The list of required items for your impression is listed here, on the Requirements page.
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GRENADES & HEAVY WEAPON SYSTEMS |
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- Heavy Machine guns
- NSV (Nikitin Sokolov Volkov - Utes / NSV-12,7 mm Heavy Machine Gun)
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BACKGROUND:
The NSV (Nikitin, Sokolov and Volkov were the names of designers) heavy machine gun has been adopted by Soviet Army in around 1971, to replace obsolete DShK/DShKM 12,7 mm machine guns in both ground and vehicle applications. Development started in 1969, production is still continued in independent Kazakhstan by the JSC "Metallist". Licensed versions of the NSV also were or still are manufactured in countries like Bulgaria, Poland and Yugoslavia. NSV is used in ground troop support role on tripod, or for short range air defense on special ZPU mountings. It is also fitted to several main battle tanks of Soviet manufacture (starting with T-62 and onwards), mostly as a cupola-mounted AA weapon. Tank version of NSV is known as NSVT and differs by the electrical trigger unit installed at the rear of the receiver. |
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| The NSV is a gas operated, belt fed machine gun. It can fire only in full automatic mode, from open bolt to avoid dangers of the cartridge cook-off in the hot barrel. Upon the fire, barrel is locked by the breech block (bolt), which is tipped to the lefty to engage locking recesses in the left wall of the receiver. Barrel is quick-detachable, fitted with carrying handle and a conical flash hider. NSV is fed using non-disintegrating belts, each holding 50 rounds. Gun is fitted with mechanical trigger and a manual safety at the rear of the receiver. When used for ground applications, NSV is mounted on the 6TN tripod, which has an integral folding shoulder stock and a pistol grip. Trigger, mounted on the tripod, is mechanically linked to the gun trigger unit. When mounted on tanks, the electric trigger unit is attached to the rear of the receiver. NSV is fitted with open ironn sights, adjustable for range and windage; but the standard sight is the SPP telescope sight, with 3-6X variable magnification and built-in rangefinding reticle. Various night sights also can be installed. When used for AA applications, NSV is mounted onto various ZPU mounts, with appropriate signing equipment. (Photo from and text courtesy of world.guns.ru)
To learn more about Soviet large caliber ammunition, please visit The Russian Ammunition Page
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- Unified 12,7 mm Belt Loading / Unloading machine for 12,7 mm Ammunition
- Grenades Launchers
- BG-15, GP-25 and GP30 Launcher
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BACKGROUND:
The BG-15, GP-25 and GP-30 are the standard infantry grenade launchers for the AK-series assault rifle. The GP-30 is a stripped-down model grenade launcher, consisting of a very short rifled 40 mm barrel in front of a basic trigger mechanism with minimal hand grip. Additionally on top of the barrel is mounting gear to attach the weapon under the barrel of an AK-series assault rifle, where it is designed to be fired from.The GP-30 fires special 40 mm grenades, of which two types are readily available. The VOG-25 is a basic fragmentation grenade while the VOG-25P is a special bouncing fragmentation grenade designed to explode about one meter (three feet) above the ground. Shells are loaded individually and carried separate from the weapon, and thus can be selected at the time of loading by the operator. Because of the high recoil of this device, a rubber buffer pad was made that attached to the butt of the stock. (Text from Wikipedia. Photos from www.boomarms.com and SEE BELOW IN CREDITS)
The primary manufacterer of this weapon is Tula Arms Plant (Tulsky oruzheiny zavod) and is identified with these proof marks.
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- VOG-25 and VOG-25P Grenade for BG-15, GP-25 and GP30 Launcher
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BACKGROUND:
Two types of rounds are used: VOG-25 with fragmentation grenade and VOG-25P with fragmentation bounding, known as the "Frog" grenade. The VOG-25P "Frog" creates an aerial burst at the height of 50 to 150 centimeters above an enemt position thus, enabling the destruction of enemy personnel located in trenches or behind light barricades. Both types of rounds have a self-destruct device, which sets off 14 seconds after the grenade is launched.
