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OTRK Iskander is an operational-tactical missile system of increased mobility, capable of changing position in a short time and launching two medium and long-range missiles.
The complex is woven into the Russian system of containment of NATO and US forces. The reason for the creation was the deployment by Western countries of missile defense systems along the borders of the Russian Federation, allegedly to counter the nuclear threat from Iran.
Advantages of OTRK Iskander
According to the performance characteristics, the Iskander or 9K720 is equipped with missiles capable of hitting an object at a distance of 500 km. It is this distance that is indicated in the Treaty on the Reduction and Elimination of Short and Medium-Range Missiles - INF Treaty.
Under the terms of the treaty, the United States and the USSR were obliged to get rid of missiles of the above-described range. For this reason, the Soviet Union decommissioned the Iskander's predecessor, the Oka.
The US and the USSR are obliged to get rid of long-range missiles.
However, the Americans themselves violate the terms of the treaty. They are developing new short-medium range missile systems. Most of these weapons are placed on missile cruisers and carried by specialized aircraft. For example, the Reaper and Predator aircraft.
Even the missile defense elements located on the territory of Romania and Poland have a dual purpose and are capable of launching not only anti-missiles, but also Tomahawk missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.
An analogue of the "Iskander" SAM "Patriot" - the main missile defense system of the United States and a number of NATO countries It was this reason that provoked the development and development of the Iskander air defense system - a new generation of weapons. According to NATO classification, this weapon has the designation SS-26 Stone and is considered the most dangerous product of the RF Armed Forces. The 9K720 division is comparable in firepower to the US aviation group.
According to experts, the combined strike of the complexes is capable of penetrating the existing missile defense and air defense systems in Europe, inflicting a crushing blow on strategic points and “breaking open” the defense for subsequent cruise missile strikes.
A bit of history
Iskander is a relatively new missile system and does not have any outstanding history.
First steps
The Second World War was on. The German army smashed one power after another and it seemed that the victorious march of the Third Reich would stop nothing. Poland, Benelux countries, France…
Somewhere the Nazis met fierce resistance. Elsewhere they were greeted as friends.
Gradually, the German army acquired the status of invincible.
In June 1941, on the night of the 22nd, without a declaration of war, the forces of the Reich invaded the territory of the USSR. The Soviet units were broken, the fighting moved into the interior of the country. It seemed that nothing could stop the Germans.
However, the Soviet people withstood the brown onslaught. The Nazi troops first got stuck not far from Moscow, and then they were completely thrown back from the capital at a decent distance.
The battle for Moscow, although it did not become a turning point, showed that the Fritz were not invincible. The turning point came after the battle on Kursk Bulge. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers participated in head-on battles, hundreds of planes circled in the sky, hundreds of tanks were destroyed.
It was this battle that became the turning point of the entire Second World War - the vector of movement of the armies changed to a polar one.
Seeing that things were not going well at the fronts, Hitler ordered to intensify the development of new types of weapons capable of stopping the enemy and preventing him from setting foot on German lands.
"V" - the first combat rocket of the Germans during the Second World War.
One of the projects that received additional funding was the development of the V-projectile. In fact, it was the first combat missile.
With the help of them it was planned to destroy strategic objects and communications. "V" was actively tested until 1944, when most of the factories for the manufacture of rockets were destroyed or captured.
As a result of World War II, part of the German specialists were transferred to the USSR. German scientists worked actively for the benefit of the victorious country.
Contrary to popular belief, scientists and engineers were not starved. On the contrary, people received enhanced rations. Thanks to their work, the development of jet aircraft was accelerated. Including various kinds of missiles.
It was with German scientists that domestic rocket science began.
Using their developments, Soviet scientists created a base on the basis of which space flights and the emergence of nuclear weapons delivery vehicles subsequently became possible.
A little later, but not yet "Iskander"
The development of diverse missile systems was most widespread during the reign of Nikita Khrushchev. The Secretary General was very fond of this class of weapons and saw inexhaustible potential in it. Thanks to Khrushchev, the development of ICBMs was accelerated. Many consider this the main achievement of the leader of the USSR.
It was at this time that the development of the R-17 rocket began. Compared to its predecessor R-11, the new model had a larger flight radius and carried up to a ton of payload. For example, a high-explosive fragmentation charge of increased power or a nuclear warhead for several kilotons.
The flight range of Iskander reached 240 km. Now it is possible to launch from a mobile chassis.
reached the flight range of the first Iskander missiles
Another name for the 9P117 complex is Scud. It is under this name that the installation is known in the world. Adopted in 1962, it was used by the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries. However, after the development of a new complex, 9P117 began to be exported to the countries of the Middle East. For example, in Egypt and Iraq.
The Middle East has never been quiet. Throughout the twentieth century, there were regular conflicts between countries.
The Scud was used by the Egyptian side during the Doomsday War in 1973. Attacks were made on the Israeli Armed Forces.
In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraq launched strikes against Israeli territory. The "God's chosen people" were not helped even by the Patriot installations bought from the Americans.
"Oka", almost, "Iskander"
No matter how good the 9K72 complex was, time takes its toll. New technologies are emerging, leaps are made in the development of electronics, the requirements of the military are increasing.
For this reason, in the mid-70s of the last century, work began on the creation of a new rocket launcher- OTRK "Oka". S. Invincible was appointed General Designer. It is worth noting that later it was he who took part in the creation of Iskander.
this summer, the first tests of the missile system took place
The complex was first tested in the summer of 1978. The tests were carried out at the Kapustin Yar test site.
It is worth noting interesting fact: This range has been a test site for most of the Soviet-Russian missiles for many years.
In total, during the tests, the Oka produced within 30 launches. The complex was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1980.
OTRK "Oka": Victim of the RMSD agreement The missile used by the complex could reach speeds of up to 5M. Flight range - 500 km. The characteristics made it possible to effectively overcome enemy defenses and hit command posts, warehouses and other infrastructure. As a warhead, it was possible to use a nuclear charge with a capacity of 5 kilotons.
In 1987, Gorbachev signed an agreement to limit the use of medium-to-short-range missiles. The INF Treaty was also signed by the American side. As a result, most of the Oka OTRK was decommissioned and destroyed. True, the complex was in service until 2003. In limited quantities.
Until 2003, the Oka OTRK was in service with Russia.
By the way, the limitation of the treaty applied only to missiles with a range of less than 500 km and more than 5500 km. It was on the basis of the new parameters that the development of the next project began.
