Anti-aircraft gun ZSU 23. Shilka (anti-aircraft self-propelled gun)

Excerpt from Domestic armored vehicles. XX century: Scientific publication: / Solyankin A.G., Zheltov I.G., Kudryashov K.N. /

Volume 3. Domestic armored vehicles. 1946-1965 - M.: LLC “Publishing House “Tseykhgauz””, 2010. - 672 pp.: ill.

It was intended to protect combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway trains from enemy air attacks at altitudes from 100 to 1500 m. It was the first ZSU in the history of domestic anti-aircraft guns, which could effectively fire at anti-aircraft targets in motion, including against low-flying targets with flight speeds of up to 450 m/s. If necessary, it could be used to destroy ground targets at a range of up to 2000 m.

The all-weather 23-mm quad anti-aircraft self-propelled gun was developed in accordance with the Resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated April 17, 1957, June 6 and July 24, 1958. The lead contractor for the ZSU as a whole was OKB-40 MMZ of the Moscow (regional) Economic Council (chief designer N A. Astrov). The development of the instrument complex was carried out by OKB-357 of the Leningrad Economic Council (chief designer V.E. Pikkel). The Tobol tracking radar station was developed by the design bureau of Tula plant No. 668 (chief designer Ya.I. Nazarov). The developer of the quadruple 23-mm automatic anti-aircraft gun "Amur" was OKB-575 of the USSR Civil Aviation Committee for OT (chief designer N.E. Chudakov).

Anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4.

Combat weight -19t; crew - 4 people; weapons: automatic cannon - 4x23 mm; armor protection - bulletproof; diesel power - 206 kW (280 hp); maximum speed - 50 km/h.

Anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" (2A6)

Due to the fact that during the development of the complex its combat weight increased from 14 to 17.6 tons, chief designer N.A. Astrov had to abandon the use of components and assemblies of the SU-85 self-propelled artillery mount in the design of the power plant and chassis and develop special components. In August 1958, two operational mock-ups were manufactured at MMZ for parallel testing of the Amur cannon and the Tobol instrument complex on them before the production of a factory model. A prototype ZSU-23-4 for factory testing with a simulating load was manufactured by MMZ in March 1959. In December 1959, factory tests of a prototype with the Amur cannon were carried out in the amount of 2600 km and 5300 rounds. The gun was installed in the turret of a prototype intended for state testing. The combat weight of the self-propelled gun after modification of the instrument complex and the Amur gun increased to 19 tons. State tests of the complex were carried out from August 26 to October 24, 1961. During the tests, the vehicle covered 1,490 km and 14,194 shots were fired. By a resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated September 5, 1962, the 23-mm quadruple anti-aircraft self-propelled gun of the Shilka complex was adopted for service. Its serial production was organized from 1964 to 1969. Starting from 1966, the GM-575 tracked vehicle was manufactured by the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant and the Minsk Tractor Plant, and the final assembly of the complex was carried out by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant.

The ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled gun was a closed type of self-propelled gun with a rear-mounted MTO. A rotating turret was installed in the middle part of the hull, which housed a quadruple automatic 23-mm anti-aircraft gun Α3Π-23 (“Cupid”) with guidance drives, a radar-instrumental search and guidance complex RPK-2 (“Tobol”), ammunition and 3 members crew. A large-diameter rotating turret (over 2700 mm) was installed on a ball bearing of the T-54 tank turret (but with increased manufacturing precision).

In the fighting compartment to the left of the gun there was a workplace for the vehicle commander, to the right - for the range operator, and between them - for the search and gunner operator. The commander monitored the battlefield through periscope devices located in the rotating commander's cupola. In a combat situation, the driver used a BM-190 periscopic device or two B-1 glass blocks for observation. Outside the combat situation, the driver surveyed the area through his open hatch or through the windshield located in the hatch of the driver's armored hatch cover.

The 23-mm quad automatic anti-aircraft gun Α3P-23 (factory index 2B-U-653, GAU nomenclature index - 2A7) was developed by the Leningrad OKB-575 on the basis of the Resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers of February 17, 1959. It consisted of a base, a frame, upper and lower cradles, aiming mechanisms and four automatic machines with systems that ensure their operation. The base of the swinging part of the Α3Π-23 was two cradles, on each of which two machine guns were attached. The parallelism of the trunks when the cradles were swinging was ensured by a parallelogram rod that connected both cradles. The total mass of the gun was 4964 kg.

Each of the four 23-mm machine guns of the 2A7 cannon was an automatic weapon in which the automatic action was built on the principle of using the energy of powder gases discharged through a side hole in the barrel wall. In terms of their design, all four gun guns were fundamentally the same, but the right guns differed somewhat from the left ones in the design of the parts of the mite feeding mechanism and the pipelines for discharging the coolant into the hydraulic system. The barrel was rigidly fixed in the receiver and when fired, the entire machine rolled back by 14-18 mm. Braking of rollback and rollback was carried out by spring shock absorbers. Rolling forward with the machine rolling forward occurred under the action of the return springs of the shock absorbers. The shutter is wedge, with the wedge moving down. The shells are fed from the side, and fired directly from the loose metal belt. The machine guns are fed with shells continuously. The rate of fire from four machine guns was 3600-4000 rounds/min. Firing control is remote, using electric triggers. Preparing the machine gun for firing (retracting the bolt frame to the rear position), reloading in case of a misfire during firing, returning the moving parts to the forward position during firing and at the end of firing was carried out using a pneumatic reloading mechanism. The release of the bolt frame (that is, opening of fire) could be carried out either by the installation commander or by the search operator. The number of machine guns assigned to fire, as well as the number of shots in the queue, was determined by the installation commander, depending on the nature of the target. The destruction of low-speed targets (airplanes, helicopters, parachute landings, ground targets) was carried out in short bursts of 3-5 or 5-10 shots per barrel.

Hitting high-speed targets (high-speed aircraft, missiles) was carried out in short bursts of 3-5 or 5-10 shots per barrel, and, if necessary, in long bursts of up to 50 shots per barrel with a break between bursts of 2-3 s. Regardless of the type of burst, after 120-150 shots per barrel, a break of 10-15 seconds was taken to cool the barrels.

Cooling of the machine gun barrels during firing was carried out by an open-type liquid system with forced circulation of liquid. Water was used as a coolant in the summer, and KNIFE 65 in the winter.

The 2A7 gun was aimed by electro-hydraulic power drives of the servo type. The maximum rotation speed of the tower was 70 degrees/s, the minimum was 0.5 degrees/s. In automatic mode, the maximum gun aiming speed in elevation angle was 60 degrees/s, the minimum - 0.5 degrees/s. The vertical aiming angle of the machine guns is from 9-(4°±30") to +(85°±30"). When firing at ground targets, as well as during installation maintenance, the manual aiming method was mainly used.

Anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 (view on the starboard side).

The ammunition for the Α3Π-23 cannon was placed in four boxes in the side front compartments of the turret and was separated from the crew by a vertical armored partition consisting of two shields. It consisted of 2000 rounds of high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary tracer (HFZT) and armor-piercing incendiary tracer (APT) shells, loaded into 4 belts. In the loaded belt, after four shots with OFZT projectiles, a shot with a BZT projectile followed. After every 40 shots, the tape contained one shot with a copper reducer, which reduced the copper coating of the barrel bore during firing. The anti-aircraft installation was attached to a transport-loading machine (TZM), which had four boxes with 1000 rounds each. The initial speed of the armor-piercing projectile was 970 m/s, OFZT - 950 m/s.

The RPK-2 (1A7) radar instrument complex, intended to control the fire of the Α3Π-23 cannon, was located in the instrument compartment of the tower and consisted of the 1RLZZ radar station and the instrument part of the Tobol complex. The radar station made it possible to detect and track air targets, as well as accurately measure their current coordinates.

The 1RLZZ radar operated in pulse mode in the centimeter wavelength range and was protected from active and passive interference. The station detected air targets during a circular or sector (30-80°) search, as well as in manual control mode. The station ensured target acquisition for automatic tracking at ranges of at least 10 km at a flight altitude of 2000 m and at least 6 km at a flight altitude of 50 m. The station was mounted in the instrument compartment of the tower. The station's antenna was located on the roof of the tower. In the non-working position, the antenna automatically folded and locked.

The instrumentation part of the 1A7 complex consisted of a computer, a stabilization system and a sighting device. The calculating device calculated the coordinates of the projectile meeting the target and generated the appropriate leads. The stabilization system while the vehicle was moving ensured detection, tracking of a target and firing at it by stabilizing the line of sight and stabilizing the line of fire using hydraulic drives VN and GN. The panoramic type sighting device had two independent optical systems. The optical system of the main sighting device provided observation of the target during operation of the radar, as well as measurement of the angular coordinates of the target in the event of a failure in the radar of the auto-tracking system based on angular coordinates. The optical system of the backup sight was intended for aiming the gun when firing at an air target without a radar instrument system and when firing at ground targets.

The combat altitude of firing at air targets flying at speeds of up to 1620 km/h ranged from 100 m to 1500 m. The maximum firing range was 2500 m. Immediate shooting was ensured when the vehicle was moving at speeds of up to 25 km/h.

The body and turret of the ZSU were welded from 6 and 8 mm steel armor plates, which provided bulletproof protection. The gun embrasure at its maximum elevation angle was partially covered by a movable armor shield.

The power plant used a six-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine V-6R with a power of 206 kW (280 hp) with a liquid ejection cooling system. The engine was located transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine body. The capacity of the two fuel tanks was 521 liters. The air cleaning system used a combined two-stage air cleaner. The engine heating system is combined (liquid and gas) with simultaneous heating of the transmission units with hot liquid from the starting heater. The diesel engine was started using an ST-721 electric starter. When the batteries were discharged, the engine was started using an air release.

The mechanical transmission consisted of an input transmission gearbox, a multi-disc main clutch of dry friction of steel on steel, a gearbox, two PMPs with locking clutches and two single-row loaded final drives. Engine power was taken from the input gearbox of the transmission through a friction clutch to drive the generator of the machine's power supply system. The mechanical, five-speed, constant mesh, two-shaft, three-way gearbox with inertial synchronizers for higher gears had a combined lubrication system. To increase operational reliability and improve smooth engagement, helical gears were used in the gearbox design. The design of the two-stage PMP was similar to that of the T-55 tank. Belt, floating, double-servo brakes had cermet linings that worked under dry friction conditions. For a tighter fit to the brake drums, each brake band was made of three parts, connected by hinges.

The chassis used small-link tracks with a closed metal hinge, an individual torsion bar suspension, lever-piston hydraulic shock absorbers and balancer travel limiters. The torsion shafts of the first, fifth, and sixth suspension units had a 4 mm larger diameter than the others. Double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers were installed on both first, fifth left and sixth right suspension units. The idler wheels and support rollers were structurally similar to the corresponding units of the tracked propulsion system of the PT-76 amphibious tank. Spring limiters (stops) for the stroke of the balancers were installed on the first and sixth suspension units.

The primary power supply system (PPS) provided all consumers of the ZSU with electricity. The main elements of the power supply system were: a power supply unit, a set of converter units, four batteries, control and monitoring equipment. The power unit was based on a single-shaft gas turbine engine DG4M-1 with a power of 52 kW (70 hp) and a direct current generator PGS2-14A with a voltage regulator RN-212. The generator, through the SEP gearbox, received rotation either from the SEP gas turbine engine (in position or while parked), or from the V-6R diesel engine of the self-propelled unit (while the unit was moving). The gearbox design allowed both engines to operate simultaneously. The electrical on-board network is two-wire for constant voltage with grounding of the middle point and three-wire for alternating voltage. The mains voltage when the engine was not running was 48 V, when the engine was running - 55 V.