Photo captions:
- Top left: Left is VOG-25P "Frog" round. VOG-25 is on the right.
- Top right: Left: bottom section of VOG-25P: ignition cap and booster ports. Propelling charge colored purple. Right: bottom section of VOG-25: ignition cap and booster ports. Propelling charge colored green.
- Bottom left: Loading the round into the muzzle. Push the round into barrel all the way through, until it clicks in place and cocks the trigger. The assault rifle should be placed into "Safety" as the recoil pulse of GP-25 may heavily kick bolt carrier and perform the cycle of reloading when it is least wanted.
- Bottom right: Sights adjusted and the round loaded, GP-25 is ready to fire. Remove safety and depress trigger. Here goes The Bang!
(Photos and Text courtesy of www.club.guns.ru)
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- AGS-17 (Avtomaticheskiy Granatomet Stankouyy - 17 Plamya (Flame) / AGS-17 Automatic Grenade Launcher on Mount) 30 mm
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BACKGROUND:
The AGS-17 is a blowback-operated 30 mm automatic grenade launcher that can be mounted on a tripod or vehicle. A prominent drum magazine mounted on the right side holds 29 belted grenade rounds. The non-disintegrating metallic link belt exits from the left side. The short barrel with disc-shaped cooling fins protrudes from a large rectangular receiver. For ground transport, the system breaks down into four parts. The launcher itself weighs 17.86 kilograms and may be enclosed in a canvas carrying case. The sight weighs 0.99 kilograms; the folding tripod weighs 11.86 kilograms; and the magazine weighs 14.34 kilograms fully loaded, or 2.87 kilograms empty. The AGS-17 crew consists of a gunner and two riflemen-assistant gunners. For training, there may be only one assistant. When they dismount, the gunner carries the sight and launcher, the first assistant carries the tripod and a magazine, and the second assistant carries two additional magazines. The Soviets designed the AGS-17 to provide their infantry with an area-type suppressive-fire capability. They intend to use it primarily against personnel targets. It probably has some capability to engage soft-skinned and lightly armored vehicles. It is very accurate in the semiautomatic mode; it is also quite effective in area coverage in the automatic mode. One of the most important characteristics of the AGS-17 is its ability to provide indirect fire from protected positions against enemy troops in trenches, on reverse slopes of hills, or behind wooded areas. The gunner can engage targets by high-angle indirect fire at ranges from 1,000 to 1,730 meters; he can also use direct fire or high-angle direct fire at ranges from 50 to 1,730 meters. The sight reticle can serve as a direct-fire sight for point targets at ranges of up to 700 meters. The range table allows the gunner to adjust his fire rapidly for various ranges without computing elevations for the sight. (Photo from www.army.lt and text courtesy of www.armscontrol.ru) |
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The primary manufacterer of this weapon is Vyatskie Polyany Arsenal (Molot) Machine-Building Plant OAO and is identified with these proof marks. |
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- 6Yu13 loading machine for AGS-17
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BACKGROUND:
The 6Yu13, manufactured by Molot Machine-Building Plant OAO is used for loading AGS-17 ammunition belts with the 6T12 cartridge and can empty the belt under field and stationary conditions. Though it is hand-crancked, this machine can load 1000 cartridges per hour.
