«Pantsir-S 1». The anti-aircraft missile and cannon system (ZRPK) "Pantsir-S1"

Our country has long acquired the glory of the "weapons smithy". However, how else can you relate to the state in which the famous AK-47, the T-54 long-life tank and other masterpieces were created? And therefore it is not surprising that the new complex "Pantsir-S 1" has been growing ever more interest from foreign customers for a year now.

Basic historical information

For the first time the concept of new weapons was introduced relatively recently, in early 1994. Only one year after the demonstration of the mock-up at the exhibition in Zhukovsky was demonstrated an active prototype of this technique. Then many experts almost unanimously agreed that "Pantsir-S 1" is a real breakthrough in the field of ground-based air defense.

The history of the creation of this type of weapons is largely phenomenal. The development of a new ZRPK was ordered by the Tula KB in the distant 1990, before the collapse of the USSR. Initially, the work was top secret, conducted under the code name "Roman". It was assumed that the new technology would be designed to effectively protect the complexes of the S-300 air defense system and the main radar air defense stations on the country's vast borders.

Subsequently, such a narrow specialization was abandoned, after which the complex was also transferred to the ground forces, which it was extremely necessary for reliable cover of the columns of military equipment on the march, the early destruction of certain types of armored vehicles of the probable enemy. At the same time, a version for the fleet was also ordered (it was created, it is effectively used today). In many respects the success of the complex is explained by the fact that it was created on the basis of the famous 2K22 "Tunguska".

It should be noted that originally this military equipment (the photo is in the material) proved to be far from the best side. The tests revealed that it is impossible to hit the target at a distance of even a few kilometers, that is, radar systems are extremely unsatisfactory with their functions. In addition, the military had numerous complaints related to the low reliability of many installation systems.

Saviors from the UAE

For certain it is not necessary to remind, what in those years there was a situation in the country. With money for the defense industry it was so bad that the program "Roman" was completely rolled up, there was no further development. But at the same time everyone understood that such a technique was needed, and it was urgent. Where do you get the money?

Strangely enough, but the situation was corrected by "sworn friends" from the UAE. They concluded an incredibly profitable investment contract. And this despite the fact that a normal anti-aircraft missile and gun system existed at that time exclusively in the dreams of developers! Whatever it was, but the money received was used for its intended purpose: the development of technology continued at an accelerated pace, many shortcomings and frank technical failures were eliminated in the course of the work.

At the same time, the idea was expressed that it would be nice to create a complex on the caterpillar chassis. For this purpose, all the same "Tunguska" was used. In addition, the Arabs expressed the wish that the wheeled version was based on the German MAN. This is due to the fact that they have concluded many contracts with this company, so there will be no problems with spare parts for such equipment.

However, the American allies of the Arabs were very opposed to the conclusion of the treaty. Cleaner business: more than 40% of the arms market in the UAE today belongs to companies from the states, and they hate to lose money because of more successful competitors.

In 2006 several complexes of similar design were sold to Syria. There are reports that some of them were sent by the Syrian government to Iran, but Tehran refutes any hints about it with fervor.

The main differences from other complexes

Unlike other similar complexes, which are in the arsenal of the domestic army, this technique was originally mounted on a chassis with a high cross-country capacity with a wheel formula of 8x8. This circumstance makes it possible to use "Pantsir" where such complexes can not be reached by their own power at all. How could you achieve such outstanding characteristics?

For this purpose, the car "Ural-5323.4" was chosen as the basis, on which the KamAZ-7406 engine was installed. The engine underwent some modernization, as a result of which its power was increased to 260 horsepower. Why did the designers use the wheeled chassis, although it is well known that the patency of caterpillar technology is much higher? It's simple: since the main purpose of "Pantsir-S 1" is to protect the columns of equipment on the march and cover the rear, these complexes need a lot.

In these circumstances, it would be strange to make expensive equipment. And the fact that caterpillar tractors belong to this category belong, no one doubts. In addition, such a technique consumes a breakdown of fuel, which again is unacceptable for the complex, which must follow the columns of the machinery it accompanies.

The main features of "Shell"

Of course, this can be considered a loud advertising of the manufacturer, but "Pantsir-S 1" can really "land" any aircraft or helicopter, ballistic missile or air bomb with "smart" guidance, which are in the service of a credible adversary. Since this complex is also intended to eliminate ground targets, this makes it truly a universal type of weapons.

Who was the designer of the complex?

Again, however pretentiously this may sound, this combination of anti-aircraft and cannon armaments has no other similar complex in the world. The creator of this technique is the outstanding domestic designer Arkady Shipunov. He once again confirmed that the military equipment of the Russian army is one of the most perfect in the world.

For what purposes was the "Shell" created?

The main objective of this type of weapons is to protect military and civilian objects from air attacks on the front lines of defense. What is the difference between Russian military equipment and its foreign counterparts? Its main distinguishing feature is the ability to conduct rapid fire on the go. It is easy to imagine what prospects this opens: when escorting an armored column, the military does not need to stop to repel a sudden attack from the air or the ground.

Main armament complex

What is equipped with the "Pantsir-S 1" ZRPK? Oh, his weaponry set causes unwarranted respect even among NATO military experts.