External communication was carried out through the shortwave radio station R-123, internal communication through the TPU R-124 for four subscribers.

The vehicle was equipped with night vision devices, TNA-2 navigation equipment, a PAZ system, unified triple-action automatic fire-fighting equipment and three OU-2 manual fire extinguishers. The maximum speed of the car on the highway was 50 km/h, and the fuel range reached 450 km.

The base of the ZSU-23-4 self-propelled installation was used to create the 2P25M self-propelled launcher and the 1S91M1 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance installation for the 2K12 “Kub” anti-aircraft missile system.

The ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled gun of various modifications was exported to other countries and was successfully used in combat operations in the Middle East, Vietnam, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf region.

The weapons developed by Soviet specialists have more than once become the best in the world. This also applies to air defense systems, although for quite a long time the armed forces of the USSR did not have an effective self-propelled anti-aircraft system not related to missiles.

The experience of the Great Patriotic War and the development of electronics and technology led to the birth of the Shilka, a ZSU - which became a legend immediately after being put into service.

Birth of a legend

The Second World War showed the danger of attack aircraft. Not a single army in the world could provide reliable cover for equipment and infantry from attacks by attack aircraft and dive bombers, especially on marches. The German army suffered the most. Oerlikons and FLACs could not cope with massive raids by American attack aircraft and Soviet Il-2 “flying tanks,” especially at the end of the war.

To protect infantry and tanks, Wirbelwind, ("Tornado"), Kugelblitz, ("Ball Lightning") and several other models were created. The two 30mm guns, firing 850 rounds per minute, and the radar system pioneered the development of the SPAAG, several years ahead of its time. Of course, they could no longer make a radical change in the course of the war, but the experience of their use formed the basis for post-war developments in the field of self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

In 1947, designers of the Soviet Union began active development of a prototype ZSU-57-2, but this machine was outdated even before it was born. 2 57-mm guns, reloaded with clips, had a low rate of fire, and the lack of radar systems made the design virtually blind.

The open turret did not inspire confidence in terms of crew protection, so the issue of modernization was very pressing. The Americans added fuel to the fire by deeply studying the German experience with the Molniya models and creating their own M42 self-propelled gun using the latest technology.

The year 1957 was marked by the beginning of work on the creation of new systems of self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

Originally there were supposed to be two. The four-barreled Shilka was intended to support infantry in battle and on the march, the double-barreled Yenisei was supposed to cover tank units. Since 1960, field tests began, during which no clear leader was identified. "Yenisei" had a long firing range, shooting down targets at an altitude of 3000 meters.

"Shilka" was twice as superior to its competitor in shooting at targets at low altitude, but not higher than 1500 meters. The army authorities decided that the second option was a priority and in 1962 a decree was issued on its adoption.

Installation design

Even during the creation of the model, prototypes were made on the chassis of self-propelled guns ASU-85 and experimental SU-100P. The body is welded and provides good protection from bullets and shrapnel. The structure is divided into three parts.

There is a diesel power unit in the stern, a warhead in the middle, and a control compartment in the head.

On the right side there are 3 rectangular hatches located in a row. Thanks to them, it is possible to access technical components in the car, repair and replace them. The service is carried out by a crew of 4 people. In addition to the usual drivers and commanders, this includes a range operator and a senior radio receiver.

The turret of the vehicle is flat and wide, in the center of which there are 4 barrels of the AZP-23 gun of 23 mm caliber, named according to the tradition of the entire line of weapons - “Amur”. Automation is based on the principle of removal of powder gases. The barrels are equipped with a cooling system and a flame arrester.

The cartridges are fed from the side, in a belt manner, and pneumatics ensure the cocking of anti-aircraft guns. The tower has an instrument compartment with radar equipment that provides search and acquisition of targets within a radius of 18 kilometers. Guidance is provided hydraulically or mechanically. The vehicle can fire 3,400 shots in a minute.

• radar is carried out thanks to several devices;
• tube radar;
• sight;
• analog type calculating device;
• stabilization systems.

Communication is provided by the R-123M radio station, and the TPU-4 intercom operates inside the vehicle. The power plant is a drawback of the entire design. The motor has insufficient power for a 19-ton colossus. Because of this, the Shilka has low maneuverability and speed.

Defects in the placement of the motor led to problems with repairs.

To change some components, mechanics had to disassemble half of the power plant and drain all technical fluids. The movement is ensured, as on most tracked vehicles, by a pair of drive wheels and a pair of guide wheels.

The movement is carried out using 12 rubber-coated rollers. The suspension is independent, torsion bar type. The fuel tanks hold 515 liters of diesel fuel, which is enough for 400 km.

Comparative characteristics of "Shilka"

The car in question was not the first in the world and far from the only one. American analogues were ready faster than Soviet models, but speed affected quality and combat characteristics.

Subsequent samples, having approximately the same characteristics as the Shilka, were not up to par during operation.

Let's take the Soviet Shilka and its direct competitor ZSU/M163, which was in service with the American army.

According to the characteristics, both vehicles had similar parameters, however, the Soviet model had a higher rate of fire and fire density, creating a barrage of fire due to 4 spaced barrels, larger in area than that of the American counterpart.

The fact of the small series of the American device, as well as its removal from service and its comparative unpopularity among buyers from other countries, speaks for itself.

The Soviet model is still in service in 39 countries, although more advanced models have taken its place.

The Shilok samples captured from the USSR's allies served as the basis for the West German analogue of the Leopard, as well as many ideas for modernization.

Particularly worth noting is the reliability of combat vehicle components. According to an analysis of memories of operation, especially during field comparative tests, Western models were reliable in operation, but the Shilka still broke down less.

Machine modifications

New technologies, long-term operation and several cases of samples being captured by NATO countries and their allies paved the way for the modernization of the vehicle. The most famous and popular cars, descending from the Shilka:

• ZSU-23-4V, modernization that increased the reliability of the installation and increased the life of the gas turbine apparatus by 150 hours;
• ZSU-23-4V1, a modernization of the previous vehicle, which increased shooting accuracy and reliability of target tracking on the move;
• ZSU-23-4M1, improved reliability of barrels, radar and overall stability of the vehicle;
• ZSU-23-4M2, modernization for battles in the mountains of Afghanistan, equipment for combating aviation was removed, armor and ammunition were added;
• ZSU-23-4M3 “Turquoise”, which received a “friend or foe” recognition system called “Luch”;
• ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4", a deep modernization, as a result of which almost all electronic filling was replaced with new developments, new systems were added for more efficient use;
• ZSU-23-4M5 "Shilka-M5", which received a new electronic fire control system.

There were also upgrades to the machine for launching guided missiles. Since the Shilka can shoot down aircraft at low altitude, rocket models corrected this feature.

The missiles used on such models are “Cube” and its modifications.

"Shilka" in combat

For the first time, an anti-aircraft gun took part in battles in Vietnam. The new system came as an unpleasant surprise to American pilots. The high density of fire and ammunition exploding in the air made it almost impossible to escape the Shilok shelling.

New systems took an active part in the series of Arab-Israeli wars. During the 1973 conflict alone, Egyptian and Syrian vehicles shot down 27 IDF Skyhawks. In search of a tactical solution to the problem of Shilka shelling, Israeli pilots went to higher altitudes, but there they found themselves in the missile’s kill zone.

“Shilkas” played a huge role during the war in Afghanistan.

According to the regulations, vehicles must accompany convoys at a distance of approximately 400 meters from other vehicles. The war in the mountains made its own adjustments to tactics. The Muzhideen did not have aviation, so the crews did not worry about the sky. When attacking the columns, the Shilkas played the role of one of the main deterrents.

Thanks to the 4 23-mm barrels, the Shilka became the best assistant for infantry in unexpected attacks. The density and efficiency of the fire immediately canceled out all the shortcomings of the chassis. The infantry prayed for the ZSU. The angle of the barrels made it possible to shoot almost vertically, and the powerful cartridge did not take into account fortifications such as clay walls in villages. The Shilka's burst turned the Mujahideen and his cover into a homogeneous mass. For these qualities, the “spirits” nicknamed the Soviet ZSU “shaitan-arba”, translated as the devil’s cart.

But the main task was still air cover. The Shilok samples obtained by the Americans were comprehensively studied, and as a result, aircraft with more substantial armor protection appeared. To combat them, Soviet designers in the 1980s carried out a deep modernization of the ZSU in question. Simply changing the guns to more powerful ones was not enough; many important components of the design had to be replaced. This is how “Tunguska” was born, faithfully serving in the army to this day.

After the appearance of new cars, the Shilka was not forgotten. 39 countries have put it into service.

Almost no conflict of the second half of the twentieth century was accomplished without the use of this machine.

It happened that the “Shilkas” found themselves on opposite sides of the barricades, fighting with each other.

For the Soviet military, the appearance of "Shilok" was a real revolution. The deployment of traditional batteries was often a frustrating and terrifying experience for officers and men due to the numerous steps required to competently defend the skies. The new ZSU made it possible to protect airspace on the move, with minimal preliminary preparation. High performance characteristics, relevant even by modern standards, made the car a legend almost immediately after its birth.

Video

The ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was put into service more than 50 years ago, but despite this, it still copes with its tasks perfectly and even surpasses much later foreign-made vehicles. Let’s try to figure it out further what is responsible for such success of “Shilka”.

NATO experts began to be interested in the Soviet anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” from the moment when the first data about its capabilities appeared in the West. And in 1973, NATO members were already “feeling” the Shilka sample. The Israelis got it during the war in the Middle East. In the early eighties, the Americans began an intelligence operation with the aim of acquiring another Shilka model, contacting the brothers of Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu. Why was NATO so interested in the Soviet self-propelled gun?

I really wanted to know: are there any major changes in the modernized Soviet ZSU? The interest was understandable. “Shilka” was a unique weapon; it did not concede leadership in its class for two decades. Its contours became clearly visible in 1961, when Soviet science celebrated the victory of Gagarin's flight.

So, what is unique about the ZSU-23-4? Retired colonel Anatoly Dyakov tells the story, whose fate is closely connected with this weapon - he served for decades in the air defense forces of the Ground Forces:

“If we talk about the main thing, we for the first time began to systematically hit aerial targets with the Shilka. Prior to this, anti-aircraft systems of 23- and 37-mm ZU-23 and ZP-37 guns, and 57-mm S-60 guns hit high-speed targets only by accident. The shells for them are impact-type, without a fuse. To hit a target, it had to be hit directly by a projectile. The likelihood of this is minuscule. In a word, the previously created anti-aircraft weapons could only put a barrier in front of the plane, forcing the pilot to drop bombs away from the planned location...

In the photo: Kandahar. Nagahan turn. 1986 ZSU-23-4... "SILKA"... "SHAYTAN-ARBA"

Unit commanders expressed delight when they saw how the Shilka not only hit targets right before their eyes, but also moved after the units in the battle formations of the covered troops. A real revolution. Imagine, you don’t need to roll the guns... When arranging an ambush for batteries of S-60 anti-aircraft guns, you will suffer - it’s difficult to hide guns on the ground. And what does it take to build a battle formation, “become attached” to the area, connect all the points (power units, guns, gun guidance station, fire control devices) with a large cable system. What crowded crews there were!.. And here is a compact mobile unit. She came, fired from an ambush and left, then look for the wind in the field... Today's officers, those who think in the categories of the nineties, perceive the phrase “autonomous complex” differently: they say, what’s unusual here? And in the sixties it was a feat of design thought, the pinnacle of engineering solutions.”