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This is the proof mark for Vyatskie Polyany Arsenal (Molot) Machine-Building Plant OAO. |
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- Hand Grenades
- F-1 (Ruchnaya Granata F-1 "Limonka" / Hand Grenade F-1 (Defensive))
BACKGROUND:
Soviet hand grenade F-1, or "limonka" ("lemon"), belongs to anti-personnel fragmentation grenades of defensive type. Externally, the grenade has an oval ribbed body made of steely iron. The ribbing was made for the purpose of producing fragments of a certain size and mass during the explosion. The total weight of the grenade with the fuse is 600 grams. Explosive charge is TNT weighing 60 grams. The grenade's fuse is universal, fitting also in RG-41, RG-42, RGD-5 grenades. The fuse's model is UZRGM and has a fuze time of 3.5 to 4 seconds.. The possible throwing distance depends on the physical charateristics of the soldier and on average amounts to 30-45 meters. The dispersion distance of the main mass of fragments is about 30 meters. (Ian V Hogg (1991). Jane's Infantry Weapons 1991-92, Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0710609639)
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- RGD-5 (Ruchnaya Granata Degtyareva -5 / Hand Grenade RGD-5 (Offensive))
BACKGROUND:
The RGD-5 hand grenade is an obsolete post World War II Russian anti-personnel fragmentation grenade. It contains a 110 gram explosive charge (TNT). The total weight of the grenade with the fuse is about 310 grams. It uses the 3.2 to 4 second UZRGM fuse. The UZRGM fuse is a universal Russian type also used in the RG-41, RG-42, and F1 grenades. The grenade is egg shaped with no ribbing except the lateral ridge where the two halves of the grenade join. The distance the grenade can be thrown is estimated at 40-50 meters. An internal fragmentation liner produces about 350 fragments the effective radius of which is 15-20 m giving an approximate 43 square meter kill zone. (Ian V Hogg (1991). Jane's Infantry Weapons 1991-92, Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0710609639)
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- RKG-3 (Ruchnaya Kumulyativnaya Granata 3 / Hand (Shaped Charge) Grenade)
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BACKGROUND:
RKG-3 is the designation of Russian series of anti-tank hand grenades. When the pin is pulled and the grenade is thrown a four panelled drogue parachute is deployed by a spring. This parachute stabilizes the grenade in flight and ensures that the grenade comes down vertically onto the target. (Ian V Hogg (1991). Jane's Infantry Weapons 1991-92, Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0710609639)
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- Anti-tank Rocket and Missile Systems and Accessories
- RPG-16 (Ruchnoi Protivotankovii Granatomet 16 / Rocket Propelled Grenade 16)
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BACKGROUND:
RPG-16 antitank grenade launcher has been developed in late 1960s especially for Soviet airborne troops. Compared to the contemporary RPG-7, RPG-16 provided greater effective range and better accuracy, thanks to the smaller caliber warhead and more powerful rocket booster. Adopted in 1970, RPG-16 was widely used during Soviet campaign in Afghanistan, mostly against hardened fire positions and buildings and from stand-off ranges. (Text from Wikipedia) |
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| The RPG-16 is a shoulder fired, single-shot, smooth bore, recoilless launcher. It has a two-part, quick takedown barrel with venturi nozzle at the rear, fire control group with pistol grip, trigger and manual safety in the middle, and a folding bipod at the front. The fire control unit is of electric ignition type, with current generator being operated by the trigger pull. RPG-16 fires only one type of grenade, PG-16 HEAT. The warhead of the PG-16, unlike the warheads of the PG-2 and PG-7 grenades, has same caliber as the barrel of the launcher, so loaded grenade fits entirely inside the launcher. This combination type grenade has an RCL-type launch charge and a rocket booster, which is ignited automatically once the fired grenade is at safe distance from the shooter. RPG-16 has an integral iron sights, but usually is issued with 2.7X magnification telescope sight, designated PGO-16. This sight is basically the same as used on RPG-7 grenade launcher, but it has a different aiming reticle, optimized for PG-16 ballistics. The standard crew for RPG-16 is two men: the grenadier, who carries the launcher and two rounds, and assistant, who carries three more rounds. (Text and Photo from world.guns.ru) |
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- RPG-18 (Ruchnoi Protivotankovii Granatomet 18 Mukha (Fly) / Rocket Propelled Grenade 18)
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BACKGROUND:
The RPG-18 is a short-range, light anti-tank unguided rocket launcher.
Only 1 soldier is needed to operate this system as the weapon can only be fired once eliminating the need for an assistant for reloading. Assistant grenadiers are used in the RPG-2, RPG-7 and RPG-16 systems. Once the RPG-18 is fired, the fiberglass tube is disposed.
