Tactical complex Iskander M with a new missile. Otrk "Iskander": performance characteristics, history and application
In world politics there are magic words that make entire governments tremble. For example, the phrase “chemical weapons in Syria” or “nuclear weapons in Iran” evokes a state of extreme military-diplomatic excitement among the political elite of Western countries. However, in terms of the speed of reaction of the progressive public to such phrases, our Iskander has no equal. The mention of the Iskander-M OTRK, especially in the context of its deployment near someone’s borders, inevitably entails a reaction close to hysteria from the media, military and politicians of border countries and their Western overlords. Let's figure out what is the secret of the magical properties of this operational-tactical missile system that so frightens our neighbors.
The problem with the Iskander missile system is that it cannot be caught. Firstly, because during the flight the missile maneuvers with enormous overloads, which are still unattainable for any interceptor missile in service with the countries of the world. Secondly, it flies very low - up to 6 km from the surface at a speed of Mach 4, so it is almost impossible to detect it using standard radar means. Thirdly, it throws out false targets to deceive the enemy’s radar, sets up active radio interference and “jammes” all the emitters by which missile defense systems navigate in space. Those. The Iskander can destroy any object within a radius of 500 km with an accuracy of 2 meters and a probability close to 100%. Theoretically, by launching a missile from Kaliningrad, you can “reach” the government quarter in Berlin, and the destructive force of the strike can be easily increased by “hanging” a nuclear warhead on the missile. No one in the world has such missile weapons. At the same time, Iskander is extremely mobile and secretive - the likelihood of its detection, even by space reconnaissance means, is very low. Within 1 minute, he launched a set of missiles and immediately left the location, turning off all devices.
The rocket is single-stage, has an engine with a single nozzle, is non-ballistic and is controlled throughout the entire flight path using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Most of the flight path of a missile made using Stealth technology and having a small dispersion surface passes at an altitude of 50 km, and on the approach phase - 6-20 km (depending on the type of OTRK), which makes its defeat by the enemy a practically impossible task . The “invisibility” effect is achieved through a combination of design features, in particular, treating the rocket with special nanostructured dispersive coatings, dropping protruding parts after launch, etc. The Iskander trajectory is not only non-ballistic, but also difficult to predict. Immediately after launch and immediately upon approaching the target, the missile performs intensive maneuvering. Depending on the trajectory, overloads range from 20 to 30 units. Accordingly, the interceptor missile must withstand an overload of at least 2-3 times higher, which is technologically impossible within the framework of the existing 4th technological order in the world and even the promising fifth.
The Iskander-M is the main version for the Russian army and is significantly more complex than the Iskander-E available for export. Less noticeable, more maneuverable at the start and during the final phase of the flight. In addition, it has not just an inertial guidance system, like the Iskander-E, but a combined one, including radio correction, GPS, GLONASS, laser and optical homing in the final section. Controlled by lattice rudders. The warhead is not separated in principle, because the body serves to create lift at the final section.
In 2012, another complex was final tested - Iskander-K, which is a further development of the M. It launches even more accurate, already cruise missiles, which are equipped with small load-bearing surfaces, like on the R-37. Thanks to this, it became possible to fire along a flat trajectory, like the OKA complex did in its time, only much more accurately and faster. The missile can fly at an altitude of only 6 km (horizontal radars have no chance), it uses a combined seeker and replaceable warheads. Two missiles in a salvo can be equipped with different guidance systems and fire both along a mounted and flat trajectory.
Experts express the opinion that the combined use of two brothers - Iskander-M and Iskander-K - gives a synergistic effect that none of the existing missile defense systems can counteract. One of the missile technology experts, speaking on forums under the nickname “Evil Critic,” described the new product this way: “It is known that both ballistic missiles (BMs) and cruise missiles (CR), as well as their guidance systems, have a number of limitations on the “current state” of the target object... For example, if you bet ONLY on the Iskander-M, for example, with an optical-correlation system for final guidance on the target target, and if you assume that the object will have to be hit at “hour X” with low clouds and intense visual opposition from the enemy, the bet may be lost. The same applies to the final guidance radar system, which is similar in operating principle to that of the Pershing-2 - here the enemy’s intense electronic warfare can confuse the cards. At the same time, low clouds, for example, and intense visual masking of the final object, will be to a certain extent “on the drum” of the CR with an inertial and optical-correlation system that works out navigation corrections throughout the ENTIRE route (similar to the Pendossk ALCM CR).. Here, no amount of masking of the target will help - and here you ONLY need to shoot down the missile, shoot it down on the route or, as a last resort, on the approach to the target.
Finally, let’s imagine a situation where “Iskander-K” and “Iskander-M” “approach” the target (Czech missile defense radar or noble mines with GBI) - AT THE SAME TIME... And each demonstrates “their own proprietary set of gadgets” , - “Iskander-M” - high-intensity maneuvering of a high-flying hypersonic target, “Iskander-K” - an extremely low flight profile (about 6 m) and following the terrain in a practically “autonomous” (i.e., independent of the search for a target onboard sensors) mode... This REALLY is a situation close to 100% probability of hitting the target... So, to combat Euro-missile defense, the COMBINATION of "Iskander-M" + "Iskander-K" is really optimal. The trick is to use these products simultaneously, “in one hit.”
The German newspaper Bild, citing its sources, reported that Russia has deployed Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad region near the border with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This message was followed by the reaction of the US authorities, who immediately, through all channels of interaction, called on Russia not to destabilize the situation by deploying Iskander missiles in the west. "We would not want them to take steps that would destabilize the region," US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said. Translated from diplomatic to human, it sounds something like this: “The deployment of Iskander missiles will upset the entire balance of power in Europe, and not in our direction. Anything but Iskander!” Concerns were also expressed in Poland and Latvia. Lithuanian Defense Minister Juozas Olakas called this alarming news, and Lithuanian Presidential Adviser Dali Grybauskaite said that Russia's actions do not correspond to declarations of desire for closer cooperation with the European Union and NATO. Even China became nervous when it learned that the missile system would be located near its border.
Let us note that with the delivery of Iskander missiles to Armenia, the hands of Azerbaijan, which had recently been trying to flex its military muscles in the region, were tied - the aggressive rhetoric towards Yerevan stopped. In 2014, Armenia will complete the re-equipment of its missile units with ultra-precise and long-range missile systems. Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan stated this at a press conference in Yerevan on January 24, answering a question from journalists about whether reports about Yerevan’s acquisition of Russian modern operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK) Iskander-M are true. Please note that it is not the export Iskander-E with a range of 280 km and one missile in the launcher, which has been reduced in capabilities, but a full-fledged "M", firing at a distance of up to 500 km and having 2 missiles at once (by the way, so far the only OTRK in the world capable launch 2 missiles from one launcher at once). Apparently, an exception was made for our Armenian friends due to the tense geopolitical situation throughout the CIS.
Iskander can deliver cluster (with 54 combat elements), penetrating, high-explosive fragmentation, and nuclear warheads to the target. This allows you to hit small-sized and area targets, including enemy fire weapons, air defense and missile defense systems, aircraft at airfields, command posts, etc. The RK includes a missile, a self-propelled launcher, a transport-loading and command-staff vehicle, a mobile information preparation station, mobile technical and household support units, as well as sets of arsenal and training equipment.
