-release coupling of the rear module and the hull bearing flange, various modules can be easily replaced on a vehicle on the field. Thus, various modules allow using one chassis for transporting people, cargo, mounting special equipment and armament.

The selectable front-wheel drive, steering booster, heating and air conditioning system provide high cross-country capability and comfort.

The independent torsion suspension, central tire inflation system, smooth bottom side and high clearance ensure the vehicle’s smooth movement in cross country conditions. The hermetic hull allows crossing water obstacles afloat at a speed of up to 4 km/h.

The GAZ-3937 is the basis for the 39371 version featuring armored hull, altered cab and turret.

The vehicle is highly unified with GAZ series vehicles, which provides high reliability and serviceability.

Vodnik has hermetic hull and is amphibious

GAZ-2330 TIGR It is a 4x4 vehicle featuring ringbridge structure, armored singlevolume three-door bodywork and designed to transport up to 9 people and 1,200 kg of cargo. The cargo compartment is separated from the passenger one with a bulkhead and accommodates additional seats for 2–4 persons. The independent double fishbone suspension of all wheels with hydraulic shock absorbers as well as the powerplant consisting of the diesel engine, clutch with an air-hydrau2(52).2010

●

45

LAND FORCES

SPM-1 lic booster, five-stage mechanical gearbox, two-stage transfer case with an interaxle differential including an electropneumatic differential lock drive, engine systems (cooling, fuel, etc), two limited slip axles, wheel-hub drives and wheels with tires adjusted for cross-country conditions are mounted on the stiff welded frame.

The unit unification with the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier and GAZ-39371 Vodnik multifunctional armored vehicle, which are checked by multi-year experience, guarantees the Tigr’s high reliability and long overhaul period.

This multifunctional vehicle was ordered by the Defense Ministry of the UAE, which spent $60 million for developing and manufacturing

SPM-2 46

●

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

test models. The first Tiger HMTV vehicles were presented in Abu-Dhabi at the IDEX-2001 exhibition. Though, the consumer liked the vehicles, the supply contract was not signed.

Several vehicles were put into test operation with the Moscow Special Rapid Response Unit of Russia’s Interior Ministry. As a result, this ministry ordered the special police version of this vehicle for its units. The Tigr’s series production is carried out at the Arzamas machine-building plant.

The Tigr special police vehicle (SPM-1 and SPM-2) is designed for transportation and operational missions conducted by Interior Ministry forces during anti-terrorist operations, territorial defense and assisting Russia’s Federal Border Service.

The Tigr SPM-2 version provides Level 5 ballistic protection. Its roof has two hatches. The cabin has places for the crew as well as for the radio station and radio-controlled bomb locking device. The SPM-1 version provides Level 3 ballistic protection and has some extra equipment, namely the conditioning system, arm support for weapons, etc.

The STS GAZ-233014 Tigr is a special-purpose vehicle designed for military troops. It provides Level 3 ballistic protection. There is a rotating hatch with a folded cap and arm supports for weapons in the roof. Opening armor windows in the doors and sides allow using side arms by the troopers.

The cabin has seats for the driver, vehicle commander and 4 troopers.

The size of the pivot hatch allows two crew members to fire in two directions at once. Inside the STS GAZ-233014 Tigr, there are cases for the machine gun and grenade launcher ammunition loads, arm supports for machine guns, automatic grenade launcher, reactive antitank grenades (RPG-22, RPG26 and RShG-2) and manpads (Igla and Igla-S).

The Tigr’s army version has two controllable powerful pilot lights, one mounted in front and the other — at the rear on the roof.

There is a versatile arm support with sockets for communication systems in the hull on the transmission tunnel. Arm supports for communication antennas are mounted outside. The hull and door windows are bulletproof and the interior spall liners protect personnel against spalls if the hull is hit by bullets or fragments and exclude ricochet from the opposite side if the hull is pierced.

The series STS Tigr vehicles are constantly improved. The current version has a board information control system (BIUS) and a multiplex electric equipment control system. These systems are integrated into the on-board network by he CAN multiplex bus. In December 2009, a new Tigr version powered by the 420-hp diesel engine was presented in Nizhny Tagil. The previous versions were powered by 2-5-hp diesel engines.

LAND FORCES The KShM R-145BMA Tigr is a command and control vehicle used by the commanders of Special Forces to control their troops, communicate with superior chiefs and cooperating bodies. The vehicle provides communications on the move and stand and commutation with stationary communications systems.

The means of communication work in various bands and include satellite communications systems, ciphony equipment, commutation systems as well as various power sources.

This command and control vehicle was jointly created by the MilitaryIndustrial Company and Tambov radio plant Signal.

SPM-3 MEDVED This special-purpose armored police vehicle was first shown in public in autumn 2008 in Moscow. It was initially planned to make a family of vehicles on the chassis of SPM-3 APC designed for the Internal Troops.

Featuring better ballistic protection and especially strong anti-mine protection, the SPM-3 can be used for delivering infantry units to the battlefield and fire support missions, too. The SPM-3 can be widely used in the armed forces for the following purposes: ■ for escort and patrolling missions, commandant control service, special post service, transporting and keeping secret documents in field; ■ as a protected command and control vehicle. Its large usable interior volume (about 12 cu.m) allows installing the necessary comCHARACTERISTICS Configuration Cab seating

munications and control systems and providing comfortable work of the combat crew; ■ as a reconnaissance scout vehicle. In this case, its advantages in speed, protection and place for reconnaissance equipment and systems are used;

■ as a self-propelled antitank com-

bat vehicle (it has large internal volume); ■ as a self-propelled mortar; ■ as a armored medical vehicle for MEDEVAC missions; ■ as a NBC reconnaissance vehicle, etc.

VODNIK

VYSTREL

TIGR

4x4

4x4

4x4

3 + 8 men

2+8

2+7

Weight (empty)

6.6–7.5 t

10.5 t

7.6 t

Maximum load

1.5–2.5 t 5.3 m 1.9 m 2.3 m

5.7 m 2.3 m 2.3 m

Length Width Height Engine power Maximum road speed Amphibious speed on water Range Gradient Armor

5.38 m 2.6 m 2.15 / 2.57 m

1.5 t

175 hp

240 hp

205 hp

112 km/h

90 km/h

140 km/h

4–5 km/h

—

—

up to 1000 km

up to 1100 km

up to 900 km

60,00%

60,00%

50,00%

bulletproof

bulletproof

bulletproof

2(52).2010

●

47