Anti-aircraft gun-missile system (ZPRK) “Tunguska. Anti-aircraft gun and missile system "Tunguska" Differences between the "Tunguska-M1" air defense system and the previous version
"Tunguska", according to the NATO classification - SA-19 Grison, according to the GRAU index - 2K22, is an anti-aircraft gun-missile system of the Russian Federation and the USSR, an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun developed at the Tula Design Bureau (indices 2S6 and 2S6M).
Most likely, the Tunguska will be replaced by the better Pantsir-S1.
1. Photos
2. Video
3. History of creation
By the beginning of the 70s, it became clear that the Shilka air defense missile system was not good enough as a short-range air defense. Also, due to the unsatisfactory power of the projectiles and the low efficiency of the fire range, it was insufficiently effective against attack aircraft protected by armor, high-speed airborne targets and helicopters equipped with guided anti-tank missiles capable of destroying ground targets from a distance of several thousand meters. In addition, the complex’s radar was unable to independently search for air targets.
First, in 1970, an order was received to design a new anti-aircraft gun system. But after the “Dam” research work was carried out in 1973, during which issues of the safety of troops from attack aircraft were considered, it became clear that the new installation must also be equipped with anti-aircraft missiles in order to make it more effective regarding helicopters.
By the end of the decade, development work was completed. In 1980-81, based on the results of tests, modifications took place, and in the fall of 1982 the complex was put into service. To the four missiles he possessed at first, the same number were subsequently added.
After 1995, the development of a modification under the designation “Tunguska-M1” was completed. It was put into service in 2003. Delivered to foreign countries.
In order to provide short-range air defense systems for large combat ships and small ships, using some components and weapons, the development of the Dirk complex took place.
4. Composition
The composition of "Tunguska" includes:
- A battery consisting of six 2S6 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns equipped with 9M311 and 2A38 anti-aircraft missiles
- 1Р10 - a maintenance and repair vehicle designed to carry out maintenance-1
- 2B110 - a maintenance vehicle designed to carry out maintenance-2
- 2F55 - maintenance vehicle, partially equipped with single and group spare parts
- 2F77 – TZM, for transporting 1 ammunition load of anti-aircraft guided missiles (one vehicle per installation) and 1.5 ammunition loads of cartridges
- ESD2-12 is a diesel-based power plant designed for external power supply of installations
- 1RL912 is a training device designed to train commanders and installation operators
- 9F810 – a simulator designed for training gunners;
- 9M311UD - training missiles equipped with on-board equipment, used in training installation gunners
- 9М311ГМВ - training dimensions and weight mock-ups of missiles used in testing the standards and handling skills of installation crews
- 9M311UR is a cross-sectional training model of missiles used in studying the design of installations.
5. Device
The main components of the Tunguska are:
- tracked self-propelled lightly armored chassis GM-5970.05
- two anti-aircraft double-barreled machine guns 2A38 30 mm caliber
- eight launchers equipped with ammunition consisting of eight 9MZ11 guided anti-aircraft missiles
- radar system, which includes radar tracking and target detection stations and a ground-based radio interrogator.
The 9M311 rocket consists of two stages. The engine of the first of them operates thanks to solid fuel, while the shell is made of fiberglass. The second stage does not have an engine; the flight occurs by inertia; there is a gas generator in the tail, thanks to which better aerodynamic conditions arise. The fuse is non-contact; its warhead is equipped with striking rod elements.
6. Performance characteristics
6.1 Main characteristics
- Classification: ZPRK
- Combat weight, kg: 34000
- Crew, people: 4
6.2 Dimensions
- Case length, cm: 788
- Case width, cm: 340
- Height, cm: 402.1 - in combat position, 335.6 - in stowed position
- Base, cm: 465
- Track, cm: 326.5
- Ground clearance, cm: 18 - 58
6.3 Booking
- Armor type: bulletproof
6.4 Armament
- Make and caliber of gun: two 2A38, 30 mm caliber
- Gun type: small-caliber rifled automatic guns
- Gun ammunition: 1936
- Firing range, m: for ground targets - up to 2000, for air targets - anti-aircraft guided missile (2500 - 8000); cannon – 200 – 4000
- Other weapons: eight 9M311 anti-aircraft guided missiles.