The history of the creation of this OTRK began in the early 80s. The use of conventional (non-nuclear) warheads while maintaining the effectiveness of the weapon forced developers to look for new ways to build a missile control system (CS). The accuracy of the inertial control system for solving this problem is insufficient; it should have been increased
approximately by an order of magnitude. In the 80s Attempts have already been made in our country to solve this problem. Optical homing equipment for the Scud was created (it was even possible to conduct field tests and hand over the missile for trial operation among the troops). A nuclear-free warhead with guidance using a correlation-type radar seeker was developed for the Volga complex. The modernized "Oka" and "Tochka" had not only an inertial control system, but also an optical correlation-extreme guidance system, which was also not only tested, but also underwent trial operation by the troops. During the years of inactivity of our military-industrial complex, the United States achieved great success in this direction: on the American Pershing-2 missile, which was destroyed under the INF Treaty, a radar seeker was installed that identified the terrain in the target area; optical homing systems are used in modern versions of the Tomahawk and CALCM cruise missiles. Their effectiveness was clearly demonstrated in Iraq and Yugoslavia.
The task of creating similar equipment for the Iskander was completed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (TsNIIAG), a leading developer of guidance and control systems for domestic tactical and operational-tactical missiles, which has a 25-year track record in the development of homing heads. The main way to solve this problem was to combine an inertial system with optical guidance over the terrain surrounding the target. Moreover, the homing head created at TsNIIAG can be used both as part of the Iskander and on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types (including intercontinental ones). This seeker has already passed flight tests and has shown accuracy better than the Americans achieved with their Tomahawks.
The principle of operation of homing systems, which have the scientific name of correlation-extreme, is that optical equipment forms an image of the terrain in the target area, which is compared in the on-board computer with a reference one, after which corrective signals are issued to the missile controls.
The optical seeker is universal and makes only one requirement for the missile's inertial control system: to bring the latter to the point at which the optics begin to see the target. Existing active electronic warfare systems, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems, are powerless against such a head. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows it to operate even on a moonless night, which distinguishes the new system from existing analogues. In addition, optical systems do not require signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis situations can be turned off by its owners or disabled by radio interference. By the way, many potential customers of Iskander-E put forward demands for independence from satellite navigation. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any imaginable conditions.
Information about the target is transmitted from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle to the information preparation point (IPP). It calculates the flight mission for the rocket, which is then transmitted via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles (CSVs) of the division and battery commanders, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can be generated either in the command post or from the control centers of senior artillery commanders. The PPI and KShM equipment is built on local networks of Russian computers, and the functionality of the control set depends only on the software and can be easily upgraded to control various fire weapons.
On October 11, 2011, it was announced that the first stage of testing of the updated Iskander-M missile system with new combat equipment was completed - with a new electronic warfare system, which provides cover for the missile during the final flight phase. This system includes means of passive and active jamming of enemy air and missile defense surveillance and firing radars through noise and the release of false targets. Since 2013, new missiles began to be supplied to the Russian army.
The 2012 CIA analytical review “On strategic risks and the global military-political situation in the world” contains a very revealing definition: “The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon capable of influencing the military-political situation in regions of the world if located in Their states do not have an extended territory. Therefore, the issues of deployment of Iskander complexes, as well as their export deliveries, are the subject of political consultations between the countries.”
“Iskander” (complex index - 9K720, according to the classification of the US Department of Defense and NATO - SS-26 Stone, English Stone) - a family of operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK): Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K, Iskander-M. The complex was developed at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM). Iskander was first publicly presented in August 1999 at the MAKS aerospace salon.
Story
The development of the Iskander OTRK was started in accordance with the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 21, 1988 No. 1452-294 “on the start of development work on the creation of the Iskander OTRK”, as a result, among other things, of the personal efforts of the chief KBM designer S.P. Invincible, who proved to the Military-Industrial Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR the need to create a missile system instead of the Oka OTRK that is not subject to the provisions of the INF Treaty with the United States.
On October 11, 2011, the first stage of testing of the updated Iskander-M missile system with new combat equipment was completed. The 9M723 missile of the Iskander-M complex is equipped with a new correlation guidance system.
Main characteristics
Purpose of the complex
Designed to engage combat units in conventional equipment against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.
Most likely targets:
fire weapons (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery)
missile defense and air defense systems
airplanes and helicopters at airfields
command posts and communication centers
critical civil infrastructure facilities
Composition of the complex
TZM 9T250-1 of the Iskander-M complex at the dress rehearsal of the 2010 Victory Parade in Moscow.
The complex includes six types of vehicles (51 units per missile brigade):
Self-propelled launcher (SPU) (9P78-1) 12 pcs. - designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target. The Iskander can be made on the basis of a special wheeled chassis produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT-7930). Gross weight 42 tons, payload 19 tons, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.
Transport-loading machine (TZM) (9T250 (9T250E)) 12 pcs. - designed to transport two additional missiles. Made on the MZKT-7930 chassis, equipped with a loading crane. Total combat weight 40 tons. Crew 2 people.
Command and staff vehicle (KShM) (9S552) 11 pcs. - designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Made on a KAMAZ 43101 wheeled chassis. Radio station R-168-100KAE “Aqueduct”. Calculation 4 people. Characteristics of the crankshaft:
maximum radio range when stationary/on the move: 350/50 km
task calculation time for missiles: up to 10 s
command transmission time: up to 15 s
number of communication channels: up to 16
deployment (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
continuous operation time: 48 hours
Regulations and maintenance machine (MRTO) - designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs. Made on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. Weight is 13.5 tons, deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, crew 2 people.
Information Preparation Point (PPI) (9S920, KAMAZ 43101) - designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV. Calculation 2 people.
Life support machine (LSM) 14 pcs. - designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews. It is made on a KAMAZ 43118 wheeled chassis. The vehicle includes: a rest compartment and a utility compartment. The rest compartment has 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, and an opening window. The utility compartment has 2 lockers with seats, a folding lifting table, a water supply system with a 300-liter tank, a tank for heating water, a pump for pumping water, a drainage system, a sink, and a dryer for clothes and shoes.
A set of arsenal equipment and training facilities.
Combat characteristics
Circular probable deviation: 10-30 m (depending on the guidance system used); 5-7 m (Iskander-M using a missile with a correlation seeker)
Rocket launch weight: 3,800 kg
Warhead weight: 480 kg
Length 7.2 m
Diameter 920 mm
Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2,100 m/s
The maximum overload during flight is 20-30G (the rocket maneuvers in flight both in altitude and in flight direction). The maximum trajectory altitude is 50 km.
