Long-range counter-battery stations and their capabilities

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43

Radar counter-battery stations are used to detect enemy firing positions. With their help, the detection and identification of the coordinates of the enemy battery, the places where the ammunition hit and the adjustment of the shots of their own artillery is carried out. The principle of operation is to determine artillery shells at the initial stage of flight, detect several positions of a rocket or mine to determine the trajectory of movement. The study of the arc and the processing of the received data allows you to calculate the location of the enemy firing points and determine the target of destruction in your own camp.

The detection of the enemy's firing points is performed by scanning with a beam of space above the horizon, forming a kind of barrier. After the return of the signal, the counter-battery combat station tracks the movement of the target for the time necessary to determine the exact trajectory of the ammunition. By comparing the obtained coordinates of the installation site and the flight path, the point of impact of the artillery shell is obtained. The type, caliber of the projectile and the name of the firing station are determined automatically, while the size of the point of destruction, its power are specified, and an approximate classification of batteries is compiled according to the magnitude of the threat.

In modern conditions, long-range counter-battery stations receive in the ranges of 2-4, 5 and 10-121 Hz. This allows not to ignore mortar firing points at a distance of up to 30 kilometers, artillery positions at a distance of up to 50 kilometers, and missile launchers can be traced for 80 kilometers.

What is included in the station?

Radar equipped for military use:

• antenna system;
• equipment for processing received information;
• apparatus for receiving and transmitting signals;
• a device for transmitting information;
• power outlet.

Radar stations for counter-battery combat have antennas that are a flat phased array antenna (PAR) of a rectangular shape. Scanning occurs with electron beams, its sector is expanded to 90º. Headlamp design for easy viewing in various directions is mounted on a swivel platform.

Communication devices for working with information and intelligence are placed in capacious containers that are located on wheels or tracks of self-propelled vehicles. Its carrying capacity allows you to transport more than five tons. In order to increase the efficiency of the stations in the field, they are constantly being upgraded, which consists in the development and use of advanced software in on-board computers.

An important role is played by the introduction of innovative modular tools and the introduction of an accurate system of reference to the terrain. The latest on-board systemsnavigation systems allow during relocation to determine their own position on the ground and orient antennas, pinpoint enemy firing points with the greatest accuracy.

Advantages of intelligence stations

Counter-battery stations are designed and operate to increase the effectiveness of combat in the field and have a number of positive aspects that allow the development of this direction:

• are mobile transport devices for radar reconnaissance;
• stations are capable of viewing large areas at long distances in range;
• acquire data on enemy firing points very accurately in real time;
• works regardless of time and weather;
• shows high combat readiness at any part of the day.

Even if the enemy can detect counter-battery stations at a distance exceeding the range of the reconnaissance devices themselves, the above advantages make it expedient to use them to determine enemy firing points, namely rocket launchers, artillery batteries and mortars.

Zoo-1 counter-battery radar

Counter-battery stations in Russia are represented by the GRAU 1L219M radar system, called Zoo-1. The station carries out reconnaissance of the location of tactical missile launchers, anti-aircraft systems, positions of missile and artillery firing points, mortar positions,enemy MLRS installations. In addition, the station crew calculates the flight paths of enemy warheads and missiles, helps to correct the direction and firing range of their own artillery installations, control the airspace in a given area, monitor unmanned devices.

History

The beginning of the design of radio-relay stations for counter-battery combat "Zoo" was laid in the eighties of the last century to replace the existing radar complex ARK-1, developed a decade earlier. A new installation is placed on the basis of the tractor, as previously used by the ARC, which gives them a similar appearance. Two research institutes "Iskra" and "Strela" created the latest installation. After the destruction of the Union, these organizations ended up on opposite sides of the border.

The Iskra Concern continued to work in Ukraine on the modernization and creation of the Zoo-2 complex under the index 1L 220 L, put on a different chassis and capable of detecting a target on a longer trajectory with a lower throughput. The Tula Research Institute upgraded the Zoopark-1 installation, improved communication and updated the program.

For the first time, the improved station was published in 2002, and single complexes were transferred to the army for testing in 2004. The tests ended after four years and already in 2008 they were put into service with the Russian army. At present, the reconnaissance and control artillery battery necessarily includesradar complex.

General information about the station "Zoo-1"

Counter-battery tracking stations simultaneously control the firing of up to 75 deployed artillery positions and provide data on their location during the first 15-20 seconds after the shot. The complex accompanies up to 12 projectiles in flight, while exchanging information with the control point in electronic form. The station traces enemy firing points:

• mortars up to 120 mm caliber at a distance of up to 22 km;
• artillery installations up to 155 mm - up to 20 km;
• MLRS up to 240 mm - up to 35 km;
• location of tactical missiles - up to 40 km.

The counter-battery station controls the flight of unmanned aerial vehicles and controls the movement of other aircraft in the field of view. The complex is not detected soon, as it requires a short period of radiation to mark the target.

To do this, the design of the battery uses devices for short-term tuning of the operating frequency and elimination of electronic interference, in contrast to the American-made counter-battery combat station, the interference of which is not removed so carefully. The crew inside the station is protected by armor from bullets and shrapnel.

What is included in the Zoo-1 complex?