The self-propelled Shilka really has many advantages. The general designer, Doctor of Technical Sciences Nikolai Astrov, as they say, is not a complete anti-aircraft gunner, managed to create a machine that has proven itself in many local wars and military conflicts.

To clarify what we are talking about, let’s talk about the purpose and composition of the 23-mm quad anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”. It is designed to protect combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway trains from enemy air attacks at altitudes from 100 to 1500 meters, at ranges from 200 to 2500 meters at target speeds of up to 450 m/s. The Shilka can also be used to destroy moving ground targets at a range of up to 2000 meters. It fires from a standstill and on the move, and is equipped with equipment that provides autonomous circular and sector search for targets, their tracking, development of gun pointing angles and its control.

The ZSU-23-4 consists of a 23-mm quadruple automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23, power drives designed for guidance. The next most important element is the RPU-2 radar and instrument complex. It serves, of course, to control fire. Moreover, “Shilka” could work both with a radar and with a conventional optical sighting device. A locator is, of course, good; it provides search, detection, automatic tracking of a target, and determines its coordinates. But at that time, the Americans began to install missiles on airplanes that could find a radar beam using a radar beam and hit it. And a viewer is a viewer. He disguised himself, saw the plane, and immediately opened fire. And no problem. The GM-575 tracked vehicle provides the ZSU with high speed of movement, maneuverability and increased maneuverability. Day and night surveillance devices allow the driver and commander of the self-propelled gun system to monitor the road and surrounding conditions at any time of the day, and communication equipment provides external communication and communication between crew numbers. The crew of the self-propelled gun consists of four people: the SPAAG commander, the search operator - gunner, the range operator and the driver.

In the photo: Iraqi ZSU-23-4M damaged during Operation Desert Storm

“Shilka” was born, as they say, in a shirt. Its development began in 1957. In 1960, the first prototype was ready, in 1961 state tests were held, in 1962, on October sixteenth, the USSR Minister of Defense issued an order for adoption, and three years later its mass production began. A little later - trial by combat.

Let’s give the floor again to Anatoly Dyakov:

“In 1982, when the Lebanese war was going on, I was on a business trip to Syria. At that time, Israel was making serious attempts to attack the troops located in the Bekaa Valley. I remember that immediately after the raid, Soviet specialists were brought the wreckage of an F-16 aircraft, the most modern at that time, shot down by the Shilka.

You could also say that the warm debris made me happy, but I wasn’t surprised by the fact itself. I knew that the Shilka could suddenly open fire in any area and give excellent results. Because I had to conduct electronic duels with Soviet aircraft at a training center near Ashgabat, where we trained specialists for one of the Arab countries. And not once were pilots in desert areas able to detect us. They themselves were targets, and that’s all, just take them and open fire on them...”

And here are the memoirs of Colonel Valentin Nesterenko, who in the eighties was an adviser to the head of the Air Force and Air Defense College in North Yemen.

“At the college that was being created,” he said, “American and Soviet specialists taught. The material part was represented by American anti-aircraft installations "Typhoon" and "Vulcan", as well as our "Shilki". At first, Yemeni officers and cadets were pro-American, believing that everything American was the best. But their confidence was thoroughly shaken during the first live firing exercises that the cadets performed. American Vulcans and our Shilkas were installed at the training ground. Moreover, American installations were serviced and prepared for firing only by American specialists. On the Shilki, all operations were performed by Arabs.

Both the warning about security measures and the requests to place targets for the Shiloks much further than for the Vulcans were perceived by many as propaganda attacks by the Russians. But when our first installation fired a salvo, spewing out a sea of ​​fire and a hail of spent cartridges, American specialists with enviable haste ducked into the hatches and took their installation away.

And on the mountain the targets, blown to pieces, burned brightly. During the entire shooting period, the Shilkas worked flawlessly. "Vulcans" had a number of serious breakdowns. One of them was dealt with only with the help of Soviet specialists...”

It is appropriate to say here: Israeli intelligence discovered that the Arabs first used the Shilka back in 1973. At the same time, the Israelis quickly planned an operation to capture Soviet-made ZSU and successfully carried it out. But Shilka was studied primarily by NATO specialists. They were interested in how it was more effective than the American 20-mm Vulcan XM-163 self-propelled gun, and whether it was possible to take into account its best design features when fine-tuning the West German 35-mm twin self-propelled gun "Gepard", which had just begun to enter the army.

The reader will probably ask: why later, already in the early eighties, did the Americans need another model? “Shilka” was rated very highly by experts, and therefore, when it became known that modernized versions had begun to be produced, they decided to get another car overseas.

Our self-propelled gun was indeed constantly modernized, in particular, one of the variants even acquired a new name - ZSU-23-4M Biryusa. But it didn’t change elementally. Except that over time a commander's device appeared - for ease of guidance and transfer of the turret to the target. The blocks became more perfect and reliable every year. Locator, for example.

And, of course, the authority of Shilka grew in Afghanistan. There were no commanders there who were indifferent to her. A convoy is walking along the roads, and suddenly there is fire from an ambush, try to organize a defense, all the vehicles have already been targeted. There is only one salvation - “Shilka”. A long line into the enemy camp, and a sea of ​​fire in the position. They called the self-propelled gun "shaitan-arba". The start of her work was determined immediately and the withdrawal immediately began. “Shilka” saved the lives of thousands of Soviet soldiers.

In Afghanistan, the Shilka fully realized the ability to fire at ground targets in the mountains. Moreover, a special “Afghan version” was created. A radio device complex was seized from the ZSU. Thanks to it, the ammunition load was increased from 2000 to 4000 rounds. A night sight was also installed.

Interesting touch. Columns accompanied by the Shilka were rarely attacked, not only in the mountains, but also near populated areas. The ZSU was dangerous for manpower hidden behind the adobe ducts - the fuse of the “Sh” projectile was triggered when it hit the wall. The Shilka was also effective against lightly armored targets - armored personnel carriers, vehicles...

Each weapon has its own destiny, its own life. In the post-war period, many types of weapons quickly became obsolete. 5-7 years - and a more modern generation appeared. And only “Shilka” has been in combat service for more than thirty years. It also justified itself during the Gulf War in 1991, where the Americans used various means of air attack, including the B-52 bombers known from Vietnam. There were very confident statements: they, they say, will smash the goals to smithereens.

And now, at low altitudes, the Shilka self-propelled gun, together with the Strela-3 complex, opens fire. One plane's engine immediately caught fire. No matter how hard the B-52 tried to reach the base, it was not possible.

And one more indicator. "Shilka" is in service in 39 countries. Moreover, it was bought not only by the USSR’s allies under the Warsaw Pact, but also by India, Peru, Syria, Yugoslavia... And the reasons are as follows. High fire efficiency, maneuverability. "Shilka" is not inferior to foreign analogues. Including the famous American installation “Vulcan”.

The Vulcan, which entered service in 1966, has a number of advantages, but in many respects it is inferior to the Soviet Shilka. The American ZSU can shoot at targets that move at a speed of no more than 310 m/s, while the Shilka works at higher speeds - up to 450 m/s. My interlocutor Anatoly Dyakov said that he acted in a training battle on the Vulcan in Jordan and cannot say that the American vehicle is better, although it was adopted later. Jordanian experts have approximately the same opinion.

In the photo: Egyptian “Shilkas” at the 1973 parade.

A fundamental difference from the Shilka is the Gepard self-propelled gun (Germany). The large caliber of the gun (35 mm) makes it possible to have shells with a fuse and, accordingly, greater effectiveness of destruction - the target is hit by shrapnel. The West German ZSU can hit targets at altitudes of up to 3 kilometers, flying at speeds of up to 350-400 m/s; its firing range is up to 4 kilometers. However, the "Gepard" has a lower rate of fire compared to the "Shilka" - 1100 rounds per minute versus - 3400 ("Vulcan" - up to 3000), it is more than twice as heavy - 45.6 tons. And we note that the “Gepard” was put into service 11 years later than the “Shilka”, in 1973, this is a machine of a later generation.

The French anti-aircraft artillery complex Turren AMX-13 and the Swedish Bofors EAAC-40 are known in many countries. But they are not superior to the ZSU created by Soviet scientists and workers. “Shilka” is still in service with ground forces of many armies around the world, including the Russian one.

In the photo: ZSU-23-4 cover T-55 tanks during exercises

Almost simultaneously with the start of serial production of the ZSU-57-2 on April 17, 1957, the Council of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 426-211 on the development of new rapid-fire ZSU "Shilka" and "Yenisei" with radar guidance systems. This was a kind of response to the adoption of the M42A1 ZSU into service in the United States.

Formally, “Shilka” and “Yenisei” were not competitors, since the first was developed to provide air defense for motorized rifle regiments to hit targets at altitudes up to 1500 m, and the second was developed for air defense of tank regiments and divisions and operated at altitudes up to 3000 m.

The ZSU-37-2 “Yenisei” used a 37-mm 500P assault rifle, developed at OKB-16 (chief designer A. E. Nudelman). The 500P had no analogues in ballistics, and its cartridges were not interchangeable with other 37-mm automatic guns of the army and navy, with the exception of the low-volume Shkval anti-aircraft gun.

Especially for the Yenisei, OKB-43 designed a twin Angara cannon, equipped with two 500P belt-fed assault rifles. "Angara" had a liquid cooling system for the barrels and servo electro-hydraulic drives, which were later planned to be replaced with purely electric ones. Guidance drive systems were developed by the Moscow TsNII-173 GKOT - for power servo guidance drives and the Kovrov branch of TsNII-173 (now VNII Signal) - for stabilizing the line of sight and line of fire.

Guidance of the Angara was carried out using the noise-proof RPK Baikal, created at the Research Institute-20 of the State Committee for Energy and Energy and operating in the centimeter wave range - about 3 cm. Looking ahead, let's say during tests it turned out that neither the Tobol RPK on the Shilka ", nor "Baikal" on the "Yenisei" could independently search for an air target with sufficient efficiency, therefore, even in the resolution of SM No. 426-211 of April 17, 1957, it was provided for the creation and transfer for state testing in the II quarter of 1960 of a mobile radar "Ob" for controlling the ZSU. "Ob" included the "Neva" command vehicle with the "Irtysh" target designation radar and the "Baikal" RPK, located in the "Yenisei" ZSU. The Ob complex was supposed to simultaneously control the fire of six to eight ZSUs. However, in mid-1959, work on the Ob was stopped - this made it possible to speed up the development of the Krug anti-aircraft missile system.

The chassis for the Yenisei was designed at the Uralmash Design Bureau under the leadership of G.S. Efimov based on the chassis of the experimental self-propelled unit SU-10OP. Its production was supposed to be launched at the Lipetsk Tractor Plant.

The ZSU-37-2 had bulletproof armor, which at the ammunition locations provided protection against the 7.62 mm B-32 rifle armor-piercing bullet from a distance of 400 m.

To power the on-board network, the Yenisei was equipped with a special gas turbine engine developed by NAMI, the use of which made it possible to ensure rapid readiness for combat at low air temperatures.

Tests of the Shilka and Yenisei self-propelled guns took place in parallel, although according to different programs.

“Yenisei” had a range and ceiling range close to the ZSU-57-2, and according to the conclusion of the State Commission, “provided cover for tank forces in all types of combat, since air attack weapons against tank forces primarily operate at altitudes up to 3000 m.” . Normal firing mode (tank) - a continuous burst of up to 150 shots per barrel, then a break of 30 seconds (air cooling) and repeating the cycle until the ammunition is used up.

During the tests, it was found that one Yenisei ZSU is superior in efficiency to a six-gun battery of 57-mm S-60 cannons and a battery of four ZSU-57-2.