The RPG-18 is similar in both appearance and in functionality to the US M72 LAW. Both of these weapons are carried with the part of the launch tube collapsed making the weapon much more compact. When preparing to fire, the soldier using the RPG-18 extends the tube. Sights are mounted on the top of the tube with the trigger located just below the rear peep sight. The RPG-18 fires a 64mm PG-18 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead mounted on a small rocket capable of engaging any target within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs 6 seconds after launch placing definite limits on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters. The PG-18 itself can penetrate up to 375 mm of steel plate armor. However, performance is significantly diminished when the RPG-18 is employed against targets with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) or composite armor. (Text from Wikipedia) |
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- RPG-22 (Ruchnoi Protivotankovii Granatomet 22 Neto (Net) / Rocket Propelled Grenade 22)
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BACKGROUND:
The Soviet RPG-22 is a copy of the US made M72 LAW, with minor modifications. It fires a 73-mm finned projectile. It was based on the RPG-18 and was succeeded by the RPG-26. The RPG-18 did not have the M72's disarming switch, but the RPG-22 restored this function. Like the M72 and the RPG-18, this weapon is disposable and can penetrate approximately 390 mm of steel plate armor. (Text from Wikipedia) |
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- AT-3 (9M14 Malyutka (Little Baby) / AT-3 Sagger)
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BACKGROUND:
The AT-3 Sagger is the NATO reporting name for the 9M14 Malyutka (little or tiny baby) MCLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile of the Soviet Union. It was the first man-portable anti-tank missile of the Soviet Union and is probably the most widely produced ATGM of all timewith Soviet production peaking at 25,000 missiles a year during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition copies of the missile have been manufactured under various names by at least five countries.
The missile can be fired from a portable suitcase launcher (9P111), ground vehicles (BMP-1, BRDM-2) and helicopters (Mi-2, Mi-8, Mi-24). The missile takes about 5 minutes to deploy from its 9P111 fibreglass suitcase, which also serves as the launching platform.
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The missile is guided to the target by means of a small joystick (9S415), this requires some skill on the part of the operator. The operator's adjustments are transmitted to the missile via a thin 3 strand wire that trails behind the missile. The missile climbs into the air immediately after launch, this prevents the missile hitting obstacles or the ground. In flight the missile spins at 8.5 revolutions per secondit is initially spun by its booster, the spin is maintained by the slight angle of the wings. The missile uses a small gyroscope to orient itself relative to the ground. As a result the missile can take some time to bring back in line with the target, this gives it a minimum range of somewhere between 500 m and 800 m. For targets under 1000 m the operator can guide the missile by eye, for targets beyond this range the operator uses the 8x power, 22.5 degree field of view 9Sh16 periscope sight.
The engagement envelope is a 3 km 45 degree arc centered on the missiles launch axis. At ranges under 1.5 km this arc reduces, until at 500 m range the missile can only hit targets 50 m either side of the center line. It should be noted that accuracy falls off away from the launch axisfalling to approximately half its optimal accuracy at the extremes.
While early estimates of the missile hitting the target ranged from 90% to 60% experience has shown that it is really between 25% and 2% depending on the situtation and skill of the operator. MCLOS requires considerable skill on the part of the operator: reportedly it takes 2,300 simulated firings to become proficient with the missile as well as 50 to 60 simulated firings a week to maintain the skill level.
One problem with the missile is the amount of time it takes to reach maximum rangearound 30 secondsgiving the intended target time to take action, either by retreating behind an obstacle, laying down a smoke-screen or firing on the operator.
Later version of the missile address these problems by implementing the much easier to use SACLOS guidance system as well as increasing the average flight speed. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- AT-4 (9M111 Fagot (Bassoon) / AT-4 Spigot)
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BACKGROUND:
The AT-4 Spigot was developed by the Tula Machinery Design Bureau (Tula KBP). Development began in 1962 with the aim of producing the next generation of SACLOS ATGM's, for use in both the man portable role and the tank destroyer role. The AT-4 was developed alongside the AT-5 both missiles use similar technology - only differing in size. There was some speculation that the missiles were based on the Euromissile HOT/MILAN - which employ similar concepts. The missile entered service in 1970.
