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Tanks. This main firepower modern armies was first used in the distant past, during the First World War, at the battle of the Somme. Since then, tanks have evolved with each new year, and now they represent real killing machines. But they are not as strong as they seem. In the event of a threat, Russia will be able to give a worthy rebuff to the enemy and disable the enemy’s equipment in a matter of seconds.
Main types of weapons
The history of the development of anti-tank weapons dates back to the time of the Great Patriotic War. It was then that anti-tank guns were first used. Since then, weapons have undergone many transformations, completely new models of equipment have emerged, which can be divided into three main categories:
- Self-propelled anti-tank missile systems.
- Portable anti-tank missile systems.
- Anti-tank artillery.
It should also not be forgotten that modern anti-tank weapon Russia includes rocket-propelled grenades which are used by the infantry.
Self-propelled guns
Self-propelled anti-tank weapons consist of two modules - a means of destroying an enemy tank and a mobile complex. Combat vehicles and tracked chassis often act as the latter.
And the first on our list is anti-tank missile system(ATGM) "Shturm-S". Its basis is fighting machine 9P149, the chassis of which was borrowed from the MT-LB, is a lightly armored multi-purpose transporter. Armament is represented by guided missiles "Storm" and "Attack". Both can be equipped with a cumulative or high-explosive submunition, and the "Attack" can also be equipped with a rod system for hitting air targets.
This Russian anti-tank weapon has a unique targeting system. First, the projectile flies in an arc, and when approaching the target, it levels off and hits it. This allows you to fire at the enemy, regardless of visibility conditions, soil stability and weather conditions. The range of weapons destruction is from 400 to 8 thousand meters, the dispersion is less than one degree.
"Competition" and "Chrysanthemum"
Self-propelled ATGM "Konkurs" is based on a combat reconnaissance vehicle. Its main purpose is the movement, guidance and launch of striking projectiles 9M111-2 or 9M113. The machine can engage targets both moving (at speeds up to 60 km / h) and standing (by pillboxes). Aiming and direct shooting is possible from prepared and unprepared firing positions. Moreover, the Russian anti-tank weapon "Competition" is able to swim and hit targets while overcoming a water barrier. However, to defeat tanks from land, it is necessary to deploy guns. Preparation time is up to 25 sec. Target range - from 70 to 4,000 meters.
ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S" is the most modern defensive means. The machine is capable of firing only from a place, but this is one of the few complexes whose missiles fly at supersonic speeds, and targeting is possible at any time of the day under any weather conditions.
This latest Russian anti-tank weapon has an exceptional feature. "Chrysanthemum-S" can fire at two targets at once, thanks to independent guidance systems. The range of destruction is from 400 to 6000 meters.
Portable guns
Portable anti-tank systems are distinguished by the absence of a mobile platform and are transported by available means. Some of these models, such as the "Competition", are part of self-propelled weapons.
First, I would like to mention the portable anti-tank weapon of Russia "Metis". This is a folding machine, on which the 9P151 launcher and semi-automatic targeting tools are “strung”, which simplifies the training of soldiers for firing. Fire can be fired at moving and standing targets at a distance of up to 2 km. To hit targets in the dark, "Metis" is equipped with additional equipment.
"Cornet"
A completely new anti-tank weapon is the Kornet ATGM. Developed on the basis of the Reflex tank armament, it has an enviable advantage over it - a laser guidance beam. Thanks to this, the gun can hit ground and air targets moving at speeds up to 250 m/s. At the same time, the height of the ceiling during the defeat can be up to 9 km, and the distance to the target is even more - 10 km.
The presented Russian anti-tank weapon "Kornet" can fire at ground targets from a distance of up to 4500 meters during the day and 3.5 km at night. Deployment time - less than 5 seconds, the rate of fire varies from 2 to 3 rounds per minute.
Artillery
100 mm anti-tank gun The MT-12 is the only representative of the artillery class on our list. It was created on the basis of the T-12 gun. In fact, this is the same means of firing, only installed on a new carriage. Transportation is carried out by towed way.
Targets can be hit at a distance of more than 8 km with four types of charges - shaped charge, armor-piercing, high-explosive and guided missiles "Kastet". A feature of the MT-12 is its versatility (the gun is capable of hitting equipment, firing points, manpower) and rate of fire. Shots can be fired up to 6 times per minute.
You should not be limited to this list, because the anti-tank weapons of the Russian army include various modifications and additional equipment.
In articles about anti-tank missile systems (ATGMs), the expressions "first generation", third generation", "shot-forget", "I see-shoot" are often found. I will briefly try to explain what, in fact, we are talking about ...