During testing, the Yenisei ZSU ensured shooting while moving on virgin soil at a speed of 20 - 25 km/h. When driving along a tank track at a training ground at a speed of 8-10 km/h, the shooting accuracy was 25% lower than from a standstill. The accuracy of the Angara cannon is 2 - 2.5 times higher than the S-68 cannon.

During state tests, 6,266 shots were fired from the Angara cannon. At the same time, only two delays and four breakdowns were noted, which amounted to 0.08% of delays and 0.06% of breakdowns from the number of shots fired, which is less than permissible according to III. During testing, the SDU (passive interference protection equipment) malfunctioned, but the chassis showed good maneuverability.

• operating limit for target speed is up to 660 m/s at altitudes over 300 m and 415 m/s at altitudes 100 - 300 m;

• the average detection range of a MiG-17 aircraft in a 30° sector without target designation is 18 km (the maximum tracking range of a MiG-17 is 20 km);

• maximum target tracking speed vertically - 40 degrees/s, horizontally - 60 degrees/s. The time for transferring to combat readiness from the preliminary readiness mode is 10 - 15 s.

According to the data obtained during the tests, it was proposed to use the Yenisei to protect the Krug and Kub army anti-aircraft missile systems, since its effective firing zone overlapped the dead zone of these air defense systems.

The Shilka, designed in parallel with the Yenisei, used the 2A7 assault rifle, which was a modification of the 2A14 assault rifle of the ZU-23 towed installation.

Let us remind the reader that in 1955 - 1959 several 23-mm towed installations were tested, but only the twin ZU-14 on two wheels, developed at KBP under the leadership of N.M. Afanasyev and P.G. Yakushev, was adopted. The ZU-14 was officially adopted by Decree CM No. 313-25 of March 22, 1960 and received the name ZU-23 (GRAU index - 2A13). It entered service with the airborne troops of the Soviet Army, was in service with the Warsaw Pact countries and many developing countries, and participated in many local wars and conflicts. However, the ZU-23 had significant drawbacks: it could not accompany tank and motorized rifle units.

niya, and the accuracy of its fire was reduced due to manual aiming and the absence of a PKK.

When creating the 2A7 assault rifle, a casing with liquid cooling elements, a pneumatic reloading mechanism and an electric trigger were introduced into the 2A14 design. When firing, the barrels were cooled by running water or antifreeze through grooves on their outer surface. After a burst of up to 50 shots (per barrel), a break of 2 - 3 s was required, and after 120 - 150 shots - 10 - 15 s. After 3000 shots the barrel had to be replaced. The spare parts for the installation included 4 spare barrels. The quadruple installation of 2A7 assault rifles was called the “Amur” gun (army designation - AZP-23, GRAU index - 2A10).

During state tests, 14,194 shots were fired from the Amur cannon and 7 delays were obtained, that is, 0.05% (according to the TTT, 0.3% was allowed). The number of breakdowns is also 7, or 0.05% (according to TTT, 0.2% was allowed). The power drives for gun guidance worked quite smoothly, stably and reliably.

RPK "Tobol" as a whole also worked quite satisfactorily. The target, a MiG-17 aircraft, after receiving target designation via radiotelephone, was detected at a distance of 12.7 km with a sector search of 30° (according to TTT - 15 km). The automatic target tracking range was 9 km for approach and 15 km for distance. The RPK worked against targets flying at speeds of up to 200 m/s, but based on test data, a calculation was made that proved that its operating limit for target speed was 450 m/s, that is, it corresponded to III. The magnitude of the RPK sector search was adjustable from 27° to 87°.

During sea trials on a dry dirt road, a speed of 50.2 km/h was achieved. The fuel reserve was enough for 330 km and still remained for 2 hours of operation of the gas turbine engine.

Since the “Shilka” was intended to replace 14.5-mm quad ZPU-4 anti-aircraft machine gun mounts and 37-mm 61-K mod. guns in motorized rifle regiments and airborne divisions. 1939, then, based on the test results, the probability of hitting a target of the F-86 fighter type flying at an altitude of 1000 m from these artillery systems was calculated (see table).

After completing the tests of the Shilka and the Yenisei, the state commission examined the comparative characteristics of both self-propelled guns and issued a conclusion on them:

1) “Shilka” and “Yenisei” are equipped with a radar system and provide shooting day and night in any weather; 2) the weight of the Yenisei is 28 tons, which is unacceptable for arming motorized rifle units and airborne forces; 3) when firing at MiG-17 and Il-28 aircraft at an altitude of 200 and 500 m, the Shilka is 2 and 1.5 times more effective than the Yenisei, respectively; 4) “Yenisei” is intended for air defense of tank regiments and tank divisions for the following reasons: - tank units and formations operate mainly in isolation from the main group of troops. "Yenisei" provides escort of tanks at all stages of the battle, provides effective fire at altitudes up to 3000 m and ranges up to 4500 m. The use of this installation practically eliminates accurate bombing of tanks, which the "Shilka" cannot provide; - there are quite powerful high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing shells. "Yenisei" can fire more effectively in self-defense at ground targets when following tank forces in battle formations; 5) unification of new self-propelled guns with products in mass production: - according to Shilka - a 23-mm machine gun and rounds for it are in mass production. The SU-85 tracked base is manufactured at MMZ; - according to the Yenisei - the RPK is unified in modules with the Krug system, in the tracked base - with the SU-100P, for the production of which 2 - 3 factories are preparing.

Both in the above excerpts from the commission’s conclusion and in other documents there is no clear justification for the priority of Shilka over Yenisei. Even their cost was comparable.

The commission recommended adopting both ZSUs. But by resolution of the Council of Ministers of September 5, 1962 No. 925-401, only the Shilka was accepted into service, and on September 20 of the same year, the State Defense Committee issued an order to stop work on the Yenisei. An indirect proof of the delicacy of the situation was that two days after the closure of work on the Yenisei, an order from the State Committee for Technical Development appeared on equal bonuses for organizations working on both machines.

The Tula Machine-Building Plant was supposed to begin serial production of Amur guns for Shilka at the beginning of 1963. However, both the guns and the vehicle turned out to be largely unfinished. A significant design defect was the unreliable removal of spent cartridges, which accumulated in the cartridge outlets and jammed the machine gun. There were also defects in the barrel cooling system, in the vertical guidance mechanism, etc.

As a result, “Shilka” went into mass production only in 1964. This year it was planned to produce 40 cars, but this was not possible. Nevertheless, mass production of the ZSU-23-4 was later launched. In the late 60s, their average annual production was about 300 cars.

Description of the design of the Shilka ZSU

In the welded body of the GM-575 tracked vehicle there is a control compartment in the bow, a combat compartment in the middle and a power compartment in the stern. Between them there were partitions that served as the front and rear supports of the tower.

The ZSU is equipped with an 8D6 diesel engine, which was given the designation B-6R by the manufacturer for installation on the GM-575. Machines manufactured since 1969 were equipped with the V-6R-1 engine, which had minor design changes.

The V-6R engine is a six-cylinder, four-stroke, compressor-free, liquid-cooled diesel engine. Maximum power at 2000 rpm - 280 hp. The cylinder displacement is 19.1 liters, the compression ratio is 15.0.

The GM-575 is equipped with two welded aluminum alloy fuel tanks - front 405 liters and rear 110 liters. The first is located in a separate compartment of the bow of the hull.

The power transmission is mechanical, with stepwise change of gear ratios, located in the aft part. The main clutch is multi-disc, dry friction. The main clutch control drive is mechanical, from the pedal at the driver's seat. The gearbox is mechanical, three-way, five-speed, with synchronizers in II, III, IV and V gears.

The rotation mechanisms are planetary, two-stage, with locking clutches. Final drives are single-stage, with spur gears.

The tracked drive of the machine consists of two drive wheels, two guide wheels with a track tensioning mechanism, two track chains and twelve road wheels.

The caterpillar chain is metal, with lantern engagement, with closed hinges, made of 93 steel tracks connected to each other by steel pins. Track width is 382 mm, track pitch is 128 mm.

The drive wheels are welded, with removable rims, rear-mounted. The guide wheels are single, with metal rims. The support rollers are welded, single, with rubber-coated rims.

The vehicle's suspension is independent, torsion bar, asymmetrical, with hydraulic shock absorbers on the first front, fifth left and sixth right road wheels; spring stops on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth left track rollers and the first, third, fourth and sixth right track rollers.

The tower is a welded structure with a ring diameter of 1840 mm. It is attached to the frame by the front frontal plates, on the left and right walls of which the upper and lower gun cradles are attached. When the swinging part of the gun is given an elevation angle, the embrasure of the frame is partially covered by a movable shield, the roller of which slides along the guide of the lower cradle.

There are three hatches on the right side plate: one, with a bolted cover, is used for mounting turret equipment, the other two are closed with a visor and are air inlets for the ventilation of the units and the supercharger of the PAZ system. A casing is welded to the outside of the left side of the turret, designed to remove steam from the gun barrel cooling system. There are two hatches in the rear turret for servicing equipment.

The turret is equipped with a 23-mm quad gun AZP-23 "Amur". It, together with the turret, was assigned the index 2A10, the gun's submachine guns - 2A7, and the power drives - 2E2. The automatic operation of the gun is based on the removal of powder gases through a side hole in the barrel wall. The barrel consists of a pipe, cooling system casings, a gas chamber and a flame arrester. The valve is wedge, with the wedge lowering down. The length of the machine gun with a flame arrester is 2610 mm, the length of the barrel with a flame arrester is 2050 mm (without a flame arrester - 1880 mm). The length of the threaded part is 1730 mm. The weight of one machine gun is 85 kg, the weight of the entire artillery unit is 4964 kg.

The cartridges are fed from the side, chambering is direct, directly from the link with the cartridge skewed. Right-hand machines have right-hand tape feed, left-hand ones - left-hand feed. The tape is fed into the receiving windows of the machines from the cartridge box. For this, the energy of the powder gases is used, driving the feed mechanism through the bolt frame, and partly the recoil energy of the machine guns. The gun is equipped with two boxes of 1000 rounds of ammunition (of which the upper machine gun has 480, and the lower machine has 520 rounds) and a pneumatic reloading system for cocking the moving parts of the machine guns in preparation for firing and reloading in case of misfires.

Two machines are mounted on each cradle. Two cradles (upper and lower) are mounted on the frame, one above the other, at a distance of 320 mm from each other in a horizontal position, the lower one is extended forward in relation to the upper one by 320 mm. The parallelism of the trunks is ensured by a parallelogram rod connecting both cradles. Two gear sectors are attached to the bottom and mesh with the gears of the input shaft of the vertical guidance gearbox. The Amur cannon is placed on a base mounted on a ball shoulder strap. The base consists of upper and lower boxes. An armored turret is attached to the end of the upper box. Inside the base there are two longitudinal beams that serve as support for the frame. Both cradles with automatic machines attached to them swing in the bearings of the frame and swing on axles.

The gun's ammunition load includes 23-mm BZT and OFZT shells. Armor-piercing BZT shells weighing 190 g do not have a fuse or explosive, but only contain an incendiary substance for tracing. OFZT fragmentation shells weighing 188.5 g have an MG-25 head fuse. The propellant charge for both projectiles is the same - 77 g of gunpowder grade 5/7 TsFL. Cartridge weight 450 g. Steel sleeve, disposable. The ballistic data of both projectiles are the same - initial speed 980 m/s, table ceiling 1500 m, table range 2000 m. OFZT projectiles are equipped with self-destructors with an action time of 5-11 s. The machine guns are powered by a belt feed, with a capacity of 50 rounds. The belt alternates four OFZT cartridges - one BZT cartridge, etc.