Development of "Iskander"
To say that the Iskander was created in extremely simple and pleasant conditions means to sin against the truth as much as possible.
First of all, it is worth starting with the fact that the idea to create a new Iskander-M missile system, the characteristics of which had no analogues in the world, was proposed by S. Invincible. The designer took into account all the restrictions caused by the INF.
It was planned to use modern Iskander missiles in the new installation, the performance characteristics of which made it possible to overcome the enemy’s layered defense at a distance exceeding 500 km of flight. However, the idea ran into opposition from Gorbachev. Frankly speaking, the "first" president of the USSR wrapped up a lot of things.
Subsequently, after the collapse of the country, development nevertheless started. Chaos and confusion reigned in the country. Markets collapsed, production chains disrupted. Designers were not paid wages for six months.
But the tests and tests of the complex continued. Not thanks, but in spite of. The main problem was irregular funding. Each tested missile and system had to be carefully checked.
this year, the first working sample of the updated Iskander complex was demonstrated
As a result of long and difficult work in 1999, the first working sample of the new Iskander complex was demonstrated as part of the MAKS international air show. The novelty made an impression on all the guests of the event. A new portion of funding was allocated for the development.
It is worth mentioning the organizations that were directly involved in the design of the complex:
- Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering - rocket development;
- TsKB "Titan" - the creation of a launcher and chassis;
- NIIEP - were engaged in the design of all OTRK automation.
Subsequently, in 2006, the first Iskanders entered service with the army of the Russian Federation. The installations were inscribed in the so-called perimeter of the “no-access zone”.
In addition to 9K720, the S-400 air defense system (B, S-500 perspective) and elements of the Bastion anti-ship missile system are included in the defense. The essence of the project lies in the immediate defeat of any unfriendly object that illegally crossed the border of the perimeter.
Modification "E" has been supplied to Armenia since 2016 In service
"Iskander" is in service with two countries of the world: Russia and Armenia. According to data from open sources, the Russian Federation uses 72 Iskander-M complexes and an unspecified number of Iskander-K modifications. How many OTKR units were handed over to Armenia is unknown. The only available information is the delivery date is 2016.
Tactical and technical characteristics of OTRK Iskander
The real parameters of OTRK are unknown. The most obvious thing that can be said is that the complex carries 2 missiles with a target engagement range of 50-500 km. The launch is carried out within a few minutes after the combat signal. After shooting, the launcher moves away from the missile launch site in order to camouflage and evade a retaliatory strike.
Western weapons experts claim that the 9K720 is capable of hitting targets at a distance of over 5,500 km. The main argument in favor of these discussions was appearance missiles of the complex, the Iskander-M missile is similar to the Caliber. Whether this is true or fiction is unknown.
Also, experts from NATO countries argue that the Russian OTRK is able to perform the task more efficiently than the American counterpart. The US development in this category (LRPF missiles) is not capable of hitting a target at a distance of more than 500 km.
Missile destroyer "Donald Cook" with which compare "Iskander" The performance characteristics of Iskander are also often compared with American missile destroyers of the Donald Cook type. Moreover, many military analysts are inclined to believe that the Russian complex is more effective.
The Iskander missile, whose characteristics are kept in the strictest confidence, is causing a wave of indignation and fear in NATO. main reason- the possibility of prompt reloading. The process takes place due to a special escort car. The ship has to go to the port for a similar procedure.
Basic performance characteristics
| The missile hits the target with an error, m | 5 – 30 |
| Rocket weight at launch, t | 3,8 |
| Warhead weight, kg | 400 |
| Rocket height, m | 7,2 |
| Radius cm | 46 |
| Cruise speed of the rocket, m/s | 2 100 |
| The highest point of the ballistic trajectory, km | Exceeds 100 |
| Maximum range, km | "Iskander-M" - 500, "Iskander-S" - 2500 (From unconfirmed sources) |
| Minimum range, km | 50 |
| Preparation for a shot, m | 4 – 16 |
| Time interval before the launch of the 2nd rocket, m | 1 |
| How long does Iskander serve | 10 in field conditions, 3 in combat |
Options
Since the creation of the first Iskander samples in 2006, a small number of modifications to this installation have been created. In general, they differ in the missiles that carry out the volley. In addition, the export version is deprived of some of the functionality available to products for the Russian army.
OTRK "Iskander-M": Modification 2011 List of modifications:
- "Iskander-M"- missile system (characteristics and video - below) basic version. It has two Iskander missiles (characteristics are classified) placed on the launcher. Chassis have increased cross-country ability, electronic warfare systems. Iskander-M has much improved performance characteristics. There is a mobile command post. Missiles are capable of overcoming enemy defenses. For this, a number of technologies are used: the ability to maneuver at high speeds with an overload of up to 30 g, drop false elements, a special coating absorbs radio signals, and small dimensions. The missile enters the target at an angle of 90 degrees;
- "Iskander-E"- The letter "E" means that the version is intended for export. It is equipped with a missile with a range of 280 km and a warhead weight of 480 kg. In fact, it is a significantly simplified version of the previous modification. The only country that has purchased a batch of complexes is Armenia. If there are others, then the information is strictly classified;
- "Iskander-K"- a version on which cruise missiles with intelligent guidance are installed. The warhead has a mass of 480 kg. The flight speed is 2100 m/s. The flight altitude is 7 meters (when approaching the target), 7 km - while on the way to the specified object. At low altitudes, the rocket is able to avoid obstacles and follow terrain changes. Flight range - 500 km. There is an option with the installation of the R-500 (Range - 2 thousand km).
Rocket launch from Iskander 9K720 Most likely, the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system is undergoing further modification in closed design bureaus. The judgment is based on common sense. After all, weapons are one of the most obsolescent achievements of mankind.
The composition of the complex
In addition to the PU itself, the group includes 5 more types of machines. Each performs its functions. In total, each brigade includes 51 vehicles.
The composition of the division OTRK "Iskander" 9P78-1
These are self-propelled launchers. In total, the brigade includes 12 pieces. Their main purpose is the transportation and storage of missiles. Weight with full load is 42 tons. The weight of the transported cargo is 19 tons.
The unit is mounted on the basis of the MEKT-7930 tractor. The chassis has a wheel formula of 8 x 8 and is capable of speeds up to 70 km/h. Range - 1000 km. All this is necessary for prompt transfer at any time of the day and at any distance. The crew consists of 3 people.