The anti-tank platoon of a Soviet BTR equipped motor rifle battalion has two ATGM squads, each squad has two AT-4 Spigot teams. The team consisted of 3 men - the gunner carries the 9P135 launcher and tripod as a back pack - the other two men carry two launch tubes each. The men also carry assault rifles, but do not carry an RPG - because unlike the earlier missiles there is only a small deadzone inside which the missile cannot engage the target. In addition to the four missiles the team carries, they normally have a BTR with an additional 8 missiles. It can also be deployed from the BMP-1P, BTR-D and UAZ-469.
The missile is stored and carried in a container/launch tube. It is fired from the 9P135 launcher post - a simple tripod. A 9S451 guidance box is fitted to the tripod - with the missile sitting just above. The 9Sh119 sight is fitted to the left side (from the gunners POV). The complete launcher system weighs 22.5 kg. The gunner lays prone while firing. The system can engage moving targets providing they are travelling at less than 60 km/h. The launcher post can traverse through 360 degrees horizontally, and +/- 20 degrees in elevation. The sight has a magnification of 10x and a 5 degree field of view. Up to 3 missiles a minute can be fired from a launcher post.
The system uses a gas generator to push the missile out of the launch tube - the gas also exits from the rear of the launch tube in a similar manner to a recoilless rifle. The missile leaves the launch tube at 80 m/s. It is quickly accelerated to 186 m/s by its solid fuel motor. This initial high speed reduces the deadzone of the missile, since it can be launched directly at the target, rather than in an upward arc. The launcher tracks the position of an incandescent infrared bulb on the back of the missile relative to the target - and transmits approriate commands to the missile via a thin wire that trails behind the missile. The SACLOS guidance system has many benefits over MCLOS, with the accuracy of the system stated as 90% in some sources, though its performance is probably comparable to the TOW or the later SACLOS versions of the AT-3 Sagger. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- AT-5 (9M113 Konkurs (Contest) / AT-5 Spandrel)
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BACKGROUND:
The AT-5 Spandrel is the NATO reporting name for the 9M113 Konkurs (Contest) SACLOS wire-guided Anti-tank missile of the Soviet Union. The AT-5 Spandrel was developed by the Tula Machinery Design Bureau (Tula KBP). Development began in 1962 with the aim of producing the next generation of SACLOS ATGM's, for use in both the man portable role and the tank destroyer role. The AT-5 was developed alongside the AT-4; both missiles use similar technology, only differing in size. There was some speculation that the missiles where based on the Euromissile HOT/MILAN - which employ similar concepts. The missile entered service in 1974.
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The missile is designed to be fired from vehicles, although it can also be fired from the later models of AT-4 Spigot launchers. It is an integral part of the BMP-2,BMD-2 and BRDM-2 vehicles. The missile is stored and carried in a glass reinforced plastic container/launch tube.
The system uses a gas generator to push the missile out of the launch tube. The gas also exits from the rear of the launch tube in a similar manner to a recoilless rifle. The missile leaves the launch tube at 80 m/s. It is quickly accelerated to 200 m/s by its solid fuel motor. This initial high speed reduces the deadzone of the missile, since it can be launched directly at the target, rather than in an upward arc. The missile spins in flight at between 5 and 7 revolutions per second.
The launcher tracks the position of an incandescent infrared bulb on the back of the missile relative to the target and transmits appropriate commands to the missile via a thin wire that trails behind the missile. The system has an alarm that activates when it detects jamming from a system like Shtora. The operator can then take manual control, reducing the missile to MCLOS. The SACLOS guidance system has many benefits over MCLOS. Accuracy of the system is quoted in some sources as 90%, though its performance is probably comparable to the TOW or later SACLOS versions of the Sagger. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- AT-6 (9K113 Shturm (Storm) or 9M114 Kokon (Cocoon) / AT-6 Spiral)
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BACKGROUND:
The AT-6 Spiral is the NATO reporting name for the 9K113 Shturm (storm) SACLOS radio guided anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union. Other sources state the name of the missile is actually 9M114 Kokon (Cocoon). The missile was developed by the Kolomna Machine Design Bureauwhich was responsible for the AT-1 Snapper and AT-3 Sagger. Work began on the missile began in 1967, with hopes to use the missile on Mi-24. However delays forced the design of an upgraded Falanga system (AT-2 Swatter) using SACLOS guidance as a stopgap. Testing of the missile was completed in 1974, and was accepted into service in 1976. The missile has no direct western counterpart, though it's closest to the AGM-114 Hellfire.
