Materials provided by: S.V.Gurov (Russia, Tula)

The promising mobile anti-aircraft missile system MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense System) is designed to defend groups of troops and important objects from operational-tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1000 km, cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles of the enemy.

The development of the system is carried out by the Orlando (USA)-based joint venture MEADS International, which includes the Italian division of MBDA, the German LFK and the American company Lockheed Martin. The development, production and support of air defense systems is managed by the NAMEADSMO (NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Design and Development, Production and Logistics Management Organization) organization created in the NATO structure. The US finances 58% of the costs of the program. Germany and Italy provide 25% and 17%, respectively. According to the initial plans, the United States intended to purchase 48 MEADS air defense systems, Germany - 24 and Italy - 9.

The conceptual development of the new air defense system began in October 1996. In early 1999, a $300 million contract was signed to develop a prototype of the MEADS air defense system.

According to the statement of the first deputy inspector of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Norbert Finster, MEADS will become one of the main elements of the country's and NATO's missile defense system.

The MEADS complex is the main candidate for the German Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem (TLVS) - a new generation air and missile defense system with a flexible network architecture. It is possible that the MEADS complex will become the basis of the national air defense / missile defense system in Italy. In December 2014, the Polish Armaments Inspectorate informed that the MEADS International project will participate in the competition for the Narew short-range air defense system, designed to defend against aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

Compound

The MEADS system has a modular architecture, which makes it possible to increase the flexibility of its application, produce it in various configurations, provide high firepower with a reduction in maintenance personnel and reduce material support costs.

The composition of the complex:

  • launcher (photo1, photo2, photo3, photo4 Thomas Schulz, Poland);
  • interceptor missile;
  • combat control point (PBU);
  • multifunctional radar station;
  • detection radar.

All nodes of the complex are located on off-road vehicle chassis. For the Italian version of the complex, the chassis of the Italian ARIS tractor with an armored cab is used, for the German one - the MAN tractor. C-130 Hercules and Airbus A400M aircraft can be used to transport MEADS air defense systems.

The mobile launcher (PU) of the MEADS air defense system is equipped with a package of eight transport and launch containers (TLCs) designed to transport, store and launch guided interceptor missiles. PU provides the so-called. batch loading (see photo1, photo2) and is characterized by a short transfer time to the firing position and reloading.

Lockheed Martin's PAC-3MSE interceptor missile is expected to be used as a means of destruction as part of the MEADS air defense system. The PAC-3MSE differs from its prototype, the anti-missile, by its 1.5-fold increased impact area and the possibility of being used as part of other air defense systems, including shipborne ones. The PAC-3MSE is equipped with a new Aerojet double-acting main engine with a diameter of 292 mm, a two-way communication system between the missile and the PBU. To increase the effectiveness of defeating maneuvering aerodynamic targets, in addition to using a kinetic warhead, it is possible to equip the rocket with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead of directed action. The first test of the PAC-3MSE took place on May 21, 2008.

It was reported on the conduct of research and development work on the use of guided missiles and air-to-air missiles, upgraded for ground launch, as part of the MEADS complex.

The PBU is designed to control a network-centric air defense system of an open architecture and ensures the joint operation of any combination of detection tools and launchers combined into a single air defense and missile defense system. In accordance with the "plug and play" concept, the means of detection, control and combat support of the system interact with each other as nodes of a single network. Thanks to the capabilities of the control center, the system commander can quickly turn on or off such nodes, depending on the combat situation, without turning off the entire system, ensuring quick maneuver and concentration of combat capabilities in threatened areas.

The use of standardized interfaces and an open network architecture provides the PCU with the ability to control detection tools and launchers from various air defense systems, incl. not included in the MEADS air defense system. If necessary, the MEADS air defense system can interact with complexes, etc. The PBU is compatible with modern and advanced control systems, in particular, with NATO's Air Command and Control System (NATO's Air Command and Control System).

A set of communication equipment MICS (MEADS Internal Communications Subsystem) is designed to organize the joint operation of MEADS air defense systems. MICS provides secure tactical communication between radars, launchers and control units of the complex through a high-speed network built on the basis of the IP protocol stack.

Multifunctional three-coordinate X-band pulse-Doppler radar provides detection, classification, identification of nationality and tracking of air targets, as well as missile guidance. The radar is equipped with an active phased antenna array (see). The rotation speed of the antenna is 0, 15 and 30 rpm. The station ensures the transmission of correction commands to the interceptor missile via the Link 16 data exchange channel, which allows the missile to be redirected to trajectories, as well as the selection of the most optimal launcher from the system to repel an attack.

According to the developers, the multifunctional radar of the complex is highly reliable and efficient. During the tests, the radar provided the search, classification and tracking of targets with the issuance of target designation, suppression of active and passive interference. The MEADS air defense system can simultaneously fire at up to 10 air targets in a difficult jamming environment.

The composition of the multifunctional radar includes a system for determining the nationality "friend or foe", developed by the Italian company SELEX Sistemi Integrati. The antenna of the "friend or foe" system (see) is located in the upper part of the main antenna array. The MEADS air defense system became the first American complex that allows the use of cryptographic means of other states in its composition.

The mobile detection radar is being developed for MEADS by Lockheed-Martin and is a pulse-Doppler station with an active phased array operating both in a stationary position and at a rotation speed of 7.5 rpm. To search for aerodynamic targets in the radar, a circular view of the airspace is implemented. The design features of the radar also include a high-performance signal processor, a programmable probing signal generator, and a digital adaptive beamformer.

The MEADS air defense system has an autonomous power supply system, which includes a diesel generator and a distribution and conversion unit for connecting to an industrial network (frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz). The system was developed by Lechmotoren (Altenstadt, Germany).

The main tactical unit of the MEADS air defense system is an anti-aircraft missile battalion, which is planned to include three firing and one headquarters batteries. The MEADS battery includes a detection radar, a multifunctional radar, a PBU, up to six launchers. The minimum system configuration includes one copy of the radar, launcher and PBU.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Testing and operation

01.09.2004 NAMEDSMO has signed a $2 billion and €1.4 billion ($1.8 billion) contract with joint venture MEADS International for the R&D phase of the MEADS SAM program.

01.09.2006 The PAC-3MSE interceptor missile was chosen as the main means of destruction of the MEADS complex.

05.08.2009 The preliminary design of all the main components of the complex has been completed.

01.06.2010 When discussing the draft US defense budget for FY2011. The Senate Armed Forces Commission (SASC) has expressed concern about the cost of the MEADS program, which is $1 billion over budget and 18 months behind schedule. The Commission recommended that the US Department of Defense stop funding the development of MEADS if the program does not pass the stage of protection of the working draft. In a response from US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to the commission, it was reported that the program schedule had been agreed, and the cost of developing, manufacturing and deploying MEADS had been estimated.

01.07.2010 Raytheon has proposed a modernization package for the Patriot air defense systems in service with the Bundeswehr, which will increase their performance to the level of the MEADS air defense system by 2014. According to Raytheon, step by step process modernization would save from 1 to 2 billion euros without reducing the combat readiness of the German armed forces. The German Ministry of Defense decided to continue the development of the MEADS air defense system.

16.09.2010 The MEADS air defense system development program has successfully passed the stage of defending the working draft. The project was recognized as meeting all the requirements. The results of the defense were sent to the countries participating in the program. The estimated cost of the program was $19 billion.

22.09.2010 As part of the implementation of the MEADS program, a work plan has been presented to reduce the cost of life cycle complex.

27.09.2010 The possibility of joint operation of the MEADS PBU with the NATO air defense command and control complex was successfully demonstrated. The unification of NATO's layered missile defense facilities was carried out on a special test bench.

20.12.2010 At the Fusaro air base (Italy), for the first time, a PBU was demonstrated, located on the chassis of the Italian tractor ARIS. Five more PBUs, planned for use at the testing and certification stages of the complex, are in the production stage.

14.01.2011 LFK (Lenkflugkorpersyteme, MBDA Deutschland) announced the delivery of the first MEADS SAM launcher to the joint venture MEADS International.

31.01.2011 As part of the work on the creation of the MEADS complex, tests of the first multifunctional radar station were successfully completed.

11.02.2011 The US Department of Defense announced its intention to stop funding the MEADS project after FY2013. The reason was the proposal of the consortium to increase the development time of the complex by 30 months beyond the originally announced 110. The extension of the time will require an increase in US funding for the project by $974 million. The Pentagon estimates that total funding will rise to $1.16bn and production start will be delayed to 2018. However, the US DoD decided to continue the development and testing phase within the budget established in 2004 without entering the production phase.

15.02.2011 In a letter sent by the Ministry of Defense of Germany to the Bundestag budget committee, it was noted that due to the possible termination of the joint development of the complex, the acquisition of the MEADS air defense system is not planned in the foreseeable future. The results of the program implementation can be used in the framework of national programs for the creation of air defense / missile defense systems.

18.02.2011 Germany will not continue the MEADS air defense / missile defense system program after the development phase is completed. According to a representative of the German Defense Ministry, it will not be able to finance the next stage of the project if the United States withdraws from it. It was noted that the official decision to close the MEADS program has not yet been made.