Installation is carried by an armored caterpillar tractor MT-LBu with high cross-country ability. On its base are:

• radar device;
• maintenance unit;
• kit forrepair and re-equipment on a Ural car;
• mobile trailer power plant up to 30 kW;
• autonomous positioning instruments.

Technical parameters of the Russian radar station

It is convenient to use the counter-battery stations, the photo of which is presented below, since the characteristics allow you to work effectively in the front-line territory:

• the crew, without leaving the car, deploys the station in five minutes;
• movement is carried out at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour;
• the complex overcomes the encountered water obstacles by swimming;
• caterpillar tractor runs on any roads;
• a full tank allows you to drive 500 km without adding fuel;
• the station operates in mountainous conditions up to 3 thousand meters above sea level;
• precipitation, dust flows and gusts of strong wind do not affect full-fledged work;
• outdoor temperature range is -47 to +50ºС;
• easy to transport by all types of land, air and water transport;
• automated control and independent power supply provided;
• crew working in comfortable conditions;
• automated monitoring of the working condition and received damage allows you to quickly bring the complex into working condition.

AN/TPQ-36 Complex

The TPQ-36 counter-battery station was designed by the US militarydefense companies to identify the location of enemy mortar positions, artillery pieces and rocket launchers. The complex of devices is located on the basis of the "Hammer" vehicle, which has an increased cross-country ability on all types of roads. A crew of four is assigned to serve the station.

Radar control system AN/TPQ-37

The battery is in many ways reminiscent of the TPQ-36 counter-battery stations, but the devices are located on a five-ton tractor and 6 to 8 fighters are required to service the complex. The battery includes a fully automated workplace for the operator, who simultaneously tracks about 100 enemy targets on an electronic map. At the stations in 2012, the last stage of improvement was completed, which made it possible to extend their use in the US Army until 2020. The modernization touched upon control systems, navigation, computer programs were updated, the performance of electronic computers on board the complex was increased.

AN/TPQ-53 counter-battery radar

This new station is gradually replacing older US counter-battery stations. The new complexes are more mobile in deployment, preparation for work, they detect enemy firing points at a distance of up to 60 km, the coordinate determination system has undergone a number of improvements. A trailer-mounted diesel-type generator provides a four-man crew with the electricity they need to operate.

Operator work in progresson two computers, one of which is located in the hardware room, the other is equipped with a machine cabin with antenna facilities. It is possible to control devices from a distance of 1 km via radio signals. To move the station to a combat position, an air transport type C-17 is used. These US counter-battery stations, photos of which can be seen in the picture, will replace the existing ones after 2020.

Location Portable Station AN/TPQ-48/-49

The battery entered service with the US Army in 2000, was designed jointly by two scientific and military companies. The purpose of the creation was to protect the location of expeditionary detachments moving across state lines from enemy mortar fire and rocket-propelled ammunition. Actively used in combat operations in the Middle East. Several copies in the form of military aid were delivered to the Ukrainian army.

The complex includes:

• device for receiving and transmitting, equipped with antennas;
• digital wave signal processor;
• computer small size;
• mobile power supply.

For portability, the station folds up and fits in two special suitcases, easy transportation by car.

COBRA radar

In the development of radar equipment, a consortium took over in 1998, the battery is in service with field detachments from Germany, Turkey, England, France and the Emirates. The technical data of the station make it possible to detect more than a hundred in one working minute.scattered targets. After 2020, the armies of NATO countries will receive new batteries with the possibility of a longer range of enemy firing points and increased accuracy in coordinating their own shelling.

All working equipment is assembled in a standard box. The walls of the container are made of durable materials to protect against fragments and shooting. The antenna on the platform rotates in any direction, compactly folds when carried. An electronic map of the area is displayed on two identical computer screens with changing data on the location of points. Two operators are enough to work at the station. Tactical and technical indicators of the COBRA radar:

• effective artillery detection range is 20 km;
• reactive munitions are detected at a distance of 50 km;
• the station operates in the operating range of 4-8 GHz;
• azimuth angle is 270º;
• accuracy of coordinate calculation is in the range from 0.35 to 0.5% of range;
• Set up and roll up time for deployment is about 5 minutes;
• two military operators are enough to carry out activities.

ARTHUR counter-battery station

The development of the mobile version of the radar was carried out by two leading military firms from Sweden and Norway. The resulting brainchild has an expanded number of functions and provides a detection rate in the surrounding space from 180 to 600 degrees per second. Station equipment is reliably protected fromanti-radar missiles, since the diagram beam operates below the height of the catchers. To detect the target of the station, it is enough to turn on the radiation for a few minutes.

Sweden continues scientific developments to create means of increased location with improved gratings. Stations obtained as a result of surveys expand the number of functions, control is fully automated. One of these radars is GIRAFFE, whose power has been doubled, the station tracks an increased number of targets.

X-band battery operation allows you to create a diagram using multiple beams and scan space in angle and azimuth in sectors up to 270 and 70º. The review in a circle occurs by the rotation of the platform. The station operates at a distance of up to 50 km. It is recommended to transfer the equipment to the army by 2018, the countries of England, Germany and the United States are interested in samples.

In conclusion, it should be noted that in military operations, counter-battery stations show reliable operation and perform all the functions assigned to them. After 2020, the adoption of the upgraded systems will make it possible to more accurately and carefully determine the coordinates of enemy firing points, while the detection range will become longer, which will increase the effectiveness of counter-battery combat.