6.5 Mobility
- Engine type: V-46-2s1
- Engine power, l. p.: 710
- Highway speed, km/h: 65
- Speed over rough terrain, km/h: 10 off-road, 40 on dirt road
- Cruising range on the highway, km: 500
- Suspension type: hydropneumatic individual, equipped with a body position adjustment system
- Climbability, degrees: 35°
- Wall to be overcome, cm: 100
- Ditch to be overcome, cm: 200
- Fordability, cm: 100.
7. Application
Tunguskas were used during the Chechen wars as an excellent fire support weapon, but were not always used correctly.
8. Modifications
- 2K22M "Tunguska-M". The main goal of modernization was to create the ability to combat a variety of small targets. Equipment was installed for communication with PPRU-1 and the 9S482M control point, which created a system for distributing targets between installations and significantly increased combat effectiveness. In addition, the gas turbine unit was replaced with a new one with twice the service life. This modification was adopted in 1990.
- 2K22M1 "Tunguska-M1". A new strategy was used in the Gulf War. First, an active strike is carried out by unmanned aircraft outside the range of the air defense for the purpose of reconnaissance of its radar equipment, after which it is destroyed. Then manned aircraft began to operate. Based on the results of this experience, work began in 1992 on the further development of the complex. As a result, the air defense system was equipped with an IR missile direction finder, an improved system for measuring pitching angles, and equipment for implementing and receiving automated target designation from the battery command post. The chassis was also changed to a new one, GM-3975. The computer's memory and performance have increased. The improved missiles were designated 9M311-1M. There was an increase in the affected area in terms of range up to 10 kilometers and noise immunity. The tracer replaced the pulsed and continuous light source. In the fall of 2003, the ZPRK was put into service. It included maintenance and repair vehicles 1Р10-1М1 and 2Ф55-1М1, maintenance vehicle 2В110-1, maintenance workshop MTO-AGZ-М1, ZSU 2С6М1 and ТЗМ 2Ф77М.
9. Missile options
- 9M311 – main
- 9M311K (3M87) - naval version of the 9M311. intended for the Kortik complex
- 9М311-1 – for sale to foreign countries
- 9M311M (3M88) – modified. Improved performance characteristics
- 9M311-1M – modified. Designed for the 2K22M Tunguska-M1 missile.
After almost seven years of design and development work, it was decided to abandon the modernization of Shilka and create a fundamentally new complex.
On June 8, 1970, CM Resolution No. 427-151 was issued on the creation of a new ZSU "Tunguska". KBP was appointed the lead developer of the Tunguska, and A.G. Shipunov was appointed the chief designer. Specifically, the KBP was engaged in the missile and artillery part of the installation - 2K22. The design of the RPK was carried out by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant of the Ministry of Radio Industry, which later became the head plant for its production. The developer of the computing device is the Scientific Research Electromechanical Institute of the Ministry of Radio Industry. The GM-352 tracked chassis was manufactured by the Minsk Tractor Plant. The 2S6 Tunguska anti-aircraft complex was adopted for service by decree of the Council of Ministers of September 8, 1982, and the modernized Tunguska-M complex by order of the Minister of Defense of April 11, 1990.
The fundamental feature of the 2S6 complex is the combination in one combat vehicle of cannon and missile weapons, radar and optical fire control systems using common systems: detection radar, tracking radar, digital computing system and hydraulic guidance drives. "Tunguska" is intended for air defense of motorized rifle and tank units on the march and at all stages of the battle. It has a continuous destruction zone (without the “dead” zone characteristic of air defense systems), which is achieved by sequentially firing at the target first with missiles and then with cannons. Fire from 2A38 machine guns can be carried out both from a place and on the move, and missiles can be launched only from a place, or, in extreme cases, from short stops.
Gun 2A38. At the end of the right barrel there is a speed indicator, at the end of the left there is a compensator.
“Tunguska” at the air show in Zhukovsky (Moscow region), August 1992.
"Tunguska" before the parade in Samara on May 9, 1995. The detection radar column is in a stowed position, only the outer row of missile launch containers are installed.
"Tunguska" at the air show in Zhukovsky. The barrels of anti-aircraft guns are raised to the maximum elevation angle. The detection radar column is in combat position. Missile launch containers have not been installed.
RPK 2S6 turret. In the rear part of the tower there is a detection radar antenna, in the front part there is a tracking radar. Guns and missile launch containers can take up a firing position independently of each other. Silver containers - dimensional layouts.