01.04.2011 MEADS International Business Development Director Marty Coyne reported on his meetings with representatives of a number of countries in Europe and the Middle East who expressed their intention to take part in the project. Among the potential participants in the project are Poland and Turkey, which are interested in purchasing modern air defense / missile defense systems and gaining access to technologies for the production of such systems. This would allow the completion of the MEADS development program, which was in danger of being closed after the US military department refused to participate in the production phase.

15.06.2011 Lockheed Martin has delivered the first set of communication equipment MICS (MEADS Internal Communications Subsystem), designed to organize the joint operation of MEADS air defense systems.

16.08.2011 Completed testing software systems of combat command, control, control, communications and intelligence of the complex in Huntsville (Alabama, USA).

13.09.2011 With the help of an integrated training complex, a simulated launch of the MEADS SAM interceptor rocket was carried out.

12.10.2011 MEADS International has started comprehensive testing of the first MEADS MODU at a test facility in Orlando (Florida, USA).

17.10.2011 Lockheed Martin Corporation has delivered MICS communications equipment kits for use as part of the MEADS complex.

24.10.2011 The first MEADS SAM launcher has arrived at the White Sands missile range for comprehensive testing and preparation for flight tests scheduled for November.

30.10.2011 The US DoD has signed Amendment #26 to the base memorandum, which provides for the restructuring of the MEADS program. In accordance with this amendment, before the completion of the contract for the design and development of MEADS in 2014, two test launches are envisaged to determine the characteristics of the system. According to the statement of representatives of the US Department of Defense, the approved completion of the development of MEADS will allow the US defense department to use the technologies created under the project in the implementation of programs for the development of advanced weapons systems.

03.11.2011 The directors of national armaments of Germany, Italy and the United States approved an amendment to the contract to provide funding for two tests to intercept targets for the MEADS system.

10.11.2011 At the Pratica di Mare air base, a successful virtual simulation of the destruction of aerodynamic and ballistic targets using the MEADS air defense system was completed. During the tests, the combat control center of the complex demonstrated the ability to organize an arbitrary combination of launchers, combat control, command, control, communications and intelligence into a single network-centric air defense and missile defense system.

17.11.2011 The first flight test of the MEADS system as part of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile, a lightweight launcher and a combat control center was successfully completed at the White Sands missile range. During the test, a missile was launched to intercept a target attacking in the rear half-space. After completing the task, the interceptor missile self-destructed.

17.11.2011 Information has been published on the start of negotiations on Qatar's entry into the MEADS air defense system development program. Qatar has expressed interest in using the facility to secure the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

08.02.2012 Berlin and Rome are pressuring Washington to continue US funding for the MEADS development program. On January 17, 2012, the participants of the international consortium MEADS received a new proposal from the United States, which actually provided for the termination of funding for the program as early as 2012.

22.02.2012 Lockheed Martin Corporation announced the start of comprehensive testing of the third MEADS PBU in Huntsville (Alabama, USA). PBU tests are planned for the whole of 2012. Two PBUs are already involved in testing the MEADS system at Pratica di Mare (Italy) and Orlando (Florida, USA) air bases.

19.04.2012 Commencement of comprehensive testing of the first copy of the MEADS multifunctional air defense radar at the Pratica di Mare air base. Earlier it was reported about the completion of the first stage of testing the station at the facility of SELEX Sistemi Integrati SpA in Rome.

12.06.2012 The acceptance tests of the autonomous power supply and communication unit of the MEADS air defense system, designed for the upcoming comprehensive tests of the multifunctional radar station of the complex at the Pratica di Mare airbase, have been completed. The second copy of the block is being tested at the technical center for self-propelled and armored vehicles of the German armed forces in Trier (Germany).

09.07.2012 The first MEADS mobile test kit has been delivered to the White Sands missile range. A set of test equipment provides real-time virtual tests of the MEADS complex for intercepting targets without launching an interceptor missile for various air attack scenarios.

14.08.2012 On the territory of the Pratica di Mare airbase, the first comprehensive tests of the multifunctional radar were carried out together with the combat control center and launchers of the MEADS air defense system. It is reported that the radar has demonstrated key functionality, incl. the possibility of a circular view of the airspace, the capture of a target and its tracking in various scenarios of a combat situation.

29.08.2012 A PAC-3 interceptor missile at the White Sands missile range successfully destroyed a target simulating a tactical ballistic missile. As part of the test, two targets imitating tactical ballistic missiles and an MQM-107 unmanned aircraft were involved. A salvo launch of two PAC-3 interceptor missiles completed the task of intercepting a second target, a tactical ballistic missile. According to published data, all test tasks were completed.

22.10.2012 On the territory of the Pratica di Mare air base, the next stage of testing the system for determining the nationality of the MEADS complex has been successfully completed. All system operation scenarios were tested in conjunction with the American "friend or foe" identification system Mark XII / XIIA Mode 5 of the ATCBRBS (Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System) airspace control system. The total volume of certification tests was 160 experiments. After integrating the system with the MEADS multifunctional radar, additional tests were performed.

29.11.2012 The MEADS air defense system provided detection, tracking and interception of the MQM-107 target with an air-breathing engine on the territory of the White Sands missile range (New Mexico, USA). During the tests, the complex included: a command and control center, a light launcher for PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles and a multifunctional radar.

06.12.2012 The Senate of the US Congress, despite the request of the President of the United States and the Department of Defense, decided not to allocate funds for the MEADS air defense program in the next fiscal year. The Senate-approved defense budget did not include the $400.8 million needed to complete the program.

01.04.2013 The US Congress decided to continue funding the MEADS air defense system development program. As Reuters reported, Congress approved a bill guaranteeing the allocation of funds to cover current financial needs until September 30, 2013. This bill provides for the allocation of $ 380 million to complete the development and testing phase of the complex, which will avoid cancellation of contracts and negative consequences on an international scale.

19.04.2013 The upgraded detection radar was tested in joint operation as part of a single set of MEADS air defense systems. During the tests, the radar ensured the detection and tracking of a small aircraft, the transmission of information to the MEADS PBU. After its processing, the PBU issued target designation data to the multifunctional radar of the MEADS complex, which carried out additional search, recognition and further tracking of the target. The tests were carried out in the all-round view mode in the Hancock airport area (Syracusa, New York, USA), the distance between the radars was more than 10 miles.

19.06.2013 A press release from Lockheed Martin reports on the successful testing of the MEADS air defense system as part of a unified air defense system with other anti-aircraft systems in service with NATO countries.

10.09.2013 The first launcher of the MEADS air defense system on the chassis of a German truck was delivered to the USA for testing. Tests of two launchers are planned for 2013.

21.10.2013 During tests at the White Sands missile range, the MEADS multifunctional radar for the first time successfully captured and tracked a target simulating a tactical ballistic missile.

06.11.2013 During the tests of the MEADS air defense system, to assess the capabilities of the all-round defense complex, two targets were intercepted, simultaneously attacking from opposite directions. The tests took place on the territory of the White Sands missile range (New Mexico, USA). One of the targets simulated a class ballistic missile, the QF-4 target simulated a cruise missile.

21.05.2014 The system for determining the nationality "friend or foe" of the MEADS complex received an operational certificate from the US Department of Defense Airspace Control Administration.

24.07.2014 Demonstration tests of the MEADS air defense system at the Pratica di Mare airbase have been completed. During two-week tests, the complex's ability to work in various architectures, incl. under the control of higher control systems were demonstrated to the German and Italian delegations.

23.09.2014 Six-week operational tests of the multifunctional radar from the MEADS air defense system at the Pratica di Mare airbase (Italy) and at the German air defense center of the MBDA concern in Freinhausen have been completed.

07.01.2015 The MEADS air defense system is being considered as a candidate for compliance with the requirements for next-generation air and missile defense systems in Germany and Poland.

The first flight of the Tu-22M3M long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier is scheduled for August this year at the Kazan Aviation Plant, RIA Novosti reports. This is a new modification of the Tu-22M3 bomber, put into service in 1989.

The aircraft demonstrated its combat viability in Syria, striking terrorist bases. They used Backfires, as they called this formidable car in the West, and during the Afghan war.

As the senator points out Viktor Bondarev, ex-commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the aircraft has great potential for modernization. Actually, this is the whole line of Tu-22 bombers, the creation of which began in the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 60s. The first prototype made its launch flight in 1969. The very first serial machine Tu-22M2 was put into service in 1976.

In 1981, the Tu-22M3 began to enter the combat units, which became a deep modernization of the previous modification. But it was put into service only in 1989, which was associated with the refinement of a number of systems and the introduction of new generation missiles. The bomber is equipped with new NK-25 engines, more powerful and economical, with an electronic control system. The on-board equipment has been largely replaced - from the power supply system to the radar and weapons control complex. The aircraft defense complex has been significantly strengthened.

As a result, an aircraft with a variable sweep of the wing appeared with the following characteristics: Length - 42.5 m Wingspan - from 23.3 m to 34.3 m Height - 11 m Empty weight - 68 tons, maximum takeoff - 126 tons Engine thrust - 2 × 14500 kgf, afterburner thrust - 2 × 25000 kgf. The maximum speed near the ground is 1050 km / h, at an altitude of 2300 km / h. Flight range - 6800 km. Ceiling - 13300 m. Maximum missile and bomb load - 24 tons.