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The missile is can be deployed on a variety of platforms - including the Mi-24V, and from 1990 the MT-LB based 9P149 tank destroyer, as well as the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. There is also a navalised version of the missile, the launcher holds six missiles. The missile is transported and launched from a glass-reinforced plastic tube. The missile uses a Soyuz NPO solid-rocket sustainer, with a small booster stage to launch the missile from its tube. The missile is SACLOS with a radio command link. The use of a radio link allows the missile to travel much faster and further than if it was wire guided. The radio link is a VHF system with five frequency bands and two codes to minimize the risk of jamming. The system comprises a KPS-53AV 8x daylight-only direct vision sight with an integrated Laser range-finder. After the missile is launched the gunner has to keep his the sights crosshairs on the target until impact. Appropriate steering commands are transmitted to the missile via the radio link. The missile flies above the gunners line of sight to the target. With the range of the target determined by the Laser range-finder, the missile descends onto the target just before impact. It is possible to engage slow moving helicopters with the system, however since the missile only has a contact fuze a direct hit would be needed.
Soviet sources report kill ratios of 75-85% during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Also a Mil demonstration in Sweden in late 1995 using a Mi-28A firing Shturm and Ataka missiles also showed good resultsfrom a hovering helicopter a Shturm was fired at a target 900 m away, from level flight at 200 km/h an Ataka was fired at a target 4700 m away. Both missiles passed within 1 m of their targets. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- AT-7 (9K115 Metis (Mongrel) / AT-7 Saxhorn)
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BACKGROUND:
The AT-7 Saxhorn is the NATO reporting name for the 9K115 Metis (mongrel) man-portable SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command to Line-Of-Sight) wire-guided Anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union. The missile was developed by Tula. It is very similar to the AT-4 Spigot in external appearance - having 3 main fins - however the missile is much lighter - primarily because of the reduced fuel load. This reduced load cuts the maximum range to 1,000 meters.
The missile was introduced into the Russian army in 1979 to suplement the AT-4 Spigot at company level. The system is lighter than the AT-4 Spigot system, due to a less complicated launcher tripod and a lighter missile.
In Russian service, the AT-7 is deployed with motor rifle companies, with three launchers per company. The missile is operated by two man teams, with the gunner carrying the 9P151 launching post and one missile, his assistant carries and additional 3 missiles.During the 1980's an upgraded version of the missile was developed - the Metis-M 9M131 (sometimes labelled Metis-2). Fired from the same 9P151 launching post, the new missile is much larger and heavier, with an increased range and a larger warhead. NATO labelled this missile the AT-13. It can also be fired from the shoulder - but this apparently requires more skill on the part of the operator. The launching post weighs 10.2kg. The missile is launched from the tube by a booster rather than the gas generator used on the AT-4 Spigot system, despite both missiles being designed by the same design bureau, Tula. The 9S816 guidance system is powered by a thermal battery attached to the launch tube shortly before launch. The missile itself is remotely powered along the guidance wires.
The missile can be launched from an enclosed space such as a building or cave but requires at least 6 meters behind the launcher for back blast, and a total internal volume of at least 100 m cubed. The missile has a short minimum range of 40 meters, and can engage targets moving at up to 60 km/h.