Commander's cupola and optical sight armor cap (right).
The 9M311 missile defense system is a solid-fuel bicaliber (76/152 mm) two-stage missile, made according to the “duck” design. It is guided to the target by radio command. The tracking radar via synchronous communication provides precise target designation to the optical sight and brings it to the line of sight. The gunner detects the target in the field of view of the sight, takes it into tracking, and during the aiming process keeps the sight mark on the target. The missile has good maneuverability (the maximum permissible overload is 32 d). The rocket fuse is non-contact, with a radius of action of 5 m. The warhead is a fragmentation rod. The length of the rods is about 600 mm, the diameter is 4 - 9 mm. On top of the rods there is a “shirt” containing ready-made fragments - cubes weighing 2 - 3 g. When the warhead ruptures, the rods form a ring with a radius of 5 m in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the missile. At a distance of more than 5 m, the action of rods and fragments is ineffective.
The GM-352 tracked chassis has high maneuverability, maneuverability, and smooth running. The ability to fire without reducing speed is ensured by the use of a hydromechanical transmission with a hydrostatic turning mechanism, hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance and a hydraulic track tensioning mechanism.
Thus, the Tunguska is a highly mobile self-propelled gun with effective missile and artillery weapons. Its disadvantages include the short target detection range of the airborne radar and the inability to operate missile defense systems in poor visibility conditions (smoke, fog, etc.).
The author does not have data on the combat use of the Tunguska in the fight against air targets. In the New Year's assault on Grozny in 1994, six Tunguskas took part in the Maykop 131st Brigade of the Russian Army, which were destroyed in the first minutes of the battle.
A prototype of the GM-5975 tracked chassis for the RPK2S6M2. Exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant, May 1997.
It has been proven that this complex is capable of conducting effective combat not only against low-flying air targets (especially in a difficult jamming environment), but also against a ground enemy. Despite this, the Shilka had a small effective target destruction zone, as well as a low destructive effect of ammunition. Also, this complex did not provide timely shelling of air targets, especially when conducting reconnaissance in autonomous mode. As a result, the military demanded that industry develop a new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which became the Tunguska.
They decided to correct the low lethality of ammunition and the small effective kill zone by increasing the caliber of automatic guns to 30 mm. We settled on this option, since further growth in the caliber of projectiles did not provide the technical capabilities to maintain a high rate of fire. The Tunguska complex is designed to provide air defense to units of tank and motorized rifle troops from attacks by army and tactical aviation, fire support helicopters, UAVs, as well as to destroy ground-based lightly armored targets and enemy personnel.
The combat capabilities of the complex make it possible to solve the problems of directly covering troops and individual objects in defensive and offensive combat, during a march and when positioned on the spot from attacks by enemy air attack systems from extremely low, low and partially medium altitudes. The complex is able to confidently solve combat missions in any climatic conditions. The Tunguska-M air defense complex includes a combat vehicle - 2S6, a loading vehicle, an automated control and testing station, as well as maintenance and repair equipment.
The GM-352 tracked chassis, unified with the Tor air defense system, was chosen as a self-propelled base for the new complex. This chassis has adjustable ground clearance and provides a maximum highway speed of 65 km/h. The use of hydropneumatic suspension and hydromechanical transmission provides the Tunguska with good maneuverability, high maneuverability and, most importantly, a smooth ride.
Anti-aircraft gun-missile complex (ZPRK) "Tunguska" became the world's first unique multi-purpose dual-purpose anti-aircraft system. It was created 8 years earlier than the foreign multi-purpose complex Adats. Compared to other short-range air defense systems (both foreign and domestic production), it best meets the “cost-effectiveness” criterion.
The main weapon of the complex is the 9M311 missile. This bicaliber solid-fuel two-stage rocket is made according to the aerodynamic “canard” design. The missile is equipped with a fragmentation rod warhead and contact and non-contact fuses. The missile defense system has very high maneuverability (withstands overload up to 18g), which makes it possible to destroy maneuverable and high-speed targets. Guidance of anti-aircraft missiles at the target is radio command.
The missile is delivered to the troops in a special transport and launch container (TPC) in equipped condition and does not require any maintenance for 10 years. The missiles' ammunition is replenished using a transport-loading vehicle. The TPK is lightweight - up to 55 kg, which allows you to load the missile defense system on the launcher manually.