Guidance and stabilization of the AZP-23 gun is carried out by 2E2 power guidance drives. The 2E2 system used URS (Jenny coupling): for horizontal guidance - URS No. 5, and for vertical guidance - URS No. 2.5. Both operate from a common DSO-20 electric motor with a power of 6 kW.

Depending on external conditions and the state of the equipment, firing at anti-aircraft targets is carried out in the following modes.

The first (main) is the auto-tracking mode, angular coordinates and range are determined by the radar, which automatically tracks the target along them, providing data to the computing device (analog computer) for generating pre-emptive coordinates. Fire is opened upon the “Data available” signal on the counting device. The RPK automatically generates full pointing angles, taking into account the pitching and yaw of the self-propelled gun and sends them to the guidance drives, and the latter automatically point the gun at the lead point. Firing is carried out by the commander or search operator - gunner.

The second mode - angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range - from the radar.

The angular current coordinates of the target are supplied to the calculating device from the sighting device, which is guided by the search operator - the gunner - semi-automatically, and the range values ​​come from the radar. Thus, the radar operates in radio range finder mode. This mode is auxiliary and is used in the presence of interference that causes malfunctions in the operation of the antenna guidance system along angular coordinates, or, in the event of a malfunction in the auto-tracking channel, along the angular coordinates of the radar. Otherwise, the complex works the same as in auto tracking mode.

The third mode - proactive coordinates are generated based on the “remembered” values ​​of the current coordinates X, Y, H and the target velocity components Vx, V and Vh, based on the hypothesis of uniform rectilinear motion of the target in any plane. The mode is used when there is a threat of losing a radar target during automatic tracking due to interference or malfunctions.

The fourth mode is shooting using a backup sight, aiming is carried out in semi-automatic mode. The lead is introduced by the search operator - the gunner along the angle rings of the backup sight. This mode is used when the radar, computer and stabilization systems fail.

The radar-instrument complex is designed to control the fire of the AZP-23 cannon and is located in the instrument compartment of the tower. It includes: a radar station, a counting device, blocks and elements of stabilization systems for the line of sight and line of fire, and a sighting device. The radar station is designed to detect low-flying high-speed targets and accurately determine the coordinates of the selected target, which can be done in two modes: a) angular coordinates and range are tracked automatically; b) angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range comes from the radar.

The radar operates in the range of 1 - 1.5 cm waves. The choice of range is due to a number of reasons. Such stations have antennas with small weight and dimensions. Radars in the 1-1.5 cm wavelength range are less susceptible to deliberate enemy interference, since the ability to operate in a wide frequency band allows, by using broadband frequency modulation and signal coding, to increase noise immunity and the processing speed of received information. By increasing the Doppler frequency shifts of reflected signals arising from moving and maneuvering targets, their recognition and classification is ensured. In addition, this range is less loaded with other radio equipment. Looking ahead, let's say that radars operating in this range make it possible to detect air targets developed using stealth technology. By the way, according to the foreign press, during Operation Desert Storm, an American F-117A aircraft built using this technology was shot down by an Iraqi Shilka.

The disadvantage of radar is its relatively short range, usually not exceeding 10 - 20 km and depending on the state of the atmosphere, primarily on the intensity of precipitation - rain or sleet. To protect against passive interference, the Shilki radar uses a coherent-pulse method of target selection. Simply put, constant signals from terrain objects and passive interference are not taken into account, and signals from moving targets are sent to the PKK. The radar is controlled by the search operator and the range operator.

The power supply system is designed to power all ZSU-23-4 consumers with direct current voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V and alternating current voltage of 220 V, frequency 400 Hz.

The main elements of the power supply system include:

• gas turbine engine of the power supply system type DG4M-1, designed to rotate the DC generator;

• a set of PGS2-14A DC generator with equipment designed to power DC consumers with a stabilized voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V;

• a set of converter block BP-III with a block of contactors BK-III, designed to convert direct current into alternating three-phase current;

• four 12-ST-70M batteries designed to compensate for peak overloads of the DC generator, to power the starters of the DG4M-1 engine and the V-6R engine of the machine, as well as to power instruments and electrical consumers when the generator is not working.

The DG4M-1 gas turbine engine, the power supply system gearbox and the PGS2-14A generator are connected to each other into a single power unit, which is installed in the power compartment of the machine in the right rear niche and is rigidly fixed at four points. Rated power of the DG4M-1 engine is 70 hp. at 6000 rpm. Specific fuel consumption up to 1050 g/hp. at one o'clock. The maximum starting time for the DG4M-1 engine with acceptance of the rated load, including cold cranking, is 2 minutes. The dry weight of the DG4M-1 engine is 130 kg.

The ZSU-23-4 is equipped with a short-wave frequency-modulated telephone transceiver radio station R-123. Its range of action in moderately rough terrain with the noise suppressor turned off and no interference is up to 23 km, and with the noise suppressor turned on - up to 13 km.

For internal communication, a tank intercom R-124 for 4 subscribers is used.

ZSU-23-4 is equipped with TNA-2 navigation equipment. Its arithmetic mean error in generating coordinates as a percentage of the distance traveled is no more than 1%. When the ZSU is moving, the operating time of the equipment without reorientation is 3 - 3.5 hours.

The crew is protected from radioactive dust by cleaning the air and creating excess pressure in the fighting compartment and control compartment. For this purpose, a central blower with inertial air separation is used.

Operation, modernization and combat use of "Shilka"

ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” began to enter service with the troops in 1965 and by the beginning of the 70s they completely replaced the ZSU-57-2. Initially, the statewide tank regiment had a “shiloka” division, which consisted of two batteries of four vehicles each. At the end of the 60s, it often happened that in a division one battery had a ZSU-23-4 and one battery had a ZSU-57-2. Later, motorized rifle and tank regiments received a standard anti-aircraft battery, consisting of two platoons. One platoon had four Shilka self-propelled air defense systems, and the other had four Strela-1 self-propelled air defense systems (then Strela-10 air defense systems).

The operation of the Shilka has shown that the RPK-2 works well under conditions of passive interference. There was practically no active jamming of the Shilka during our exercises, since there were no radio countermeasures at its operating frequencies, at least in the 70s. Significant shortcomings of the PKK were also revealed, which often needed reconfiguration. Instability of the electrical parameters of the circuits was noted. The RPK could take the target for auto tracking no closer than 7 - 8 km from the ZSU. At shorter distances this was difficult to do due to the high angular velocity of the target. When switching from detection mode to auto-tracking mode, the target was sometimes lost.

The DG4M-1 gas turbine engines were constantly malfunctioning, and the on-board generator operated primarily from the main engine. In turn, systematic operation of the diesel engine while parked at low speeds led to its tarring.

In the second half of the 60s, the ZSU-23-4 underwent two small modernizations, the main purpose of which was to increase the reliability of various components and assemblies, primarily the RPK. The vehicles of the first modernization received the index ZSU-23-4V, and the second - ZSU-23-4V1. The main tactical and technical characteristics of self-propelled guns remained unchanged.

In October 1967, the Council of Ministers issued a resolution on a more serious modernization of the Shilka. Its most important part was the redesign of the 2A7 assault rifles and the 2A10 gun in order to increase the reliability and stability of the complex, increase the survivability of gun parts and reduce maintenance time. During the modernization process, the pneumatic charging of 2A7 assault rifles was replaced by pyrocharging, which made it possible to exclude an unreliably operating compressor and a number of other components from the design. The welded coolant drain pipe was replaced with a flexible pipeline - this increased the barrel life from 3500 to 4500 shots. In 1973, the modernized ZSU-23-4M was put into service along with the 2A7M assault rifle and the 2A10M cannon. The ZSU-23-4M received the designation “Biryusa”, but the troops still called it “Shilka”.

After the next modernization, the installation received the index ZSU-23-4MZ (3 - interrogator). For the first time, “friend or foe” identification equipment was installed on it. Later, during repairs, all ZSU-23-4M were brought to the level of ZSU-23-4MZ. Production of the ZSU-23-4MZ ceased in 1982.

"Shilkas" were widely exported to the Warsaw Pact countries, the Middle East and other regions. They took an active part in the Arab-Israeli wars, the Iraqi-Iranian war (on both sides), and the Gulf War in 1991.

There are different points of view regarding the effectiveness of the Shilka in the fight against air targets. Thus, during the 1973 war, shilkis accounted for about 10% of all Israeli aircraft losses (the rest were distributed between air defense systems and fighter aircraft). However, the pilots taken prisoner showed that the “shilkas” literally created a sea of ​​fire and the pilots instinctively left the ZSU fire zone and fell into the range of the air defense missile system. During Operation Desert Storm, pilots of the multinational forces tried not to operate unnecessarily at altitudes less than 1300 m, fearing fire from the Shiloks.

In Afghanistan, “shilkas” were highly valued by our officers and soldiers. A convoy is walking along the road, and suddenly there is fire from an ambush, try to organize a defense, all the vehicles have already been targeted. There is only one salvation - “Shil-ka”. A long burst of fire at the enemy, and a sea of ​​fire at his position. The dushmans called our self-propelled gun “shaitan-arba”. They determined the beginning of her work immediately and immediately began to leave. “Shilka” saved the lives of thousands of Soviet soldiers.

In Afghanistan, this ZSU fully realized the ability to fire at ground targets in the mountains. Moreover, a special “Afghan version” appeared - as it was no longer needed, the radio instrument complex was dismantled, due to which it was possible to increase the ammunition load from 2000 to 4000 rounds. A night sight was also installed.

Interesting touch. Columns accompanied by the Shilka were rarely attacked, not only in the mountains, but also near populated areas. The ZSU was dangerous for manpower hidden behind the adobe ducts - the shell fuse was triggered when it hit the wall. The Shilka was also effective against lightly armored targets - armored personnel carriers, vehicles...

When adopting the Shil-ku, both the military and representatives of the military-industrial complex understood that the 23-mm Amur cannon was too weak. This applied to the short slanted firing range, to the ceiling, and to the weakness of the high-explosive effect of the projectile. The Americans added fuel to the fire by advertising the new A-10 attack aircraft, which was supposedly invulnerable to 23-mm Shilka shells. As a result, almost the next day after the ZSU-23-4 was put into service, conversations began at all high levels about its modernization in terms of increasing firepower and, first of all, increasing the effective firing range and the destructive effect of the projectile.

Since the fall of 1962, several preliminary designs for installing 30-mm machine guns on the Shilka have been worked out. Among them, we considered the 30-mm revolver-type assault rifle NN-30 designed by OKB-16, used in the shipborne AK-230 installation, the 30-mm six-barrel assault rifle AO-18 from the shipborne installations AK-630, and the 30-mm double-barreled assault rifle AO-17 designed by KBP . In addition, the AO-16 57-mm double-barreled assault rifle, specially designed at KBP for an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, was tested.

On March 26, 1963, a technical council was held in Mytishchi near Moscow under the leadership of N.A. Astrov. It was decided to increase the caliber of the ZSU from 23 to 30 mm. This doubled (from 1000 to 2000 m) the zone of 50% probability of hitting a target and increased the firing range from 2500 to 4000 m. Firing efficiency against a MiG-17 fighter flying at an altitude of 1000 m at a speed of 200 - 250 m/s , increased by 1.5 times.

When comparing 30-mm machine guns, it was indicated that the extraction of cartridges from the NN-30 goes back down, and the removal of cartridges from the Shilka turret goes forward to the side, which will require significant alterations in the ZSU. When comparing the AO-17 and AO-18, which had the same ballistics, the advantage of the former was noted, which required less modification of individual components, provided easier operating conditions for the drives, maintaining to a greater extent the continuity of the design, including the turret ring, horizontal gearbox, guidance , hydraulic drive, etc.

