"Javelin" is the weapon of the future. "Javelin" rocket

The concept of anti-tank missiles with the possibility of control arose in the 1940s. A feature of such systems is the presence of a control panel, through which the user can give commands to a launched missile. In the first generations, such interaction was provided by wires leading directly to the warhead. To date, the principle of using anti-tank complexes has changed and become more perfect, as evidenced by the appearance of the third generation of the "Javelin" system. Weapons of American developers include the use of homing missiles. The user only needs to start in the direction of the target.

Assignment of the complex "Javelin"

The system is intended for use by infantrymen, scouts, and also combat engineering units. The anti-tank complex can be serviced by one person, although in practice it is used by 2-3 soldiers. The operator armed with a rocket "Dzhavelin", it becomes possible to attack tank units and other armored vehicles. In addition, a high level of damage can also cause significant damage to structures, and under conditions of low flight, an attack of helicopters is also possible. Due to the soft start-up, the fire can be conducted directly from bunkers and other enclosed spaces. The conditions for use do not limit the operator - in particular, the Javelin anti-tank missile system is effective even with reduced visibility and at night. Transportation of weapons can be carried out by rail and motor transport, paratroopers, by water and by air.

The construction of the "Javelin" system

The complex of anti-tank weapons includes a command-and-trigger multiple-use device with an integrated self-monitoring sensor, as well as a modular missile that is housed in a special container for transport and launch.

The launch vehicle is a kind of platform for launching and carrying the Javelin missile. Weapons require special conditions to maintain performance, so the developers have provided a whole department for this purpose. By design, the container is a one-piece unit made of carbon. It provides protection of the rocket from external physical and chemical influences prior to its use. The remaining elements of the complex are located on the outside of the transport-launch unit.

Composition of the command and launch device

This block contains the basic mechanisms that ensure the operation of the complex. It includes the following elements: body, sights (night and day vision), container for batteries, eyepiece, interface and control connectors. The block is fixed directly to the transport-trigger mechanism. On the body itself is also located electronics and display.

For the convenience of handling the complex, handles located in opposite sides of the body are provided. On these pens there are control means, through which practically all manipulations with the "Javelin" block are carried out. Arms, in addition, provides for different approaches to energy supply. In particular, battery packs and batteries can be used.

Infrastructure for missile service

As already noted, the missile before launching is in the transport-launch unit. Among its servicing components, it is necessary to distinguish a sealed cylindrical container, as well as cooling and power supply systems, which provide for the presence of a battery compartment and a compartment with a coolant. Immediately before activation of the trigger mechanism, the refrigerant produces cooling of the rocket to the optimum temperature. It is noteworthy that the future weapon - the rocket launcher "Javelin" - is equipped with cooling and power supply systems that are designed for one-time use and operate for no more than four minutes. After launching the complex, the complex rejects the transport-starting block together with the devices for cooling and power supply. The rocket itself can be stored for up to 10 years. The main requirement in the maintenance instruction is to perform a systematic inventory check.

The device of a rocket

The structure of the rocket of the complex "Javelin" provides for shell, wings, safety block and warhead. The latter can be represented as a combination of two parts - the leading and main charge. Thus, a double defeat is ensured. The leading warhead is designed to remove the barrier in the form of a layer of armor, and the main, in turn, destroys the target.

In addition, the hand-held "Javelin" anti-tank missile is supplied with a propulsion system, including starting and marching drives. One of them is responsible for launching the missile, giving it the initial acceleration, and the second continues to support the flight until the goal is achieved. The propulsion engine is activated when the warhead is removed to a safe distance for the user, since its operation is accompanied by hot gas emissions.

Shooting modes

Fire control can be carried out in two modes - on a straight line or from above. By default, the complex is oriented to attack from above. In this mode of shooting, the operator gets the opportunity to hit the target from different sides, which increases the attacking ability of the Javelin missile. The weapon is most effective in defeating armored vehicles from above, but if the equipment is located under a canopy, the activation of the warhead will occur at the time of contact with the protective cover. In such cases, direct attack is preferable.

This format of shooting is possible only after the rocket has cooled. Conducting fire on a straight line also assumes the corresponding trajectory of a missile's flight. Its detonation occurs directly on the program projection of the target, while the range of the shot is at least 65 m.

It is important to note that in both modes there is software support for target acquisition and further control of the missile in accordance with this data. In many respects this feature allows us to call the third generation of the complex as a clever javelin weapon, which relieves the operator of unnecessary work and reduces the probability of error when aiming.

Sighting optics

The device for launching the missile is equipped with a multifunctional sight, which provides visibility regardless of the daily time. That is, the device can also be used to monitor the position on the battlefield. Daytime optics provides the possibility of a fourfold increase, and to provide visibility at night, an IR sight is used. In addition, the complex is equipped with a matrix receiver of infrared radiation, which is even more effective when observed at night and under adverse conditions.

Analogues of "Javelin"

The American anti-tank complex is perhaps the best model in its segment and the future weapon of the future. The Javelin rocket had analogues since the first generation, but they were inferior in a whole series of indicators. In particular, anti-tank hand systems are in service with France (the Milan and Erica systems), Sweden (the Bill complex) and in other countries. However, the general shortage of competitors Javelin is a low range.

In Ukraine, as a comparable weapon, the Stugna-P system is considered, the development of which was completed in 2010. In the basic version, the complex also includes a trigger mechanism that is placed on a tripod and a missile unit. However, the management principles are not so perfect yet - the guidance is carried out by the remote control.

In Russia, the closest analogue of the "Javelin" grenade launcher system is the "Metis" complex. Its second generation and modification of Metis-M can not yet be fully compared with the capabilities of NATO potential, but the third generation has quite serious prospects. This conclusion can be made based on the features of the current generation of the complex. "Metis" combines the technology of a hand-held anti-tank system with guidance and the principles of a thermobaric explosion. That is, in the case of a domestic analogue, the stake is made not only to control the missile, but also to the force of defeat.