The tower installation of the Tunguska-M anti-aircraft missile system contains information optical-electronic and radar equipment, a digital computer system, control panels for combat crew members, and communications equipment. To protect the crew, the Tunguska is equipped with special means of protection against weapons of mass destruction and the creation of normal living conditions inside the installation.
The artillery armament of the complex is represented by two double-barreled 2A38M anti-aircraft guns, operating in conjunction with the fire control system. The double-barreled automatic weapon allows firing in intensive mode with a rate of fire of up to 5000 rounds/min. The guns are powered by a belt feed. The cartridge belt of the guns is loaded with 30 mm standardized ammunition using a special filling machine.
By the mid-1990s, the Tunguska anti-aircraft missile system was modernized, and the new complex received the designation Tunguska-M. The main change was the introduction of new radio stations and a receiver into the complex for communication with the Ranzhir battery command post and the PPRU-1M command post. In addition, the gas turbine engine on the machine was replaced, the new engine received an increased service life (immediately doubled - from 300 to 600 hours).
The next modification of the complex received the designation “Tunguska-M1”, and was put into service in 2003. In this modification, the processes of guiding anti-aircraft missiles and exchanging information with the Ranzhir battery command post were automated. In the 9M311M missile itself, the laser non-contact target sensor gave way to a radar one, which increased the likelihood of destroying ALCM-type missiles. Instead of a tracer, a flash lamp was mounted. The range of destruction of missiles has increased to 10 km. In general, the level of combat effectiveness of the Tunguska-M1 air defense system in conditions of interference increased by 1.3-1.5 times compared to its predecessor.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Tunguska-M1 air defense missile system:
Target area affected by missiles/guns:
— range 2.5-10/0.2-4 km
— in height 0.015-3.5/0-3 km
The maximum speed of targets hit is up to 500 m/s.
The reaction time of the complex is up to 10 s.
Ammunition, missiles/shells – 8/1904
The rate of fire of 2A38M guns is up to 5000 rds/min.
The initial projectile speed is 960 m/s.
Weight of missiles/with container – 42/55 kg.
The mass of the warhead is 9 kg.
Vertical angle of fire from guns: -10 - +87 degrees
The weight of the air defense missile system in combat position is 34 tons.
The complex deployment time is up to 5 minutes.
The maximum speed on the highway is up to 65 km/h.
ZRAK "Kortik" 3M87 (export designation "Kashtan") is a universal, all-weather, short-range ship-based anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, the main purpose of which is the self-defense of surface ships and auxiliary vessels from attacks by various air targets from low and extremely low altitudes. This complex has no analogues in the world in terms of the presence of artillery and missile weapons, united by a common fire control system. The complex was created on the basis of the land-based Tunguska-M development.
A feature of this complex is the use of 2 types of weapons, which provide sequential shelling of air targets with missiles, as well as artillery fire at a distance of 8000-1500 meters and 1500-500 meters from the ship, respectively. The overall combat potential of this complex is 2-4 times greater than that of a conventional anti-aircraft artillery system. With the advent of new promising goals, this difference will only grow.
The modular design of this complex allows it to be mounted on ships of various displacements (from small missile boats to aircraft carriers), as well as ground-based objects. Together with the use of an integrated control system, the ZRAK guarantees high combat survivability. ZRAK "Dirk" can be equally successfully used to destroy air, surface and ground targets. The missile and gun armament used in the complex is highly accurate, which is due to its compact arrangement in a single turret installation, as well as the presence of a modern control system, television-optical and radar guidance channels with high accuracy characteristics.
Joint signal processing of target and missile tracking channels, as well as automatic selection of the optimal combat operation mode, provides the ZRAK with very high noise immunity in conditions of the enemy using various types of electronic interference.
The complex has full automation of combat work, which allows it to fire simultaneously at 6 targets per minute and provides the ship with a high degree of protection from attacks by high-precision weapons (anti-ship missiles, guided bombs, etc.), as well as low-flying small targets. In terms of its combat effectiveness, the Kortik air defense missile system is 1.5-2 times superior to the foreign Krotal-Naval complex and 2.5-4 times greater than the Goalkeeper.
The Kortik air defense system includes combat and command modules, 30-mm rounds, missiles with a storage and reloading system, coastal maintenance facilities, as well as training facilities. The ZRAK command module, equipped with a three-dimensional radar and information processing system, is used to detect various types of targets, as well as their distribution with the provision of target designation data to combat modules.