The main armament of the complex is a dozen missiles ZUR 57E6, which in layout and appearance are very similar to the similar shots 9M311 "Tunguska". The main shell of the missiles is bikalibernoy (that is, it is constructed of two stages). The power plant is located in the second stage, which during the flight is separated: this solution has allowed to ensure a high speed.

On the starting segment, the rocket has extremely high speeds. In general, ZRPK "Pantsir-S 1" can aim to destroy the target at a range of up to 12 kilometers. As for the elimination of air targets, their missile can be overtaken at an altitude of up to eight kilometers. The head part contains a whole set of damaging elements in the form of a rod, the total mass of which is 20 kilograms.

For maneuvering in the air, an air-dynamic steering wheel is used. It is reported that the complex can simultaneously be directed to three air targets, to accompany and (if necessary) destroy them.

Artillery armament

As for the artillery weapons of the Pantsir-S 1 missile defense system, it is no less impressive. At the core are two 30mm 2A72 guns. As in many other cases, the tools are single-barreled. For them, two types of shells are produced: armor-piercing and high-explosive (including incendiary), and the delivery of shots is carried out by a selective principle, from two cartridge belts simultaneously. Like other Russian military equipment, all elements of the system are more reliable and maintainable, they rarely fail.

The design of the main combat module

The main module is located on the roof of the carrier chassis. Its structure includes the following weapons: first there are launch containers of ZUR, located in the form of two blocks of six missiles in each. On the side of them, artillery armament was mounted. There is a radar station, which is designed to detect and maintain the target, as well as a separate system for targeting missile weapons. Of course, an anti-aircraft missile system is equipped with a high-quality SAM (fire control system).

In the working space of the body mounted on the chassis, there are also (which is logical) jobs for the operators of the complex, who are responsible for its maintenance and support.

Developer Complaints

According to the developers, this anti-aircraft missile system has a completely unique ability to fire from all the weapons systems on board, and in several directions at once. "Pantsir" can timely detect and liquidate enemy combat aircraft and helicopters before they start using their own airborne weapons systems, as well as guided missiles of various classes. It is possible to shoot light armored vehicles and clusters of enemy manpower.

The main advantages of the fire control system

Since the "Pantsir" missile defense system must provide effective protection of the rear and its own military equipment in any conditions, its fire control system is characterized by high resistance to various interferences. Such high performance was achieved due to the integration of optoelectronic and radar systems into a single "conglomerate", operating in infrared, decimeter and centimeter, centimeter and millimeter bands.

In the standard radar mode, the "Pantsir" missile system can at any time give a volley from two missiles based on the targets detected by the systems. It should be specially noted that the tracking equipment is not only distinguished by its outstanding reliability, but also can simultaneously accompany two dozen goals simultaneously. The accuracy of the target indications is 0.4 degrees in azimuth. The angle is 0.7 degrees. If we talk about accuracy in conventional metric units, then the minimum target detection range is only 50 meters.

The system can, if necessary, in fully automatic mode, not only detect targets, but also provide exhaustive information on its characteristics and speed. In addition, in an autonomous mode, this military equipment (the photo of which is in the article) can choose the type of weapon most appropriate for the situation and independently designate the required mode of fire.

Some innovations

It should be emphasized that in 2005 the Tula masters made considerable efforts to improve the complex, as a result of which this military equipment of the Russian army became even more reliable and perfect. In the field of airborne electronic systems, so serious work has been done that the modern "Pantsir" is in many respects fundamentally different techniques.

Today, rocket forces, whose technique is constantly being modernized, receive new "Shells". Their distinctive feature is the automatic distribution of functions: if several units are combined into a battery, one of the machines automatically becomes commander. Her computer analyzes the main data, then transfers it to her "subordinates".

It was done for the possible effective and rapid detection and destruction of the identified targets. The command center is able in automatic mode not only to distribute targets between the machines in the battery, but also to do it as efficiently as possible. Simply put, the order to open fire is given to the machine that is located in the most effective and advantageous tactical position.

"Constructor"

This military missile technology by some experts is called "constructors", and in this they are absolutely right. The fact is that "Pantsir" is built according to the block scheme, and its parts can be replaced at any time for more suitable situations. It is easy to imagine how such a universality can be useful in real combat conditions. Suppose that a fragment has got into the control module: if it were an old technique, we would have to wait for the repair team.

In the case of "Shell", his crew can replace the damaged module independently, without spending too much time on it. Thus, "Pantsir S 1", a photo of which is in the article, can be returned to the state of full combat readiness as soon as possible.

Of course, the block design is extremely good in terms of further modification. Henceforth, there is no need to transfer the entire complex to a repair company: a unit that is obsolete can be replaced by an updated model right in the field. Everything is done in the shortest possible time, and in most cases with this operation one can cope with the forces of the crew alone.

Like other Russian weapons and military equipment, "Pantsir" is in service not only in our country, but also in many countries of the Middle East. It should be noted that from year to year the interest in this development of potential buyers only increases. Currently, the test is a polar modification of "Shell", which is designed to protect Russian Arctic bases.