The missile's warhead is a single HEAT shaped charge. (Text from Wikipedia) |
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- Anti-aircraft Missile Systems and Guns
- SA-7 (9K32 Strela-2 (Arrow) / SA-7 Grail)
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BACKGROUND:
The 9K32 "Strela-2" (Russian Arrow, NATO reporting name SA-7 "Grail") is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, low-altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) system similar to the US Army REDEYE, with a high explosive warhead and passive infrared homing guidance. The SA-7 was the first generation of Soviet man portable SAMs, its first version entered service in 1968. Although the SA-7 is limited in range, speed, and altitude, it can force enemy pilots to fly above its effective ceiling, causing increased chance of detection by radar and vulnerability to other air defence systems. The SA-7 is a tail-chase missile system and its effectiveness depends on its ability to lock onto the heat source of low-flying fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
In the immediate post-WWII period the Soviet air defence doctrine had placed a heavy emphasis on national air defence against nuclear-armed bombers. Numerous long-range, high-altitude SAM systems were developed to counter this threat, but in the meanwhile relatively little development took place in mobile battlefield air defences able to move with army maneuver elements and defend them against low-altitude air attack in a conventional war.
The Korean war showed that the era of conventional war was far from over, and the Soviet Union responded with a 10-year plan that called for several mobile battlefield air defence systems to create a multi-tier system to cover all altitude ranges. Both Strela-1 and Strela-2 were initially intended to be man-portable systems. However, as the Strela-2 proved to be considerably smaller and lighter system, the specifications of the Strela-1 were changed, calling for a heavier vehicle-mounted missile of higher performance to support the ZSU-23-4 gun systems in the regimental air defence role. As development began in the Turopov OKB (later changed to Kolomna), the detailed information of the US FIM-43 Redeye became available. While it was by no means a simple reverse-engineered copy, in many ways the Strela design borrowed heavily from the Redeye, with which it was developed simultaneously. Development was protracted and many difficulties were face in designing sufficiently small seeker head and rocket. Eventually the designers had to settle for a simpler seeker head than that of the Redeye.
The initial version the 9K32 "Strela-2" (US DoD designation SA-7A, missile round 9M32) finally entered service in 1968, 5 years behind schedule. The Strela-2 was quickly followed by the slightly improved version "Strela-2M" (US DoD designation SA-7B, missile round 9M32M) in 1970, and then a more radical improvement, the 9K36 "Strela-3" (NATO reporting name SA-14 "Gremlin", missile round 9M36). There is a naval version of this missile. Its NATO reporting name is SA-N-5. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- SA-14 (9K34 Strela-3 (Arrow) / SA-14 Gremlin)
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BACKGROUND:
The 9K34 "Strela-3" (Russian Arrow, NATO reporting name SA-14 "Gremlin") man-portable air defence missile system (MANPADS) was developed in Soviet Union as a response to the poor performance of the earlier 9K32 "Strela-2" (NATO reporting name SA-7 "Grail") system. The missile was largely based on the earlier Strela-2, and thus development proceeded rapidly. The new weapon was accepted to service in the Soviet Army in January 1974.
The most significant change was the introduction of an all-new infra-red homing seeker head. The new seeker worked on FM modulation (con-scan) principle, which is less vulnerable to jamming and decoy flares than the earlier AM (spin-scan) seekers, which were easily fooled by flares and even the most primitive infra-red jammers. Most importantly, the new seeker also introduced detector element cooling in the form of a pressurized nitrogen bottle attached to the launcher. The effect of cooling was to expand the seeker's lead sulphide detector element's sensitivity range to longer wavelengths (slightly over 4 µm as opposed to 2.8 µm of uncooled PbS elements). In practise this made possible the tracking of cooler targets over longer ranges, and enabled forward-hemisphere engagement of jets under favourable circumstances. The seeker also had better tracking rate, enabling the missile to track maneuvering or fast and approaching targets. The naval version of this missile has the NATO reporting name of SA-N-8. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia) |
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- SA-16 (9K310-M Igla-1 (Needle) / SA-16 Gimlet)
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BACKGROUND:
The 9K310 Igla-1 system (NATO reporting name SA-16 Gimlet) and its 9M313 missile were accepted into service in the Soviet army on 11 March 1981. Main differences from the Strela-3 include:
Optional IFF (Identification-Friend-or-Foe) system to prevent firing on friendly aircraft.
Automatic lead and super elevation to simplify shooting and reduce minimum firing range.
Slightly larger rocket, reduced drag and better guidance system extend maximum range and improve performance against fast and maneuverable targets.
