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Iskander m damage radius. Operational tactical missile system "Iskander"

“Iskander” (9K720) family of operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK) of the ground forces: Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K, Iskander-M. Designed for covert preparation and delivery of effective missile strikes against particularly important small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops.

The Iskander OTRK (9K720) was created as a result of the joint work of a group of research institutes, design bureaus and factories under the leadership of the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM Kolomna), known as the company that created the Tochka and Oka missile systems. The launcher was developed by the Titan Central Design Bureau (Volgograd), the homing system was developed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (Moscow).

Under the conditions of the 1987 INF Treaty and the cessation of the use of nuclear weapons in theaters of operations, a number of fundamentally new requirements are imposed on modern tactical systems:

- use only non-nuclear weapons;
— ensuring precision shooting accuracy;
— control along the entire flight path;
— a wide range of effective combat equipment;
— the presence in the complex of a combat control automation system and an information — — — — support system, including the preparation of reference information for correction and final guidance systems;
— the ability to integrate with global satellite navigation systems (GSSN - GLONASS, NAVSTAR);
— the ability to hit heavily protected targets;
— increased fire performance;
— the ability to effectively overcome the effects of air defense and missile defense systems;
- the ability to hit moving targets.

To meet the above requirements, an export version of the OTRK 9K720 was created, designated “Iskander-E.” “Iskander-E” incorporates the best scientific, technical and design achievements in the field of operational-tactical missile systems and, in terms of the totality of implemented technical solutions, high combat effectiveness is a weapon of a completely new generation, superior in its tactical and technical characteristics to the existing RK 9K72 “Elbrus”, “Tochka-U”, “Lance”, “ATASMS”, “Pluton”, etc.

Main features of the RK 9K720 Iskander:

highly accurate and effective destruction of various types of targets;
the possibility of covert training, combat duty and effective missile strikes;
automatic calculation and input of missile flight missions using launcher means;
high probability of completing a combat mission in the face of active enemy opposition;
high probability of trouble-free functioning of the rocket during preparation for launch, as well as in flight;
high tactical maneuverability due to the high maneuverability of combat vehicles mounted on all-wheel drive chassis,
strategic mobility due to the transportability of vehicles by all modes of transport, including transport aviation;
automation of combat control of missile units,
prompt processing and communication of intelligence information to the appropriate management levels;
long service life and ease of use.

In terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, Iskander-E fully complies with the provisions of the Missile Technology Non-Proliferation Control Regime. This is a “weapon of deterrence” in local conflicts, and for countries with limited living space - a strategic weapon. The structure of the complex, its control systems, automated combat control and information support make it possible to quickly respond to new requirements without significant modification of its combat assets and, as a result, guarantee it a long life cycle.

For arming the Russian army, a version of the Iskander-M missile system with an increased flight range (more than 450 km) has been developed, as well as the Iskander-K, equipped with the R-500 high-precision cruise missile (range up to 2600 km) of the Caliber system developed by Yekaterinburg OJSC OKB Novator. The complex was successfully tested in 2007. at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
In 2007, the training division in Kapustin Yar, which took part in the war with Georgia in August 2008, was equipped with Iskander-M complexes (four combat vehicles).

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-26.

The Iskander complex includes:

9M723 rocket;
self-propelled launcher 9P78 (SPU);
transport-loading machine 9T250 (TZM);
command and staff vehicle 9S552 (KShM);
mobile information preparation station 9S920 (PPI);
regulation and maintenance machine (MRTO);
life support machine;
sets of arsenal and training equipment.

9M723 missile of the Iskander complex

Solid propellant, single-stage with a warhead that cannot be separated in flight. The rocket is controlled throughout its flight path using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. The flight path of the 9M723 is not ballistic, but controlled. The rocket constantly changes its trajectory plane. She maneuvers especially actively during her acceleration and approach to the target - with an overload of 20 to 30g. In order to intercept a 9M723 missile, the antimissile must move along a trajectory with an overload two to three times higher, and this is practically impossible. Most of the flight path of a missile made using Stealth technology and having a small reflective surface passes at an altitude of 50 km, which also significantly reduces the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy. The 'invisibility' effect is achieved through a combination of design features and the treatment of the rocket with special coatings.

The missile is launched directly at the target using an inertial control system, and then captured by an autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing head (see photo). The principle of operation of the OTR 9M723 homing system is that optical equipment forms an image of the terrain in the target area, which is compared by the on-board computer with the standard entered during the preparation of the missile for launch. The optical head has increased resistance to existing electronic warfare systems and allows successful missile launches even on moonless nights, when there is no additional natural target illumination, hitting the target with an error of plus or minus two meters.

No other tactical system in the world can solve such a problem, except for the Iskander. In addition, optical systems do not require signals from space radio navigation systems, which in crisis situations can be turned off or disabled by radio interference. Integrating inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any imaginable conditions. The homing head can also be used on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types.

