MANPADS "Strela": characteristics (photo)

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:48

The Strela-2 installation was the first man-portable anti-aircraft missile system put into service in the Soviet Union back in the 60s. In the GRAU indexing, MANPADS have the designation 9K32. Known as SA-7 Grail in United States classification.

Arrow-2: history of creation

In 1962, a secret military project began in the city of Kolomna. His goal was to create a powerful strike portable complex capable of hitting air and ground targets at short distances. The Strela-2 MANPADS became the ideal solution to the problem at that time. Nevertheless, the installation's first baptism of fire did not go as well as expected. Many aircraft after damage still returned to their airfields. The reason lay in the fact that the blast power of the SAM was insufficient for serious destruction, especially if the hit occurred in the tail section. As a result, it was decided to make a point modernization of the installation. So in 1968, the Strela-2M (MANPADS with 9K32M codification) was born.

Modification made it possible to hit targets moving through the air at speeds up to 950 km/h. The tests were successfully completed at the Donguz test site in 1970. Right after thatMANPADS were put into service, and a few years later, export versions replenished the strike stocks of more than 60 countries.

Destination

This MANPADS is an extremely effective means of air defense both on the march and on the field. A portable installation is capable of hitting helicopters and aircraft even at extremely low altitudes. One of the main advantages of the Strela-2 MANPADS is its relatively low weight and small dimensions, which allows it to be easily transported by one person. Thanks to this, the installation can be used in such difficult locations as swamps, forests and mountains.

9K32 and its modification are designed to defend motorized rifle battalions. Protection is provided by covering command and strongholds from low-flying enemy targets, including cruise missiles. The projectile is launched in pursuit of an air object when it is visually detected by the shooter. A salvo is possible from a standing position, from a trench, from a kneeling position, from moving armored vehicles. Due to its mobility and effectiveness, MANPADS have long been considered the main personal tactical and strike weapon of the Soviet army.

Arrow-2: composition

The original and modified installations consisted of three parts identical in configuration: a 9M32 series homing missile, a trigger and a power source. MANPADS "Strela-2" was considered the fastest personal anti-aircraft weapon in the world. Already after 1.5 s after pressing the trigger, the rocket is launched. After a few seconds, the projectile hit the target at a distance of up to 4 kilometers. In the event of a miss, the charge self-destructed after17 seconds after launch.

Installation "Strela-2M" - MANPADS with improved characteristics of capturing and hitting a target. After the modernization, the processes of the GOS and the launch of the projectile were automated. This made it easier for the anti-aircraft gunner to capture a fast-flying object. The selection of target detection under natural interference has also been improved. During the modernization, it became possible to destroy objects on a collision course. In addition, the area of destruction of jet aircraft was increased. The main component of the new installation was the thermal seeker, which was distinguished by noise immunity. Thanks to him, MANPADS are able to capture a target even in cumulus clouds up to 3 points. However, the complex was still vulnerable to aircraft heat traps.

Tactical and technical characteristics

The range of destruction of objects is limited to 3.4 km, when the modification with the letter "M" allows you to attack targets at a distance of 800 to 4200 m. As for the maximum allowable height of the projectile, it lies in the range up to 2300 m. Free speed varies from 430 to 500 m/s. Hitting targets in pursuit is carried out at an average speed of 240 m/s, towards - up to 150 m/s.

The missile is represented by the 9M32 type or its modification. Caliber - 72 mm. Projectile length - 1.44 meters with a weight of 9.5 kg. The mass of the complex itself is about 5 kg. An experienced anti-aircraft gunner will need only 10 seconds to prepare for launch.

Arrow-3: history and purpose

New model of Soviet MANPADS"Arrow" was released to the masses in the mid-70s. The installation is known by its codification 9K34 and the US classification - SA-14 Gremlin. The basis of the modification was the new missile of the 9M36 series, which was equipped with a special infrared capture head and phase-modulated helical amplitude scanning. This ensured resistance to natural and radio interference. The Strela-3 MANPADS was distinguished by its flight speed and quick maneuverability of the missile. Also, during the modernization, a noise-resistant cooling system was introduced in the GOS. That is, now the target could be captured even in heavy weather. This fact has developed the production of the model to numerous export orders.

The development of 9K34 started back in the early 70s, but for a long time the installation did not pass all the tests. In May 1973, the MANPADS finally showed its best side, and a few months later it was put into service. In the late 70s, the complex was exported. MANPADS have repeatedly been supplied in large quantities to countries such as Angola, Vietnam, El Salvador, Jordan, India, North Korea, Iraq, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, Peru, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. In Europe, the installation was on the balance sheet of Hungary, the GDR, Finland, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia. The only country other than the USSR that had a license to manufacture weapons was Poland.

Arrow-3: composition

The portable installation package includes: a 9P58 series launcher, a 9M36 missile defense system, a 1RL247 ground-based interrogator, a 9S13 passive direction finder and a R-147 radio station. The main striking force of the Strela-3M MANPADS andThe original model is the 9M36 missile. It is made according to the "Duck" scheme and is a combination of 4 fastened compartments: engine, combat, steering and head. Projectile control is achieved by rotating at a speed of 20 rpm when converting a three-dimensional signal from a thermal seeker. It is worth noting that the aerodynamic rudders are located in the same plane. When launched, the feather stabilizers open up from the tube nozzles.

On the installation case there is an electronic unit, a fuse, a telephone, a connector plug, a contact group and a trigger. Targeting is carried out by a gyroscope and a radio station, then the direction finder processes the data.

Tactical and technical characteristics

The new model of the complex with the previous version is similar only to the time of preparation for a volley and self-destruction, as well as the 72nd caliber. Otherwise, the third Strela MANPADS have much better characteristics. The length of the rocket was reduced to 1.25 m with a weight of 10 kg. On the other hand, the mass of the complex itself has increased due to new components and amounted to more than 6 kg. Strela-3 is capable of hitting objects at a distance of 500 to 4500 meters. The possible vertical flight altitude varies up to 3 km. The flight speed of the charge in pursuit is 310 m / s, towards the target - 230 m / s. Thanks to the new improved model, the anti-aircraft gunner was able to hit even a fighter-class aircraft. The probability of destroying such a target with a single missile is estimated at 33%.

Arrow-10: appointment

Thisthe installation is a mobile anti-aircraft missile system with the codification 9K35. NATO documentation refers to it as SA-13 Gopher. Model 9K35 is designed to detect and neutralize air targets at low altitudes. Strela-3 formed the basis of the shock part of the complex.

Back in 1969, the Central Committee of the CPSU decided to create mobile tracked installations in parallel with the first MANPADS. "Strela-10", the characteristics of which made it the most mobile and multifunctional combat base of the USSR, passed the tests without any problems and very soon replenished the arsenal of the Soviet army.

The Strela-10 installation was successfully used in combat operations in Angola and the Persian Gulf.