Minimum target engagement range: 50 km
Maximum target range:
500 km Iskander-K (500 km with the R-500 cruise missile, according to some sources up to 700 km)
280 km Iskander-E (export)
Guidance: INS, GLONASS, Optical seeker
Time before first rocket launch: 4-16 minutes
Interval between launches: 1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)
Operating temperature range: −50 °C to 50 °C
Service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions
Types of head parts
In normal equipment:
cassette with 54 fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation (triggered at a height of about 10 m above the ground)
cassette with cumulative fragmentation combat elements
cassette with self-aiming combat elements
cassette volumetric detonating action
high-explosive fragmentation (HFBCH)
high explosive incendiary
penetrating (PrBC)
special (nuclear)
Rockets
The Iskander complex includes two types of missiles: ballistic 9M723 and cruise missiles bearing the index 9M728.
The 9M723 missile has one stage with a solid propellant engine. The trajectory of movement is quasi-ballistic (not ballistic, maneuvering), the rocket is controlled throughout the entire flight using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Manufactured using technologies to reduce radar signature (so-called “Stealth Technologies”): small dispersion surface, special coatings, small size of protruding parts. Most of the flight takes place at an altitude of about 50 km. The missile conducts intensive maneuvering with overloads of the order of 20-30 units during the initial and final phases of the flight. The guidance system is mixed: inertial in the initial and middle phases of the flight and optical (using a seeker developed by TsNIIAG) in the final phase of the flight, which achieves a high accuracy of 5-7 m. It is possible to use GPS/GLONASS in addition to the inertial guidance system. There are several modifications of the missile that differ in warhead and telemetry.
On September 20, 2014, during the Vostok-2014 command post exercises, the Iskander-M missile system was fired for the first time with a 9M728 cruise missile. The launches were carried out by the 107th separate missile brigade (Birobidzhan). Developer and manufacturer - OKB Novator. Chief designer – P.I. Kamnev. The missile was tested from May 30, 2007. Firing range: maximum – up to 500 km.
From 2013, it is planned to supply the Russian Armed Forces with missiles equipped with an electronic warfare system, which will provide cover for the missile during the final flight phase. This system includes means of passive and active jamming of enemy air and missile defense surveillance and firing radars through noise and the release of false targets.
Options
Iskander-M - an option for the Russian armed forces, 2 missiles on launchers, the firing range in various sources varies from that stated for the Iskander-E - 280 km - to 500 km (it is not indicated with what type of warhead (warhead mass) is achieved corresponding range). The flight altitude is 6-50 km, most of which usually takes place at maximum altitude. Controlled throughout the flight. The trajectory is not ballistic and difficult to predict. The missile is made using low radar signature technology and also has a radio-absorbing coating and is a relatively small target in natural physical size. Predicting the target when attempting an early interception is further complicated by intensive maneuvering during takeoff and descent to the target. When descending to the target, the missile maneuvers with an overload of 20-30 units, descending at a speed of 700-800 m/s (these figures exceed or are on the verge of the capabilities of the best mid-range missile defense/air defense systems), at an angle of about 90 degrees (in some cases only the angle of attack is sufficient for complete defenselessness of the attacked missile defense system, and even more so air defense, especially short-range ones), thus the Iskander-M has a number of advantages over its analogues, and high capabilities not just for hitting a target, but even for means of defense in the form of modern missile defense systems.
The missile carries a complex set of passive and active jammers; when approaching the target, false targets and jammers are additionally shot at. Model M is additionally equipped with an electronic warfare system to disrupt the operation of enemy radars. All this also provides the missile with high combat effectiveness in comparison with simpler similar missiles.
Maneuvering at high altitudes is ensured by speed and aerodynamic rudders. Such maneuvering is not intensive, but it places extremely high demands on the reaction time for the interceptor (in a hundredth of a second, missiles get closer to tens of meters, the reaction time of one of the fastest-responding missile defense systems is more than 5 seconds, as well as open-source air defense systems). If the interceptor is kinetic, this also requires successful trajectory prediction with high accuracy. To successfully intercept a ballistic target with a high probability, previously developed before the Iskander non-ballistic complexes, it was sufficiently early to detect a target of appropriate size and speed, and, having predicted the trajectory, ensure the interception. However, Iskander changes his trajectory. The Oka complex, the predecessor of the Iskander, could change the target while maintaining a stable trajectory before and after the maneuver, thereby moving away from the interceptor, or at least reducing the effective protection zone, requiring time to recalculate the meeting point.
Iskander-E - export version, firing range 280 km, warhead weight 480 kg. It is a simplified version of the Iskander-M. Maneuvering the rocket at high altitude is ensured by aerodynamic rudders and a flight speed of 2100 meters per second throughout the high-altitude flight. Satisfies the conditions of the Missile Technology Control Regime.
Iskander-K - variant using cruise missiles, firing range 500 km, warhead weight 480 kg. The missile's flight altitude is about 7 meters when reaching the target, and no higher than 6 km; the missile is automatically adjusted throughout the flight and automatically follows the terrain. R-500 cruise missiles with a range of 2000 km are also produced for the Iskander-K OTRK.
Combat use
There is no reliable information about the combat use of the Iskander complexes, but there have been reports, refuted by the Russian military, that the complex was used during the Georgian-South Ossetian armed conflict of 2008.
According to the head of the Analytical Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Shota Utiashvili, Russia used Iskander missile systems at sites in Poti, Gori and the Baku-Supsa pipeline.
Mikhail Barabanov, an expert from the Moscow Defense Brief, points out that the Iskander complex was used at the base of a separate tank battalion in Gori. As a result of a direct hit by a warhead on the Georgian battalion's weapons depot, it was blown up. However, the author notes that this information is based on unverified sources. A Dutch commission investigating the circumstances of the death of RTL Nieuws television cameraman Stan Storimans in Gori on August 12, 2008, determined that the journalist died from being hit by one 5-mm steel ball. According to the BBC, the Dutch commission expressed an expert opinion that the carrier of the cluster munition was Iskander, but the report did not indicate on what grounds such a conclusion was made. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the data provided by the Dutch side is not enough to determine the type of carrier. Earlier, Human Rights Watch put forward another version, according to which the death of the Dutch journalist was caused by RBK-250 aviation cluster bombs.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, denied all reports about the use of Iskander missiles in Georgia, saying that the Iskander complex was not used during hostilities in South Ossetia.
Policy
The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon that can influence the military-political situation in some regions of the world if the states located in them do not have an extended territory. Therefore, the issues of deployment of Iskander complexes, as well as their export deliveries, are the subject of political consultations between countries.
On November 5, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, speaking to the Federal Assembly, said that the response to the American missile defense system in Poland would be the deployment of Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. But after the United States refused to deploy a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, Medvedev said that in response Russia would not deploy this complex in the Kaliningrad region. Due to the escalation of tensions between Russia and the United States, at the end of 2011 the issue of deploying the Iskander OTRK in the Kaliningrad region remained open. On November 23, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev again stated that the Russian Federation is ready to deploy the Iskander complex if NATO countries continue to deploy a missile defense system in Europe.
On January 25, 2012, it became known that the first division of Iskander operational-tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad region would be deployed and put on combat duty by Russia in the second half of 2012. However, on the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense denied this information, stating that no decision was made by the General Staff on approving the staff of the military unit of the Baltic Fleet, equipped with Iskander missile systems. On December 15, 2013, German media, citing sources in security structures, reported that Russia had deployed Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. This is evidenced by satellite images, which show at least ten Iskander-M complexes deployed in Kaliningrad, as well as along the border with the Baltic countries. The rollout could occur throughout 2013.