Combat module 3M87 (includes 2 six-barreled 30-mm anti-aircraft guns, as well as 9M311-1 missiles in transport and launch containers, control system with television-optical and radar channels). The complex's gun mounts provide a rate of fire of up to 10,000 rounds per minute. One such module can simultaneously fire at up to 3-4 targets and provide protection to a small ship from enemy air attacks with a low density of air attack weapons in a raid.
On large-displacement ships, 2 or more “Kortik” air defense systems can be installed on each side to repel high-intensity strikes. Their number, along with the vessel's displacement, is also determined by the capabilities of the control system and can reach up to 6 pieces (on the TARKR "Peter the Great" 6 SAM "Kortik" are used). The combat module, at the request of the customer, can only be made in the artillery version.
The fire control system ensures that the complex receives target designation data from the combat module, generates data for aiming weapons at targets under fire, and automatically tracks targets. The radar channel of the complex operates in the millimeter wave range and also has a narrow directional pattern, which provides it with fairly high accuracy (2-3 m) of missile guidance at low-flying anti-ship missiles without restrictions on their flight altitude. When using a television-optical channel with a correlation-contrast method of signal processing and with an automatic target tracking device, it is possible to point anti-aircraft missiles at a target with an accuracy of 1 meter at any target altitude.
The complex uses the 9M311 missile defense system. This is a solid-fuel two-stage rocket, which is designed according to a bi-caliber design with a detachable engine. The missile is designed to destroy helicopters, airplanes and cruise missiles under conditions of their optical visibility in a spatial sector 350 meters wide (right and left) from the combat module at a distance of up to 8-10 kilometers.
In flight, the missile is controlled by a radio command guidance system in a semi-automatic mode with automatic launch of the missile to the line of sight or with manual target tracking. The average speed of the missile defense system reaches 650 m/s, while the anti-aircraft missile can maneuver with overloads of up to 18g.
Currently, the 9M311 missile is the only Russian development that is equipped with a fragmentation rod warhead, non-contact (laser) and contact fuses. The proximity fuse is cocked at a distance of up to 1 km. from the target and ensures reliable detonation of the warhead of the missile when it flies at a distance of up to 5 meters from the target. When firing at surface or ground targets, the proximity fuse is disabled.
To increase the effectiveness of hitting air targets, the rods (up to 600 mm long and 4-9 mm in diameter) are covered on top with a special “jacket”, which contains ready-made striking elements made in the form of cubes (weighing 2-3 grams each). At the moment of detonation of the warhead of the missile defense system, fragments and rods form a kind of ring with a radius of up to 5 meters in a plane perpendicular to the missile axis. At a distance of more than 5 meters, their action is ineffective.
The missiles of the Kortik complex are placed in the TPK, which is unified with the missile defense system of the Tunguska-M military air defense complex. The missiles are assembled into 2 blocks of 4 missiles each. They are mounted on the rotating part of the combat module of the complex. The ammunition load of each module consists of 8 missiles. At the same time, the reloading and storage system ensures the storage of another 32 missiles in containers, their storage in the cellar, as well as the lifting of missiles and loading of launchers.
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The radar system includes a separate tracking radar mounted on the front of the turret, and a target acquisition and identification radar mounted on the rear of the turret. The information received by the radar is transmitted to a digital computing device that controls the weapon. The radar operating range is 18 km, target tracking range is 16 km.
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The vertical guidance angle of two 30-mm 2A38M automatic cannons (the same ones used on the BMP 2 and the Ka-50 helicopter) ranges from -6 to +80°. The ammunition load consists of 1904 armor-piercing tracer, fragmentation tracer and high-explosive tracer shells. The rate of fire is 5,000 rounds per minute. The Tunguska is capable of conducting effective cannon fire at air targets at a range of 200 to 4,000 m; the cannons are also capable of hitting ground targets. The maximum target height when conducting effective fire is 3000 m, the minimum height is Yum. The guns are capable of hitting a target moving at a speed of up to 700 m/s, and the complex as a whole is capable of hitting targets moving at a speed of 500 m/s. Currently, the Tunguska is in service with the Armed Forces of Russia, Belarus and India.