Chassis PU "Iskander" 9S552
Command and staff vehicle designed to control all elements of the OTRK. Mounted on the KAMAZ 43101 chassis. There is an Aqueduct radio station. Regular crew - 4 people. The division is equipped with 11 such machines. The radio station is capable of receiving and transmitting a signal over a distance of 250 km (In, unfolded state). On the march - 50 km. Battery life 2 days.
MRTO
Machine for maintenance and repair work. Regular crew - 2 people. It is used to check on-board equipment and current repairs. But the main task is to check the electronics of the missiles. In automatic mode, the procedure takes 18 minutes. The machine is based on the KamAZ chassis. Working weight - 13 tons.
9С920
A machine designed to prepare flight information for missiles. Based on the KamAZ chassis. Crew - 2 people. In fact, this is a server where all information from various sources of target designation flows: satellites, aircraft, drones. After processing, the information is transmitted to the launcher, after which the rocket is launched.
life support machine
The main purpose of the machine is to provide personnel sleeping places, comfortable eating and other living conditions. In the presence of sleeping places, lockers for storing things, lockers. There is a 300 l tank, water heating system, special pumps. The car is based on the basis of KamAZ. The division includes 14 units.
KAO and TCB
A special vehicle designed for the operational reloading of launchers. The procedure takes, on average, 20 minutes. The second machine is a simulator for the crew. It simulates combat situations.
It is also worth noting that for the protection of the Iskander division and related support vehicles, an impressive group is attached, consisting of infantry formations and armored vehicles (Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles). In addition, the division, being in a stationary position, is masked by regular means: a camouflage net, electronic warfare systems, protected from thermal imaging detection.
The design of the OTRK Iskander missiles
Two types of missiles have been developed for the OTRK: quasi-ballistic and cruise. In principle, they differ only in guidance systems and flight paths. The rest of the products are similar.
Missiles are capable of maneuvering at high speeds, while choosing random trajectories of movement and turn. At the same time, the missiles are controlled throughout the flight, which increases the accuracy of the hit.
The warheads of missiles are designed to hit various targets. For example, there is a cluster warhead that can be divided into many parts and hit a large area. There are options for extremely accurate hits, used to neutralize command bunkers or elements of missile defense and air defense. In especially sad cases, missiles are equipped with tactical nuclear charges, with a capacity of up to several kilotons.
During the flight, missiles are capable of discarding electronic warfare elements, which makes it difficult for enemy missile defense systems to target. An additional factor is the small size of the flying rocket in physical terms.
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Iskander - M |
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Iskander - K (R-500) |
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Iskander - E |
Combat use
According to various open sources, then the Iskander anti-aircraft missile system was used only three times. Moreover, in one case it was live firing as part of joint exercises with Tajikistan.
The second case is the use of several OTRK installations for inflicting non-nuclear strikes on ISIS (Prohibited in Russia) militants. The launches took place in December 2017. The characteristics of Iskander-M, declared by the developers, received combat confirmation.
The most controversial case is the statement that the Iskander missile system, whose characteristics guarantee the destruction of enemy manpower and equipment, was used during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in August 2008.
The participation of the OTRK division could not be proved. The Russian military denies these rumors. There is an opinion that the Georgian side mistook the launches of Tochka-U missiles for 9K720, which were just used to disable the enemy's infrastructure.
The combat use of the Iskander is based in the west of the Russian Federation.
More precisely, in the Kaliningrad region. From the region, the missile system is capable of hitting a whole range of targets on the territory of a potential enemy. These are military airfields and NATO command centers in the Baltics, missile defense elements in Poland and Romania, strategic infrastructure facilities in Denmark and Sweden. Also 9K720 are located on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
| 2008 | The Georgian-Ossetian conflict that took place in August during the Olympics. The case of the use of 9K720 has not been recorded, but the Georgian authorities and a number of Western media claim the opposite. To deliver pinpoint missile strikes, the Tochka-U complex was used. |
| 2016 | Teachings in Tajikistan. Missiles hit training targets, checked the operational range of Iskander-M |
| 2017 | In December, the Iskander-M complex was delivered to Syria (the characteristics of the missiles needed to be checked in a real battle). Cases recorded combat use and destruction of defensive structures. Likely targets: large formations of terrorist groups, ammunition depots and accumulation of armored vehicles. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander OTRK
The 9K720 complex is relatively new, and a number of technical parameters are hidden from public view. Therefore, it is very difficult to judge the real advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander-M OTRK, the radius of destruction of which remains a mystery to Russia's opponents.
Most of the information relates to the official statements of the Russian military and television broadcasts on patriotic channels. What creates the impression of "ideal" military equipment. And not only Iskander.
Most likely, in a few years (perhaps decades), real opportunities complex. Judging by open information, the OTRK is capable of hitting targets, passing through a high-echeloned defense. And it will be good if we never have to test Iskander-M or Iskander-K on a real enemy. After all, first of all, the 9K720 is a weapon of intimidation.
Modern geopolitical situation is such that in order to preserve sovereignty and authority in international relations the country simply needs modern weapons. This is especially true if we are talking about tactical nuclear systems, which are the last guarantee of peace on the planet. Of course, the main role in deterring a potential adversary belongs to strategic missiles, but even the Iskander missile system is able to keep many from rash decisions.
This model of weapons was created to destroy in the field conditions inconspicuous targets in the enemy's echeloned defense. This is all the more important because the modern strategy of conducting military operations presupposes precisely preventive disarming strikes, which will prevent a potential enemy from using his own. In addition, in this way it is possible to suppress his missile defense systems in a timely manner.
Creation conditions
It was created in the conditions when the USSR and the USA signed an agreement on limiting the number of tactical nuclear warheads (INF). It happened in 1987. At the same time, potential adversaries agreed on a complete rejection of the use of nuclear weapons in the context of future warfare.
It was precisely because of this that a huge number of requirements were presented to the new complex: it required a complete rejection of nuclear submunitions, it was necessary to ensure almost jewelry precision of fire, coupled with the maximum possible controllability of the missile. In addition, specialists were required to provide the greatest possible degree of automation of both the flight of the rocket and its launch.
Not least because of this, the Iskander missile system in Kaliningrad created a real sensation in the ranks of the Baltic politicians, who in a panic began to repeat about a new threat hanging over their sovereignty.