The missile can be equipped with various warheads (10 types in total), including:

a cluster warhead with fragmentation warheads for non-contact detonation;
cluster warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads;
cluster warhead with self-aiming combat elements;
cluster warhead with volumetric detonating action;
high-explosive fragmentation warhead (HFW);
high-explosive incendiary warhead;
penetrating warhead (PBC).

The cluster warhead ensures deployment at an altitude of 0.9-1.4 km with further separation and stabilization of the combat elements. The combat elements are equipped with radio sensors; the combat elements are detonated at a height of 6-10 m above the target.

Thanks to the implementation of terminal control and guidance methods, control along the entire flight path, a wide range of powerful combat units and the integration of onboard control systems with various correction and homing systems, as well as the high probability of completing a combat mission in conditions of active enemy counteraction, typical targets are hit by the launch of only 1- 2 Iskander-E missiles, which is equivalent in effectiveness to the use of nuclear weapons.

Self-propelled launcher 9P78-1 (SPU) RK 9K720 "Iskander-M"

The fully autonomous SPU is placed on an 8x8 all-terrain wheeled chassis (MZKT-7930) and is designed for storing and transporting missiles, preparing for launch and launching within the firing sector ±90° relative to the direction of entry of the SPU. The SPU provides: automatic determination of its coordinates, data exchange with all control levels, combat duty and preparation for launch with the missile in a horizontal position, single and salvo missile launches, storage and testing of missiles. The most important feature of the launcher was the placement of not one (as in Tochka and Oka), but two missiles.

The time the launcher spends at the launch position is minimal and is up to 20 minutes, while the interval between the launches of the 1st and 2nd missiles is no more than one minute. Missile launches do not require launch positions that are specially prepared in terms of engineering and geodesy, which can lead to their discovery by the enemy. Launches can be carried out from the so-called “ready from the march”, i.e. the launcher drives onto any site (except for swampy areas and shifting sands) and its crew prepares and launches the rocket in an automated cycle, without leaving the cabin. After which the launcher moves to the reloading point and, after loading the missiles, is ready to launch a second missile strike from any launch position.

Transport-loading vehicle 9T250-1 (TZM) RK 9K720 “Iskander-M”

The TZM is also located on the MZKT-7930 chassis and is equipped with a jib crane. The total combat weight is 40,000 kg, the TZM crew is 2 people.

Command and staff vehicle 9S552 (KShM) of the Iskander missile system

The automated control system is built on the basis of a command and staff vehicle, unified for all levels of management, built on a KAMAZ family chassis. Setting to a certain management level (brigade, division, starting battery) is carried out programmatically during operation. To ensure information exchange, the launcher houses combat control and communications equipment. Information exchange can be carried out both through open and closed communication channels.

Iskander is integrated with various reconnaissance and control systems. Information about the target is transmitted from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (type "Flight-D") to the information preparation point (PPI). It calculates the flight mission for the missile and prepares reference information for missiles with OGSN. This information is then transmitted via radio channels to the command post vehicles (CSVs) of the division and battery commanders, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can be generated either in the command post or from the control centers of senior artillery commanders.

It is placed on the chassis of the Kamaz family and is intended for routine checks of on-board equipment of missiles placed on TZM (as well as in containers), checks of instruments included in group sets of spare parts for complex elements and routine repair of missiles by the MTO crew. Vehicle weight - 13500 kg, deployment time - 20 minutes, automated cycle time for routine check of on-board rocket equipment - 18 minutes, crew - 2 people.

Life support vehicle for the Iskander missile system

Designed to accommodate combat crews (up to 8 people) for rest and food.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the Iskander complex (9K720)

Circular probable deviation……….5-7 m (“Iskander-M” using a missile with a correlation seeker), up to 2 meters.
Launch mass of the rocket………………..3 800 kg
Weight of warhead………………..480 kg
Length………………..7.2 m
Diameter………………..920 mm
Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory………..2 100 m/s
Maximum trajectory altitude………………..50 km.
Minimum target engagement range………..50 km
Maximum target engagement range………500 km Iskander-K (2000 km with the R-500 cruise missile); 280 km Iskander-E (export)
Time before launch of the first rocket………………..4-16 minutes
Interval between launches…………1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)

Photo of the Iskander missile system

Transfer of a brigade set of Iskander-M missile systems to the 112th Missile Brigade.
July 8, 2014 - at the Kaspustin Yar training ground

This is interesting

This week, a new missile for the Iskander-M operational-tactical complex (OTRK) was successfully tested at the Kapustin Yar test site. According to Viktor Bondarev, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, the event is extremely important for the country. Considering the constantly tense situation not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also on the border with the Kaliningrad region.

As the TASS senator stated, “the development and subsequent adoption of new high-precision missiles for hitting missile defense and air defense facilities serves as a guarantee of not only Russian, but also international security.”

Indeed, NATO generals take the Iskander extremely seriously. Firstly, neither the United States nor any other NATO country has an OTRK that would be close to the Iskander in terms of combat capabilities. Secondly, no one has any methods to combat Iskander missiles.

This spring, the head of the US Strategic Command, Air Force General John Hyten, speaking in the US Congress, admitted: “We cannot protect Europe from the ground-based cruise missiles that were recently deployed by Russia.”