Improved lethality on target achieved by a combination of delayed impact fusing, terminal maneuver to hit the fuselage rather than jet nozzle, and an additional charge to set off the remaining rocket fuel (if any) on impact.
Improved resistance to countermeasures (both decoy flares and ALQ-144 series jamming emitters).
Slightly improved seeker sensitivity
According to Kolomna OKB, the Igla-1 has a Pk (probability of kill) of 0.30 to 0.48 against unprotected targets which is reduced to 0.24 in the presence of decoy flares and jamming. In another report the manufacturer claimed a Pk of 0.59 against an approaching and 0.44 against receding F-4 fighter not employing infra-red countermeasures or evasive manoeuvers. The naval variant of 9K38-M Igla-1 has the NATO reporting name (NATO SA-N-10 Grouse). (Text and Photos from Wikipedia)
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- SA-18 (9K38 Igla (Needle) / SA-18 Grouse)
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BACKGROUND:
The 9K38 "Igla" (Russian Needle, NATO reporting name SA-18 Grouse) is a Russian/Soviet man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Its most advanced version, the 9K38-M Igla-1, has an all-aspect engagement capability. Development of the Igla short-range man-portable air defence missile (MANPADS) began in the Kolomna OKB in 1971. Contrary to what is commonly reported, the Igla is not an improved version of the earlier Strela family (Strela-2/SA-7 and Strela-3/SA-14), but an all new project. The main goals were to create a missile with better resistance to countermeasures and wider engagement envelope than the earlier Strela series MANPADS systems.
Technical difficulties in the development quickly made it obvious that the development would take far longer than anticipated, however, and in 1978 the program split in two: while the development of the full-capability Igla would continue, a simplified version (Igla-1) with a simpler IR seeker based on that of the earlier Strela-3/SA-14 would be developed to enter service earlier than the full-capability version could be finished. The full-capability 9K38 Igla (NATO reporting name SA-18 Grouse) with 9M39 missile was finally accepted to service in the Soviet Army in 1983. The main improvements over the Igla-1 include:
much improved resistance against flares and jamming.
more sensitive seeker, expanding forward-hemisphere engagement capability to include straight-approaching fighters (all-aspect capability) under favourable circumstances.
slightly longer range.
a higher-impulse, shorter-burning rocket with higher peak velocity (but approximately same time of flight to maximum range), and a propellant that performs as high explosive when detonated by the warhead's secondary charge on impact.
(Text and Photos from Wikipedia)
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- ZU-23-2 (Zenitnaya Ustanovka - 23 - 2A13 / ZU-23-2 Anti-aircraft System) 23 mm
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BACKGROUND:
The ZU-23 / 2A13, better known as ZU-23-2, is a towed Soviet short-range air defence cannon. ZU stands for Zenitnaya Ustanovka - anti-aircraft system. ZU-23-2 was developed in late 1950s and entered service with the Soviet Army in 1960. It mounts two 2A14 23 mm autocannons on a small trailer which can be converted into a stationary mount for firing the guns. The cannon can be prepared for firing from the march position in 30 seconds and in emergency can be fired from traveling position. The weapon is aimed and fired manually, with the help of a ZAP-23 optical-mechanical sight which uses manually entered target data to provide some automatic aiming. It also has a straight-tube telescope for use against ground targets such as troops and lightly armoured vehicles.
The cannon carriage is based on the earlier ZPU-2, which mounted two 14.5 mm machine guns. ZU-23-2 can be identified by different placement of the ammunition boxes (at right angles to the gun carriage) and by muzzle flash suppressors. In another similarity to the ZPU series, single-barrel and four-barrel versions of the ZU-23 were developed. However, these versions never entered service.
Development of this weapon into a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) lead to the ZSU-23-4 Shilka. ZU-23-2 is often mounted on trucks for use in both anti-aircraft and fire support roles. It can also be mounted on the roof of the BTR-D airborne vehicle. (Text and Photos from Wikipedia)
To learn more about Soviet large caliber ammunition, please visit The Russian Ammunition Page
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