Ukraine is actively developing types of weapons that meet international standards. According to manufacturers, the Corsair ATGM is one of these modifications. This weapon is planned to be used not only in the domestic market, but also for export. Consider the features and characteristics of the analogue of the American Javelin.
Presentation
Many news agencies reported on the testing of the Korsair anti-tank system in Ukraine. The weapon in question was tested at a training ground, not far from Kyiv. The primary task of this complex is a wide range of destruction of various targets, including armored vehicles of the enemy, light watercraft, fortifications, helicopters, "drones". This ability to solve a number of tasks in various directions makes this weapon promising for use in the armies of different countries of the world. A system has been developed in KB Luch, designed for a wide range of actions, despite the existing shortcomings.
Features
A characteristic feature of the weapon in question is its external design, due to its direct use. This system does not provide standard elements for many analogues in the formtripod and other supporting devices. The launch container of the transport type installation is assembled with the possibility of aiming and firing a fighter simply “from the shoulder”. The overall design of the new Ukrainian weapons in this parameter is similar to the famous American Javelin. This is where the identity parameters end, since the Ukrainian gun requires significant improvements in various areas, including the ability to conduct an individual salvo with a retreat and aiming accuracy. This greatly affects the safety of the shooter.
ATGM "Corsair": characteristics
The designers who created the complex in question claim that the weapon has no analogues not only in the domestic, but also in the foreign market. According to the developers, the weapon is superior to its competitors in a number of ways. For example, the range of destruction is about 2.5 kilometers, which is twice the potential action of the RPG-7. In this case, the weight of the entire unit is 13.5 kg.
Armament of Ukraine in terms of anti-tank weapons received a complex that can operate in temperatures from +60 to -40 degrees Celsius. This significantly exceeds the parameters of well-known foreign analogues. The average price of equipment is about 130 thousand US dollars. One standard rocket will cost at least 20 thousand "green". Despite this price, it is several times less than that of foreign analogues of the same application.
Guidance system
According to experts, the Corsair ATGM useslaser guidance system. This solution involves holding the target by the operator after the volley in the crosshairs of the sight. Then the rocket autonomously remains on the required trajectory, catching the laser beam sent by the main installation. Such a guidance system is popular in many armies of the countries of the world, although it has certain disadvantages. The main purpose of the equipment is to defeat static and moving enemy systems.
As the general director of the Luch Design Bureau noted in an interview, the Corsair is at the final stage of testing. The project is about to be completed and presented to potential customers for consideration. According to experts, the weapon in question is fully consistent with international standards. Is this so, let's try to figure it out further.
Interesting facts
Ukraine's armament received an ambiguous portable anti-missile system on its balance sheet. The developers could well use newer technologies to improve the gun along with the closest Western competitors. However, lack of funds or skill did not provide such an opportunity.
For example, the target range of this weapon is 2.5 kilometers. This indicates that the "Corsair" has become not just a new development, but also inferior in lethality to conventional grenade launchers. The only plus is the work with missiles of the RK-3 type, which is optimally suited for use in this complex. It is worth noting that the American Javelin, with a similar mass, has a launch rangerockets up to 4.8 kilometers.
ATGM "Corsair": description
The following is a list of the main characteristics of the weapon in question:
- The maximum firing range is 2.5 km.
- The period of flight to the maximum distance is 10 seconds.
- Control system - laser beam guidance (semi-automatic).
- Type of combat head - cumulative spark.
- Armor penetration (minimum) - 550 mm.
- Set weight - 18 kg + 13.5 kg rocket.
- Rocket caliber - 105 mm.
- The length/outer diameter of the container is 1160/112 mm.
- Temperature mode of use - from -40 to + 60 degrees.
Application
One of the specific features of the anti-tank complex in question is its special way of using it. The launch of such missiles "from the shoulder" has become the subject of lengthy disputes among specialists. The convenience of firing in this way is questioned by many experts. If the American "Javelin" works on the principle of "shot and gone", then the Ukrainian counterpart has a claim in this regard. It lies in the fact that aiming is carried out until the target hits the crosshair.
Regardless of the caliber of the missile, a fighter after using the Javelin can quickly move to cover, exposing himself to minimal risk. The fighter with the Corsair will have to stay in a static position for some time, pursuing a goal. Therefore, the launch of the rocket will give out its coordinates, which will affect the loss of personnel.
Specifics
The considered anti-tank complex can attract a potential buyer with a low cost, along with good indicators of accuracy and lethal force. Cost is one of the potential factors affecting the popularity of weapons of this type. By and large, the new Ukrainian development is quite competitive in the markets of the post-Soviet countries and the third world.
Despite the statements of Ukrainian manufacturers about the superiority of the Corsair over foreign counterparts, this is not entirely true. The exemplary project, although it showed good results in terms of standard parameters, is far from ideal, not to mention Russian or American complexes of an identical class.
Finally
Despite all the nuances, the very fact of the creation of such weapons by the defense complex of Ukraine suggests that the country demonstrates enviable persistence in trying to develop weapons of various classes of its own production. In this vein. Following the Corsair, more advanced developments may follow, which, if they do not bring the state a world leader in this spectrum, will make the country one of the most productive exporters of various weapons.
It is worth noting that currently Ukraine is going through hard times related to the conduct of hostilities within the country. The population has already accumulated a lot of illegal combat units, which sometimes work in peaceful cities, up to Kyiv. This trend shouldmake officials think about the future of the country. Despite this, the development of its own military resources is the right of every free state.