The complexes were transferred to the Kaliningrad region during military exercises and a surprise check of the combat readiness of the Western Military District and the Northern Fleet in December 2014 and March 2015.
In 2005, it became known about plans to supply Iskander complexes to Syria. This caused a sharp negative reaction from Israel and the United States. During a visit to Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ban on such supplies to prevent an imbalance of power in the region. In August 2008, during a visit to Moscow, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed his readiness to deploy complexes in Syria.
On February 15, 2010, the President of the unrecognized Transnistria, Igor Smirnov, spoke in favor of deploying Iskander missiles in the republic in response to plans to deploy US missile defense systems in Romania and Bulgaria.
In service
Russia (as of February 2016): 6 brigades (72 SPU)
26th missile brigade of the Western Military District (Luga) - the re-equipment of the brigade began in 2010 with the supply of 6 complexes (PU), in 2011 the formation of the first brigade (12 PU) was completed;
107th Missile Brigade of the Eastern Military District (Birobidzhan) - completely rearmed on June 28, 2013 (12 launchers);
1st Missile Brigade of the Southern Military District (Krasnodar) - the transfer of equipment took place on November 14, 2013 (12 launchers);
112th separate guards missile brigade of the Western Military District (Shuya) - the transfer of equipment took place on July 8, 2014 (12 launchers);
92nd separate missile brigade (Orenburg) Central Military District - transfer of equipment took place on November 19, 2014 (12 launchers);
103rd separate missile brigade (Ulan-Ude) of the Eastern Military District - the transfer of equipment took place on July 17, 2015 (12 launchers);
By 2018, it is planned to re-equip all missile brigades with the Iskander OTRK.
Video
Kolomenskoye Design Bureau. All my life “classified as Secret.” Fire arrows. Impact force.
OTRK "Iskander-M" / Photo: Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry
The Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system (OTRK) received a new aeroballistic missile.
“Now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile”
Valery Kashin, general designer of the research and production corporation Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (part of the High-Precision Complexes holding of the Rostec state corporation), told TASS.
“All these years, the weapons of the Iskander-M missile system have been developing and improving. In particular, a new aeroballistic missile has been created, which successfully passed interdepartmental tests in December,” he said.
Valery Kashin / Photo: Rostec
The agency's interlocutor explained that now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile.
About the complex
The 9K720 Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system was developed by KBM in the 1990s and put into service in 2006. Produced to replace the outdated 9K79 Tochka (9K79-1 Tochka-U) complexes. The range of the missiles is 500 kilometers, for the export version - 280 kilometers.
9M723 aeroballistic missiles (they have different types of combat equipment, as well as different correlative homing heads) are controlled throughout the flight, which makes their trajectory unpredictable and difficult to intercept by tactical missile defense systems. The complex can also use high-precision cruise missiles 9M728 (R-500), Lenta.ru reported.
Technical information
Guided operational-tactical missile 9M723
Single-stage solid-fuel rocket 9M723, controlled at all stages of flight with a quasi-ballistic trajectory. The warhead of a cluster-type missile has 54 fragmentation elements with non-contact detonation or also a cluster type with elements of a volumetric detonating effect. The missiles are produced by JSC Votkinsk Plant, the launcher is manufactured at the Barricades Production Association.
Single-stage solid propellant rocket 9M723 / Photo: fecusin.ucoz.ru
Schematic diagram of the 9M723 guided operational-tactical missile / Photo: fun-space.ru
The design of the rocket is single-stage with an inseparable warhead. Much attention is paid to reducing the RCS - there are no protruding parts, holes and noticeable joints, the cable garrot is minimized as much as possible on the first versions of the rockets and is made in the form of a thin train on the surface of the rocket body on more modern series, the aerodynamic control surfaces are replaced with swept ones instead of lattice ones. A special heat-protective coating of the body is used, which can probably serve as a coating that reduces the ESR.
Launch of the 9M723 guided tactical missile / Photo: pics2.pokazuha.ru
Rocket 9M723 - rear view / Photo: fun-space.ru
The task of creating similar equipment for Iskander-E was completed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (TsNIIAG), a leading developer of guidance and control systems for domestic tactical and operational-tactical missiles, which has a 25-year track record in the development of homing heads.
The main way to solve this problem was to combine an inertial system with optical guidance over the terrain surrounding the target. Moreover, the 9E436 optical correlation seeker, created in the early 90s at the Moscow TsNIIAG and shown at Eurosatory-2004, can be used both as part of the Iskander-E and on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types (including intercontinental). The seeker 9E436 has already passed flight tests and demonstrated the missile’s accuracy when hitting a target up to two meters. To date, serial production of this head has been prepared.
Optical seeker 9E436 of the 9M723 OTRK "Iskander" missile / Photo: militaryrussia.ru
- GOS mass - 20 kg
- Flight task entry time - no more than 5 minutes
- KVO - up to 20 m
This management principle has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the last ones. Since the system does not recognize the target itself, but the terrain around it, it cannot provide guidance on a moving object. To formulate a flight mission, you must have a reconnaissance image. The operation of the seeker can be hampered by fog or an aerosol cloud exposed by the enemy that obscures the terrain. If the head is mounted on a ballistic missile, low clouds may interfere with its operation (this problem does not exist for cruise missiles capable of flying at low altitudes).
However, these disadvantages are more than compensated by the advantages. The optical seeker is universal and makes only one requirement for the missile's inertial control system: to bring the latter to the point at which the optics begin to see the target. Existing active electronic warfare systems, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems, are powerless against such a head. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows it to operate even on a moonless night, which distinguishes the new system from earlier prototypes. In addition, optical systems do not require signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis situations can be turned off or disabled by radio interference. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any imaginable conditions.
The active radar seeker 9B918, which was developed and produced by NPP Radar MMS, also participates in the missile control work.
Engine - solid propellant rocket engine, engine compartment 9X820 (9M723 rocket), charge made of mixed solid fuel with high specific impulse. The Iskander/Iskander-E and Iskander-M missiles use different types of fuel. The solid propellant rocket motor of the complex does not require special heating during storage or operation at low temperatures (there are no missile heating systems on the SPU and TZM).
Remains of the engine compartment of a 9M723 missile discovered on Georgian territory during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, August 2008 / Photo: militaryphotos.net
- high-explosive fragmentation (all modifications), can be used with an optical or radar correlation seeker;
- high-explosive incendiary use with optical or radar correlation seeker is unlikely
- penetrating (all modifications), can be used with optical or radar correlation seeker
- nuclear, power 5-50 kt (Iskander-M), theoretically can be used with an optical or radar correlation seeker. The use of nuclear warheads is probably not currently envisaged because in open photos and video materials on the SPU and TZM there are no heating systems for nuclear charges (but based on the modularity of the complex, such systems can be installed at any time).
9M723 rocket - front view / Photo: fun-space.ru
Option 1 (possibly 9N722K1 - Design Bureau of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
- Weight - 480 kg
- Number of combat elements - 54 pcs.