It would seem that in such a situation the developer of the Iskander-M OTRK, which is the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau, can take a break. However, the general director of the design bureau, V. Kashin, told TASS at the beginning of this year that in order to maintain its leading position in the next decade, modernization of the complex is planned. The tests that have passed relate directly to it.

Since January, the situation has become more detailed. Shortly before the tests, it was reported that “seven types of missiles have been developed, and maybe more.” Outwardly, they do not differ, but the filling of the missiles is different - engines, warheads, control systems. How many missiles will actually be added to the two already available is not yet entirely clear. But one thing is certain. Since the modernization of the OTRK will take place in stages and will take at least two decades, the connection of new missiles to the complex will be done step by step. At the same time, new missiles will replace the old ones “at the combat post.” And in the near future, one missile may appear, which is currently being tested at the Kapustin Yar test site. And everyone was satisfied with the results of the launches.

So why are the United States and its satellites so afraid of the Iskander? They inherited this fear from the previous generation of military men, who reacted with the same panic to the Oka OTRK, which appeared in the 80s. The panic was understandable - Oka missiles were guaranteed to overcome all NATO missile defense systems available at that time.

During perestroika, when the USSR and the United States signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the Americans insisted on eliminating all Oka tactical missile systems deployed at that time and curtailing their production. This was achieved through forceful pressure on Moscow, since Oka had nothing to do with the INF Treaty. The maximum launch range of its missiles was 450 km. The treaty provided for the elimination of ground-based missiles whose range was between 500 km and 5500 km.

In the mid-90s, it was decided to create a new OTRK, not only using the developments gained during the development of the Oka, but also introducing the latest scientific and technical principles. The main developer, as before, was the Kolomna Design Bureau, and the co-implementers of the topic were a number of design bureaus and research institutes.

At first, the complex worked with one missile - a quasi-ballistic one. Its testing began at the Kapustin Yar test site in 1998. But then a default broke out, and the matter was delayed unjustifiably, that is, not for engineering reasons. The complex was put into service only in 2006. And then the first missile brigade of the Volga-Ural Military District began to be equipped with Iskanders.

Until 2013, the Iskander was equipped with two 9M723 quasi-ballistic missiles with different warheads - cluster, high-explosive fragmentation and penetrating. There is a modification with a nuclear charge. Warhead weight - 480 kg. At that time, the complex was 5-8 times superior in combat capabilities to its best analogues.

A quasi-ballistic missile received this name because when flying along a ballistic trajectory in airless space, it maneuvers with the help of gas-dynamic rudders to avoid enemy missile defenses. The rocket is a single-stage rocket with a solid-fuel jet engine. Flight in the passive phase after turning off the engine occurs at an altitude of 50 km.

The designers solved the problem of setting false targets for enemy radars in an extremely interesting way. During flight, radio wave reflectors are shot back in such a way that they form several groups. Each of these groups has the same effective dispersion area as the missile itself. As a result, several identical “missiles” flying at the same speeds are displayed on the locator screens. To ensure that the reflectors do not lag behind in flight, thereby unmasking the rocket, it periodically slows down, moving throughout the entire trajectory in a “group of quasi-missiles.”

During the final phase of the flight, when, as a result of diving towards the target, the speed increases to 6-7M, the rocket maneuvers with the help of aerodynamic rudders. In this case, the overload reaches 30g.

The first version of Iskander, of course, made an unfavorable impression on the Americans. But dejection gave way to hysteria when the Yekaterinburg design bureau "Novator" made a second missile for the complex - the R-500 cruise missile. Due to the inability to defend against the modernized OTRK, the United States responded with accusations that the R-500 violates the INF Treaty, since its range allegedly exceeds 500 km. And all this is unproven.

The R-500 has subsonic speed, but at the same time has the unique ability to overcome enemy missile defenses due to a number of engineering solutions, many of which have become revolutionary. That is, intercepting it is as difficult as, say, hitting a bullet fired from a sniper rifle from a slingshot.

It took more than 10 years to create this rocket. Testing and refinement in their process lasted 6 years. And in 2013 it was put into service.

Many characteristics and principles of operation of the R-500 missile are classified. It is known that with a warhead weighing 480 kg, its maximum deviation from the target is 1 meter. The approach to the target when entering the enemy missile defense zone occurs at an altitude of 7 meters. This became possible thanks to a comparative analysis by the on-board computer of the terrain map, images from the television camera and data received from the seeker. Like a quasi-ballistic missile, the R-500 can be equipped with a variety of warheads, including nuclear.

If it is practically impossible to intercept each of the two types of Iskander missiles, then when both quasi-ballistic and cruise missiles simultaneously approach the target, then it is no longer possible to intercept them even theoretically.

The range of the R-500 does not exceed 500 km, which is reflected in the name of the missile. The new missile tested at the Kapustin Yar test site also does not fly further. And, incredible as it may seem, people across the ocean are finally beginning to agree with this. Even if not universally and not everywhere. Thus, commenting on the tests, Newsweek writes: “This means that the Iskander-M missiles, although capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are not covered by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).”

The Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau, by creating new missiles for the Iskander, is increasing the lead in this area of armament from the United States. Indeed, the best American OTRK MGM-140 ATACMS is significantly inferior to the Iskander-M in all respects. The ballistic missile covers a distance of 270 km and has a payload of 277 kg. Deviation from the target is 10−20 m. The missile maneuvers using aerodynamic rudders when flying in the atmosphere. But this exhausts the possibilities of countering missile defense systems. The complex was created in the late 80s, when the United States decided that there were no more serious opponents and never would be. Therefore, the development of more efficient systems was curtailed.

The situation has changed. A year ago it became known that the United States was beginning to develop a new complex. Its accuracy, range, payload, and ability to overcome missile defense systems will increase. It is reported that the new OTRK will be ready by 2027. During this time, Iskander will go even further forward. So the “catch up and overtake Russia” maneuver should not yield great results.

Iskander missile system - video of missile launch

The Iskander OTRK (9K720) was created as a result of the joint work of a group of research institutes, design bureaus and factories under the leadership of the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM Kolomna), known as the company that created the Tochka and Oka missile systems. The launcher was developed by the Titan Design Bureau (Volgograd), the homing system was developed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (Moscow).

the use of only non-nuclear weapons;
ensuring precision shooting accuracy;
control along the entire flight path;
a wide range of effective combat equipment;
the presence in the complex of a combat control automation system and an information support system, including the preparation of reference information for correction and final guidance systems;
possibility of integration with global satellite navigation systems (GSSN - "GLONASS", "NAVSTAR");
the ability to hit heavily protected targets;
increased fire performance;
the ability to effectively overcome the effects of air defense and missile defense systems;
the ability to hit moving targets.

To meet the above requirements, an export version of the OTRK 9K720 was created, which received the designation "Iskander-E." "Iskander-E" absorbed the best scientific, technical and design achievements in the field of operational-tactical missile systems and, in terms of the totality of implemented technical solutions, high combat effectiveness is a weapon of a completely new generation, superior in its tactical and technical characteristics to the existing RK 9K72 "Elbrus", "Tochka-U", "Lance", "ATASMS", "Pluton", etc.

Main features of the RK 9K720 Iskander:

highly accurate and effective destruction of various types of targets;
the possibility of covert training, combat duty and effective missile strikes;
automatic calculation and input of missile flight missions using launcher means;
high probability of completing a combat mission in the face of active enemy opposition;
high probability of trouble-free functioning of the rocket during preparation for launch, as well as in flight;
high tactical maneuverability due to the high maneuverability of combat vehicles mounted on all-wheel drive chassis,
strategic mobility due to the transportability of vehicles by all modes of transport, including transport aviation;
automation of combat control of missile units,
prompt processing and communication of intelligence information to the appropriate management levels;
long service life and ease of use.

For arming the Russian army, a version of the Iskander-M missile system with an increased flight range (more than 450 km) has been developed, as well as the Iskander-K, equipped with the R-500 high-precision cruise missile (range up to 2600 km) of the Caliber system developed by the Yekaterinburg JSC "OKB "Novator". The complex was successfully tested in 2007 at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
In 2007, the training division in Kapustin Yar, which took part in the war with Georgia in August 2008, was equipped with Iskander-M complexes (four combat vehicles).

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-26.

The Iskander complex includes:

9M723 rocket;
self-propelled launcher 9P78 (SPU);
transport-loading machine 9T250 (TZM);
command and staff vehicle 9S552 (KShM);
mobile information preparation station 9S920 (PPI);
regulation and maintenance machine (MRTO);
life support machine;
sets of arsenal and training equipment.

9M723 missile of the Iskander complex

Solid propellant, single-stage with a warhead that cannot be separated in flight. The rocket is controlled throughout its flight path using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. The flight path of the 9M723 is not ballistic, but controlled. The rocket constantly changes its trajectory plane. It maneuvers especially actively during its acceleration and approach to the target - with an overload of 20 to 30g. In order to intercept a 9M723 missile, the antimissile must move along a trajectory with an overload two to three times higher, and this is practically impossible. Most of the flight path of a missile made using Stealth technology and having a small reflective surface passes at an altitude of 50 km, which also significantly reduces the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy. The “invisibility” effect is achieved through a combination of design features and the treatment of the rocket with special coatings.

The missile can be equipped with various warheads (10 types in total), including:

a cluster warhead with fragmentation warheads for non-contact detonation;
cluster warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads;
cluster warhead with self-aiming combat elements;
cluster warhead with volumetric detonating action;
high-explosive fragmentation warhead (HFW);
high-explosive incendiary warhead;
penetrating warhead (PBC).

Self-propelled launcher 9P78-1 (SPU) RK 9K720 "Iskander-M"

The fully autonomous SPU is placed on an 8x8 all-terrain wheeled chassis (MZKT-7930) and is designed for storing and transporting missiles, preparing for launch and launching within the firing sector ±90° relative to the direction of entry of the SPU. The SPU provides: automatic determination of its coordinates, data exchange with all control levels, combat duty and preparation for launch with the missile in a horizontal position, single and salvo missile launches, storage and testing of missiles. The most important feature of the launcher was the placement on it not of one (as in Tochka and Oka), but of two missiles.