Almost simultaneously with the start of serial production of the ZSU-57-2 on April 17, 1957, the Council of Ministers adopted Resolution N9 426-211 on the development of new rapid-fire ZSU "Shilka" and "Yenisei" with radar guidance systems. This was a kind of response to the adoption of the M42A1 ZSU into service in the United States.

Formally, “Shilka” and “Yenisei” were not competitors, since the first was developed to provide air defense for motorized rifle regiments to hit targets at altitudes up to 1500 m, and the second was developed for air defense of tank regiments and divisions and operated at altitudes up to 3000 m.

The ZSU-37-2 "Yenisei" used a 37-mm 500P assault rifle, developed at OKB-16 (chief designer A.E. Nudelman). The 500P had no analogues in ballistics, and its cartridges were not interchangeable with other 37 mm automatic guns of the army and navy, with the exception of the low-volume Shkval anti-aircraft gun.

Especially for the Yenisei, OKB-43 designed a twin Angara cannon, equipped with two 500P belt-fed assault rifles. "Angara" had a liquid cooling system for the barrels and servo electro-hydraulic drives, which were later planned to be replaced with purely electric ones. Guidance drive systems were developed by the Moscow TsNII-173 GKOT - for power servo guidance drives and the Kovrov branch of TsNII-173 (now VNII Signal) - for stabilization of the line of sight and line of fire.

Guidance of the Angara was carried out using the noise-immune RPK Baikal, created at NII-20 GKRE and operating in the centimeter wave range - about 3 cm. Looking ahead, let’s say - during tests it turned out that neither the Tobol RPK on the Shilka ", nor "Baikal" on the "Yenisei" could independently search for an air target with sufficient efficiency, therefore, even in the decree SM N9 426-211 of 04/17/1957, a mobile radar was created and transferred for state testing in the II quarter of 1960 "Ob" for controlling the ZSU. "Ob" included the "Neva" command vehicle with the "Irtysh" target designation radar and the "Baikal" RPK, located in the "Yenisei" ZSU. The Ob complex was supposed to simultaneously control the fire of six to eight ZSUs. However, in mid-1959, work on the Ob was stopped - this made it possible to speed up the development of the Krug anti-aircraft missile system.

The chassis for the Yenisei was designed at the Uralmash Design Bureau under the leadership of G.S. Efimov based on the chassis of the experimental self-propelled unit SU-10OP. Its production was supposed to be launched at the Lipetsk Tractor Plant.

The ZSU-37-2 had bulletproof armor, which at the ammunition locations provided protection against the 7.62 mm B-32 rifle armor-piercing bullet from a distance of 400 m.

To power the on-board network, the Yenisei was equipped with a special gas turbine engine developed by NAMI, the use of which made it possible to ensure rapid readiness for combat at low air temperatures.

Tests of the Shilka and Yenisei self-propelled guns took place in parallel, although according to different programs (see table).

“Yenisei” had a range and ceiling range close to the ZSU-57-2, and according to the conclusion of the State Commission, “provided cover for tank forces in all types of combat, since air attack weapons against tank forces primarily operate at altitudes up to 3000 m.” . Normal firing mode (tank) is a continuous burst of up to 150 rounds per barrel, then a break of 30 seconds (air cooling) and repeating the cycle until the ammunition is used up.

During the tests, it was found that one Yenisei ZSU is superior in efficiency to a six-gun battery of 57-mm S-60 cannons and a battery of four ZSU-57-2.

During testing, the Yenisei ZSU ensured shooting while moving on virgin soil at a speed of 20 - 25 km/h. When driving along a tank track at a training ground at a speed of 8 - 10 km/h, the shooting accuracy was 25% lower than from a standstill. The accuracy of the Angara cannon is 2 - 2.5 times higher than the S-68 cannon.

During state tests, 6,266 shots were fired from the Angara cannon. At the same time, only two delays and four breakdowns were noted, which amounted to 0.08% of delays and 0.06% of breakdowns from the number of shots fired, which is less than permissible according to III. During the tests, the SDU (passive interference protection equipment) malfunctioned. The chassis showed good maneuverability.

The Baikal RPK functioned satisfactorily during testing and showed the following results:

The target speed limit is up to 660 m/s at altitudes over 300 m and 415 m/s at altitudes 100 - 300 m;

The average detection range of a MiG-17 aircraft in the 30° sector without target designation is 18 km (the maximum tracking range of the MiG-17 is 20 km);

The maximum speed of target tracking vertically is 40 degrees/s, horizontally - 60 degrees/s. The time for transferring to combat readiness from the preliminary readiness mode is 10 - 15 s.

According to the data obtained during the tests, it was proposed to use the Yenisei to protect the Krug and Kub army anti-aircraft missile systems, since its effective firing zone overlapped the dead zone of these air defense systems.

The Shilka, designed in parallel with the Yenisei, used the 2A7 assault rifle, which was a modification of the 2A14 assault rifle of the ZU-23 towed installation.

Let us remind the reader that in 1955 - 1959 several 23-mm towed installations were tested, but only the twin ZU-14 on two wheels, developed at KBP under the leadership of N.M. Afanasyev and P.G. Yakushev, was adopted. The ZU-14 was officially adopted by CM Resolution No. 313-25 of March 22, 1960 and received the name ZU-23 (GRAU index - 2A13). It entered service with the airborne troops of the Soviet Army, was in service with the Warsaw Pact countries and many developing countries, and participated in many local wars and conflicts. However, the ZU-23 had significant drawbacks: it could not accompany tank and motorized rifle subunits

niya, and the accuracy of its fire was reduced due to manual aiming and the absence of a PKK.

When creating the 2A7 assault rifle, a casing with liquid cooling elements, a pneumatic reloading mechanism and an electric trigger were introduced into the 2A14 design. When firing, the barrels were cooled by running water or antifreeze through grooves on their outer surface. After a burst of up to 50 shots (per barrel), a break of 2 - 3 s was required, and after 120 - 150 shots - 10 - 15 s. After 3000 shots the barrel had to be replaced. The spare parts for the installation included 4 spare barrels. The quadruple installation of 2A7 assault rifles was called the “Amur” gun (army designation - AZP-23, GRAU index - 2A10).

During state tests, 14,194 shots were fired from the Amur cannon and 7 delays were obtained, that is, 0.05% (according to the TTT, 0.3% was allowed). The number of breakdowns is also 7, or 0.05% (according to TTT, 0.2% was allowed). The power drives for gun guidance worked quite smoothly, stably and reliably.

RPK "Tobol" as a whole also worked quite satisfactorily. The target, a MiG-17 aircraft, after receiving target designation via radiotelephone, was detected at a distance of 12.7 km with a sector search of 30° (according to TTT - 15 km). The automatic target tracking range was 9 km for approach and 15 km for distance. The RPK worked against targets flying at speeds of up to 200 m/s, but based on test data, a calculation was made that proved that its operating limit for target speed was 450 m/s, that is, it corresponded to TTT. The magnitude of the RPK sector search was adjustable from 27° to 87°.

During sea trials on a dry dirt road, a speed of 50.2 km/h was achieved. The fuel reserve was enough for 330 km and still remained for 2 hours of operation of the gas turbine engine.

ZSU-2E-4V on display at the Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineering and Signal Corps in St. Petersburg. On the sides of the turret in front there are spare parts boxes, typical for early production vehicles. On the right side of the turret at the rear there is a fan pocket. The PJ1C antenna is rotated 180°.

Since the “Shilka” was intended to replace 14.5-mm quad ZPU-4 anti-aircraft machine gun mounts and 37-mm 61-K mod. guns in motorized rifle regiments and airborne divisions. 1939, then, based on the test results, the probability of hitting a target of the F-86 fighter type flying at an altitude of 1000 m from these artillery systems was calculated (see table).

After completing the tests of the Shilka and the Yenisei, the state commission examined the comparative characteristics of both self-propelled guns and issued a conclusion on them:

1) “Shilka” and “Yenisei” are equipped with a radar system and provide shooting day and night in any weather; 2) the weight of the Yenisei is 28 tons, which is unacceptable for arming motorized rifle units and airborne forces; 3) when firing at MiG-17 and Il-28 aircraft at an altitude of 200 and 500 m, the Shilka is 2 and 1.5 times more effective than the Yenisei, respectively; 4) “Yenisei” is intended for air defense of tank regiments and tank divisions for the following reasons: - tank units and formations operate mainly in isolation from the main group of troops. "Yenisei" provides escort of tanks at all stages of the battle, provides effective fire at altitudes up to 3000 m and ranges up to 4500 m. The use of this installation practically eliminates accurate bombing of tanks, which the "Shilka" cannot provide; - there are quite powerful

high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing shells. "Yenisei" can fire more effectively in self-defense at ground targets when following tank forces in battle formations; 5) unification of new self-propelled guns with products in mass production: - according to Shilka - a 23-mm machine gun and rounds for it are in mass production. The SU-85 tracked base is manufactured at MMZ; - for the Yenisei - the RPK is unified in modules with the Krug system, in the tracked base - with the SU-100P, for the production of which 2 - 3 factories are preparing.

Both in the above excerpts from the commission’s conclusion and in other documents there is no clear justification for the priority of Shilka over Yenisei. Even their cost was comparable.

The commission recommended adopting both ZSUs. But by resolution of the Council of Ministers of September 5, 1962 N° 925-401, only the Shilka was accepted into service, and on September 20 of the same year, the GKOT order followed to stop work on the Yenisei. An indirect proof of the delicacy of the situation was that two days after the closure of work on the Yenisei, an order from the State Committee for Technical Development appeared on equal bonuses for organizations working on both machines.

The Tula Machine-Building Plant was supposed to begin serial production of Amur guns for Shilka at the beginning of 1963. However, both the guns and the vehicle turned out to be largely unfinished. A significant design defect was the unreliable removal of spent cartridges, which accumulated in the cartridge outlets and jammed the machine gun. There were also defects in the barrel cooling system, in the vertical guidance mechanism, etc.

As a result, “Shilka” went into mass production only in 1964. This year it was planned to produce 40 cars, but this was not possible. Nevertheless, mass production of the ZSU-23-4 was later launched. In the late 60s, their average annual production was about 300 cars.

Housing ZSU-23-4:

1 - tool box cover, 2 - headlight guard, 3 - hatch cover above the fuel tank filler neck, 4,30 - air intakes, 5,7 - hatch covers for access to the converter, 6 - air outlet from the converter, 8 - lower side sheet, 9 - top side sheet, 10 - hatch cover for access to the generator, 11 - air outlet from the generator, 12 - air supply to the gas turbine engine filters, 13 - hatch cover for access to the gas turbine engine, 14 - hatch cover for gas turbine engine maintenance, 15 - power roof sheet compartments, 16 - gas exhaust pipe from the gas turbine engine, 17 - upper aft sheet, 18,21 - cheeks of the ejector guard frame, 19 - hatch cover above the filler neck of the rear fuel tank, 20 - air inlet with shutters, 22 - ejector air inlet cover, 23 - hatch cover above the engine, 24 - hatch cover above the oil tank filler neck, 25 - hatch cover above the air cleaner, 26 - support ring for attaching the turret ring, 27 - front roof sheet, 28 - air supply for control compartment ventilation, 29 - balancer casing , 31 - balancer (spring mechanism), 32 - driver's observation device cap, 33 - hatch cover above the windshield, 34 - mudguard, 35 - tow hook, 36 - driver's hatch cover, 37 - upper windshield, 38 - monitoring device, 39 - hatch cover above the filler neck of the windshield washer reservoir, 40 - hatch cover for mounting the fuel tank.

