Skif: Technical characteristics

Recently, the development of weapons has moved far ahead, significantly increasing the gap in technology between countries that can afford the latest weapons, and those that can not do it. One of such novelties in the arms market is PTRK "Skif" - a joint creation of Ukrainian and Belarusian manufacturers. Like any other type of weapon developed by the joint efforts of different countries, it took the best from both.

ATGM - what is it?

ATGM stands for an anti-tank missile system and is intended for the destruction of armored targets and enemy manpower, regardless of whether they are protected by monolithic, spaced or combined armor, including taking into account dynamic defense. In addition, the complex can be used to defeat other armored targets, such as: entrenched tanks, long-term firing points, helicopters and the like. SKIF "Scythian" is not an exception, and it can hit all the same goals, but with much greater efficiency than its earlier counterparts. Despite the fact that it was created relatively recently, he had already proved himself in the army armies of different countries only from the best side.

PTRK "Skif": the history of creation

This weapon was developed by the joint forces of the Ukrainian design bureau "Luch" and the Belarusian JSC "Peleng", and in Ukraine only the rocket for the complex is produced, and the aiming device is created in Belarus. Usually SKTR "Skif" and "Korsar" are compared with each other, although this is not entirely correct, since ATCM "Korsar" was originally completely Ukrainian production, and Skif is a joint one, which guarantees a higher quality of weapons.

At the heart of the functioning of the complex is a semi-automatic laser targeting system, while the target detection itself is performed by means of infrared and optical sights. The main unique ability of weapons is the ability to fire from both open and closed positions. The missile flies over the line of sight and drops directly to the target only at the last moment before the impact, which greatly complicates the possibilities of its interception and determination of the ultimate goal of the projectile. This is the Skif ATGM. The photo can be viewed below.

Modifications

The basic equipment of the weapon includes a tripod, on which it is installed immediately before the shooting, a container used for transportation and launching missiles, a PN-S guidance device and a remote control panel.

Skif-D ATCM is a modified version of the basic equipment kit, the main difference of which is a special device that allows the operator to launch a missile from a distance of up to 50 meters from the complex itself. This modification does not require the presence of maintenance personnel directly near the weapon, which allows to significantly reduce the loss of soldiers.

Skif-M ATGM is another variant of the installation modification. In addition to everything listed in the basic configuration, it also includes a thermal imager of Belarusian production. This version of the complex can be used with much greater efficiency at night.

Specifications

The caliber of the complex, according to the data published on the manufacturer's website, is 130 mm, while the weight of the installation is only 28 kilograms, and the rocket is 16. The weight of the Belarusian aiming device is the same 16 kilograms, and the control panel is only 12. The maximum time , For which the rocket reaches the target located at the maximum possible distance of fire - 23 seconds, while the BC - cumulative, tandem. Thanks to the same guidance system, the target can be detected at a distance of up to 7 km, which, taking into account the maximum distance of 5 km, allows the calculation to prepare for a combat strike and make the most effective use of the complex. The range of temperatures in which the weapon can fully function and perform its task is also very impressive - it ranges from plus 60ºС and up to minus 40ºС. Despite the fact that the operator constantly monitors the enemy with the help of the target designator, the missile itself flies above the aiming line, and the laser looks into its tail, and only before the very strike the projectile changes its trajectory. Due to this, it is very difficult to detect or intercept the rocket and it is possible only just before the impact, which drastically reduces the ability of most modern armored defense systems.

Use in the army

It is in service in the army of Belarus and Georgia. In Ukraine, two such complexes were used in 2015 in the Donbass, in Azeibardzhan they were adopted in 2010 and installed on armored cars of the "Scorpion" type. Using this type of weapons, the army notes the possibility of its use around the clock, increased accuracy of the target destruction beyond the zone of reciprocal fire, increased survivability of the calculation of the complex due to the remote control capability and the system for installing the complex for vehicles of both land and sea basing. In addition, if you equip such a facility with a similar weapon, it is possible to equip it with an automatic recharging system that significantly improves the rate of fire and, as a consequence, the effectiveness of ATF Skif. Such foresight in the process of both the development and the creation of the complex only increases its value in the eyes of the military.

Results

In general, since the emergence of this weapon at the arms exhibition in 2005 to this day, the complex is actively used, shows good results and is relatively cheap in service. In addition, since it can be carried by calculating forces, it can bring a plausible enemy a lot of unpleasant surprises, and its ability to hit not only the equipment but also the fortified enemy firing points greatly expands the scope and capabilities of the armed forces of the countries in which the complex is in service . In addition, recently there appeared a specialized simulator on the basis of the same PTRK Skif, which allows you to train the calculation with minimal costs and with maximum efficiency.