- Warhead deployment height - 900-1400 m
- Trigger height of combat elements - 6-10 m
Types of combat elements:
- fragmentation non-contact
- cumulative fragmentation
- self-aiming
- volumetric detonating
Option 2 (possibly 9N722K1 or another) - GosNIIMash (Dzerzhinsk)
- Weight - 480 kg
- Number of combat elements - 45 pcs.
- Type of combat elements - 9N730 with a central explosive charge (CRZ) 9N731
- Non-contact fuse type - 9E156 "Umbrella" developed by the Research Institute of Electronic Devices (Novosibirsk)
Contactless fuse 9E156 "Umbrella" of the combat element of a cassette warhead / Photo: news.ngs.ru
- Rocket 9M723K1 / 9M723K5 - missiles with cluster warheads.
- The 9M723K-E missile is an export version of the missile with a cluster warhead
- The 9M723-1 missile is an improved version of the missile, developed as of 2007-2009.
- Rocket 9M723-1F / 9M723-1FE - missile with radar seeker 9B918
- Rocket 9M723-1F2 / 9M723-1F2Tl - mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - telemetric version of the rocket
- The 9M723-1K5 / 9M723-1K5Tl missile is mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - a telemetric version of the missile.
- 9M723 missile with a new type of combat equipment - a missile with a new type of combat equipment was launched at the Kapustin Yar test site on October 11, 2011. The launch was successful.
- 9M723 missile with an optical correlation seeker - On November 14, 2911, a missile with a seeker of this type was successfully tested at the Kapustin Yar test site.
The Iskander OTRK is an operational-tactical missile system of increased mobility, capable of changing position in a short period of time and launching two medium- and long-range missiles.
The complex is woven into the Russian system of deterrence against NATO and US forces. The reason for its creation was the deployment by Western countries of missile defense systems along the borders of the Russian Federation, supposedly to counter the nuclear threat from Iran.
Advantages of OTRK Iskander
According to the technical specifications, the Iskander or 9K720 is equipped with missiles capable of hitting an object at a distance of 500 km. This is exactly the distance specified in the Treaty on the Reduction and Elimination of Short- and Medium-Range Missiles - INF Treaty.
Under the terms of the treaty, the United States and the USSR were obliged to get rid of missiles with the range described above. For this reason, the Soviet Union retired the Iskander's predecessor, the Oka.
The USA and the USSR are obliged to get rid of long-range missiles.
However, the Americans themselves violate the terms of the treaty. They are developing new short- and medium-range missile systems. Most of these weapons are carried on missile cruisers and carried by specialized aircraft. For example, Reaper and Predator aircraft.
Even the missile defense elements located on the territory of Romania and Poland have a dual purpose and are capable of launching not only anti-missile missiles, but also Tomahawk missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.
The Iskander analogue of the Patriot air defense system is the main missile defense system of the United States and a number of NATO countries It was this reason that provoked the development and development of the Iskander air defense system - a new generation weapon. According to NATO classification, this weapon is designated SS-26 Stone and is considered the most dangerous product of the Russian Armed Forces. The 9K720 division is comparable in firepower to the US aviation group.
According to experts, the combined strike of the complexes is capable of penetrating the existing missile defense and air defense systems in Europe, delivering a crushing blow to strategic points and “breaking” the defenses for subsequent cruise missile attacks.
A little history
Iskander is a relatively new missile system and does not have any outstanding history.
First steps
The Second World War was going on. The German army crushed one power after another and it seemed that the victorious march of the Third Reich would not be stopped by anything. Poland, Benelux countries, France...
Somewhere the Nazis met fierce resistance. Elsewhere they were greeted as friends.
Gradually the German army acquired the status of invincible.
In June 1941, on the night of the 22nd, without a declaration of war, Reich forces invaded the territory of the USSR. The Soviet units were broken, the fighting moved into the interior of the country. It seemed that nothing would stop the Germans.
However, the Soviet people withstood the brown onslaught. The fascist troops first got stuck near Moscow, and then were completely thrown back from the capital to a considerable distance.
The Battle of Moscow, although it did not become a turning point, showed that the Krauts were not invincible. The turning point came after the Battle of Kursk. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers took part in head-on battles, hundreds of aircraft circled in the sky, and the number of destroyed tanks numbered hundreds.
It was this battle that became the turning point of the entire Second World War - the vector of movement of the armies changed to polar.
Seeing that things were not going well at the fronts, Hitler ordered the intensification of the development of new types of weapons capable of stopping the enemy and preventing him from setting foot on German soil.
"Vau" - the first combat missile of the Germans during the Second World War.
One of the projects that received additional funding was the development of the Fau projectile. In fact, it was the first combat missile.
With their help it was planned to destroy strategic objects and communications. The V-V was actively tested until 1944, when most of the rocket manufacturing plants were destroyed or captured.
Following the results of World War II, some German specialists were transported to the USSR. German scientists actively worked for the benefit of the victorious country.
Contrary to popular belief, scientists and engineers were not starved. On the contrary, people received enhanced rations. Thanks to their work, the development of jet aircraft was accelerated. Including various types of missiles.
It was with German scientists that domestic rocket science began.
Using their developments, Soviet scientists created a base on the basis of which flights into space and the emergence of means of delivering nuclear weapons subsequently became possible.
A little later, but not yet Iskander
The development of diverse missile systems became most widespread during the reign of Nikita Khrushchev. The Secretary General was very fond of this class of weapons and saw inexhaustible potential in it. Thanks to Khrushchev, the development of ICBMs was accelerated. Many consider this to be the main achievement of the leader of the USSR.
It was at this time that the development of the R-17 rocket began. Compared to its predecessor R-11, the new model had a larger flight radius and carried up to a ton of payload. For example, a high-explosive fragmentation charge of increased power or a nuclear warhead of several kilotons.
The Iskander flight range reached 240 km. It became possible to launch from a mobile chassis.
reached the flight range of the first Iskander missiles
Another name for the 9P117 complex is “Scud”. It is under this name that the installation is known throughout the world. Adopted in 1962, it was used by the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries. However, after the development of the new complex, 9P117 began to be exported to the countries of the Middle East. For example, to Egypt and Iraq.
The Middle East has never been known for its calm. Throughout the twentieth century, conflicts between countries regularly occurred there.
The Scud was used by the Egyptians during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The strikes were carried out on the Israeli Armed Forces.
In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraq carried out attacks on Israeli territory. Even the Patriot installations purchased from the Americans did not help “God’s chosen people.”
"Oka", almost, "Iskander"
No matter how good the 9K72 complex was, time takes its toll. New technologies are emerging, leaps are being made in the development of electronics, and military requirements are increasing.
For this reason, in the mid-70s of the last century, work began on the creation of a new missile launcher - the Oka OTRK. S. Nepobedimy was appointed general designer. It is worth noting that subsequently it was he who took part in the creation of Iskander.
this summer the first tests of the missile system took place
The complex was first tested in the summer of 1978. The tests took place at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
It is worth noting an interesting fact: this test site was a test site for most Soviet-Russian missiles for many years.
In total, during the tests, the Oka made about 30 launches. The complex was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1980.