In the welded body of the GM-575 tracked vehicle there is a control compartment in the bow, a combat compartment in the middle and a power compartment in the stern. Between them there were partitions that served as the front and rear supports of the tower.

The ZSU is equipped with an 8D6 diesel engine, which was given the designation B-6R by the manufacturer for installation on the GM-575. Machines manufactured since 1969 were equipped with the V-6R-1 engine, which had minor design changes.

The V-6R engine is a six-cylinder, four-stroke, compressor-free, liquid-cooled diesel engine. Maximum power at 2000 rpm - 280 hp. The cylinder displacement is 19.1 liters, the compression ratio is 15.0.

The GM-575 is equipped with two welded aluminum alloy fuel tanks - front 405 liters and rear 110 liters. The first is located in a separate compartment of the bow of the hull.

The power transmission is mechanical, with stepwise change of gear ratios, located in the aft part. The main clutch is multi-disc, dry friction. The main clutch control drive is mechanical, from the pedal at the driver's seat. The gearbox is mechanical, three-way, five-speed, with synchronizers in II, III, IV and V gears.

The rotation mechanisms are planetary, two-stage, with locking clutches. Final drives are single-stage, with spur gears.

The tracked drive of the machine consists of two drive wheels, two guide wheels with a track tensioning mechanism, two track chains and twelve road wheels.

The caterpillar chain is metal, with lantern engagement, with closed hinges, made of 93 steel tracks connected to each other by steel pins. Track width is 382 mm, track pitch is 128 mm.

The drive wheels are welded, with removable rims, rear-mounted. The guide wheels are single, with metal rims. The support rollers are welded, single, with rubber-coated rims.

The vehicle's suspension is independent, torsion bar, asymmetrical, with hydraulic shock absorbers on the first front, fifth left and sixth right road wheels; spring stops on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth left track rollers and the first, third, fourth and sixth right track rollers.

The tower is a welded structure with a ring diameter of 1840 mm. It is attached to the frame by the front frontal plates, on the left and right walls of which the upper and lower gun cradles are attached. When the swinging part of the gun is given an elevation angle, the embrasure of the frame is partially covered by a movable shield, the roller of which slides along the guide of the lower cradle.

There are three hatches on the right side plate: one, with a bolted cover, is used for mounting turret equipment, the other two are closed with a visor and are air inlets for the ventilation of the units and the supercharger of the PAZ system. A casing is welded to the outside of the left side of the turret, designed to remove steam from the gun barrel cooling system. There are two hatches in the rear turret for servicing equipment.

ZSU-23-4M manufactured in 1969. The top view does not show the covers of the ammunition compartments.

The turret is equipped with a 23-mm quad gun AEP-23 "Amur". It, together with the turret, was assigned the index 2A10, the gun's submachine guns - 2A7, and the power drives - 2E2. The automatic operation of the gun is based on the removal of powder gases through the side

hole in the wall of the barrel. The barrel consists of a pipe, cooling system casings, a gas chamber and a flame arrester. The valve is wedge, with the wedge lowering down. The length of the machine gun with a flame arrester is 2610 mm, the length of the barrel with a flame arrester is 2050 mm (without a flame arrester - 1880 mm). The length of the threaded part is 1730 mm. The weight of one machine gun is 85 kg, the weight of the entire artillery unit is 4964 kg.

The cartridges are fed from the side, chambering is direct, directly from the link with the cartridge skewed. Right-hand machines have right-hand tape feed, left-hand ones - left-hand feed. The tape is fed into the receiving windows of the machines from the cartridge box. For this, the energy of the powder gases is used, driving the feed mechanism through the bolt frame, and partly the recoil energy of the machine guns. The gun is equipped with two boxes of 1000 rounds of ammunition (of which the upper machine gun has 480, and the lower machine has 520 rounds) and a pneumatic reloading system for cocking the moving parts of the machine guns in preparation for firing and reloading in case of misfires.

Two machines are mounted on each cradle. Two cradles (upper and lower) are mounted on the frame, one above the other, at a distance of 320 mm from each other in a horizontal position, the lower one is extended forward in relation to the upper one by 320 mm. The parallelism of the trunks is ensured by a parallelogram rod connecting both cradles. Two gear sectors are attached to the bottom and mesh with the gears of the input shaft of the vertical guidance gearbox. The Amur cannon is placed on a base mounted on a ball shoulder strap. The base consists of upper and lower boxes. An armored turret is attached to the end of the upper box. Inside the base there are two longitudinal beams that serve as support for the frame. Both cradles with automatic machines attached to them swing in the bearings of the frame and swing on axles.

The gun's ammunition load includes 23 mm BZT and OFZT shells. Armor-piercing BZT shells weighing 190 g do not have a fuse or explosive, but only contain an incendiary substance for tracing. OFZT fragmentation shells weighing 188.5 g have an MG-25 head fuse. The propellant charge for both projectiles is the same - 77 g of gunpowder grade 5/7 TsFL. Cartridge weight 450 g. Steel sleeve, disposable. The ballistic data of both projectiles are the same - initial speed 980 m/s, table ceiling 1500 m, table range 2000 m. OFZT projectiles are equipped with self-destructors with an action time of 5-11 s. The machine guns are powered by a belt feed, with a capacity of 50 rounds. The belt alternates four OFZT cartridges - one BZT cartridge, etc.

Guidance and stabilization of the AEP-23 gun is carried out by 2E2 power guidance drives. The 2E2 system used URS (Jenny coupling): for horizontal guidance - URS No. 5, and for vertical guidance - URS No. 2.5. Both operate from a common DSO-20 electric motor with a power of 6 kW.

Depending on external conditions and the state of the equipment, firing at anti-aircraft targets is carried out in the following modes.

ZSU-2E-4V1. Front view. On the front cheekbones of the tower there are characteristic enclosures for the ventilation system. A car from the exhibition of the Central Museum of the Armed Forces in Moscow.

23 mm cartridges:

1 - projectile, 2 - cartridge case, 3 - gunpowder, 4 - primer-igniter No. 3, 5 - decoupler (for some cartridges with a BZT projectile); a - barrel, b - slope, c - body, d - shoulder, d - annular groove, e - flange, g - bottom, i - groove.

ZSU-2E-4V1 at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Kyiv. The radar column is placed in the stowed position. On the upper aft sheet of the hull on the left is the hatch cover above the PPO cylinders, in the middle is the lid of the tool box, on the right is the gas exhaust pipe from the gas turbine engine, closed with a plug.

The first (main) mode is the auto-tracking mode, the angular coordinates and range are determined by the radar, which automatically tracks the target along them, providing data to the computer (analog computer) for generating pre-emptive coordinates. Fire is opened upon the “Data available” signal on the counting device. RPK automatic G ki generates full pointing angles taking into account the pitching and yaw of the self-propelled gun and sends them to the guidance drives, and the latter automatically point the gun at the lead point. Firing is carried out by the commander or search operator - gunner.

The second mode - angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range - from the radar.

The angular current coordinates of the target are supplied to the calculating device from the sighting device, which is guided by the search operator - the gunner - semi-automatically, and the range values ​​come from the radar. Thus, the radar operates in radio range finder mode. This mode is auxiliary and is used in the presence of interference that causes malfunctions in the system for guiding the antenna along the angular coordinates, or, in the event of a malfunction in the auto tracking channel, along the angular coordinates of the radar. Otherwise, the complex works the same as in auto tracking mode.

Third mode - proactive coordinates are generated based on the “remembered” values ​​of the current coordinates X, Y, H and the target velocity components V x› V y and V H, based on the hypothesis of uniform rectilinear motion of the target in any plane. The mode is used when there is a threat of losing a radar target during automatic tracking due to interference or malfunctions.

The fourth mode is shooting using a backup sight, aiming is carried out in semi-automatic mode. The lead is introduced by the search operator - the gunner along the angle rings of the backup sight. This mode is used when the radar, computer and stabilization systems fail.

The radar-instrument complex is designed to control the fire of the AZP-23 cannon and is located in the instrument compartment of the tower. It includes: a radar station, a counting device, blocks and elements of stabilization systems for the line of sight and line of fire, and a sighting device. The radar station is designed to detect low-flying high-speed targets and accurately determine the coordinates of the selected target, which can be done in two modes: a) angular coordinates and range are tracked automatically; b) angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range comes from the radar.

The radar operates in the 1-1.5 cm wavelength range. The choice of range is due to a number of reasons. Such stations have antennas with small weight and dimensions. Radars in the wavelength range 1 - 1.5 cm are less susceptible to deliberate enemy interference, since the ability to operate in a wide frequency band allows, by using broadband frequency modulation and signal coding, to increase noise immunity and the processing speed of received information. By increasing the Doppler frequency shifts of reflected signals arising from moving and maneuvering targets, their recognition and classification is ensured. In addition, this range is less loaded with other radio equipment. Looking ahead, let's say that radars operating in this range make it possible to detect air targets developed using stealth technology. By the way, according to the foreign press, during Operation Desert Storm, an American F-117A aircraft built using this technology was shot down by an Iraqi Shilka.

Rotating part:

1 - parallelogram rod, 2, 13 - cartridge boxes (left and right), 3, 12 - trays (left and right), 4, 11 - winches (left and right), 5, 10 - hoses for the cooling system of machine gun barrels, 6 - plug, 7 - plug release cable, 8 - lower gun automata, 9 - upper gun automata, 14 - range operator seat, 15 - vertical guidance flywheel, 16 - turret stopper, 17 - PAZ system supercharger, 18 - TDP device, 19 - PAZ control panel, 20 - seat of the search operator - gunner, 21 - antenna input, 22 - commander's seat, 23 - control panel and directional indicator of orientation equipment, 24 - horizontal guidance flywheel, 25 - left armor shield, 26 - coolant tank , 27 - antenna struts, 28 - antenna column, 29 - commander's console, 30 - fire handle, 31 - inclined roller, 32, 33 - gun cradle axles, 34 - gun frame, 35 - manual vertical guidance gearbox, 36 - block electric motor cooling, 37 - cooling unit gearbox, 38 - cooling unit pump, 39 - distribution board, 40 - rotating contact device, 41 - release pedal, 42 - lower box, 43 - turret ball ring, 44 - control handles, 45 - upper box , 46 - radar antenna, 47 - refill tank, 48 - gun stop handle, 49 - handle for switching flywheel - power modes of the vertical guidance gearbox, 50 - calculating device, 51 - frequency meter, 52 - device No. 1 TPU, 53, 56 - heads of the sighting device (left and right), 54 - sighting device, 55, 57 - cabinets with control panels, 58 - cabinet with blocks, 59 - fuse box, 60 - radar antenna control unit, 61 - gyroazimuth horizon, 62 - remote control for turning on the heating.

Sighting device:

1 - “reticle” handle, 2 – eyepiece, 3 – “visor-doubler” switching handle.

The disadvantage of radar is its relatively short range, usually not exceeding 10 - 20 km and depending on the state of the atmosphere, primarily on the intensity of precipitation - rain or sleet. To protect against passive interference, the Shilki radar uses a coherent-pulse target selection method. Simply put, constant signals from terrain objects and passive interference are not taken into account, and signals from moving targets are sent to the PKK. The radar is controlled by the search operator and the range operator.

The power supply system is designed to power all ZSU-23-4 consumers with direct current voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V and alternating current voltage of 220 V, frequency 400 Hz.