The main result of the modernization was the arming of the bomber with Kh-15 missiles (up to six missiles in the fuselage plus four on the external sling) and Kh-22 (two on the suspension under the wings).

For reference: Kh-15 is a supersonic aeroballistic missile. With a length of 4.87 m, it fit into the fuselage. The warhead had a mass of 150 kg. There was a nuclear version with a capacity of 300 kt. The rocket, having risen to a height of up to 40 km, when diving on a target in the final section of the route, accelerated to a speed of 5 M. The range of the Kh-15 was 300 km.

And the Kh-22 is a supersonic cruise missile with a range of up to 600 km and a maximum speed of 3.5M-4.6M. The flight altitude is 25 km. The missile also has two warheads - nuclear (up to 1 Mt) and high-explosive-cumulative with a mass of 960 kg. In this connection, she was conditionally nicknamed the "killer of aircraft carriers."

But last year, an even more advanced Kh-32 cruise missile, which is a deep modernization of the Kh-22, was put into service. The range has increased to 1000 km. But the main thing is that the noise immunity, the ability to overcome the zones of active operation of enemy electronic warfare systems, has significantly increased. At the same time, the dimensions and weight, as well as warhead remained the same.

And this is good. The bad thing is that in connection with the cessation of production of X-15 missiles, they began to be gradually removed from service since 2000 due to the aging of the solid fuel mixture. At the same time, the replacement of the old rocket was not prepared. In this connection, now the Tu-22M3 bomb bay is loaded only with bombs - both free-falling and adjustable.

What are the main disadvantages of the new weapon variant? First, to precision weapons listed bombs are not included. Secondly, in order to completely "unload" the ammunition, the aircraft must carry out bombing in the very heat of the enemy's air defense.

Previously, this problem was solved optimally - at first, Kh-15 missiles (among which there was an anti-radar modification) hit the radar of air defense / missile defense systems, thereby clearing the way for their main strike force - a pair of Kh-22s. Now bomber sorties are associated with increased danger, unless, of course, the collision occurs with a serious enemy who owns modern air defense systems.

There is another unpleasant moment, because of which the excellent missile carrier is significantly inferior, if possible, to its counterparts in the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Air Force - the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. On the basis of the SALT-2 agreement, equipment for refueling in the air was removed from the "twenty-second". In this connection, the combat radius of the missile carrier does not exceed 2400 km. And even then only if you fly light, with a half rocket and bomb load.

At the same time, the Tu-22M3 does not have missiles that could significantly increase the aircraft's strike range. The Tu-95MS and Tu-160 have such, this is the Kh-101 subsonic cruise missile, which has a range of 5500 km.

So, work on upgrading the bomber to the level of the Tu-22M3M goes in parallel with much more secret work on the creation of a cruise missile that will restore combat effectiveness this machine.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Raduga Design Bureau has been developing a promising cruise missile, which was declassified to a very limited extent only last year. And even then only in terms of design and characteristics. This is the “product 715”, which is intended primarily for the Tu-22M3M, but can also be used on the Tu-95MS, Tu-160M ​​and Tu-160M2. American military-technical publications claim that this is almost a copy of their subsonic and most long-range missile"air-to-surface" AGM-158 JASSM. However, this would not be desirable. Since these, according to Trump's characteristics, "smart missiles", as it recently turned out, are smart to the point of self-will. Some of them, during the last unsuccessful shelling of Syrian targets by the Western allies, which has become famous all over the world, against the will of the owners, actually flew to beat the Kurds. And the range of the AGM-158 JASSM is modest by modern standards - 980 km.

An improved Russian analogue of this overseas missile is the Kh-101. By the way, it was also made in KB "Rainbow". The designers managed to significantly reduce the dimensions - the length decreased from 7.5 m to 5 m or even less. The diameter was reduced by 30%, "losing weight" to 50 cm. This turned out to be enough to place the "product 715" inside the bomb bay of the new Tu-22M3M. Moreover, immediately in the amount of six missiles. That is, now, finally, from the point of view of tactics of combat use, we again have everything the same as it was during the operation of the Kh-15 missiles being decommissioned.

Inside the fuselage of the modernized bomber, the missiles will be placed in a revolver-type launcher, similar to the cartridge drum of a revolver. During the launch of the missiles, the drum rotates step by step, and the missiles are sequentially sent to the target. This placement does not impair the aerodynamic qualities of the aircraft and, therefore, allows for economical fuel consumption, as well as the maximum use of the possibilities of supersonic flight. Which, as mentioned above, is especially important for the "single-refueling" Tu-22M3M.

Of course, the designers of the "product 715" could not even theoretically, while simultaneously increasing the flight range and reducing the dimensions, also achieve supersonic speed. Actually, the Kh-101 is not a high-speed missile either. On the marching section, it flies at a speed of about 0.65 Mach, at the finish line it accelerates to 0.85 Mach. Its main advantage (besides the range) is different. The missile has a whole set of powerful tools that allow you to break through the enemy's missile defense. Here and stealth - RCS of the order of 0,01 sq.m. And the combined flight profile - from creeping to a height of 10 km. And an effective electronic warfare complex. In this case, the circular probable deviation from the target at a full distance of 5500 km is 5 meters. Such high accuracy is achieved due to the combined guidance system. In the final section, an optical-electronic homing head operates, which guides the missile along a map stored in memory.

Experts suggest that in terms of range and other characteristics, the "product 715", if inferior to the X-101, is insignificant. Estimates range from 3,000 km to 4,000 km. But, of course, the striking power will be different. X-101 has a warhead mass of 400 kilograms. So much "will not fit" into a new rocket.

As a result of the adoption of the "product 715", the bomber's high-precision ammunition load will not only increase, but will also be balanced. So, the Tu-22M3M will have the opportunity, without approaching the air defense zone, to pre-process radars and air defense systems with “babies”. And then, coming closer, strike at strategic targets with powerful Kh-32 supersonic missiles.

Said Aminov, editor-in-chief of the Vestnik PVO website (PVO.rf)

Basic provisions:

Today, a number of companies are actively developing and promoting new air defense systems, which are based on air-to-air missiles used from ground launchers;

Given the large number of aircraft missiles in service with different countries, the creation of such air defense systems can be very promising.

The idea of ​​​​creating anti-aircraft missile systems based on aviation weapons is not new. Back in the 1960s. The United States created Chaparral self-propelled short-range air defense systems with the Sidewinder aircraft missile and the Sea Sparrow short-range air defense system with the AIM-7E-2 Sparrow aircraft missile. These complexes were widely used and were used in combat operations. At the same time, the ground-based Spada air defense system (and its shipborne version Albatros) was created in Italy, using anti-aircraft guns similar in design to Sparrow guided missiles Aspid.

Today, the United States has returned to the design of "hybrid" air defense systems based on the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missile. The SLAMRAAM air defense system, which has been created for a long time, is designed to complement in the ground forces and the corps marines US complex Avenger, theoretically can become one of the best-selling on foreign markets, given the number of countries armed with AIM-120 aircraft missiles. An example is the US-Norwegian NASAMS air defense system, which has already gained popularity, also created on the basis of AIM-120 missiles.

The European group MBDA is promoting vertical launch air defense systems based on the French MICA aircraft missile, and the German company Diehl BGT Defense is promoting IRIS-T missiles.

Russia also does not stand aside - in 2005, the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation (KTRV) presented at the MAKS air show information on the use of an air defense medium-range missile RVV-AE. This missile with an active radar guidance system is designed for use from aircraft of the fourth generation, has a range of 80 km and was exported to large quantities as part of the Su-30MK and MiG-29 family fighters to China, Algeria, India and other countries. True, information on the development of the anti-aircraft version of the RVV-AE has not been received recently.

Chaparral (USA)

The Chaparral self-propelled all-weather air defense system was developed by Ford based on the Sidewinder 1C (AIM-9D) aircraft missile. The complex was adopted american army in 1969, and since then has been modernized several times. In combat, Chaparral was first used by the Israeli army in the Golan Heights in 1973, and subsequently used by Israel in 1982 during the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. However, by the early 1990s. The Chaparral air defense system was hopelessly outdated and was decommissioned by the United States, and then by Israel. Now it has remained in operation only in Egypt, Colombia, Morocco, Portugal, Tunisia and Taiwan.

Sea Sparrow (USA)

The Sea Sparrow is one of the most massive short-range ship-based air defense systems in the NATO navies. The complex was created on the basis of the RIM-7 missile, a modified version of the AIM-7F Sparrow air-to-air missile. Tests began in 1967, and since 1971 the complex began to enter service with the US Navy.

In 1968, Denmark, Italy and Norway came to an agreement with the US Navy on joint work to modernize the Sea Sparrow air defense system as part of international cooperation. As a result, a unified air defense system for NATO surface ships NSSMS (NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System) was developed, which has been in serial production since 1973.