The role of satellite navigation systems
The main requirement, which corresponds to the realities of our time, was the possibility of using data obtained from satellite positioning systems (GLONASS, NAVSTAR). The new complex was required to be able to hit even moving armored targets with high efficiency, to have the highest rate of fire, and also to overcome the enemy's deep echeloned missile defense system.
First experience
The finished Iskander missile system was first tested back in 2007. S. Ivanov, then prime minister, reported to the president that the deviation from the target did not exceed one meter. These top performances were fully confirmed after examining the data from all the visual inspection tools that were used in the tests that day.
All this splendor was created in KBM, Kolomna. This design bureau is known all over the world, since it was from here that the Tochka, Strela and Osa complexes, as well as other samples of domestic air defense systems of various generations, began their “career”. Other elements were manufactured at the Central Design Bureau "Titan" (launching system), the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (the most important automatic projectile guidance system).
What is it for?
As we have already said, the Iskander missile system was created specifically for pinpoint strikes against targets deeply hidden behind enemy lines, protected by modern missile defense systems.
The following objects can act as goals:
- Artillery and missile systems of the enemy, large concentrations of armored vehicles.
- PRO means.
- Aviation formations, at the time of basing on airfields.
- All command and communications complex.
- Large infrastructure facilities, the loss of which will painfully affect the enemy.
- Other important objects in enemy territory.
Because anti-aircraft missile system The Iskander is distinguished by low visibility and a very high speed of preparing it for launch; it poses a very serious threat to all potential adversaries.
What is included in the "Iskander"?
The complex includes the following essential elements: self-propelled unit for her, a vehicle for transporting and loading shells. In addition, there is a separate complex for the repair and maintenance of all equipment, a headquarters and a special machine for analyzing the information received, as well as training tools for personnel.
Characteristics of the rocket used
The Iskander tactical missile system we are considering uses a single-stage solid-propellant missile, in which head part does not separate in flight. Despite energetic maneuvering in flight, the projectile can be controlled by the operator from command post. The product differs in particular maneuverability at the start and when approaching the target, when the rocket goes under overloads of 30G. Since missile defense systems must fly up to it at a speed twice as high, currently effective means there is simply no opposition to Iskander.
The body of shells is made according to a special technique that reduces its visibility for enemy air defense systems. In addition, the missile travels most of the way at an altitude of more than 50 km, which also reduces the chances of its timely interception tenfold. Invisibility to radar is ensured by special coatings, the composition of which is classified.
This explains the triumph of the domestic industry, when the Iskander was adopted. A missile system (Kaliningrad and all of them already completed) of this type should soon be received by all military formations in the country.
Targeting principles
The launch of the missile to the target is carried out by the operators of the complex, after which the most complex homing system comes into play. The equipment in flight scans the terrain, forming its digital model. It is constantly compared with the image standard that was loaded into the rocket's memory before the flight.
The optical homing head is characterized by excellent protection against jamming systems, as well as an excellent ability to recognize targets in almost any conditions. This allows you to hit a moving target (with an error of no more than a couple of meters) on a completely moonless night. Such accuracy in such conditions cannot be realized by any of the missile fire systems in service with NATO.
That's why they don't like Iskander there. The missile system in Syria, delivered there in December last year, immediately allowed to reduce the intensity of passions and helped the legitimate government with the displacement of anti-people forces from the country's territory. In addition, the Russian side received valuable information about the combat use of the latest missiles.
"Independent" rocket
Although under normal conditions the Iskander missile system can be guided by signals from global positioning system satellites, under appropriate conditions, its operators will do just fine without them. Electron-optical guidance systems are so accurate that they allow hitting targets in almost any given conditions.
By the way, the Iskander homing system, if necessary, is easily installed even on ballistic nuclear missiles, which makes the prospects of a potential adversary completely gloomy. Because of this, the Russian Iskander missile system has a very sinister reputation in the West, although its performance is clearly not up to those of an intercontinental nuclear warhead.
Characteristics of the warhead
The designers have laid the possibility of using ten different types of ammunition at once. These include elements of non-contact detonation, cumulative warheads, cluster munitions with homing elements, as well as simple high-explosive, fragmentation and incendiary varieties. If a missile with homing elements is used, then they will hit multiple targets, bursting at a height of six to ten meters above them.
The projectile itself in firing position weighs almost four tons, and the weight of the warhead itself is 480 kg. Thus, the Iskander-K missile system is one of the most powerful non-nuclear deterrents in service with our army.
Characteristics of other elements
The self-propelled launcher allows the simultaneous transport of up to two missiles, allowing them to be launched at an angle of up to 90 degrees with respect to the terrain. It is located on a wheeled chassis with an 8x8 formula, which can even pass through places where there are no roads at all (MAZ-79306 "Astrologer"). Among other things, this ensures the maximum possible mobility of the complex, even in war time.
Some characteristics of controls and guidance
The installation can independently determine the coordinates of its location, exchange information with all elements of the Iskander, and provide single and salvo launch of missiles. The time from arrival to salvo is no more than 20 minutes, subject to a prepared calculation, and no more than one minute passes between the launches of shells. This makes the Iskander missile system, whose characteristics are already impressive, very dangerous means attacks.
Starting positions do not need to be prepared in any way. In addition, there is no need for the crew to leave the cockpit: having received an order, the specialists stop the Iskander in a given square, prepare all the systems and fire a volley. The only exception is swampy terrain, where it is necessary to prepare a more or less stable launch pad. After the launch, the machine retreats to pre-designated positions for reloading.
Thus, Iskander-M is a new generation missile system that provides reliable protection of state sovereignty.
Information about the chassis and other machines
The mass of the chassis is 42 tons, the weight of the transported payload is not less than 19 tons, the speed on the highway and country road with hard surface is 70 (40) km/h. At one gas station alone, Iskander can travel at least 1000 km. The usual number of calculation is three people, but in wartime their number can be increased.
The vehicle for transportation and loading is also assembled on the chassis MAZ-79306 ("Astrologer"). Equipped with a hydromechanical loading mechanism. The mass is exactly 40 tons, for maintenance there will be a staff of two people.
headquarters complex
The heart of the whole complex is the command and staff vehicle. It is produced on the basis of KAMAZ vehicles. Information exchange between all elements of the Iskander can be carried out both in normal and deeply encrypted mode. The rate of information exchange last case does not suffer at all.