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Almost immediately after the creation of the famous “Shilka”, many designers came to the conclusion that the power of the 23-mm shells of this anti-aircraft system was still not enough to carry out the tasks facing the ZSU, and the firing range of the guns was somewhat too small. Naturally, the idea arose to try to install 30-mm machine guns, which were used on ships, as well as other versions of 30-mm guns on the Shilka. But it turned out to be difficult to implement. And soon a more productive idea appeared: to combine powerful artillery weapons with anti-aircraft missiles in one complex. The algorithm for the combat operation of the new complex should have been something like this: it captures a target at a long distance, identifies it, strikes it with guided anti-aircraft missiles, and if the enemy still manages to overcome the long-range line, then it comes under crushing fire from 30-mm anti-aircraft missiles artillery machine guns.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUNGUSKA air defense missile system
Development anti-aircraft gun-missile system 2K22 "Tunguska" began after the adoption by the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR of a joint resolution of July 8, 1970 No. 427-151. The overall management of the creation of Tunguska was entrusted to the Tula Instrument Design Bureau, although individual parts of the complex were developed in many Soviet design bureaus. In particular, the Leningrad Optical and Mechanical Association "LOMO" produced sighting and optical equipment. The Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant developed a radio instrument complex, the computing device was created by the Scientific Research Electromechanical Institute, and the Minsk Tractor Plant was entrusted with making the chassis.
The creation of Tunguska lasted twelve years. There was a time when the “sword of Damocles” hung over it in the form of a “minority opinion” of the Ministry of Defense. It turned out that the main characteristics of the Tunguska were comparable to those put into service in 1975. Funding for the development of Tunguska was frozen for two whole years. Objective necessity forced us to start creating it again: the “Wasp,” although it was good for destroying enemy aircraft, was no good when fighting helicopters hovering for attack. And even then it became clear that fire support helicopters armed with anti-tank guided missiles posed a serious danger to our armored vehicles.
The main difference between the Tunguska and other short-range self-propelled guns was that it carried both missile and cannon weapons, and powerful optical-electronic detection, tracking and fire control means. It had a target detection radar, a target tracking radar, optical sighting equipment, a high-performance computer, a friend-or-foe identification system and other systems. In addition, the complex had equipment that monitored any breakdowns and malfunctions in the equipment and units of the Tunguska itself. The uniqueness of the system was that it was capable of destroying both air and armored enemy ground targets. The designers tried to create comfortable conditions for the crew. The vehicle was equipped with an air conditioner, a heater, and a filter-ventilation unit, which made it possible to operate in conditions of chemical, biological and radiation contamination of the area. "Tunguska" received a navigation, topographical and orientation system. Its power supply is carried out from an autonomous power supply system driven by a gas turbine engine or from a power take-off system of a diesel engine. By the way, during the subsequent modernization, the resource of the gas turbine engine was doubled - from 300 to 600 hours. Just like Shilka. The Tunguska armor protects the crew from small arms fire and small fragments of shells and mines.
When creating the ZPRK 2K22, the GM-352 tracked chassis with a power supply system was chosen as the supporting base. It uses a hydromechanical transmission with a hydrostatic turning mechanism, hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance and hydraulic track tensioning. The chassis weighed 23.8 tons and could withstand a load of 11.5 tons. The engine used was various modifications of the liquid-cooled B-84 diesel engine, which developed power from 710 to 840 hp. All this taken together allowed the Tunguska to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, have high maneuverability, maneuverability and smoothness, which was very useful when firing cannons on the move. The missiles were fired at targets either from a standstill or from short stops. Subsequently, the Metrovagonmash Production Association, located in Mytishchi near Moscow, began supplying chassis for the production of Tunguska. The new chassis received the index GM-5975. The production of Tunguska was established at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant.
The Tunguska anti-aircraft gun and missile system includes a combat vehicle (2S6), a loading vehicle, maintenance and repair equipment, as well as an automated control and testing station.
HOW “TUNGUSKA” WORKS
The target detection station (SDS) available on the vehicle is capable of detecting objects flying at speeds of up to 500 m/s at ranges of up to 20 km and at altitudes from 25 meters to three and a half kilometers. At ranges of up to 17 km, the station detects helicopters flying at a speed of 50 m/s at an altitude of 15 meters. After this, the SOC transmits target data to the tracking station. All this time, the digital computer system prepares data to destroy targets, choosing the most optimal firing options.