Now a new anti-aircraft missile RIM-162 ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles) is being offered for the Sea Sparrow air defense system, the development of which began in 1995 by an international consortium led by the American company Raytheon. The consortium includes companies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Holland, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Turkey. The new missile can be launched from both inclined and vertical launchers. The RIM-162 ESSM anti-aircraft missile has been in service since 2004. The modified RIM-162 ESSM anti-aircraft missile is also planned to be used in the US SLAMRAAM ER land-based air defense system (see below).


RVV-AE-ZRK (Russia)

In our country, research work (R&D) on the use of aircraft missiles in air defense systems began in the mid-1980s. In the Klenka Research Institute, specialists from the Vympel State Design Bureau (today part of the KTRV) confirmed the possibility and expediency of using the R-27P missile as part of the air defense system, and in the early 1990s. Research work "Yelnik" showed the possibility of using an air-to-air missile of the RVV-AE (R-77) type in an air defense system with a vertical launch. A model of a modified missile under the designation RVV-AE-ZRK was demonstrated in 1996 at the Defendory international exhibition in Athens at the stand of the Vympel State Design Bureau. However, until 2005, there were no new references to the anti-aircraft version of the RVV-AE.

Possible launcher of a promising air defense system on an artillery carriage of an S-60 anti-aircraft gun GosMKB "Vympel"

During the MAKS-2005 air show, the Tactical Missiles Corporation presented an anti-aircraft version of the RVV-AE missile without external changes from an aircraft missile. The RVV-AE missile was placed in a transport and launch container (TPK) and had a vertical launch. According to the developer, the missile is proposed to be used against air targets from ground launchers that are part of anti-aircraft missile or anti-aircraft artillery systems. In particular, layouts for placing four TPKs with RVV-AE on the S-60 anti-aircraft gun cart were distributed, and it was also proposed to upgrade the Kvadrat air defense system (an export version of the Kub air defense system) by placing TPKs with RVV-AE on the launcher.

Anti-aircraft missile RVV-AE in a transport and launch container in the exposition of the Vympel State Design Bureau (Tactical Missiles Corporation) at the MAKS-2005 exhibition Said Aminov

Due to the fact that the anti-aircraft version of the RVV-AE almost does not differ from the aircraft version in terms of equipment and there is no launch accelerator, the launch is carried out using a sustainer engine from a transport and launch container. Because of this, the maximum launch range has decreased from 80 to 12 km. The anti-aircraft version of the RVV-AE was created in cooperation with the Almaz-Antey air defense concern.

After MAKS-2005, there were no reports on the implementation of this project from open sources. Now the aviation version of the RVV-AE is in service with Algeria, India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries, some of which also have Soviet artillery and air defense missile systems.

Pracka (Yugoslavia)

The first examples of the use of aircraft missiles as anti-aircraft missiles in Yugoslavia date back to the mid-1990s, when the Bosnian Serb army created an air defense system on the chassis of a TAM-150 truck with two rails for Soviet-designed R-13 infrared-guided missiles. It was a "handicraft" modification and does not appear to have had an official designation.

A self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on R-3 missiles (AA-2 "Atoll") was first shown to the public in 1995 (Source Vojske Krajine)

Another simplified system, known as Pracka ("Sling"), was an infrared-guided R-60 missile on an improvised launcher based on the carriage of a towed 20 mm M55 anti-aircraft gun. The actual combat effectiveness of such a system seems to have been low, given such a disadvantage as a very short launch range.

Towed handicraft air defense system "Sling" with a missile based on air-to-air missiles with an infrared homing head R-60

The beginning of the NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia in 1999 prompted the engineers of this country to urgently create anti-aircraft missile systems. Specialists from the VTI Military Technical Institute and the VTO Air Test Center quickly developed the Pracka RL-2 and RL-4 self-propelled air defense systems armed with two-stage missiles. Prototypes of both systems were created on the basis of the chassis of a self-propelled anti-aircraft installation with a 30-mm double-barreled cannon of Czech production type M53 / 59, more than 100 of which were in service with Yugoslavia.

New versions of the Prasha air defense system with two-stage missiles based on the R-73 and R-60 aircraft missiles at an exhibition in Belgrade in December 2004. Vukasin Milosevic, 2004

The RL-2 system was created on the basis of Soviet rocket R-60MK with the first stage in the form of an accelerator of a similar caliber. The booster appears to have been created by a combination of a 128mm multiple rocket launcher engine and large cross-mounted tail fins.

Vukasin Milosevic, 2004

The RL-4 rocket was created on the basis of the Soviet R-73 rocket, also equipped with an accelerator. It is possible that boosters for RL-4

were created on the basis of Soviet 57-mm unguided aircraft missiles of the S-5 type (a package of six missiles in a single body). An unnamed Serbian source, in an interview with a representative of the Western press, stated that this air defense system was successful. The R-73 missiles significantly outperform the R-60 in homing head sensitivity and reach in range and altitude, posing a significant threat to NATO aircraft.

Vukasin Milosevic, 2004

It is unlikely that the RL-2 and RL-4 had a great chance of independently conducting successful firing at suddenly appeared targets. These SAMs depend on air defense command posts or a forward observation post to have at least some idea of ​​the direction to the target and the approximate time of its appearance.

Vukasin Milosevic, 2004

Both prototypes were built by VTO and VTI staff, and there is no information in the public domain about how many (or if any) test runs were made. The prototypes remained in service throughout the 1999 NATO bombing campaign. Anecdotal reports suggest that the RL-4 may have been used in combat, but there is no evidence that RL-2 missiles were fired at NATO aircraft. After the end of the conflict, both systems were withdrawn from service and returned to VTI.

SPYDER (Israel)

Israeli companies Rafael and IAI have developed and are promoting SPYDER short-range air defense systems based on Rafael Python 4 or 5 and Derby aircraft missiles, respectively, with infrared and active radar guidance, in foreign markets. For the first time, the new complex was presented in 2004 at the Indian arms exhibition Defexpo.


Experienced launcher of the SPYDER air defense system, on which Rafael worked out the Jane "s complex

SAM SPYDER is capable of hitting air targets at ranges up to 15 km and at altitudes up to 9 km. The SPYDER is armed with four Python and Derby missiles in the TPK on the Tatra-815 off-road chassis with an 8x8 wheel arrangement. Rocket launch inclined.

Indian version of the SPYDER air defense system at the Bourges air show in 2007 Said Aminov


Derby, Python-5 and Iron Dome rockets at Defexpo-2012

The main export customer of the SPYDER short-range air defense system is India. In 2005, Rafael won the corresponding tender of the Indian Air Force, while the competitors were companies from Russia and South Africa. In 2006, four SPYDER SAM launchers were sent to India for testing, which were successfully completed in 2007. The final contract for the supply of 18 SPYDER systems for a total of $ 1 billion was signed in 2008. It is planned that the systems will be delivered in 2011-2012 Also, the SPYDER air defense system was purchased by Singapore.


SAM SPYDER Singapore Air Force

After the end of hostilities in Georgia in August 2008, evidence appeared on Internet forums that the Georgian military had one battery of SPYDER air defense systems, as well as their use against Russian aviation. For example, in September 2008, a photograph of the head of a Python 4 missile with serial number 11219 was published. Later, two photographs appeared, dated August 19, 2008, of a SPYDER air defense missile launcher with four Python 4 missiles on the chassis captured by Russian or South Ossetian military Romanian made Roman 6x6. Serial number 11219 is visible on one of the missiles.

Georgian SAM SPYDER

VL MICA (Europe)

Since 2000, the European concern MBDA has been promoting the VL MICA air defense system, the main armament of which is MICA aircraft missiles. The first demonstration of the new complex took place in February 2000 at the Asian Aerospace exhibition in Singapore. And already in 2001, tests began at the French training ground in Landes. In December 2005, the MBDA concern received a contract to create the VL MICA air defense system for the French armed forces. It was planned that these complexes would provide object air defense of air bases, units in the combat formations of the ground forces and be used as shipboard air defense. However, to date, the purchase of the complex by the armed forces of France has not begun. The aviation version of the MICA missile is in service with the French Air Force and Navy (they are equipped with Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighters), in addition, MICA is in service with the Air Force of the United Arab Emirates, Greece and Taiwan (Mirage 2000).


Model of the ship launcher VL MICA air defense system at the LIMA-2013 exhibition

The land version of the VL MICA includes a command post, a three-coordinate detection radar and three to six launchers with four transport and launch containers. VL MICA components can be installed on standard off-road vehicles. Anti-aircraft missiles of the complex can be with an infrared or active radar homing head, completely identical to aviation options. The TPK for the land version of the VL MICA is identical to the TPK for the ship modification of the VL MICA. In the basic configuration of the ship's VL MICA air defense system, the launcher consists of eight TPKs with MICA missiles in various combinations of homing heads.


Model of self-propelled launcher SAM VL MICA at the exhibition LIMA-2013

In December 2007, VL MICA air defense systems were ordered by Oman (for three Khareef project corvettes under construction in the UK), subsequently these complexes were purchased by the Moroccan Navy (for three SIGMA project corvettes under construction in the Netherlands) and the UAE (for two small missile corvettes contracted in Italy project Falaj 2) . In 2009, at the Paris Air Show, Romania announced the acquisition of the VL MICA and Mistral complexes for the country's Air Force from the MBDA concern, although deliveries to the Romanians have not begun so far.