OTRK "Oka": Victim of the RMSD agreement The rocket used by the complex could reach speeds of up to 5M. Flight range - 500 km. The characteristics made it possible to effectively overcome enemy defenses and hit command posts, warehouses and other infrastructure. It was possible to use a nuclear charge with a yield of 5 kilotons as a warhead.
In 1987, Gorbachev signed an agreement to limit the use of medium-short-range missiles. The INF Treaty was also signed by the American side. As a result, most of the Oka OTRK was written off and destroyed. True, the complex was in service until 2003. In limited quantities.
Until 2003, the Oka OTRK was in service with Russia.
By the way, the treaty restrictions applied only to missiles with a flight range of less than 500 km and more than 5500 km. It was on the basis of the new parameters that the development of the next project began.
Development of Iskander
To say that Iskander was created in extremely simple and pleasant conditions means to sin against the truth as much as possible.
First of all, it’s worth starting with the fact that the idea to create a new Iskander-M missile system, the characteristics of which had no analogues in the world, was proposed by S. Nepobedimy. The designer took into account all the restrictions caused by the INF Treaty.
The new installation was planned to use modern Iskander missiles, the performance characteristics of which made it possible to overcome layered enemy defenses at a range exceeding 500 km. However, the idea encountered opposition from Gorbachev. Frankly speaking, the “first” president of the USSR screwed up a lot of things.
Subsequently, after the collapse of the country, development still started. Chaos and confusion reigned in the country. Markets collapsed and production chains were disrupted. The designers were not paid wages for six months.
But tests and tests of the complex continued. Not thanks to, but in spite of. The main problem was irregular funding. Every missile and system tested had to be thoroughly checked.
this year the first working sample of the updated Iskander complex was demonstrated
As a result of long and difficult work, in 1999, at the MAKS international air show, the first working prototype of the new Iskander complex was demonstrated. The new product impressed all the guests of the event. A new portion of funding was allocated for development.
It is worth mentioning the organizations that took a direct part in the construction of the complex:
- Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering - rocket development;
- Central Design Bureau "Titan" - creation of a launcher and chassis;
- NIIEP - were involved in the design of all OTRK automation.
Subsequently, in 2006, the first Iskanders entered service with the army of the Russian Federation. The installations were included in the so-called “access prohibited zone” perimeter.
In addition to the 9K720, the defense includes the S-400 air defense system (B, in the future S-500) and elements of the Bastion anti-ship missile system. The essence of the project is to immediately defeat any unfriendly object that illegally crosses the perimeter border.
Modification “E” has been supplied to Armenia since 2016 In service
Iskander is in service with two countries in the world: Russia and Armenia. According to data from open sources, the Russian Federation uses 72 Iskander-M complexes and an unspecified number of Iskander-K modifications. How many OTKR units were transferred to Armenia is unknown. The only information available is the delivery date - 2016.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Iskander OTRK
The actual parameters of the OTRK are unknown. The most obvious thing that can be said is that the complex carries 2 missiles with a range of hitting targets of 50 - 500 km. The launch is carried out within a few minutes after the combat signal. After firing, the launcher moves away from the missile launch site in order to camouflage and evade a retaliatory strike.
Western weapons experts claim that the 9K720 is capable of hitting targets at a distance of over 5,500 km. The main argument in favor of these discussions was the appearance of the missiles of the complex; the Iskander-M missile is similar to the Caliber. Whether this is true or fiction is unknown.
Also, experts from NATO countries claim that the Russian OTRK is capable of performing its task more efficiently than its American counterpart. US developments in this category (LRPF missiles) are not capable of hitting a target at a distance of over 500 km.
Missile destroyer "Donald Cook" with which "Iskander" is compared The performance characteristics of the Iskander are also often compared with American missile destroyers of the Donald Cook class. Moreover, many military analysts are inclined to believe that the Russian complex is more effective.
The Iskander missile, the characteristics of which are kept in the strictest confidence, is causing a wave of indignation and fear in NATO. The main reason is the possibility of rapid recharging. The process takes place thanks to a special tracking machine. The ship has to go to the port for a similar procedure.
Basic performance characteristics
| The missile hits the target with an error, m | 5 – 30 |
| Rocket weight at launch, t | 3,8 |
| Warhead weight, kg | 400 |
| Rocket height, m | 7,2 |
| Radius, cm | 46 |
| Rocket cruising speed, m/s | 2 100 |
| Highest point of the ballistic trajectory, km | Exceeds 100 |
| Maximum engagement range, km | "Iskander-M" - 500, "Iskander-S" - 2500 (From unconfirmed sources) |
| Minimum engagement range, km | 50 |
| Preparation for shot, m | 4 – 16 |
| Time interval before launch of the 2nd rocket, m | 1 |
| How long does the Iskander last? | 10 in field conditions, 3 in combat |
Options
Since the creation of the first samples of Iskander in 2006, a small number of modifications of this installation have been created. In general, they differ in the missiles used to fire the salvo. In addition, the export version lacks some of the functionality available to products for the Russian army.
OTRK "Iskander-M": Modification 2011 List of modifications:
- "Iskander-M"— missile system (characteristics and video below) basic version. It has two Iskander missiles (characteristics are classified) located on the launcher. The chassis has increased cross-country ability and electronic warfare systems. The Iskander-M has much improved performance characteristics. There is a mobile command post. The missiles are capable of penetrating enemy defenses. A number of technologies are used for this: the ability to maneuver at high speeds with an overload of up to 30 g, the release of false elements, a special coating absorbs radio signals, and small dimensions. The missile approaches the target at an angle of 90 degrees;
- "Iskander-E"— The letter “E” means that the version is intended for export. It is equipped with a missile with a flight range of 280 km and a warhead weight of 480 kg. In fact, it is a significantly simplified version of the previous modification. The only country that purchased a batch of complexes is Armenia. If there are others, then the information is strictly classified;
- "Iskander-K"- the version on which cruise missiles with intelligent guidance are installed. The warhead has a mass of 480 kg. The flight speed is 2100 m/s. The flight altitude is 7 meters (When approaching the target), 7 km - while traveling to the specified object. At low altitudes, the rocket is able to avoid obstacles and follow changes in terrain. Flight range - 500 km. There is an option with the installation of R-500 (Range - 2 thousand km).
Rocket launch from Iskander 9K720 Most likely, the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system is undergoing further modification in closed design bureaus. The judgment is based on common sense. After all, weapons are one of the most obsolete achievements of mankind.
Composition of the complex
In addition to the launcher itself, the group includes 5 more types of machines. Each performs its own functions. In total, each brigade includes 51 vehicles.
Composition of the Iskander OTRK division 9P78-1
These are self-propelled launchers. In total, the brigade includes 12 units. Their main purpose is to transport and store missiles. Fully loaded weight is 42 tons. The weight of the transported cargo is 19 tons.
The unit is mounted on the basis of the MEKT-7930 tractor. The chassis has an 8 x 8 wheel arrangement and is capable of speeds of up to 70 km/h. Range – 1000 km. All this is necessary for rapid transfer at any time of the day and over any distance. The crew consists of 3 people.