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"Tunguska" is ready for battle |
Already at a distance of 10 km under optical visibility conditions, an aerial target can be destroyed by a 9M311-1M solid-fuel anti-aircraft guided missile. The missile launcher is made according to the “canard” design with a detachable engine and a semi-automatic radio command control system with manual target tracking and automatic launch of the missile to the line of sight.
After the engine gives the rocket an initial speed of 900 m/s in two and a half seconds, it is separated from the missile defense body. Then the missile's sustainer part, weighing 18.5 kg, continues to fly in ballistic mode, ensuring the destruction of high-speed targets - up to 500 m/s - and maneuvering targets with an overload of 5-7 units, both on oncoming and catch-up courses. Its high maneuverability is ensured by its significant overload capacity - up to 18 units.
The target is hit by a fragmentation rod warhead, which has contact and non-contact fuses. In the event of a slight (up to 5 meters) miss, the warhead is detonated, and the finished rod-shaped striking elements weighing 2-3 g each form a fragmentation field, which destroys the air target. You can imagine the volume of this needle-shaped field, if you consider that the weight of the warhead is 9 kg. The rocket itself weighs 42 kg. It is supplied in a transport and launch container, the mass of which with the missile defense system is 57 kg. This relatively low weight makes it possible to install missiles on launchers manually, which is very important in combat conditions. The rocket “packed” in a container is ready for use and does not require maintenance for 10 years.
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Main characteristics of ZPRK 2K22 "Tunguska-M 1" with 9MZP-1M missiles |
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| Crew, people | 4 |
| Target detection range, km | 20 |
| Area of destruction of SAM targets by cannons, km | |
| by range | 2.5-10 |
| in height | 0,015-3,5 |
| Speed of targets hit, m/s | |
| Reaction time, s | 6-8 |
| Ammunition, missiles/shells | 8/1904 |
| Rate of fire of guns, rds/min. | |
| Initial projectile speed, m/s | 960 |
| Vertical angle of cannon fire, degrees. | -9 - +87 |
| Weight of the SPAAG in combat position, t | up to 35 |
| Deployment time, min. | up to 5 |
| Engine | diesel V-84 |
| Engine power, hp | 710-840 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 65 |
Well, what if the rocket missed? Then a pair of 30-mm double-barreled 2A38 anti-aircraft guns, capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 4 kilometers, enters the battle. Each of the two machine guns has its own mechanism for feeding cartridges into each barrel from a common cartridge belt and one firing percussion mechanism, serving alternately the left and right barrels. The shooting is controlled remotely, the opening of fire is carried out using an electric trigger.
Double-barreled anti-aircraft guns have forced cooling of the barrels; they are capable of conducting all-round fire at air and ground, and sometimes surface targets in the vertical plane from -9 to +87 degrees. The initial speed of projectiles is up to 960 m/s. The ammunition load includes high-explosive fragmentation incendiary (1524 pcs.) and fragmentation tracer (380 pcs.) shells, which fly at the target in a ratio of 4:1. The rate of fire is simply frantic. It is 4810 rounds per minute, which is superior to foreign analogues. The guns' ammunition capacity is 1,904 rounds. According to experts, “the machines are reliable in operation and provide trouble-free operation at temperatures from -50 to +50 C°, in rain, icing and dust, shooting without cleaning for 6 days with daily shooting of up to 200 rounds per machine and with dry ( degreased) automation parts. Without changing barrels, the machine guns ensure the production of at least 8,000 shots, subject to the firing mode of 100 shots per machine gun, followed by cooling of the barrels.” Agree, these data are impressive.
And yet, and yet... There is no absolutely perfect technology in the world. And if all manufacturers highlight exclusively the merits of their combat systems, then their direct users - army soldiers and commanders - are more concerned about the capabilities of the products, their weaknesses, because they can play the worst role in a real battle.
We rarely discuss the shortcomings of our weapons. Everything that is written about him, as a rule, sounds in enthusiastic tones. And this is by and large correct - a soldier must believe in his weapon. But the battle begins, and sometimes disappointment appears, sometimes very tragic for the fighters. "Tunguska", by the way, is not at all an "exemplary example" in this regard. This is, without any exaggeration, a perfect system. But it is not without its shortcomings. These include the relatively short target detection range of the airborne radar, taking into account the fact that modern aircraft or cruise missiles cover 20 kilometers in the shortest possible time. One of the biggest problems of the Tunguska is the inability to use anti-aircraft guided missiles in poor visibility conditions (smoke, fog, etc.).