IRIS-T (Europe)

As part of the European initiative to create a promising short-range aviation missile to replace the American AIM-9 Sidewinder, a consortium of countries led by Germany created the IRIS-T missile with a range of up to 25 km. The development and production is carried out by Diehl BGT Defense in partnership with enterprises in Italy, Sweden, Greece, Norway and Spain. The missile was adopted by the participating countries in December 2005. The IRIS-T missile can be used from a wide range of fighter aircraft, including Typhoon, Tornado, Gripen, F-16, F-18 aircraft. Austria was the first export customer for IRIS-T, and South Africa and Saudi Arabia later ordered the missile.


Layout self-propelled launcher Iris-T at the exhibition in Bourges-2007

In 2004, Diehl BGT Defense began developing a promising air defense system using the IRIS-T aircraft missile. The IRIS-T SLS complex has been undergoing field tests since 2008, mainly at the Overberg test site in South Africa. The IRIS-T missile is launched vertically from a launcher mounted on the chassis of an off-road light truck. The detection of air targets is provided by the Giraffe AMB all-round radar developed by the Swedish company Saab. The maximum range of destruction exceeds 10 km.

In 2008, a modernized launcher was demonstrated at the ILA exhibition in Berlin

In 2009, Diehl BGT Defense introduced an upgraded version of the IRIS-T SL air defense system with a new missile, the maximum range of which should be 25 km. The missile is equipped with an advanced rocket engine, as well as systems of automatic data transmission and GPS-navigation. Tests of the improved complex were carried out at the end of 2009 at the South African test site.


Launcher of the German air defense system IRIS-T SL 25.6.2011 at the Dubendorf Miroslav Gyürösi airbase

In accordance with the decision of the German authorities, the new version of the air defense system was planned to be integrated into the promising MEADS air defense system (created jointly with the United States and Italy), as well as to ensure interaction with the Patriot PAC-3 air defense system. However, the announced withdrawal of the United States and Germany in 2011 from the MEADS air defense program makes the prospects of both MEADS itself and the planned integration of the IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile into its composition extremely uncertain. The complex can be offered to the countries-operators of IRIS-T aircraft missiles.

NASAMS (USA, Norway)

The concept of an air defense system using the AIM-120 aircraft missile was proposed in the early 1990s. by the American company Hughes Aircraft (now part of Raytheon) when creating a promising air defense system under the AdSAMS program. In 1992, the AdSAMS complex was tested, but in the future this project was not developed. In 1994, Hughes Aircraft signed a contract to develop NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense systems, the architecture of which largely repeated the AdSAMS project. The development of the NASAMS complex together with Norsk Forsvarteknologia (now part of the Kongsberg Defense group) was successfully completed, and in 1995 its production for the Norwegian Air Force began.


The NASAMS air defense system consists of a command post, a Raytheon AN / TPQ-36A three-coordinate radar and three transportable launchers. The launcher carries six AIM-120 missiles.

In 2005, Kongsberg was awarded a contract to fully integrate Norwegian NASAMS air defense systems into NATO's integrated air defense control system. The modernized air defense system under the designation NASAMS II entered service with the Norwegian Air Force in 2007.

SAM NASAMS II Ministry of Defense of Norway

For the Spanish ground forces in 2003, four NASAMS air defense systems were delivered, and one air defense system was transferred to the United States. In December 2006, the Dutch ground forces ordered six upgraded NASAMS II air defense systems, deliveries began in 2009. In April 2009, Finland decided to replace three divisions of Russian Buk-M1 air defense systems with NASAMS II. The estimated cost of the Finnish contract is 500 million euros.

Now Raytheon and Kongsberg are jointly developing the HAWK-AMRAAM air defense system, using AIM-120 aircraft missiles on universal launchers and Sentinel detection radars in the I-HAWK air defense system.

High Mobility Launcher NASAMS AMRAAM on FMTV Raytheon chassis

CLAWS / SLAMRAAM (USA)

Since the early 2000s in the United States, a promising mobile air defense system is being developed based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missile, similar in its characteristics to the Russian medium-range missile RVV-AE (R-77). Raytheon Corporation is the lead developer and manufacturer of rockets. Boeing is a subcontractor and is responsible for the development and production of the SAM fire control command post.

In 2001, the US Marine Corps signed a contract with Raytheon Corporation to create the CLAWS (Complementary Low-Altitude Weapon System, also known as HUMRAAM) air defense systems. This air defense system was a mobile air defense system, based on a launcher based on an HMMWV off-road army vehicle with four AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missiles launched from inclined rails. The development of the complex was extremely delayed due to the repeated curtailment of funding and the lack of clear views from the Pentagon on the need to acquire it.

In 2004, the US Army ordered Raytheon to develop the SLAMRAAM (Surface-Launched AMRAAM) air defense system. Since 2008, tests of the SLAMRAAM air defense system at the test sites began, during which interaction with the Patriot and Avenger air defense systems was also tested. At the same time, the army eventually abandoned the use of the light HMMWV chassis, and the latest version of SLAMRAAM was already being tested on the chassis of an FMTV truck. In general, the development of the system was also sluggish, although it was expected that the new complex would enter service in 2012.

In September 2008, information appeared that the UAE had applied for the purchase of a certain number of SLAMRAAM air defense systems. In addition, this air defense system was planned to be acquired by Egypt.

In 2007, Raytheon Corporation proposed to significantly improve the combat capabilities of the SLAMRAAM air defense system by adding two new missiles to its armament - an AIM-9X infrared-guided short-range aircraft missile and a longer-range SLAMRAAM-ER missile. Thus, the modernized complex should have been able to use two types of short-range missiles from one launcher: AMRAAM (up to 25 km) and AIM-9X (up to 10 km). Due to the use of the SLAMRAAM-ER missile, the maximum range of the complex's destruction increased to 40 km. The SLAMRAAM-ER missile is being developed by Raytheon on its own initiative and is a modified ESSM ship-based anti-aircraft missile with a homing head and a control system from the AMRAAM aircraft missile. The first tests of the new SL-AMRAAM-ER rocket were carried out in Norway in 2008.

Meanwhile, in January 2011, information appeared that the Pentagon had finally decided not to acquire the SLAMRAAM air defense system for either the army or the marines due to budget cuts, despite the lack of prospects for modernizing the Avenger air defense system. This, apparently, means the end of the program and makes its possible export prospects doubtful.

Tactical and technical characteristics of air defense systems based on aircraft missiles

Name of air defense system Developer company anti-aircraft missile Type of homing head Range of destruction of air defense systems, km Range of destruction of the aviation complex, km
Chaparral Lockheed Martin (USA) Sidewinder 1C (AIM-9D) - MIM-72A IR AN/DAW-2 rosette scan (Rosette Scan Seeker) - MIM-72G 0.5 to 9.0 (MIM-72G) Up to 18 (AIM-9D)
SAM based on RVV-AE KTRV (Russia) RVV-AE ARL 1.2 to 12 0.3 to 80
Pracka-RL-2 Yugoslavia R-60MK IR n/a Up to 8
Pracka-RL-4 R-73 IR n/a up to 20
SPYDER Rafael, IAI (Israel) Python 5 IR 1 to 15 (SPYDER-SR) Up to 15
Derby ARL GOS 1 to 35 (up to 50) (SPYDER-MR) Up to 63
VL Mica MBDA (Europe) IR Mica IR GOS To 10 0.5 to 60
RF Mica ARL GOS
SL-AMRAAM / CLAWS / NASAMS Raytheon (USA), Kongsberg (Norway) AIM-120AMRAAM ARL GOS 2.5 to 25 up to 48
AIM-9X Sidewinder IR GOS To 10 Up to 18.2
SL-AMRAAMER ARL GOS up to 40 No analogue
Sea Sparrow Raytheon (USA) AIM-7F Sparrow PARL GOS Under 19 50
ESSM PARL GOS Up to 50 No analogue
IRIS-TSL Diehl BGT Defense (Germany) IRIS-T IR GOS Up to 15 km (estimated) 25

The integrated air defense-missile defense system in the theater of operations provides for the integrated use of forces and means against air and ballistic targets in any part of the flight path.

The deployment of a joint air defense-missile defense system in the theater is carried out on the basis of air defense systems by including new and modernized means in their composition, as well as introducing "network-centric principles of construction and operational use" (network-centric architecture & operation).

Sensors, fire weapons, centers and command posts are based on ground, sea, air and space carriers. They may belong to different types of aircraft operating in the same zone.

Integration technologies include the formation of a single picture of the air situation, combat identification of air and ground targets, automation of combat control and weapon control systems. It provides for the fullest possible use of the control structure of existing air defense systems, interoperability of communication and data transmission systems in real time and the adoption of common standards for data exchange based on the principles of open architecture.

The formation of a unified picture of the air situation will be facilitated by the use of sensors that are heterogeneous in physical principles and the placement of sensors integrated into a single information network. Nevertheless, the leading role of ground-based information facilities will remain, the basis of which is over-the-horizon, over-the-horizon and multi-position air defense radar.