The headquarters complex is equipped with four fully automated positions for operators, maximum range data transfer between cars is 350 kilometers for cars in the parking lot and 50 kilometers in a combat march. The time of continuous operation of all elements of the guidance and control system is about two days.
Mechanical maintenance machine
As in the previous case, it is based on the chassis of KamAZ vehicles. Designed to check the condition of missiles both in the launcher itself and in transport containers, it allows you to check and repair all the devices and mechanisms of the complex without resorting to its transportation to the place of permanent deployment. The machine weighs only 13.5 tons, is deployed in less than 20 minutes, the time for checking all systems and mechanisms does not exceed 18 minutes. The complex is operated by two people.
In general, the Iskander missile system, the performance characteristics of which we are revealing, is distinguished by rare maintainability even in the most extreme conditions.
Point of collection, analysis and preparation of information
This machine is used to collect and analyze information that is intended to be entered into the missiles on-board computer. The composition has two workstations for operators who can detect and transmit the coordinates of the attacked targets in one to two minutes. Can bear continuous combat duty for 16 hours.
Finally, a life support machine. It can be made on the chassis of any mass-produced truck; it serves for rest and meals for up to eight people at the same time.
Key features of the complex
Its main advantage is how and by whom Iskander-M was created. designed by outstanding designers on the basis of all the data accumulated by the Soviet and Russian army. On the this moment it significantly surpasses not only all previous domestic developments, but also all competing foreign models.
In general, the Iskander anti-aircraft missile system has a number of key features:
- Incredibly accurate destruction of even small and well-protected targets from the air.
- Stealth and rapid deployment make it an extremely dangerous adversary.
- The combat mission can be effectively carried out even in the face of active opposition from the enemy.
- Excellent tactical maneuverability and maneuverability provided by high performance transport chassis.
- The highest degree of automation of all combat processes.
- Long service life and ease of even field repair.
In addition, the operational-tactical missile system "Iskander" fully meets all the requirements that apply international treaties on the non-proliferation of certain types of weapons. In local conflicts, it can be considered as a deterrent weapon, and for countries with a small territory, it can even be the main type of missile weapons. The structure of the complex suggests the possibility of further modification, which guarantees Iskander a long service on guard of state interests.
Other positive points
The control and guidance system is deeply integrated with similar equipment of all similar complexes that are in service with the state. It can receive information not only from a data collection and processing machine, but also from a reconnaissance aircraft, UAV or other equipment. The flight task is calculated almost instantly. The command for a combat launch can be given not only by the commander of the complex, but also by the highest military command from closed positions.
Since one Iskander carries two missiles on board, and not even two minutes pass between their volleys, the power of a division fully equipped with these systems is comparable to that of a small country. In principle, with the right choice of ammunition, this type of weapon is quite equivalent to a short-range nuclear weapon.
OTRK "Iskander-M" / Photo: Press service of the RF Ministry of Defense
The operational-tactical missile system (OTRK) "Iskander-M" received a new aeroballistic missile.
“Now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile”
This was reported to TASS by the general designer of the research and production corporation " Design department Engineering" (part of the holding "High-precision complexes" of the state corporation "Rostec") Valery Kashin.
"All these years go by development and improvement of weapons of the Iskander-M missile system. In particular, a new aeroballistic missile was created, which successfully passed interdepartmental tests in December," he said.
Valery Kashin / Photo: Rostec
The interlocutor of the agency explained that now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile.
About the complex
The 9K720 Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system was developed by KBM in the 1990s and put into service in 2006. Produced to replace the obsolete complexes 9K79 "Tochka" (9K79-1 "Tochka-U"). The range of missiles is 500 kilometers, for the export version - 280 kilometers.
Aeroballistic missiles 9M723 (possess various types combat equipment, as well as various correlation homing heads) are controlled throughout the flight, which makes their trajectory unpredictable and makes it difficult to intercept by means of tactical missile defense. The complex can also use high-precision 9M728 (P-500) cruise missiles, Lenta.ru reported.
Technical reference
Guided tactical missile 9M723
single stage solid rocket 9M723, controlled at all stages of flight with a quasi-ballistic trajectory. Warhead cluster-type missiles with 54 fragmentation elements with non-contact detonation or also cluster-type missiles with volumetric detonating elements. The missiles are produced by OAO Votkinsky Zavod, the launcher is manufactured at the Barrikady Production Association.
Single-stage solid rocket 9M723 / Photo: fecusin.ucoz.ru
Schematic diagram of the 9M723 guided tactical missile / Photo: fun-space.ru
The design of the rocket is single-stage with an inseparable warhead. Much attention is paid to reducing the EPR - there are no protruding parts, holes and noticeable joints, the cable fairing is minimized to the maximum on the first versions of the missiles and is made in the form of a thin plume on the surface of the rocket body on more modern series, aerodynamic rudders instead of lattice ones are replaced by swept ones. A special heat-shielding coating of the case is used, which, probably, can act as an EPR-reducing coating.
Launch of the 9M723 guided tactical missile / Photo: pics2.pokazuha.ru
Rocket 9M723 - rear view / Photo: fun-space.ru
The task of creating similar equipment for the Iskander-E was handled by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (TsNIIAG), a leading developer of guidance and control systems for domestic tactical and operational-tactical missiles, which has a 25-year backlog in the development of homing heads.
As the main way to solve this problem, the combination of an inertial system with optical guidance along the surrounding terrain was chosen. Moreover, the optical correlation seeker 9E436, created in the early 90s at the Moscow TsNIIAG and shown at Eurosatory-2004, can be used both as part of the Iskander-E and on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types (including intercontinental). GOS 9E436 has already passed flight tests and showed the accuracy of the missile when it hits the target up to two meters. Prepared to date mass production this head.
Optical seeker 9E436 missiles 9M723 OTRK "Iskander" / Photo: militaryrussia.ru
- Mass GOS - 20 kg
- Flight task input time - no more than 5 minutes
- KVO - up to 20 m
This approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the latter. Since the system does not recognize the target itself, but the area around it, it cannot provide guidance to a moving object. To form a flight mission, you must have a reconnaissance photograph. The work of the seeker may be hindered by fog or an aerosol cloud exposed by the enemy, hiding the terrain. If the head is set to ballistic missile, low cloudiness can interfere with its operation (for cruise missiles capable of flying at low altitudes, this problem does not exist).