"TUNGUSKA" IN CHECHNYA
The results of the use of the 2K22 air defense system during combat operations in Chechnya are very indicative. The report of the former chief of staff of the North Caucasus Military District, Lieutenant General V. Potapov, noted many shortcomings in the actual use of anti-aircraft gun and missile systems. It must, however, be noted that all this happened in conditions of guerrilla warfare, where much was done “not according to science.” Potapov said that out of 20 Tunguskas, 15 anti-aircraft gun and missile systems were disabled. The main source of combat damage was grenade launchers of the RPG-7 and RPG-9 types. The militants fired from a distance of 30-70 meters and hit turrets and tracked chassis. During a technical examination of the nature of the damage to the Tunguska anti-aircraft missile system, it was found that out of 13 combat vehicles tested, 11 units had a damaged turret hull, and two had a damaged tracked chassis. “42 out of 56 9M311 missiles,” the report emphasized, “were hit on the guides of combat vehicles by small arms and mine fragments. As a result of this impact, the starting engines fired on 17 missiles, but they did not leave the containers. A fire broke out on two BMs and the right guides of the missile defense system were disabled.”
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“The destruction of ammunition,” the report further noted, “was discovered on three combat vehicles. As a result of the high temperature when the fuel ignited and a short circuit in the power supply system circuit, the ammunition on one combat vehicle was destroyed, and on the other two, when large fragments of mines (hole diameter up to 3 cm) flew through all the artillery bay boxes loaded with ammunition, only 2 detonated -3 shells. At the same time, the personnel of the crews were not hit inside the combat vehicles.”
And one more interesting quote from the mentioned report: “An analysis of the state of the 2A38 assault rifles allows us to conclude that with minor damage to the cooling casings, firing can be carried out in short bursts until all the ammunition is used up. With numerous damage to the cooling casings, the 2A38 jams. As a result of damage to the initial velocity sensors of projectiles, electric trigger cables, and pyrocassettes, a short circuit occurs along the 27 volt circuit, as a result of which the central computer system fails, while shooting cannot continue, on-site repair is impossible. Of the 13 combat vehicles, the 2A38 assault rifles were completely damaged in 5 BMs and one assault rifle in 4.
The antennas of the target detection station (STS) were damaged on almost all BMs. The nature of the damage indicates that 11 SOC antennas were disabled due to the fault of personnel (knocked down by trees when turning the tower) and 2 antennas were damaged by mine fragments and bullets. The antennas of the target tracking station (TSS) were damaged on 7 BM. As a result of a collision with a concrete obstacle, the undercarriage of one vehicle was damaged (separation of the right guide wheel and the first right road wheel). On the 12 damaged combat vehicles, the equipment compartments had no visible damage, which indicates that the survivability of the crew was ensured...”
These are some interesting numbers. The good news here is that the majority of the Tunguska crews were not injured. And the conclusion is simple: combat vehicles must be used in the combat conditions for which they were intended. Then the effectiveness of the weapon inherent in its design will manifest itself.
It should be noted, however, that any war is a harsh school. Here you quickly adapt to reality. The same thing happened with the combat use of the Tunguska. In the absence of an air enemy, they began to be used selectively against ground targets: they unexpectedly appeared from shelters, delivered their crushing blow to the militants and quickly returned back. Vehicle losses have disappeared.
Based on the results of the hostilities, proposals were made to modernize the Tunguska. In particular, it was recommended to provide the ability to control the drives of a combat vehicle in the event of a failure of the central computer station; a proposal was made to change the design of the escape hatch, since in combat conditions the crew will be able to leave the combat vehicle in 7 minutes at best, which is a monstrously long time; it was proposed to consider the possibility of equipping an emergency hatch on the port side - near the range operator; it was recommended to install additional viewing devices for the driver on the left and right, install devices that allow firing smoke and signal charges, increase the power of the lamp to illuminate the night vision device and ensure the ability to aim weapons at a target at night, etc.
As we see, there are no limits to the improvement of military equipment. It should be noted that the Tunguska was at one time modernized and received the name Tunguska-M, and the 9M311 missile was also improved, receiving the index 9M311-1M.