MAIN TYPES AND TECHNICAL FEATURES OF RADAR AIR DEFENSE OF NATO COUNTRIES

Ground-based over-the-horizon air defense radars as part of an information system solve the problem of detecting targets of all classes, including ballistic missiles, in a complex jamming and target environment when exposed to enemy weapons. These radars are modernized and created on the basis of integrated approaches, taking into account the criterion "efficiency / cost".

The modernization of radar facilities will be carried out on the basis of the introduction of elements of radar subsystems developed as part of ongoing research to create advanced radar facilities. This is due to the fact that the cost of a completely new station is higher than the cost of upgrading existing radars and reaches about several million US dollars. At present, the vast majority of air defense radars in service with foreign countries are stations in the centimeter and decimeter ranges. Representative examples of such stations are radars: AN / FPS-117, AR 327, TRS 2215 / TRS 2230, AN / MPQ-64, GIRAFFE AMB, M3R, GM 400.

Radar AN / FPS-117, designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. uses a frequency range of 1-2 GHz, is a fully solid-state system designed to solve the problems of early warning, positioning and identification of targets, as well as for use in the ATC system. The station provides the possibility of adapting the operating modes depending on the emerging interference situation.

Computing tools used in the radar station allow you to constantly monitor the state of the radar subsystems. Determine and display the location of the failure on the monitor of the operator's workplace. Work continues to improve the subsystems that make up the AN / FPS-117 radar. which will make it possible to use the station to detect ballistic targets, determine their place of impact and issue target designation to interested consumers. At the same time, the main task of the station is still the detection and tracking of air targets.

AR 327, developed on the basis of the AR 325 station by specialists from the USA and Great Britain, is capable of performing the functions of a complex of low-level automation tools (when it is additionally equipped with a cabin with additional jobs). The estimated cost of one sample is 9.4-14 million dollars. The antenna system, made in the form of headlights, provides phase scanning in elevation. The station uses digital signal processing. The radar and its subsystems are controlled by the Windows operating system. The station is used in the automated control systems of European NATO countries. In addition, interfaces are being upgraded to enable the operation of the radar.

AR 327, developed on the basis of the AR 325 station by specialists from the USA and Great Britain, is capable of performing the functions of a complex of low-level automation tools (when equipped with a cab with additional jobs), the estimated cost of one sample is 9.4-14 million dollars. The antenna system, made in the form of headlights, provides phase scanning in elevation. The station uses digital signal processing. The radar and its subsystems are controlled by the operating Windows system. The station is used in the automated control systems of European NATO countries. In addition, interface means are being upgraded to ensure the operation of the radar with a further increase in the power of computing facilities.

A feature of the radar is the use of a digital system of the SDC and an active jamming protection system, which is capable of adaptively reconfiguring the operating frequency of the station in a wide frequency range. There is also a “pulse-to-pulse” frequency tuning mode, and the accuracy of determining the height at low target elevation angles has been improved. It is planned to further improve the transceiver subsystem and equipment for coherent processing of received signals to increase the range and improve the accuracy of air targets detection.

French three-coordinate radars with phased array TRS 2215 and 2230, designed to detect, identify and track ATs, developed on the basis of the SATRAPE station in mobile and transportable versions. They have the same transceiver systems, data processing facilities and constituent elements antenna system, and their difference lies in the size of the antenna arrays. Such unification makes it possible to increase the flexibility of the logistics of stations and the quality of their service.

Transportable three-coordinate radar AN / MPQ-64, operating in the centimeter range, created on the basis of the station AN / TPQ-36A. It is designed to detect, track, measure the coordinates of air objects and issue target designation to interception systems. The station is used in the mobile units of the US Armed Forces in the organization of air defense. The radar is capable of operating in conjunction with both other detection radars and information means of short-range air defense systems.

The GIRAFFE AMB mobile radar station is designed to solve the problems of detecting, determining coordinates and tracking targets. This radar uses new technical solutions in the signal processing system. As a result of the modernization, the control subsystem makes it possible to automatically detect helicopters in hovering mode and assess the degree of threat, as well as automate combat control functions.

The M3R mobile modular multifunctional radar was developed by the French company Thales as part of the project of the same name. This is a new generation station designed for use in the combined GTVO-PRO system, created on the basis of the Master family of stations, which, having modern parameters, are the most competitive among long-range mobile detection radars. It is a multifunctional three-coordinate radar operating in the 10-cm range. The station uses the technology of "intelligent radar control" (Intelligent Radar Management), which provides for optimal control of the waveform, repetition period, etc. in various operating modes.

The GM 400 (Ground Master 400) air defense radar, developed by Thales, is intended for use in the integrated air defense-missile defense system. It is also being created on the basis of the Master family of stations and is a multifunctional three-coordinate radar operating in the 2.9-3.3 GHz band.

In the radar under consideration, a number of such promising construction concepts as “fully digital radar” (digital radar) and “fully environmentally friendly radar” (green radar) are successfully implemented.

The features of the station include: digital control of the antenna pattern; long target detection range, including NLC and BR; the ability to remotely control the operation of radar subsystems from remote automated workstations of operators.

In contrast to over-the-horizon stations, over-the-horizon radars provide longer warning times for airborne or ballistic targets and advance the detection line of air targets to considerable distances due to the characteristics of the propagation of radio waves in the frequency range (2-30 MHz) used in over-the-horizon systems, and also make it possible to significantly increase effective scattering surface (ESR) of detected targets and, as a result, increase the range of their detection.

The specificity of the formation of transmitting radiation patterns of over-the-horizon radars, in particular ROTHR, makes it possible to carry out multi-layer (all-altitude) coverage of the viewing area in critical areas, which is relevant in solving the problems of ensuring the security and defense of the US national territory, protection against sea and air targets, including cruise missiles . Representative examples of over-the-horizon radars are: AN / TPS-7I (USA) and Nostradamus (France).

The United States has developed and is continuously upgrading the AN / TPS-71 ZG radar, designed to detect low-flying targets. A distinctive feature of the station is the possibility of its transfer to any region of the globe and relatively fast (up to 10-14 days) deployment to previously prepared positions. For this, the station equipment is mounted in specialized containers.

Information from the over-the-horizon radar enters the target designation system of the Navy, as well as other types of aircraft. To detect carriers of cruise missiles in areas adjacent to the United States, in addition to stations located in the states of Virginia, Alaska and Texas, it is planned to install an upgraded over-the-horizon radar in the state of North Dakota (or Montana) to control airspace over Mexico and adjacent areas Pacific Ocean. A decision was made to deploy new stations to detect carriers of cruise missiles in the Caribbean, over Central and South America. The first such station will be installed in Puerto Rico. The transmitting point is deployed on about. Vieques, reception - in the southwestern part of about. Puerto Rico.

In France, under the Nostradamus project, the development of an oblique-reciprocating sounding radar, which detects small targets at ranges of 700-3000 km, has been completed. Important distinguishing features of this station are: the ability to simultaneously detect air targets within 360 degrees in azimuth and the use of a monostatic construction method instead of the traditional bistatic one. The station is located 100 km west of Paris. The possibility of using elements of the over-the-horizon radar "Nostradamus" on space and air platforms to solve the problems of early warning of a raid by means of air attack and effective control of interception weapons is being considered.

Foreign specialists consider over-the-horizon surface-wave radar stations (OSW radars) as relatively inexpensive means of effective control over the air and surface space of the territory of states.

The information received from such radars makes it possible to increase the warning time necessary for making appropriate decisions.

A comparative analysis of the capabilities of over-the-horizon and over-the-horizon surface wave radars for the detection of air and surface objects shows that the ground-based ZG radars are significantly superior to conventional ground-based radars in terms of detection range and ability to track both low-observable and low-flying targets, and surface ships of various displacements. At the same time, the ability to detect airborne objects at high and medium altitudes is reduced slightly, which does not affect the effectiveness of over-the-horizon radar facilities. In addition, the costs of acquiring and operating a surface bath MG radar are relatively low and commensurate with their efficiency.

The main models of surface wave radars adopted by foreign countries are SWR-503 stations (an upgraded version of SWR-603) and OVERSEER.

The SWR-503 surface wave radar was developed by the Canadian branch of Raytheon in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Department of Defense. The radar is designed to monitor air and surface space over ocean areas adjacent to east coast countries, detection and tracking of surface and air targets within the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone.

Station SWR-503 Can also be used to detect icebergs, monitor the environment, search for ships and aircraft in distress. For monitoring air and maritime space in the Newfoundland area, which has significant fish and oil offshore areas, two stations of this type and an operational control center are already in use. It is assumed that the station will be used to control air traffic aircraft over the entire range of altitudes and observation of targets below the radar horizon.

During testing, the radar detected and tracked all targets that were also observed by other air defense and coastal defense systems. In addition, experiments were carried out aimed at ensuring the possibility of detecting missiles flying over the sea surface, however, in order to effectively solve this problem in full, according to the developers of this radar, it is necessary to expand its operating range to 15-20 MHz. According to foreign experts, countries with a long coastline can install a network of such radars at intervals of up to 370 km to ensure complete coverage of the air and sea surveillance zone within their borders.