Transport-loading vehicle 9T250-1 (TZM) RK 9K720 "Iskander-M"

The TZM is also located on the MZKT-7930 chassis and is equipped with a jib crane. Full combat weight - 40,000 kg, TZM crew - 2 people.

Command and staff vehicle 9S552 (KShM) of the Iskander missile system

It is placed on the chassis of the Kamaz family and is intended for routine checks of on-board equipment of missiles placed on TZM (as well as in containers), checks of instruments included in group sets of spare parts for complex elements and routine repair of missiles by the MTO crew. Vehicle weight - 13500 kg, deployment time - 20 minutes, time of the automated cycle of routine check of the rocket's on-board equipment - 18 minutes, crew - 2 people.

Life support vehicle for the Iskander missile system

Designed to accommodate combat crews (up to 8 people) for rest and food.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the Iskander complex (9K720)

Circular probable deviation.........5-7 m (Iskander-M using a missile with a correlation seeker), up to 2 meters.
Launch mass of the rocket...................3 800 kg
Weight of the warhead......480 kg
Length......7.2 m
Diameter......920 mm
Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory...........2 100 m/s
Maximum trajectory altitude......50 km.
Minimum target engagement range.........50 km
Maximum target engagement range......500 km Iskander-K (2000 km with the R-500 cruise missile); 280 km Iskander-E (export)
Time before launch of the first rocket...................4-16 minutes
Interval between launches............1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)

Photo of the Iskander missile system

Transfer of a brigade set of Iskander-M missile systems to the 112th Missile Brigade.
July 8, 2014 - at the Kaspustin Yar training ground

Composition of the Iskander OTRK.

- Gross weight: 42 t
- Payload: 19 t

- Calculation: 3 people
- Chassis: MZKT-7930

- Chassis: MZKT-7930
- Loading crane

- Calculation: 2 people.

Command and staff vehicle

- Number of communication channels: up to 16h

- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101

- Calculation: 4 people

- Weight: 13.5 tons

- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KamAZ

Information preparation point
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101

Life support machine
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43118

- Warhead weight: 480 kg
- Length 7.3 m
- Diameter 920 mm

Nuclear weapons.

November 22, 2019

November 18, 2019

September 19, 2019

August 31, 2019

The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is designed to destroy area and small-sized targets deep in the operational location of enemy troops with combat units used in conventional equipment; destruction of enemy air defense and missile defense systems, as well as the most important objects covered by them, at ranges of up to 500 km. The complex was developed by NPO Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau. Tactical use of the OTRK can include a simultaneous strike with an Iskander-M quasi-ballistic missile and an Iskander-K cruise missile to destroy highly protected missile defense and air defense targets along different trajectories, which complicates protection from defeat. Has a low barrier to non-nuclear use. Created using modern design and scientific and technical achievements in the field of OTRK. A special feature of the installation is the use of two missiles.

Main characteristics of the Iskander OTRK

Composition of the Iskander OTRK.

The complex includes six types of machines:

Self-propelled launcher- designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target.
- Gross weight: 42 t
- Payload: 19 t
- Highway speed: 70 km/h
- Speed of movement on a dirt road: 40 km/h
- Fuel range: 1000 km
- Calculation: 3 people
- Chassis: MZKT-7930

Transport-charging machine- designed to transport two additional missiles.
- Chassis: MZKT-7930
- Loading crane
- Total combat weight: 40 tons
- Calculation: 2 people.

Command and staff vehicle- designed to control the entire Iskander complex.
- Maximum radio range when stationary/on the move: 350/50 km
- Mission calculation time for missiles: up to 10 seconds
- Command transmission time: up to 15 seconds
- Number of communication channels: up to 16h
- Deployment (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
- Continuous operation time: 48 hours
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101
- Radio station: R-168-100KA “Aqueduct”
- Calculation: 4 people

Regulation and maintenance machine- designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs.
- Weight: 13.5 tons
- Deployment time: 20 minutes
- Time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket: 18 min
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KamAZ

Information preparation point- designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV.
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101

Life support machine- designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews.
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43118
- Rest compartment: 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, opening window
- Household supply compartment: 2 lockers with seats, a folding lifting table, a water supply system with a 300-liter tank, a tank for heating water, a pump for pumping water, a drainage system, a sink, a dryer for clothes and shoes

Combat characteristics of the Iskander OTRK.

Circular probable deviation: 10-30 m
- Rocket launch weight: 3800 kg
- Warhead weight: 480 kg
- Length 7.3 m
- Diameter 920 mm
- Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2100 m/s
- Maximum overloads during flight - 20-30G
- Maximum trajectory altitude - more than 100 km
- Minimum target range: 50
- Maximum target engagement range: 500 km "Iskander-K"
- Guidance: INS, GLONASS, optical seeker
- Time before launch of the first rocket: 4-16 minutes
- Interval between starts: 1 minute
- Operating temperature range: -50 °C to 50 °C
- Service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions

Types of warheads of the Iskander OTRK.