However, these shortcomings are more than offset by advantages. The optical seeker is universal and makes only one requirement for the inertial control system of the rocket: bring the latter to the point where the optics begin to see the target. Against such a head, the existing active electronic warfare systems are powerless, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows you to work even on a moonless night, which distinguishes the new system from early prototypes. In addition, optical systems do not need signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis cases can be turned off or disabled by radio interference. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that hits a given target in almost any conceivable conditions.
The active radar seeker 9B918, which was developed and produced by NPP Radar MMS, also participates in the work of the missile control.
Engine - solid propellant rocket engine, engine compartment 9X820 (rocket 9M723), the charge is made of mixed solid fuel with a high specific impulse. Iskander/Iskander-E and Iskander-M missiles use fuel different type. Solid-propellant rocket rockets of the complex does not imply special heating during storage or operation in conditions low temperatures(there are no missile heating systems on the SPU and TZM).
The remains of the engine compartment of the 9M723 rocket discovered on the territory of Georgia during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, August 2008 / Photo: militaryphotos.net
- high-explosive fragmentation (all modifications), can be used with optical or radar correlation seeker;
- high-explosive incendiary use with optical or radar correlation seeker is unlikely
- penetrating (all modifications), can be used with optical or radar correlation seeker
- nuclear, power 5-50 kt ("Iskander-M"), theoretically can be used with an optical or radar correlation seeker. The use of nuclear warheads is probably not currently envisaged. in open photos and video materials on SPU and TZM there are no heating systems nuclear charges(but based on the modularity of the complex, such systems can be installed at any time).
Rocket 9M723 - front view / Photo: fun-space.ru
Option 1 (possibly 9N722K1 - Design Bureau of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
- Weight - 480 kg
- The number of combat elements - 54 pcs.
- Warhead deployment height - 900-1400 m
- Operation height of combat elements - 6-10 m
Types of combat elements:
- fragmentation non-contact
- cumulative fragmentation
- self-aiming
- volumetric detonating
Option 2 (possibly 9N722K1 or another) - GosNIIMash (Dzerzhinsk)
- Weight - 480 kg
- The number of combat elements - 45 pcs.
- Type of combat elements - 9N730 with a central bursting charge (CRZ) 9N731
- Type of proximity fuse - 9E156 "Umbrella" developed by the Research Institute of Electronic Devices (Novosibirsk)
Proximity fuse 9E156 "Umbrella" of a cluster warhead submunition / Photo: news.ngs.ru
- Rocket 9M723K1 / 9M723K5 - missiles with cluster warheads.
- Rocket 9M723K-E - export version of the rocket with a cluster warhead
- Rocket 9M723-1 - an improved version of the rocket, developed as of 2007-2009.
- Rocket 9M723-1F / 9M723-1FE - missile with radar seeker 9B918
- Rocket 9M723-1F2 / 9M723-1F2Tl - mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - telemetric version of the rocket
- Rocket 9M723-1K5 / 9M723-1K5Tl - mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - a telemetric version of the rocket.
- 9M723 missile with a new type of combat equipment - the launch of a missile with a new type of combat equipment was carried out at the Kapustin Yar test site on October 11, 2011. The launch was successful.
- Rocket 9M723 with an optical correlation seeker - 11/14/2911, a rocket with a seeker of this type was successfully tested at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
The index of the complex is 9K720, according to the classification of the US Defense Ministry and NATO - SS-26 Stone, eng. Stone
Family of operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK): Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K, Iskander-M. The complex was created in the Kolomna Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (KBM). For the first time, the Iskander was shown publicly in August 1999 at the MAKS aerospace show.
Story
The development of the Iskander OTRK was started in accordance with the Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 21, 1988 No. 1452-294 “on the start of development work on the creation of the Iskander OTRK”, as a result, including the personal efforts of the chief KBM designer S. P. Invincible, who proved to the Military-Industrial Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR the need to create a missile system instead of the Oka OTRK, which does not fall under the provisions of the treaty with the United States on the INF Treaty.
On October 11, 2011, the first stage of testing the updated Iskander-M missile system with new combat equipment was completed. The 9M723 missile of the Iskander-M complex is equipped with a new, correlation guidance system.
Ammunition
The Iskander complex includes two types of missiles: ballistic 9M723 and cruise missiles bearing the index 9M728.
The rocket of the 9M723 complex has one stage with a solid propellant engine.
The trajectory of movement is quasi-ballistic (not ballistic, maneuvering), the rocket is controlled throughout the flight using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Made with the use of technologies for reducing radar visibility (the so-called "stealth technologies"): small scattering surface, special coatings, small size of protruding parts. Most of the flight takes place at an altitude of about 50 km. The rocket conducts intensive maneuvering with overloads of the order of 20-30 units in the initial and final sections of the flight. The guidance system is mixed: inertial in the initial and middle sections of the flight and optical (using the GOS developed by TsNIIAG) in the final section of the flight, which achieves a high hit accuracy of 5-7 m. It is possible to use GPS / GLONASS in addition to the inertial guidance system. There are several modifications of the rocket that differ in warhead and telemetry.
On September 20, 2014, during the Vostok-2014 command and staff exercises, firing from the Iskander-M missile system was carried out for the first time cruise missile type 9M728. The launches were made by the 107th separate missile brigade (Birobidzhan). Developer and manufacturer - OKB "Novator". Chief designer- P.I. Kamenev. Rocket tests took place from 05/30/2007. Firing range: maximum - up to 500 km.
Since 2013, it is planned to supply missiles equipped with an electronic warfare system to the Russian Armed Forces, which provides cover for the missile in the final flight segment. This system includes means of setting passive and active interference with surveillance and firing radars of the enemy's air and missile defense, using noise and the release of decoys.
Options
Option for Russian armed forces, 2 missiles on launchers, the firing range in various sources varies from that declared for Iskander-E - 280 km - up to 500 km (it is not indicated with what type of warhead (warhead mass) the corresponding range is achieved). The flight altitude is 6-50 km, most of them usually pass at maximum altitude. Controllable throughout the flight. The flight path is not ballistic, difficult to predict. The missile is made using the technology of low radar visibility and also has a radar absorbing coating and is a relatively small target in its natural physical size. Predicting a target in an early interception attempt is further complicated by heavy maneuvering during takeoff and descent to the target. When descending to the target, the missile maneuvers with an overload of 20-30 units, descending at a speed of 700-800 m / s (these figures exceed or are on the verge of the capabilities of the best medium-range missile defense / air defense systems), at an angle of about 90 degrees (in some cases only the angle of attack is sufficient for the complete defenselessness of the attacked missile defense system, and even more so for air defense, especially short-range ones), so Iskander-M has a number of advantages over analogues, and high capabilities not only of hitting a target, but even of means of protection in the form modern systems PRO.