Iskander launcher chassis 9S552
A command and staff vehicle designed to control all elements of the OTRK. Installed on the KAMAZ 43101 chassis. There is an Aqueduct radio station. Full-time crew – 4 people. The division is equipped with 11 such vehicles. The radio station is capable of receiving and transmitting a signal over a distance of 250 km (in the unfolded state). On the march - 50 km. Battery life 2 days.
MRTO
Machine for carrying out routine and repair work. The regular crew is 2 people. Used to check on-board equipment and perform routine repairs. But the main task is to test the missile electronics. In automatic mode, the procedure takes 18 minutes. The vehicle is based on a KamAZ chassis. Operating weight - 13 tons.
9С920
A machine designed to prepare flight information for missiles. Based on the KamAZ chassis. Crew - 2 people. In fact, this is a server where all information from various target designation sources flows: satellites, aircraft, drones. After processing, the information is transmitted to the launcher, after which the rocket is launched.
Life support machine
The main purpose of the vehicle is to provide personnel with sleeping places, comfortable meals and other living conditions. There are sleeping places, lockers for storing things, lockers. There is a 300 liter tank, a water heating system, and special pumps. The vehicle is based on KamAZ. The division includes 14 units.
KAO and UTS
A special vehicle designed for rapid reloading of launchers. The procedure takes on average 20 minutes. The second car is a simulator for the crew. It simulates combat situations.
It is also worth noting that an impressive group consisting of infantry formations and armored vehicles (Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles) is assigned to guard the Iskander division and accompanying support vehicles. In addition, the division, being in a stationary position, is camouflaged with standard means: a camouflage network, electronic warfare systems, and protection from thermal imaging detection.
Design of OTRK Iskander missiles
Two types of missiles have been developed for the OTRK: quasi-ballistic and cruise. In principle, they differ only in guidance systems and flight trajectories. Otherwise the products are similar.
The missiles are capable of maneuvering at high speeds, while choosing random trajectories of movement and reversal. At the same time, the missiles are controlled throughout the flight, which increases the accuracy of the hit.
Missile warheads are designed to hit various targets. For example, there is a cluster warhead that can split into many parts and hit a large area. There are options for extremely accurate hits, used to neutralize command bunkers or missile defense and air defense elements. In especially sad cases, missiles are equipped with tactical nuclear warheads with a yield of up to several kilotons.
During the flight, missiles are capable of discarding electronic warfare elements, which makes guidance difficult for enemy missile defense systems. An additional factor is the small size of the flying rocket in physical terms.
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Iskander - M |
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Iskander – K (R-500) |
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Iskander - E |
Combat use
If you believe various open sources, the Iskander anti-aircraft missile system was used only three times. Moreover, in one case it was live firing as part of joint exercises with Tajikistan.
The second case is the use of several OTRK installations to launch non-nuclear strikes against ISIS militants (an organization banned in Russia). The launches took place in December 2017. The characteristics of the Iskander-M, declared by the developers, have received combat confirmation.
The most controversial case is the statement that the Iskander missile system, the characteristics of which guarantee the destruction of enemy personnel and equipment, was used during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in August 2008.
The participation of the OTRK division could not be proven. The Russian military denies these rumors. There is an opinion that the Georgian side mistook the Tochka-U missile launches for 9K720, which were precisely used to disable the enemy’s infrastructure.
The combat use of the Iskander is based in the west of the Russian Federation.
More precisely, in the Kaliningrad region. From the region, the missile system is capable of hitting a whole range of targets on the territory of a potential enemy. These are military airfields and NATO command centers in the Baltic states, missile defense elements in Poland and Romania, strategic infrastructure structures in Denmark and Sweden. Also, 9K720 are located on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
| 2008 | The Georgian-Ossetian conflict that occurred in August during the Olympics. The use of 9K720 has not been recorded, but the Georgian authorities and a number of Western media claim the opposite. The Tochka-U complex was used to carry out targeted missile strikes |
| 2016 | Exercises in Tajikistan. The missiles hit training targets and tested the operational range of the Iskander-M |
| 2017 | In December, the Iskander-M complex was delivered to Syria (the characteristics of the missiles had to be tested in real combat). Cases of combat use and destruction of defensive structures have been recorded. Probable targets: large formations of terrorist groups, ammunition depots and accumulations of armored vehicles. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander OTRK
The 9K720 complex is relatively new, and a number of technical parameters are hidden from public view. Therefore, it is very difficult to judge the real advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander-M OTRK, the destruction radius of which remains a mystery for Russia’s opponents.
Most of the information relates to official statements by the Russian military and television programs broadcast on patriotic channels. Which creates the impression of “ideality” of military equipment. And not only Iskander.
Most likely, in a few years (possibly decades), the real capabilities of the complex will be discovered. Judging by open information, the OTRK is capable of hitting targets while passing through high-echelon defenses. And it will be good if we never have to test Iskander-M or Iskander-K on a real enemy. After all, first of all, the 9K720 is a weapon of intimidation.
The SS-26 Iskander is an operational-tactical missile system designed to eliminate area and small-sized targets that may be located deep in the operational location of enemy troops. The Iskander operational-tactical missile system was destined to be created in an environment in which the 1987 Short- and Medium-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was in force. In addition, there was a refusal to use nuclear weapons in war between opposing sides.
This is exactly why the Iskanders were created, taking into account the new requirements placed on them:
- The use of a warhead only in the presence of standard equipment;
- Refusal of nuclear strikes;
- Guiding missiles along all their flight trajectories;
- High firing accuracy;
- The likelihood of changing combat units, taking into account the types of targets being eliminated;
- High level of automation of all processes.
Number of Iskanders
Iskander, a tactical missile system, has been in service since 2010. At that time, six complexes were supplied to the military under the state defense order. The state arms program provided for the purchase of 120 Iskanders by 2020. Since 2015, the Russian army has formed brigades armed with the Iskander-M missile system.
Some information from the history of the Iskanders
Iskanders were developed simultaneously with the help of several design bureaus and institutes. However, the Kolomna Mashinostroeniya Design Bureau was destined to become the parent enterprise. It is known for many legendary weapons, such as Tochka-U, Igloy and Arena air defense systems, as well as many Soviet and Russian mortars.
The development of Iskander began with S.P. Invincible, the legendary general designer. He took the very successful RK Oka as a basis for that period. It is known that Oka was the first in history that was able to pass through missile defense with a coefficient of almost one, which ensured a high probability of hitting the target. However, according to the 1987 treaty between the USSR and the USA, they were destroyed. Valery Kashin, the current general designer and head of the Mashinostroeniya design bureau, was entrusted with new developments.
KBM was given a task: the new complex should destroy any targets, stationary or moving. And this is with the main requirement - the highest degree of missile defense penetration with target destruction, but without nuclear charges.
Passing the missile defense was based on:
- Maximum reduction of the missile dispersion surface. Their contours have become extremely streamlined and smooth;
- The external surfaces were treated with a radio-absorbing special coating;
- The ability to quickly and actively maneuver, as a result of which the Iskander trajectory is unpredictable and missile interception is impossible.