Iskander can use a very wide range of combat units. The main ones are:

To destroy area targets and entrenched equipment, a cluster fragmentation warhead is used with remote detonation in the air of 54 combat elements to destroy people and equipment in the trenches from above.
- A concrete-piercing warhead is used to destroy bunkers.
- To hit point targets, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead is usually used.

Cluster warheads for hitting area targets.

Iskander can use a wide range of cluster warheads, allowing it to immediately hit a large area target, such as a military base, airfield, air defense/missile defense center.
On average, 1 kg of fragmentation cluster munitions affects about 32 m2. The area of destruction varies depending on the type of cluster munition and can be much lower for cumulative or volumetric detonating munitions, but these munitions can also hit armored vehicles or infantry/vehicles in shelters. The known types of Iskander OTRK cluster munitions are as follows:

Cassette with 54 fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation, triggered at a height of about 10 m above the ground surface

Cassette with PTAB-2.5KO cumulative fragmentation warheads, capable of penetrating the roof armor of armored vehicles up to 20 mm thick, as well as inflicting wounds on infantry with fragments

Cassette with self-aiming combat elements using its own radar and IR seeker to destroy clusters of SPBE-D equipment

Volumetric detonating cassette for destroying manpower and equipment among buildings and in shelters

Non-cluster munitions for hitting point targets.

Non-cluster warheads are designed to destroy point fortified objects such as command bunkers, reinforced concrete warehouse buildings, barracks, fuel storage tanks and the like. Anti-bunker ammunition is designed to penetrate reinforced concrete floors up to 1.2 m thick and detonate indoors. High-explosive fragmentation warheads hit lightly armored vehicles with shrapnel at a distance of 70 m, and easily vulnerable equipment, such as dug-in vehicles as part of air defense systems and communications centers, at a distance of 200 m.

Nuclear weapons.

Special (nuclear) warhead with a capacity of up to 50 kilotons.

November 22, 2019 At the Kapustin Yar training ground, a solemn ceremony was held to present a brigade set of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system to the personnel of the missile formation of the Western Military District. The transfer of the kit completed the re-equipment of the existing missile formations of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by the head of combat training - deputy chief of the missile forces and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel Yuri Zaritsky, the command of the Western Military District and representatives of defense industry enterprises.

November 18, 2019 During the exercises, crews of the Iskander-M missile systems of the Central Military District practiced delivering group and single strikes against important objects and targets that determine the combat potential of a mock enemy at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. The crews marched to the designated area, where they carried out engineering equipment for the starting positions and took up combat duty. The crews also improved their actions when working on launchers and transport-loading vehicles, and the drivers strengthened their driving skills in various terrain conditions.

September 19, 2019 At the Donguz training ground in the Orenburg region, military personnel of the Central Military District missile unit hit a training target with a missile from the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system. The launch took place during the strategic command and staff exercises Center-2019. The complex hit a target that imitated a critical target of a mock enemy.

August 31, 2019, as part of a tactical exercise at the Kapustin Yar training ground, military personnel of the VVO missile formation launched a ballistic missile of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system at a target simulating a critical target of a mock enemy. As a result of the missile strike, the training target was destroyed.

News & Events

Ground forces have completed rearmament with the Iskander missile system

On November 22, 2019, at the Kapustin Yar training ground, a ceremony was held to present a brigade set of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system to the personnel of the missile formation of the Western Military District. The transfer of the kit completed the re-equipment of the existing missile formations of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by the head of combat training - deputy chief of the missile forces and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel Yuri Zaritsky, the command of the Western Military District and representatives of defense industry enterprises. Several dozen launchers, transport-loading and command-staff vehicles, life support equipment, regulations and maintenance were handed over to the personnel of the missile formation. The final stage of rearmament of the missile formation will be a tactical exercise with a combat launch of a missile, after which the entire personnel of the formation will march in a combined manner to the place of permanent deployment.

Iskander-M complexes practiced delivering strikes against a simulated enemy

On November 18, 2019, during the exercise, crews of the Iskander-M missile systems of the Central Military District practiced carrying out group and single strikes against important facilities and targets that determine the combat potential of a mock enemy, located at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. The crews marched to the designated area, where they carried out engineering equipment for the starting positions and took up combat duty. The crews also improved their actions when working on launchers and transport-loading vehicles, and the drivers strengthened their driving skills in various terrain conditions.

At the Center-2019 exercises, the Iskander-M missile was successfully launched

At the Donguz training ground in the Orenburg region on September 19, 2019, military personnel from the missile formation of the Central Military District hit a training target with a missile from the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system. The launch was carried out as part of the strategic command and staff exercises Center-2019. The complex successfully hit a target that imitated a critical target of a mock enemy. The servicemen also fulfilled the standards for transferring the missile system to a combat position and reloading the missiles. The effectiveness of the attack was assessed using the Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle.