The missile carries a complex set of passive and active interference; when approaching the target, false targets and jammers are additionally fired. Sample M is additionally equipped with a complex electronic warfare to disrupt the enemy radar. All this also provides the missile with high combat effectiveness in comparison with simpler similar missiles.
Maneuvering at high altitude is provided by speed and aerodynamic rudders. Such maneuvering is not intensive, but imposes ultra-high demands on the reaction time for the interceptor (in a hundredth of a second, the missiles approach by tens of meters, the reaction time of one of the fastest missile defense systems is more than 5 seconds, as well as air defense systems from open sources). If the interceptor is kinetic, this also requires successful trajectory prediction with high accuracy. In order to successfully intercept a ballistic target with a high probability, previously created before the non-ballistic Iskander complexes, it was early enough to detect a target of the appropriate size and speed, and, having predicted the trajectory, ensure interception. However, Iskander changes his trajectory. The Oka complex, the predecessor of Iskander, could change the target while maintaining a stable trajectory before and after the maneuver, thereby moving away from the interceptor, or at least reduced the effective protection zone, requiring time to recalculate the meeting point.
Export version, firing range 280 km, warhead weight 480 kg. It is a simplified version of the Iskander-M. Rocket maneuvering at high altitude is provided by aerodynamic rudders and a flight speed of 2100 meters per second throughout the high-altitude flight. Satisfies the conditions of the missile technology control regime.
Variant using cruise missiles, firing range 500 km, warhead weight 480 kg. The flight altitude of the rocket is about 7 meters when reaching the target, and not higher than 6 km, the rocket is automatically corrected all the time of the flight and automatically goes around the terrain. For the Iskander-K OTRK, R-500 cruise missiles with a range of 2000 km are also being assembled.
Combat use
There is no reliable information about the combat use of the Iskander complexes, however, there were reports refuted by the Russian military that the complex was used during the Georgian-South Ossetian armed conflict in 2008.
According to Shota Utiashvili, head of the Analytical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Russia used Iskander missile systems at facilities in Poti, Gori and the Baku-Supsa pipeline.
In blogs, Utiashvili's statement was widely discussed and was perceived ambiguously, since some of the photographs of several march stages presented as evidence do not refer to the Iskander, but to the 9M79 missiles of the Tochka-U complexes, while the other part of the photographs really shows fragments with applied code 9M723, corresponding to the designation of the missiles of the Iskander complex.
Mikhail Barabanov, an expert in the Moscow Defense Brief, indicates that the Iskander complex was used at the location of a separate tank battalion in Gori. As a result of a direct hit of the warhead in the weapons depot of the Georgian battalion, it was blown up. The author notes that this information is based on unverified sources. A Dutch commission investigating the death of RTL Nieuws cameraman Stan Storimans in Gori on August 12, 2008 determined that the journalist had been killed by a single 5mm steel ball. According to the BBC, the Dutch commission expressed an expert opinion that the Iskander was the carrier of the cluster munition, but the report did not indicate on what grounds such a conclusion was made. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the data provided by the Dutch side is not enough to determine the type of media. Earlier, Human Rights Watch put forward another version, according to which the cause of the death of the Dutch journalist was RBC-250 aviation cluster bombs.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel-General Anatoly Nogovitsyn denied all reports of the use of Iskanders in Georgia, saying that the Iskander complex during the fighting in South Ossetia not used.
A little about politics
The operational-tactical missile system "Iskander" is a weapon that can affect military-political situation in some regions of the world, if the states located in them do not have an extended territory. Therefore, the issues of the location of the Iskander complexes, as well as their export supplies, are the subject of political consultations between the countries.
On November 5, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, addressing the Federal Assembly, said that the response to the American missile defense system in Poland would be the deployment of Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. But after the US refused to deploy missile defense in Eastern Europe Medvedev said that in response, Russia would not place this complex in the Kaliningrad region. Due to the escalation of tension between Russia and the United States, at the end of 2011, the issue of deploying the Iskander OTRK in the Kaliningrad region remained open. On November 23, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev again announced that Russian Federation is ready to deploy the Iskander complex if the NATO countries continue to deploy the missile defense system in Europe.
On January 25, 2012, it became known that the first division of the Iskander tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad region would be deployed and put on combat duty by Russia in the second half of 2012. However, on the same day, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation denied this information, stating that no decision had been made at the General Staff on approving the staff of the military unit of the Baltic Fleet, armed with Iskander missile systems. On December 15, 2013, the German media, citing sources in the security structures, reported that Russia had deployed Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. This is evidenced by satellite images showing at least ten Iskander-M complexes deployed in Kaliningrad, as well as along the border with the Baltic countries. The deployment may have taken place during 2013.
The complexes were transferred to the Kaliningrad region during military exercises and a sudden check of the combat readiness of the Western Military District and the Northern Fleet in December 2014 and March 2015.
In 2005, it became known about plans to supply Iskander complexes to Syria. This caused a sharp negative reaction from Israel and the United States. During a visit to Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ban on such supplies to prevent upsetting the balance of power in the region. In August 2008, during a visit to Moscow, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed his readiness to deploy complexes in Syria.
On February 15, 2010, the President of the unrecognized Transnistria, Igor Smirnov, spoke in favor of deploying Iskanders in the republic in response to plans to deploy US missile defense systems in Romania and Bulgaria.
In service
Russia (as of February 2016): 6 brigades (72 SPU)
26th missile brigade of the Western Military District (Luga) - the re-equipment of the brigade began in 2010 with the delivery of 6 complexes (PU), in 2011 the formation of the first brigade (12 launchers) was completed;
-107th missile brigade of the Air Defense Forces (Birobidzhan) - completely re-equipped on June 28, 2013 (12 launchers);
-1st missile brigade of the Southern Military District (Krasnodar) - the transfer of equipment took place on November 14, 2013 (12 launchers);
-112th separate guards missile brigade of the Western Military District (Shuya) - the transfer of equipment took place on July 8, 2014 (12 launchers);
92nd separate missile brigade (Orenburg) of the Central Military District - the transfer of equipment took place on November 19, 2014 (12 launchers);
-103rd separate missile brigade (Ulan-Ude) VVO - the transfer of equipment took place on July 17, 2015 (12 launchers);
By 2018, it is planned to re-equip all missile brigades on the Iskander OTRK
Main characteristics
Purpose of the complex
Designed to engage combat units in conventional equipment of small and area targets in the depth of the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivery of tactical nuclear weapons.