No other operational-tactical and tactical missiles built on the planet have similar properties. During the development process, the designers performed absolutely unique work. This led to a revision of many of the concepts contained in the preliminary sketches of the project.
After the February 1993 Decree of the Russian President related to development work on the Iskander M complex, a tactical and technical specification was prepared. It indicated new approaches to the construction of complexes, as well as the optimization of all solutions.
For this reason, Iskander M had to become a completely new complex, and not a modernized old one. The complex has become the focus of numerous advanced domestic and world scientific achievements. Climatic, flight and bench tests had to drag on for many years. Mostly everything was carried out in Kapustin Yar, but some were also in other regions of the state.
Mid-autumn 2011 was marked by the completion of the first stage of tests conducted with the Iskander-M missile system, which resulted in the receipt of new combat equipment. The 9M723 missiles had excellent characteristics, as well as a new correlation guidance system.
Likely targets
Iskanders can strike at:
- Missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery;
- Missile defense and air defense systems;
- Airplanes and helicopters at airfields;
- Command posts and communication centers;
- Particularly important objects in civil infrastructure.
Characteristic features of the Iskanders
The characteristic features of the Iskanders are:
- Availability of high-precision effective destruction of a wide variety of targets;
- Stealth in combat duty, in preparation for launch and in delivering strikes;
- Automation of calculations and input of flight missions for missiles at launchers;
- High potential for performing combat missions in an environment of active counteraction by the enemy;
- High level of operational reliability of missiles, trouble-free launch and flight;
- High level of tactical maneuverability;
- High level of strategic mobility;
- High level of automation of processes in the combat control of missile units;
- Fast processing and timely delivery of intelligence data to the necessary levels of management;
- Long service life and convenient operation.
Combat characteristics
The combat characteristics of the Iskanders are:
- Circular deviation probability: 1-30 m;
- The launch weight of the rockets is 3,800 kg;
- Length - 7.2 m;
- Diameter - 920 mm;
- Weight of warheads - 480 kg;
- The rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory is 2100 m/s;
- The minimum target engagement range is 50 km;
- Maximum target engagement range:
- 500 km - Iskander-K;
- 280 km - Iskander-E.
- Time to launch with the first rocket is 4-16 minutes;
- Interval between starts: 1 min;
- Service life: ten years, including three years in the field.
Elements that make up the Iskander
The main elements that make up the Iskander are:
- Rockets;
- Self-propelled launchers;
- Transport-charging vehicles;
- Routine maintenance vehicles;
- Command and staff vehicles;
- Data preparation points;
- Arsenal equipment sets;
- Educational and training aids.
Self-propelled launchers - designed for storage, transportation, preparatory work and launches at targets of two missiles (in the export version of one missile). Self-propelled launchers can be made on the basis of special wheeled chassis, which are produced at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. The tractors have a total weight of 42 tons, a payload of 19 tons, a travel speed of 70 km/h on highways, 40 km/h on dirt roads, and a fuel range of up to 1000 km. The combat crew includes three military personnel.
Transport-loading vehicles are designed to transport an additional pair of missiles. Transport-loading vehicles are based on the MZKT-7930 chassis and are equipped with loading cranes. They have a total combat weight of 40 tons and a crew of two military personnel.
Command and staff vehicles - designed to control all processes in the Iskander complexes. They are based on the KamAZ-43101 wheeled chassis. The combat crew includes four military personnel.
Characteristic features that the CVS have:
- The maximum radio communication range on the spot is 350 km, on the march 50 km;
- Estimated task time for missiles is up to 10 s;
- Command transmission time up to 15 s;
- The number of radio communication channels is 16;
- Unfolding (collapsing) time is up to half an hour;
- Continuous operation time up to two days.
Routine and maintenance vehicles are designed to monitor instruments, missiles, on-board equipment and to carry out routine repair work. They are located on the KamAZ wheelbase. They have a mass of up to 14 tons, a deployment time of no more than 20 minutes, a time of automated cycles of routine checks of on-board missile equipment - 18 minutes, and a combat crew of two military personnel.
Data preparation points are designed to determine the coordinates of targets and prepare data for missiles in order to transmit them to the SPU. Data preparation points are integrated with intelligence assets and can receive tasks from any sources, including satellites, aircraft or drones. There are two military personnel in the combat crew.
Life support vehicles are designed for combat crews to rest and eat. They are located on the wheelbase of KamAZ-43118. The machines have: compartments for rest and compartments for household supplies.
Iskander missiles are solid-fuel, single-stage, with warheads that cannot be separated in flight, guided and maneuverable missiles along the entire length of difficult-to-predict flight trajectories. Missiles maneuver especially quickly during the starting and final stages of flight, in which they approach targets with high overloads.
This is due to the need to fly anti-missile missiles to intercept Iskander missiles with overloads two to three times greater, which today is considered almost impossible.
Most of the flight trajectories of the Iskander missiles were carried out using stealth technologies with small reflective surfaces. The “invisibility” effects are ensured by the combined design features of the missiles and the treatment of their surfaces using special coatings.
The launch of missiles to targets is carried out using an inertial control system. They are subsequently captured by autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing heads. The missile homing system operates on the principle that optical instruments form images in the target area, which the on-board computer compares with the data entered into it.
Optical homing heads are distinguished by an increased level of sensitivity and resistance to existing electronic warfare equipment. Thanks to this, you can launch missiles on a moonless night without additional natural illumination and eliminate moving targets within a radius of two meters. Today, such tasks, except for the Iskanders, cannot be solved by any other similar missile systems on the planet.
It is interesting that the optical homing systems used in missiles do not need to correct the signals that are created by space radio navigation systems. The complex use of inertial control systems with satellite navigation and optical seekers made it possible to create missiles that hit specified targets in almost any possible situation. The homing heads installed on Iskander missiles can also be installed on other missiles. These can be different ballistic and cruise missiles.
Types of Iskander combat units
The main types of Iskander combat units are:
- Cassette weapons with fragmentation warheads for non-contact explosions. They can operate at a height of approximately ten meters above the ground;
- Cassette weapons with cumulative fragmentation warheads;
- Cassette weapons with self-aiming combat elements;
- Cassette, having a volumetric detonating effect;
- High-explosive fragmentation;
- High explosive incendiary;
- Penetrating.
Fifty-four combat elements are located in cluster warheads.
All Iskanders are integrated with a wide variety of reconnaissance and control systems. They are capable of receiving information about targets designated for destruction from satellites, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles at data preparation points. They are used to calculate flight missions for missiles and carry out preparatory work on reference information for missiles.
Through radio channels, this information is broadcast and received by command and staff vehicles, commanders of divisions and batteries, and then by launchers. The missile launch command is carried out from command and staff vehicles. In addition, senior artillery commanders can also command using control posts.
The missiles placed (two) on each self-propelled launcher and transport-loading vehicle significantly increase the firepower in missile divisions. In addition, there are one-minute intervals between missile launches against a wide variety of targets, while ensuring high fire productivity. Considering its high efficiency, as well as the totality of its combat potential, the Iskander operational-tactical missile system is destined to become the equivalent of nuclear weapons and a reliable non-nuclear “shield of the Motherland.”