Strategic command and staff exercise of the Russian Armed Forces Center-2019

The strategic command and staff exercise of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation “Center” was held from September 16 to 21, 2019. They are the final stage of a complex of combat training activities. During the exercises, military personnel worked out the use of troop groups in solving problems of combating international terrorism and ensuring military security in the Central Asian strategic direction.

An Iskander OTRK missile was launched near Astrakhan

As part of a tactical exercise at the Kapustin Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region on August 31, 2019, military personnel of the missile formation of the Eastern Military District launched a ballistic missile of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system at a target simulating a critical target of a mock enemy. During the exercise, the crews of the complex demonstrated their skills in meeting the standards for transferring the OTRK from a traveling position to a combat position, reloading missiles from transport-loading vehicles to self-propelled launchers, and launching a missile strike at given coordinates. As a result of the missile strike, the training target was destroyed

The SS-26 Iskander is an operational-tactical missile system designed to eliminate area and small-sized targets that may be located deep in the operational location of enemy troops. The Iskander operational-tactical missile system was destined to be created in an environment in which the 1987 Short- and Medium-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was in force. In addition, there was a refusal to use nuclear weapons in war between opposing sides.

This is exactly why the Iskanders were created, taking into account the new requirements placed on them:

The use of a warhead only in the presence of standard equipment;
Refusal of nuclear strikes;
Guiding missiles along all their flight trajectories;
High firing accuracy;
The likelihood of changing combat units, taking into account the types of targets being eliminated;
High level of automation of all processes.

Number of Iskanders

Iskander, a tactical missile system, has been in service since 2010. At that time, six complexes were supplied to the military under the state defense order. The state arms program provided for the purchase of 120 Iskanders by 2020. Since 2015, the Russian army has formed brigades armed with the Iskander-M missile system.

Some information from the history of the Iskanders

Iskanders were developed simultaneously with the help of several design bureaus and institutes. However, the Kolomna Mashinostroeniya Design Bureau was destined to become the parent enterprise. It is known for many legendary weapons, such as Tochka-U, Igloy and Arena air defense systems, as well as many Soviet and Russian mortars.

The development of Iskander began with S.P. Invincible, the legendary general designer. He took the very successful RK Oka as a basis for that period. It is known that Oka was the first in history that was able to pass through missile defense with a coefficient of almost one, which ensured a high probability of hitting the target. However, according to the 1987 treaty between the USSR and the USA, they were destroyed. Valery Kashin, the current general designer and head of the Mashinostroeniya design bureau, was entrusted with new developments.

KBM was given a task: the new complex should destroy any targets, stationary or moving. And this is with the main requirement - the highest degree of missile defense penetration with target destruction, but without nuclear charges.

Passing the missile defense was based on:

Maximum reduction of the missile dispersion surface. Their contours have become extremely streamlined and smooth;
The external surfaces were treated with a radio-absorbing special coating;
The ability to quickly and actively maneuver, as a result of which the Iskander trajectory is unpredictable and missile interception is impossible.

No other operational-tactical and tactical missiles built on the planet have similar properties. During the development process, the designers performed absolutely unique work. This led to a revision of many of the concepts contained in the preliminary sketches of the project.

After the February 1993 Decree of the Russian President related to development work on the Iskander M complex, a tactical and technical specification was prepared. It indicated new approaches to the construction of complexes, as well as the optimization of all solutions.

For this reason, Iskander M had to become a completely new complex, and not a modernized old one. The complex has become the focus of numerous advanced domestic and world scientific achievements. Climatic, flight and bench tests had to drag on for many years. Mostly everything was carried out in Kapustin Yar, but some were also in other regions of the state.

Mid-autumn 2011 was marked by the completion of the first stage of tests conducted with the Iskander-M missile system, which resulted in the receipt of new combat equipment. The 9M723 missiles had excellent characteristics, as well as a new correlation guidance system.

Likely targets

Iskanders can strike at:

Missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery;
Missile defense and air defense systems;
Airplanes and helicopters at airfields;
Command posts and communication centers;
Particularly important objects in civil infrastructure.

Characteristic features of the Iskanders

The characteristic features of the Iskanders are:

Availability of high-precision effective destruction of a wide variety of targets;
Stealth in combat duty, in preparation for launch and in delivering strikes;
Automation of calculations and input of flight missions for missiles at launchers;
High potential for performing combat missions in an environment of active counteraction by the enemy;
High level of operational reliability of missiles, trouble-free launch and flight;
High level of tactical maneuverability;
High level of strategic mobility;
High level of automation of processes in the combat control of missile units;
Fast processing and timely delivery of intelligence data to the necessary levels of management;
Long service life and convenient operation.

Combat characteristics

The combat characteristics of the Iskanders are:

Circular deviation probability: 1-30 m;
The launch weight of the rockets is 3,800 kg;
Length - 7.2 m;
Diameter - 920 mm;
Weight of warheads - 480 kg;
The rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory is 2100 m/s;
The minimum target engagement range is 50 km;
Maximum target engagement range:
- 500 km - Iskander-K;
- 280 km - Iskander-E.
Time to launch with the first rocket is 4-16 minutes;
Interval between starts: 1 min;
Service life: ten years, including three years in the field.