The cost of one sample of the SWR-5G3 air defense radar in service is 8-10 million dollars. The processes of operation and complex maintenance of the station cost about 400 thousand dollars a year.

The OVERSEER ZG radar represents a new family of surface wave stations, which was developed by Marconi and is intended for civil and military use. Using the effect of wave propagation over the surface, the station is able to detect air and sea objects of all classes at long ranges and different heights, which cannot be detected by conventional radars.

The subsystems of the station combine many technological advances that allow you to get a better information picture of targets over large areas of sea and air space with fast data updates.

The cost of one sample of the OVERSEER surface wave radar in a single-position version is approximately 6-8 million dollars, and the operation and comprehensive maintenance of the station, depending on the tasks being solved, are estimated at 300-400 thousand dollars.

In the implementation of the principles of "network-centric operations" in future military conflicts, according to foreign experts, it necessitates the use of new methods for building information system components, including those based on multi-position (MP) and distributed sensors and elements that make up information infrastructure advanced air defense and missile defense detection and control systems, taking into account the requirements of integration within NATO.

Multi-position radar systems can become the most important component of the information subsystems of advanced air defense and missile defense control systems, as well as an effective tool in solving problems of detecting UAVs of various classes and cruise missiles.

MULTIPLE LONG-RANGE RADAR (MP RLS)

According to foreign experts, in NATO countries much attention is paid to the creation of advanced ground-based multi-position systems with unique capabilities for detecting various types of air targets (ATs). An important place among them is occupied by long-range systems and "distributed" systems created under the programs "Silent Sentry-2", "Rias", CELLDAR, etc. Such radars are designed to work as part of control systems when solving problems of detecting CC in all altitude ranges in terms of application electronic warfare. The data they receive will be used in the interests of advanced air defense and missile defense systems, detection and tracking of targets carried out at long ranges, as well as detection of ballistic missile launches, including through integration with similar means within NATO.

MP radar "Silent Sentry-2". Reportedly foreign press, radars, which are based on the possibility of using radiation from television or radio broadcasting stations to illuminate targets, have been actively developed in NATO countries since the 1970s. A variant of such a system, created in accordance with the requirements of the US Air Force and the US Army, was the Silent Sentry MP radar, which, after improvement, received the name Silent Sentry-2.

According to foreign experts, the system makes it possible to detect aircraft, helicopters, missiles, control air traffic, control airspace in conflict zones, taking into account the secrecy of the work of US and NATO air defense and missile defense systems in these regions. It operates in the frequency ranges corresponding to the frequencies of TV or radio broadcasting transmitters existing in the theater.

The radiation pattern of the experimental receiving phased array (located in Baltimore at a distance of 50 km from the transmitter) was oriented towards Washington International Airport, where targets were detected and tracked during the testing process. A mobile version of the radar receiving station has also been developed.

In the course of work, the receiving and transmitting positions of the MP radar were combined by broadband data transmission lines, and the system includes processing facilities with high performance. According to foreign press reports, the capabilities of the Silent Sentry-2 system for detecting targets were confirmed during the flight of the MTKK STS 103 equipped with the Hubble telescope. During the experiment, targets were successfully detected, tracking of which was duplicated by onboard optical means, including a telescope. At the same time, the capabilities of the Saileng Sentry-2 radar to detect and track more than 80 ATs were confirmed. The data obtained during the experiments were used for further work on the creation of a multi-position system of the STAR type, designed to track low-orbiting spacecraft.

MP radar "Rias". Specialists from a number of NATO countries, according to foreign press reports, are also successfully working on the problem of creating MP radars. The French firms Thomson-CSF and Onera, in accordance with the requirements of the Air Force, carried out the relevant work within the framework of the Rias program. It was reported that in the period after 2015, such a system could be used to detect and track targets (including small-sized and made using stealth technology), UAVs and cruise missiles at long ranges.

According to foreign experts, the Rias system will allow solving the problems of air traffic control for military and civil aviation aircraft. Station "Rias" is a system with correlation processing of data from several receiving positions, which operates in the frequency range of 30-300 MHz. It consists of up to 25 distributed transmitters and receivers equipped with omnidirectional dipole antennas, which are similar to over-the-horizon radar antennas. Transmitting and receiving antennas on the 15th masts are located at intervals of tens of meters in concentric circles (up to 400 m in diameter). An experimental model of the "Rias" radar deployed on about. Levant (40 km from Toulon), during the test, ensured the detection of a high-altitude target (such as an airplane) at a distance of more than 100 km.

According to the foreign press, this station provides a high level of survivability and noise immunity due to the redundancy of the system elements (the failure of individual transmitters or receivers does not affect the efficiency of its operation as a whole). During its operation, several independent sets of data processing equipment with ground-mounted receivers on board can be used. aircraft(when forming MP radars with large bases). As reported, the version of the radar, designed for use in combat conditions, will include up to 100 transmitters and receivers and solve the tasks of air defense, missile defense and air traffic control.

MP radar CELLDAR. According to foreign press reports, specialists from NATO countries (Great Britain, Germany, etc.) are actively working on the creation of new types of multi-position systems and means that use the radiation of transmitters of cellular networks of mobile communications. The research is carried out by Roke Mainsr. "Siemens", "BAe Systems" and a number of others in the interests of the Air Force and the Ground Forces as part of the creation of a variant of a multi-position detection system for solving air defense and missile defense tasks using correlation processing of data from several receiving positions. The multi-position system uses radiation generated by transmitting antennas mounted on cell phone towers, which provides target illumination. As receiving devices, special equipment is used, operating in the frequency bands of the GSM 900, 1800 and 3G standards, which receives data from antenna subsystems in the form of phased array.

According to foreign press reports, the receivers of this system can be placed on the surface of the earth, mobile platforms, on board aircraft by integrating the AWACS system and transport and refueling aircraft into structural elements of aircraft. To improve the accuracy characteristics of the CELLDAR system and its noise immunity, together with receiving devices, it is possible to place acoustic sensors on the same platform. To make the system more efficient, it is also possible to install individual elements on UAVs and AWACS and control aircraft.

According to foreign experts, in the period after 2015 it is planned to widely use MP radars of this type in air defense and missile defense detection and control systems. Such a station will provide detection of moving ground targets, helicopters, submarine periscopes, surface targets, reconnaissance on the battlefield, support for actions special forces, protection of objects.

MP radar "Dark". According to foreign press reports, the French company "Thomson-CSF" conducted research and development to create a system for detecting air targets under the "Dark" program. In accordance with the requirements of the Air Force, the specialists of the lead developer, Thomson-CSF, tested an experimental sample of the Dark receiver, made in a stationary version. The station was located in Palaiseau and solved the problem of detecting aircraft flying from the Paris Orly airport. Radar signals for target illumination were generated by TV transmitters located on the Eiffel Tower (more than 20 km from the receiving device), as well as television stations in the cities of Bourges and Auxerre, located 180 km from Paris. According to the developers, the accuracy of measuring the coordinates and speed of movement of air targets is comparable to those of the detection radar.

According to foreign press reports, in accordance with the plans of the company's management, work to further improve the receiving equipment of the "Dark" system will be continued, taking into account the improvement in the technical characteristics of the receiving paths and the choice of a more efficient operating system computer complex. One of the most convincing arguments in favor of this system, according to the developers, is the low cost, since in the course of its creation, well-known technologies for receiving and processing radio and TV signals were used. After completion of work in the period after 2015, such a MP radar will effectively solve the problems of detecting and tracking ATs (including small ones and those made using the Stealth technology), as well as UAVs and KR at long ranges.

AASR radar. As noted in foreign press reports, the specialists of the Swedish company Saab Microwave Systems announced that they are working on the creation of a multi-position air defense system AASR (Associative Aperture Synthesis Radar), which is designed to detect aircraft developed using stealth technology. According to the principle of operation, such a radar is similar to the CELLDAR system, which uses the radiation of transmitters of cellular mobile communication networks. According to the publication AW & ST, the new radar will ensure the interception of stealth air targets, including KR. It is planned that the station will include about 900 junction stations with diversity transmitters and receivers operating in the VHF band, while the carrier frequencies of the radio transmitters differ in ratings. Aircraft, KR and UAVs made using radio absorbing materials will create inhomogeneities in the radar field of transmitters due to absorption or re-reflection of radio waves. According to foreign experts, the accuracy of determining the coordinates of the target after joint processing of data received at the command post from several receiving positions can be about 1.5 m.

One of the significant drawbacks of the radar station being created is that effective target detection is possible only after it passes through the defended airspace, so there is little time left to intercept an air target. The design cost of the MP radar will be about $156 million, taking into account the use of 900 receiving units, which theoretically cannot be disabled by the first missile strike.