Most likely targets:
Means of fire damage (missile systems, jet systems salvo fire, long-range artillery)
- means of anti-missile and air defense
-airplanes and helicopters at airfields
- command posts and communication centers
- the most important objects of civil infrastructure
The composition of the complex
The complex includes six types of vehicles (51 units per missile brigade):
-Self-propelled launcher (SPU) (9P78-1)
12 pcs. - designed for storage, transportation, preparation and launch of two missiles at the target. Iskander can be made on the basis of a special wheeled chassis manufactured by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT-7930). GVW 42 t, payload 19 t, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.
- Transport-loading vehicle (TZM) (9T250 (9T250E))
12 pcs. - designed to transport an additional two missiles. Made on the MZKT-7930 chassis, equipped with a loading crane. Full combat weight 40 tons. Calculation of 2 people.
- Command and staff vehicle (KShM) (9S552)
11 pcs. - designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Assembled on a KAMAZ 43101 wheeled chassis. R-168-100KAE "Aqueduct" radio station. Calculation 4 people. Characteristics of KShM:
-maximum range of radio communication in the parking lot / on the march: 350/50 km
- task calculation time for missiles: up to 10 s
- command transmission time: up to 15 s
- number of communication channels: up to 16
- Deployment (clotting) time: up to 30 minutes
- continuous work time: 48 hours
-Machine regulations and Maintenance(MRTO)
Designed to check the on-board equipment of missiles and instruments, to carry out current repairs. Made on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. The mass is 13.5 tons, the deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated routine check cycle of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, the calculation is 2 people.
- Information preparation point (PPI) (9S920, KAMAZ 43101)
Designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance means and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV. Calculation 2 people.
- Life support machine (LJO)
14 pcs. - designed to accommodate, rest and eat combat crews. Made on a wheeled chassis KAMAZ 43118. The machine includes: a rest compartment and a household supply compartment. The rest compartment has 6 wagon-type beds with folding upper deck chairs, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, an opening window. The household supply compartment has 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 drain system, a sink, a dryer for clothes and shoes.
-A set of arsenal equipment and training aids
Combat characteristics
Circular error probable: 10-30 m (depending on the guidance system used); 5-7 m ("Iskander-M" using a missile with a correlation seeker)
- Launch weight of the rocket: 3 800 kg
-Warhead weight: 480 kg
- Length: 7.2m
- Diameter: 920mm
-Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2,100 m/s. Maximum overloads during the flight - 20-30G (the rocket maneuvers in flight both in height and in the direction of flight). Max Height trajectories - 50 km.
Minimum target engagement range: 50 km
-Maximum target range:
-500 km Iskander-K (2000 km with R-500 cruise missile)
-280 km Iskander-E (export)
- Guidance: INS, GLONASS, Optical seeker
-Time to launch the first rocket: 4-16 minutes
- Interval between launches: 1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)
-Temperature operating range: ?50 deg.C to 50 deg.C
- Service life: 10 years, including 3 years in the field
Head types
In normal gear:
- cassette with 54 fragmentation submunitions of non-contact detonation (work at a height of about 10 m above the ground)
- cassette with cumulative fragmentation submunitions
- cassette with self-aiming submunitions
- cassette volumetric detonating action
- high-explosive fragmentation (OFBCH)
- high-explosive incendiary
- penetrating (PrBCh)
-special (nuclear)
The Elusive Rocket Avenger
There are magic words in world politics that terrify entire governments of countries. For example, the phrase "chemical weapons in Syria", or " nuclear weapon Iran” causes a state of extreme military-diplomatic excitement among the political elite of the countries. However, in terms of the speed of the reaction of the progressive public to such phrases, our "" has no equal. Mention of OTRK "Iskander-M", especially in the context of its placement at someone's borders, inevitably entails a reaction close to hysteria from the media, the military and politicians of the border countries and their Western overlords. Let's figure out what is the secret of the magical properties of this operational-tactical missile system that frighten our neighbors so much.
Missile complex problem "Iskander" thing is it is impossible to "catch". Firstly, because during the flight the missile maneuvers with huge overloads, which are still inaccessible for any interceptor missile in service with the countries of the world. Secondly, it flies very low - up to 6 m from the surface at a speed Mach 4, so it is almost impossible to detect using standard radar tools. Thirdly, it throws out decoys to deceive the enemy radar, sets up active radio interference and “jamming” all emitters that are used to navigate the missile defense system in space.
The principle of operation of homing systems, which have the scientific name of correlation-extreme, is that the optical equipment forms an image of the terrain in the target area, which is compared in the on-board computer with the reference one, after which corrective signals are issued to the missile controls.
Optical seeker universal and imposes only one requirement on the inertial control system of the rocket: bring the latter to the point at which the optics begin to see the target. The existing active means are powerless against such a head, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows work even on a moonless night, which favorably distinguishes the new system from existing analogues. In addition, optical systems do not need signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis cases can be turned off by its owners or disabled by radio interference. By the way, many potential customers of Iskander-E put forward demands for independence from satellite navigation. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that hits a given target almost in every conceivable condition.
Information about the target is transmitted from a satellite, a reconnaissance aircraft, or to an information preparation point (IPP). It calculates the flight mission for the rocket, which is then broadcast via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles (CSV) of the battalion commanders and batteries, and from there to the launchers. Commands for launching missiles can be formed both in the KShM and come from the command posts of senior artillery commanders. The PPI and KShM equipment is built on local networks Russian computers, and the functional purpose of the complex of controls depends only on and can be easily upgraded to control various fire weapons.
On October 11, 2011, the completion of the first stage of testing the updated missile system was announced. "Iskander-M" with new combat equipment - with new system Electronic warfare, which provides cover for the missile in the final phase of the flight. This system includes means of setting passive and active interference with surveillance and firing radars of the enemy's air and missile defense, through noise and the release of decoys. Since 2013, new missiles have been supplied to the Russian army.
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