Elements that make up the Iskander

The main elements that make up the Iskander are:

Rockets;
Self-propelled launchers;
Transport-charging vehicles;
Routine maintenance vehicles;
Command and staff vehicles;
Data preparation points;
Arsenal equipment sets;
Educational and training aids.

Self-propelled launchers - designed for storage, transportation, preparatory work and launches at targets of two missiles (in the export version of one missile). Self-propelled launchers can be made on the basis of special wheeled chassis, which are produced at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. The tractors have a total weight of 42 tons, a payload of 19 tons, a travel speed of 70 km/h on highways, 40 km/h on dirt roads, and a fuel range of up to 1000 km. The combat crew includes three military personnel.

Transport-loading vehicles are designed to transport an additional pair of missiles. Transport-loading vehicles are based on the MZKT-7930 chassis and are equipped with loading cranes. They have a total combat weight of 40 tons and a crew of two military personnel.

Command and staff vehicles - designed to control all processes in the Iskander complexes. They are based on the KamAZ-43101 wheeled chassis. The combat crew includes four military personnel.

Characteristic features that the CVS have:

The maximum radio communication range on the spot is 350 km, on the march 50 km;
Estimated task time for missiles is up to 10 s;
Command transmission time up to 15 s;
The number of radio communication channels is 16;
Unfolding (collapsing) time is up to half an hour;
Continuous operation time up to two days.

Routine and maintenance vehicles are designed to monitor instruments, missiles, on-board equipment and to carry out routine repair work. They are located on the KamAZ wheelbase. They have a mass of up to 14 tons, a deployment time of no more than 20 minutes, a time of automated cycles of routine checks of on-board missile equipment - 18 minutes, and a combat crew of two military personnel.

Data preparation points are designed to determine the coordinates of targets and prepare data for missiles in order to transmit them to the SPU. Data preparation points are integrated with intelligence assets and can receive tasks from any sources, including satellites, aircraft or drones. There are two military personnel in the combat crew.

Life support vehicles are designed for combat crews to rest and eat. They are located on the wheelbase of KamAZ-43118. The machines have: compartments for rest and compartments for household supplies.

Iskander missiles are solid-fuel, single-stage, with warheads that cannot be separated in flight, guided and maneuverable missiles along the entire length of difficult-to-predict flight trajectories. Missiles maneuver especially quickly during the starting and final stages of flight, in which they approach targets with high overloads.

This is due to the need to fly anti-missile missiles to intercept Iskander missiles with overloads two to three times greater, which today is considered almost impossible.

Most of the flight trajectories of the Iskander missiles were carried out using stealth technologies with small reflective surfaces. The “invisibility” effects are ensured by the combined design features of the missiles and the treatment of their surfaces using special coatings.

The launch of missiles to targets is carried out using an inertial control system. They are subsequently captured by autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing heads. The missile homing system operates on the principle that optical instruments form images in the target area, which the on-board computer compares with the data entered into it.

Optical homing heads are distinguished by an increased level of sensitivity and resistance to existing electronic warfare equipment. Thanks to this, you can launch missiles on a moonless night without additional natural illumination and eliminate moving targets within a radius of two meters. Today, such tasks, except for the Iskanders, cannot be solved by any other similar missile systems on the planet.

It is interesting that the optical homing systems used in missiles do not need to correct the signals that are created by space radio navigation systems. The complex use of inertial control systems with satellite navigation and optical seekers made it possible to create missiles that hit specified targets in almost any possible situation. The homing heads installed on Iskander missiles can also be installed on other missiles. These can be different ballistic and cruise missiles.

Types of Iskander combat units

The main types of Iskander combat units are:

Cassette weapons with fragmentation warheads for non-contact explosions. They can operate at a height of approximately ten meters above the ground;
Cassette weapons with cumulative fragmentation warheads;
Cassette weapons with self-aiming combat elements;
Cassette, having a volumetric detonating effect;
High-explosive fragmentation;
High explosive incendiary;
Penetrating.

Fifty-four combat elements are located in cluster warheads.

All Iskanders are integrated with a wide variety of reconnaissance and control systems. They are capable of receiving information about targets designated for destruction from satellites, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles at data preparation points. They are used to calculate flight missions for missiles and carry out preparatory work on reference information for missiles.

Through radio channels, this information is broadcast and received by command and staff vehicles, commanders of divisions and batteries, and then by launchers. The missile launch command is carried out from command and staff vehicles. In addition, senior artillery commanders can also command using control posts.

The missiles placed (two) on each self-propelled launcher and transport-loading vehicle significantly increase the firepower in missile divisions. In addition, there are one-minute intervals between missile launches against a wide variety of targets, while ensuring high fire productivity. Considering its high efficiency, as well as the totality of its combat potential, the Iskander operational-tactical missile system is destined to become the equivalent of nuclear weapons and a reliable non-nuclear “shield of the Motherland.”

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