The main elements of the power supply system include:

Gas turbine engine of the power supply system type DG4M-1,

designed to rotate a DC generator;

A set of PGS2-14A DC generator with equipment designed to power DC consumers with a stabilized voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V;

Set of converter block BP-III with block of contactors BK-III, designed to convert direct current into alternating three-phase current;

Four 12-ST-70M batteries designed to compensate for peak overloads of the DC generator, to power the starters of the DG4M-1 engine and the V-6R engine of the machine, as well as to power instruments and electrical consumers when the generator is not working.

The DG4M-1 gas turbine engine, the power supply system gearbox and the PGS2-14A generator are connected to each other into a single power unit, which is installed in the power compartment of the machine in the right rear niche and is rigidly fixed at four points. Rated power of the DG4M-1 engine is 70 hp. at 6000 rpm. Specific fuel consumption up to 1050 g/hp. at one o'clock. The maximum startup time for the DG4M-1 engine with the rated load, including cold cranking, is 2 minutes. The dry weight of the DG4M-1 engine is 130 kg.

The ZSU-23-4 is equipped with a short-wave frequency-modulated telephone transceiver radio station R-123. Its range of action in moderately rough terrain with the noise suppressor turned off and no interference is up to 23 km, and with the noise suppressor turned on - up to 13 km.

For internal communication, a tank intercom R-124 for 4 subscribers is used. ZSU-23-4 is equipped with TNA-2 navigation equipment. Its arithmetic mean error in generating coordinates as a percentage of the distance traveled is no more than 1%. When the ZSU is moving, the operating time of the equipment without reorientation is 3 - 3.5 hours.

The crew is protected from radioactive dust by cleaning the air and creating excess pressure in the fighting compartment and control compartment. For this purpose, a central blower with inertial air separation is used.

Layout of components and assemblies in the GM-575 housing:

1 - centrifuge for cleaning engine oil, 2 - air cleaner, 3 - oil tank, 4 - SEP gearbox release lever, 5 - driver's instrument panel, 6 - driver's seat, 7, 13 - control levers, 8 - pedal main clutch, 9 - brake pedal stop lever, 10 - gear shift lever, 11 - brake pedal, 12 - fuel pedal, 14 - batteries, 15 - exhaust fan, 16 - front fuel tank, 17 - SEP converter , 18 - rear fuel tank, 19 - SEP generator, 20 - SEP gearbox, 21 - gas turbine engine, 22 - air filter, 23 - right axle shaft, 24 - power transmission reducer, 25 - main clutch, 26 - rear fuel tank filler neck, 27 - gearbox, 28 - connecting shaft, 29 - traction motor, 30 - MAF oil filter, 31 left axle shaft, 32 - left planetary gear, 33 - UAPPO cylinders, 34 - starting heater, 35 - expansion tank of the engine cooling system; TD - UAPPO temperature sensors (the location of temperature sensors is shown conditionally).

ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” began to enter service with the troops in 1965 and by the beginning of the 70s they had completely replaced the ZSU-57-2. Initially, the tank regiment had a “Shilka” division, which consisted of two batteries of four vehicles each. . At the end of the 60s, it often happened that in a division one battery had a ZSU-23-4 and one battery had a ZSU-57-2. Later, motorized rifle and tank regiments received a standard anti-aircraft battery, consisting of two platoons. One platoon had four Shilka self-propelled air defense systems, and the other had four Strela 1 self-propelled air defense systems (then Strela-10 air defense systems).

The operation of the Shilka has shown that the RPK-2 works well under conditions of passive interference. There was practically no active jamming of the Shilka during our exercises, since there were no radio countermeasures at its operating frequencies, at least in the 70s. Significant shortcomings of the PKK were also revealed, which often needed reconfiguration. Instability of the electrical parameters of the circuits was noted. The RPK could take the target for auto tracking no closer than 7 - 8 km from the ZSU. At shorter distances it was difficult to do this due to the high angular velocity of the target. When switching from detection mode to auto-tracking mode, the target was sometimes lost.

The DG4M-1 gas turbine engines constantly malfunctioned, and the on-board generator operated primarily from the main engine. In turn, systematic operation of the diesel engine while parked at low speeds led to its tarring.

In the second half of the 60s, the ZSU-23-4 underwent two small modernizations, the main purpose of which was to increase the reliability of various components and assemblies, primarily the RPK. The vehicles of the first modernization received the index ZSU-23-4V, and the second - ZSU-2E-4V1. The main tactical and technical characteristics of self-propelled guns remained unchanged.

"Shilkas" cover a tank column on the march, September 1973.

Cannon "Cupid". On the left - with welded coolant drain pipes (2A10), on the right - with flexible hoses (2A10M).

Hatch cover and driver's observation devices. Above the hatch, on the roof of the hull there is a periscope observation device 54-36-5sb BM, in the right zygomatic sheet there is a direct vision device (glass block) B-1. The second device B-1 is installed in the left zygomatic sheet. All driver monitoring devices are equipped with windshield wipers. To drive a car at night, instead of the 54-36-5sb BM device, a TVN-2 night vision device is installed.

In October 1967, the Council of Ministers issued a resolution on a more serious modernization of the Shilka. Its most important part was the redesign of the 2A7 assault rifles and the 2A10 gun in order to increase the reliability and stability of the complex, increase the survivability of gun parts and reduce maintenance time. During the modernization process, pneumatic charging of 2A7 assault rifles was replaced by pyrocharging, which made it possible to exclude an unreliably operating compressor and a number of other components from the design. The welded coolant drain pipe was replaced with a flexible pipeline - this increased the barrel life from 3500 to 4500 shots. In 1973, the modernized ZSU-23-4M was put into service along with the 2A7M assault rifle and the 2A10M cannon. ZSU-23-4M received the designation “Biryusa”, but the troops still called it “Shilka”.

After the next modernization, the installation received the index ZSU-23-4МЗ (3 - interrogator). For the first time, “friend or foe” identification equipment was installed on it. Later, during repairs, all ZSU-23-4M were brought to the level of ZSU-2E-4MZ. Production of the ZSU-23-4ME ceased in 1982.

"Shilkas" were widely exported to the Warsaw Pact countries, the Middle East and other regions. They took an active part in the Arab-Israeli wars, the Iraqi-Iranian war (on both sides), and the Gulf War in 1991.

There are different points of view regarding the effectiveness of the Shilka in the fight against air targets. Thus, during the 1973 war, shilkis accounted for about 10% of all Israeli aircraft losses (the rest were distributed between air defense systems and fighter aircraft). However, the pilots taken prisoner showed that the “shilkas” literally created a sea of ​​fire and the pilots instinctively left the ZSU fire zone and fell into the range of the air defense missile system. During Operation Desert Storm, pilots of the multinational forces tried not to operate unnecessarily at altitudes less than 1300 m, fearing fire from the Shiloks.

In Afghanistan, “shilkas” were highly valued by our officers and soldiers. A convoy is walking along the road, and suddenly there is fire from an ambush, try to organize a defense, all the vehicles have already been targeted. There is only one salvation - “Shilka”. A long burst of fire at the enemy, and a sea of ​​fire at his position. The dushmans called our self-propelled gun “shaitan-arba”. They determined the beginning of her work immediately and immediately began to leave. “Shilka” saved the lives of thousands of Soviet soldiers.

ZSU-2E-4M. While the design is generally identical to the ZSU-2E-4V1, the large ventilation system cap on the roof of the turret on the right and the embrasure cover of the Amur gun attract attention.

Radar ZSU-2E-4M. In the foreground, in the center, are caps covering the heads of the sighting device. In the combat position, the caps are folded back.

In Afghanistan, this ZSU fully realized the ability to fire at ground targets in the mountains. Moreover, a special “Afghan version” appeared - as it was no longer needed, the radio instrument complex was dismantled, due to which it was possible to increase the ammunition load from 2000 to 4000 rounds. A night sight was also installed.

Interesting touch. Columns accompanied by the Shilka were rarely attacked, not only in the mountains, but also near populated areas. The ZSU was dangerous for manpower hidden behind adobe duvaps - the shell fuse was triggered when it hit the wall. The Shilka was also effective against lightly armored targets - armored personnel carriers, vehicles...

When adopting the Shilka, both the military and representatives of the military-industrial complex understood that the 23-mm Amur cannon was too weak. This applied to the short slanted firing range, to the ceiling, and to the weakness of the high-explosive effect of the projectile. The Americans added fuel to the fire by advertising the new A-10 attack aircraft, which was supposedly invulnerable to 23-mm Shilka shells. As a result, almost the next day after the ZSU-23-4 was put into service, conversations began at all high levels about its modernization in terms of increasing firepower and, first of all, increasing the effective firing range and the destructive effect of the projectile.

Since the fall of 1962, several preliminary designs for installing 30-mm machine guns on the Shilka have been worked out. Among them, we considered the 30-mm revolver-type assault rifle NN-30 designed by OKB-16, used in the shipborne AK-230 installation, the 30-mm six-barrel assault rifle AO-18 from the shipborne installations AK-630, and the 30-mm double-barreled assault rifle AO-17 designed by KBP . In addition, the AO-16 57-mm double-barreled assault rifle, specially designed at KBP for an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, was tested.

ZSU-23-4ME. On the protective casing-radome of the radar, two antenna arrays of the interrogator of the “friend or foe” system are visible.

Data from 30 mm machine guns

"Shilki" ZSU-2E-4M of the Syrian army in Beirut, 1987.

On March 26, 1963, a technical council was held in Mytishchi near Moscow under the leadership of N.A. Astrov. It was decided to increase the caliber of the ZSU from 23 to 30 mm. This doubled (from 1000 to 2000 m) the zone of 50% probability of hitting a target and increased the firing range from 2500 to 4000 m. Firing efficiency against a MiG-17 fighter flying at an altitude of 1000 m at a speed of 200 - 250 m/s , increased by 1.5 times.

When comparing 30-mm machine guns, it was indicated that the extraction of cartridges from the NN-30 goes back down, and the removal of cartridges from the Shilka turret goes forward to the side, which will require significant alterations in the ZSU. When comparing the AO-17 and AO-18, which had the same ballistics, the advantage of the former was noted, which required less modification of individual components, provided easier operating conditions for the drives, maintaining to a greater extent the continuity of the design, including the turret ring, horizontal gearbox, guidance , hydraulic drive, etc. The adoption of the AO-47 simplified the problem of removing cartridges, reloading, etc. In addition, it had a larger declination angle than the AO-18.

In the end, the AO-17 30-mm double-barreled assault rifle was adopted for the ZSU. Its modified version received the GRAU 2A38 index and in the early 80s was put into mass production at the Tula Machine-Building Plant No. 535.

The operation of the 2A38 automation is based on the removal of powder gases from the barrel bore. Before firing, there is a cartridge in one of the barrels. The striking mechanism is cocked and held by an electric sear. The moving parts of the second barrel are in the rear position, and the cartridge is in the bolt tabs. The moving parts of both barrels are kinematically connected through a connecting lever. This connection makes it possible to do without return springs, since the working stroke of the moving parts of the other barrel and gas energy are used to return the moving parts of one barrel to the forward position. The gun is powered by one cartridge strip. It is fed by a feed star, kinematically connected to the sliders. The common parts of both barrels were a casing, a feeding mechanism, a reloading mechanism, a firing mechanism and a shock absorber.

Maneuvers of the Soviet Army. ZSU-2E-4V1, as part of a column of armored vehicles, crosses a water barrier along a pontoon bridge.

Anti-aircraft missile and artillery regimental battery during training sessions. 14th Army, Transnistria, April 1995. The picture clearly shows the standard composition of the battery - two ZSU-23-4M and two Strela-10 self-propelled air defense systems.