NLC Homeland Alert 100 detection system. Specialists from the American company Raytheon, together with the European company Tkhels, have developed a passive coherent NLC detection system designed to obtain data on low-speed low-altitude ATs, including UAVs, CR and targets created using stealth technology. It was developed in the interests of the Air Force and the US Army to solve air defense tasks in the context of the use of electronic warfare, in conflict zones, and to ensure the actions of special forces. protection of facilities, etc. All Homeland Alert 100 equipment is placed in a container mounted on the chassis (4x4) of an off-road vehicle, however, it can also be used in a stationary version. The system includes an antenna mast that can be deployed in a working position in a few minutes, as well as equipment for analyzing, classifying and storing data on all detected sources of radio emission and their parameters, which makes it possible to effectively detect and recognize various targets.

According to foreign press reports, the Homeland Alert 100 system uses signals generated by digital VHF broadcasting stations, analog TV broadcast transmitters, and terrestrial digital TV transmitters to illuminate targets. This provides the ability to receive signals reflected by targets, detect and determine their coordinates and speed in the azimuth sector of 360 degrees, elevation - 90 degrees, at ranges up to 100 km and up to 6000 m in height. Round-the-clock all-weather monitoring of the environment, as well as the possibility of autonomous operation or as part of an information network, allow relatively inexpensive ways to effectively solve the problem of detecting low-altitude targets, including in difficult jamming conditions, in conflict zones in the interests of air defense and missile defense. When using the Homeland Alert 100 MP radar as part of network control systems and interacting with warning and control centers, the Asterix / AWCIES protocol is used. The increased noise immunity of such a system is based on the principles of multipositional information processing and the use of passive modes of operation.

Foreign media reported that the Homeland Alert 100 system was planned to be acquired by a number of NATO countries.

Thus, the ground-based air defense-missile defense radar stations in the theater that are in service with NATO countries and are being developed remain the main source of information about air targets and are the main elements in the formation of a unified picture of the air situation.

(V. Petrov, S. Grishulin, "Foreign Military Review")

The first flight of the Tu-22M3M long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier is scheduled for August this year at the Kazan Aviation Plant, RIA Novosti reports. This is a new modification of the Tu-22M3 bomber, put into service in 1989.

The aircraft demonstrated its combat viability in Syria, striking terrorist bases. They used Backfires, as they called this formidable car in the West, and during the Afghan war.

According to Senator Viktor Bondarev, the former commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the aircraft has great potential for modernization. Actually, this is the whole line of Tu-22 bombers, the creation of which began in the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 60s. The first prototype made its launch flight in 1969. The very first serial machine Tu-22M2 was put into service in 1976.

In 1981, the Tu-22M3 began to enter the combat units, which became a deep modernization of the previous modification. But it was put into service only in 1989, which was associated with the refinement of a number of systems and the introduction of new generation missiles. The bomber is equipped with new NK-25 engines, more powerful and economical, with an electronic control system. The on-board equipment has been largely replaced - from the power supply system to the radar and weapons control complex. The aircraft defense complex has been significantly strengthened.

As a result, an aircraft with a variable sweep of the wing appeared with the following characteristics: Length - 42.5 m Wingspan - from 23.3 m to 34.3 m Height - 11 m Empty weight - 68 tons, maximum takeoff - 126 tons Engine thrust - 2 × 14500 kgf, afterburner thrust - 2 × 25000 kgf. The maximum speed near the ground is 1050 km / h, at an altitude of 2300 km / h. Flight range - 6800 km. Ceiling - 13300 m. Maximum missile and bomb load - 24 tons.

The main result of the modernization was the arming of the bomber with Kh-15 missiles (up to six missiles in the fuselage plus four on the external sling) and Kh-22 (two on the suspension under the wings).

For reference: Kh-15 is a supersonic aeroballistic missile. With a length of 4.87 m, it fit into the fuselage. The warhead had a mass of 150 kg. There was a nuclear version with a capacity of 300 kt. The rocket, having risen to a height of up to 40 km, when diving on a target in the final section of the route, accelerated to a speed of 5 M. The range of the Kh-15 was 300 km.

And the Kh-22 is a supersonic cruise missile with a range of up to 600 km and a maximum speed of 3.5M-4.6M. The flight altitude is 25 km. The missile also has two warheads - nuclear (up to 1 Mt) and high-explosive-cumulative with a mass of 960 kg. In this connection, she was conditionally nicknamed the "killer of aircraft carriers."

But last year, an even more advanced Kh-32 cruise missile, which is a deep modernization of the Kh-22, was put into service. The range has increased to 1000 km. But the main thing is that the noise immunity, the ability to overcome the zones of active operation of enemy electronic warfare systems, has significantly increased. At the same time, the dimensions and weight, as well as the warhead, remained the same.

And this is good. The bad thing is that in connection with the cessation of production of X-15 missiles, they began to be gradually removed from service since 2000 due to the aging of the solid fuel mixture. At the same time, the replacement of the old rocket was not prepared. In this connection, now the Tu-22M3 bomb bay is loaded only with bombs - both free-falling and adjustable.

What are the main disadvantages of the new weapon variant? Firstly, the listed bombs do not belong to high-precision weapons. Secondly, in order to completely "unload" the ammunition, the aircraft must carry out bombing in the very heat of the enemy's air defense.

Previously, this problem was solved optimally - at first, Kh-15 missiles (among which there was an anti-radar modification) hit the radar of air defense / missile defense systems, thereby clearing the way for their main strike force - a pair of Kh-22s. Now bomber sorties are associated with increased danger, unless, of course, the collision occurs with a serious enemy who owns modern air defense systems.

There is another unpleasant moment, because of which the excellent missile carrier is significantly inferior, if possible, to its counterparts in the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Air Force - the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. On the basis of the SALT-2 agreement, equipment for refueling in the air was removed from the "twenty-second". In this connection, the combat radius of the missile carrier does not exceed 2400 km. And even then only if you fly light, with a half rocket and bomb load.

At the same time, the Tu-22M3 does not have missiles that could significantly increase the aircraft's strike range. The Tu-95MS and Tu-160 have such, this is the Kh-101 subsonic cruise missile, which has a range of 5500 km.

So, work on upgrading the bomber to the level of the Tu-22M3M goes in parallel with much more secret work on the creation of a cruise missile that will restore the combat effectiveness of this machine.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Raduga Design Bureau has been developing a promising cruise missile, which was declassified to a very limited extent only last year. And even then only in terms of design and characteristics. This is the “product 715”, which is intended primarily for the Tu-22M3M, but can also be used on the Tu-95MS, Tu-160M ​​and Tu-160M2. American military-technical publications claim that this is almost a copy of their subsonic and most distant air-to-surface missile AGM-158 JASSM. However, this would not be desirable. Since these, according to Trump's characteristics, "smart missiles", as it recently turned out, are smart to the point of self-will. Some of them, during the last unsuccessful shelling of Syrian targets by the Western allies, which has become famous all over the world, against the will of the owners, actually flew to beat the Kurds. And the range of the AGM-158 JASSM is modest by modern standards - 980 km.

An improved Russian analogue of this overseas missile is the Kh-101. By the way, it was also made in KB "Rainbow". The designers managed to significantly reduce the dimensions - the length decreased from 7.5 m to 5 m or even less. The diameter was reduced by 30%, "losing weight" to 50 cm. This turned out to be enough to place the "product 715" inside the bomb bay of the new Tu-22M3M. Moreover, immediately in the amount of six missiles. That is, now, finally, from the point of view of tactics of combat use, we again have everything the same as it was during the operation of the Kh-15 missiles being decommissioned.

Inside the fuselage of the modernized bomber, the missiles will be placed in a revolver-type launcher, similar to the cartridge drum of a revolver. During the launch of the missiles, the drum rotates step by step, and the missiles are sequentially sent to the target. This placement does not impair the aerodynamic qualities of the aircraft and, therefore, allows for economical fuel consumption, as well as the maximum use of the possibilities of supersonic flight. Which, as mentioned above, is especially important for the "single-refueling" Tu-22M3M.

Of course, the designers of the "product 715" could not even theoretically, while simultaneously increasing the flight range and reducing the dimensions, also achieve supersonic speed. Actually, the Kh-101 is not a high-speed missile either. On the marching section, it flies at a speed of about 0.65 Mach, at the finish line it accelerates to 0.85 Mach. Its main advantage (besides the range) is different. The missile has a whole set of powerful tools that allow you to break through the enemy's missile defense. Here and stealth - RCS of the order of 0,01 sq.m. And the combined flight profile - from creeping to a height of 10 km. And an effective electronic warfare complex. In this case, the circular probable deviation from the target at a full distance of 5500 km is 5 meters. Such high accuracy is achieved due to the combined guidance system. In the final section, an optical-electronic homing head operates, which guides the missile along a map stored in memory.

Experts suggest that in terms of range and other characteristics, the "product 715", if inferior to the X-101, is insignificant. Estimates range from 3,000 km to 4,000 km. But, of course, the striking power will be different. X-101 has a warhead mass of 400 kilograms. So much "will not fit" into a new rocket.

As a result of the adoption of the "product 715", the bomber's high-precision ammunition load will not only increase, but will also be balanced. So, the Tu-22M3M will have the opportunity, without approaching the air defense zone, to pre-process radars and air defense systems with “babies”. And then, coming closer, strike at strategic targets with powerful Kh-32 supersonic missiles.