MANPADS "Strela": characteristics (photo)

The Strela-2 installation was the first portable anti-aircraft missile system adopted in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. In indexing GRAU MANPADS has the designation 9K32. In the classification of the United States known as SA-7 Grail.

«Strela-2»: history of creation

In 1962 in the city of Kolomna began the implementation of a secret military project. Its goal was to create a powerful shock portable complex capable of hitting air and ground targets at short distances. The ideal solution to the problem at that time was the MANPADS "Strela-2".

Nevertheless, the first baptism of the installation was not as successful as expected. Many aircraft after the damage still returned to their airfields. The reason for this lay in the fact that the ZUR power of the explosion was not sufficient for serious damage, especially if the hit occurred in the tail section. As a result, it was decided to make a point upgrade of the plant. So in 1968, the light appeared "Strela-2M" (MANPADS with codification 9K32M). The modification allowed to hit targets moving through the air at a speed of up to 950 km / h. The tests were successfully completed at the Donguz test site in 1970. Immediately afterwards, MANPADS was adopted, and in a few years export versions replenished the shock reserves of more than 60 countries.

Appointment

This MANPADS is an extremely effective means of air defense both on the march and on the field. A portable installation is capable of hitting helicopters and airplanes even at extremely low altitudes. One of the main advantages of MANPADS "Strela-2" is its relatively small weight and small dimensions, which allows it to be easily transported by one person. Due to this installation can be used in such difficult locations as marsh, forest and mountains.

9K32 and its modification are designed for the defense of motorized rifle battalions. Protection is provided by covering the command and support points from low-flying enemy targets, including cruise missiles. The launching of the projectile is carried out on the air object when it is visually detected by the shooter. A volley is possible from the standing position, from the trench, from the knee, from the moving armored vehicles.

Due to its mobility and efficiency, MANPADS was for a long time considered the main personal tactical-strike weapon of the Soviet Army.

Strela-2: composition

The original and modified units consisted of three identical parts: the self-guided 9M32 series missile system, the trigger mechanism and the power source. MANPADS "Strela-2" was considered the fastest personal anti-aircraft weapon in the world. Already after 1.5 seconds after the trigger is pressed, the rocket is launched. After a few seconds, the projectile hit the target at a distance of up to 4 kilometers. In case of a miss, the charge self-destructed 17 seconds after launch. Installation of the "Arrow-2M" - MANPADS with improved characteristics of capture and target destruction. After the upgrade, the GOS processes and launching of the projectile were automated. This made it easier for the anti-aircraft gunner to capture a fast-moving object. The selection of target detection with natural interference was also improved. In the course of modernization, it became possible to destroy the objects on collision course. In addition, the area of destruction of jet aircraft was increased .

The main component of the new installation was the thermal GSN, which was notable for noise immunity. Thanks to him, MANPADS can capture a target even in cumulus clouds to 3 points. Nevertheless, the complex was still defenseless before the heat traps of the aircraft.

Tactical and technical characteristics

The range of destruction of objects is limited to 3.4 km, when the modification with the letter "M" allows attacking targets at a distance from 800 to 4200 m. As for the maximum permissible altitude of the projectile, it lies in the range up to 2300 m.

Free speed varies from 430 to 500 m / s. The defeat of targets is carried out with an average speed of 240 m / s, towards - up to 150 m / s. The missile is represented by the 9M32 type or its modification. The caliber is 72 mm. The length of the projectile is 1.44 meters with a weight of 9.5 kg. The weight of the complex is about 5 kg.

Preparing to launch an experienced anti-aircraft gunner will take only 10 seconds.

«Strela-3»: history and purpose

A new model of the Soviet MANPADS "Strela" came out to the masses in the mid-1970s. The plant is known for its codification of 9K34 and the classification of the USA - SA-14 Gremlin. The basis for the modification was a new missile series 9M36, which was equipped with a special infrared capture head and phase-modulated scanning in a spiral amplitude. This provided resistance to natural and radio interference.

MANPADS "Strela-3" was distinguished by the speed of flight and the speed of maneuverability of the missile. Also, during the upgrade, a noise-immune cooling system was introduced in the GOS. That is, now the capture of the target could be carried out even in torrential weather. This fact has developed the production of the model to numerous export orders. The development of the 9K34 started in the early 70's, but for a long time the installation did not pass all the tests. In May 1973, the MANPADS finally showed its best sides, and a few months later it was adopted.

In the late 70's the complex was exported. MANPADS was repeatedly delivered in large quantities to countries such as Angola, Vietnam, El Salvador, Jordan, India, the DPRK, Iraq, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, Peru, Libya, the UAE, South Africa. In Europe, the installation was on the balance of Hungary, the GDR, Finland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia. The only country except the USSR, which had a license to manufacture weapons, was Poland.

Strela-3: composition

The portable installation includes: 9P58 start-up mechanism, 9M36 ZUR, ground interrogator 1РЛ247, 9С13 passive direction finder and Р-147 radio station.

The main strike force of MANPADS "Strela-3M" and the original model is the 9M36 missile. It is made according to the scheme "Duck" and is a set of 4 fastened compartments: motor, combat, steering and head. Control of the projectile is achieved by rotating at a speed of 20 rev / s when converting a three-dimensional signal from the thermal sensor GOS. It is worth noting that the aerodynamic rudders are located in the same plane. At startup the feather stabilizers are opened, tearing away from the pipe nozzles. On the body of the installation is an electronic unit, fuse, telephone, plug connector, contact group and trigger. Guidance on the target is carried out by a gyro and radio station, then the data is processed by the direction finder.

Tactical and technical characteristics

The new model of the complex with the previous version is similar only to the time of preparation for the volley and self-destruction, as well as the 72nd caliber. In the rest, the third MANPADS "Strela" features much better. The length of the rocket was reduced to 1.25 m with a weight of 10 kg. On the other hand, the mass of the complex itself increased due to new components and amounted to more than 6 kg.

"Arrow-3" is able to hit objects at a distance of 500 to 4,500 meters. The possible altitude of the flight along the vertical varies within 3 km. The speed of the charge is 310 m / s, towards the target - 230 m / s. Thanks to the new advanced model, the anti-aircraft gunner was able to hit even a fighter plane. The probability of destroying such a target by one missile is estimated at 33%.

«Strela-10»: appointment

This installation is a mobile anti-aircraft missile system with the codification of 9K35. The NATO documentation is designated as SA-13 Gopher. Model 9K35 is designed to detect and neutralize airborne objects at low altitudes. The main part of the strike part of the complex was "Strela-3". Back in 1969, the Central Committee of the CPSU decided to create mobile caterpillar tracks in parallel with the first MANPADS. "Strela-10", the characteristics of which made it the most mobile and multifunctional combat base of the USSR, passed the tests without any problems and very soon enlarged the arsenal of the Soviet Army.

The impact part of the complex was made up of 9M37 missiles capable of operating in a 2-channel guidance mode.

The "Strela-10" installation was successfully used in combat operations in Angola and the Persian Gulf.