As the name suggests, anti-tank systems are primarily designed to engage armored targets. Although they are used for other objects. Up to an individual infantryman, if there is a lot of money. ATGMs are capable of quite effectively fighting low-flying air targets, such as helicopters.
Photo from Rosinform.ru
Anti-tank missile systems are classified as high-precision weapons. That is, to weapons, I quote, "with a probability of hitting a target higher than 0.5". Slightly better than when tossing a coin heads-tails)))
ATGMs were developed back in Nazi Germany. Mass production and delivery of anti-tank missile systems to the troops in NATO and the USSR was launched already in the late 1950s. And these were...
ATGM first generation
Anti-tank guided missiles of the first generation complexes are controlled by "three points":
(1) the operator's eye or sight when shooting at a distance of more than a kilometer.
(2) rocket
(3) target
That is, the operator had to combine these three points manually, controlling the rocket, as a rule, by wire. Until the very moment of hitting the target. Manage using various kinds of joysticks, control handles, joysticks and other things. For example, here is such a "joystick" on the control device 9S415 of the Soviet ATGM "Malyutka-2"
Do I need to say that it required long-term education operators, their iron nerves and good coordination even in a state of fatigue and in the heat of battle. Requirements for candidates for operators were among the highest.
Also, the complexes of the first generation had disadvantages in the form of low flight speed of missiles, the presence of a large "dead zone" in the initial section of the trajectory - 300-500 m (17-25% of the entire firing range). Attempts to solve all these problems have led to the emergence of ...
ATGM second generation
Anti-tank guided missiles of the second generation complexes are controlled by "two points":
(1) Viewfinder
(2) Purpose
The task of the operator is to keep the mark of the sight on the target, everything else is "on the conscience" of the automatic control system located on the launcher.
The control equipment, with the help of the coordinator, determines the position of the missile relative to the line of sight to the target and keeps it on it, transmitting commands to the missile via wires or radio channels. The position is determined by the emission of an infrared lamp-headlight / xenon lamp / tracer placed in the stern of the rocket and directed back to the launcher.
A special case is such second-generation complexes as the Scandinavian "Bill" or the American "Tou-2" with the BGM-71F missile, which hit the target from above on the span:
The control equipment on the installation "leads" the rocket not along the line of sight, but several meters above it. When a missile flies over a tank, the target sensor (for example, on the "Bill" - a magnetic + laser altimeter) gives a command to sequentially detonate two charges placed at an angle to the axis of the missile
Also, second-generation complexes include anti-tank systems using missiles with a semi-active laser homing head (GOS)
The operator is also forced to keep the mark on the target until it is hit. The device illuminates the target with coded laser radiation, the rocket flies to the reflected signal, like a moth to the light (or like a fly to the smell, as you like).
Among the shortcomings of this method, the crew of the armored vehicle is practically notified that they are being fired at, and the equipment of the optical-electronic protection systems can have time to cover the car with an aerosol (smoke) screen at the command of laser irradiation warning sensors.
In addition, such missiles are relatively expensive, since the control equipment is located on the missile, and not on the launcher.
Similar problems exist in complexes with laser-beam control. Although they are considered the most noise-immune of the second generation anti-tank systems
Their main difference is that the missile movement is controlled by a laser emitter, the beam of which is oriented towards the target in the tail of the attacking missile. Accordingly, the laser radiation receiver is located in the stern of the rocket and directed to the launcher, which significantly increases the noise immunity.
In order not to notify their victims in advance, some ATGM systems can raise the missile above the line of sight, and lower it in front of the target itself, taking into account the range to the target obtained from the rangefinder. What is shown in the second picture. But do not be confused, in this case the rocket does not hit from above, but into the forehead / side / stern.
I will confine myself to the concept invented by the Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (KBM) for dummies "laser path", on which the rocket actually holds itself. In this case, the operator is still forced to accompany the target until it is hit. However, scientists have tried to make their lives easier by creating
ATGM generation II+
They are not much different from their older brothers. In them, it is possible to track targets not manually, but automatically, by means of ASC, target tracking equipment. At the same time, the operator can only mark the target, and search for a new one, and defeat it, as is done on the Russian "Kornet-D"
In terms of their capabilities, such complexes are very close to third-generation complexes. They coined the term I see-shoot"However, with everything else, the generation II + complexes did not get rid of their main shortcomings. First of all, the dangers for the complex and the operator / crew, since the control device must still be in direct line of sight of the target until it is hit. Well, in secondly, associated with the same low fire performance - the ability to hit a maximum of targets in a minimum time.
To solve these problems are
ATGM third generation
Anti-tank guided missiles of the third generation systems do not require the participation of the operator or the launch equipment located on the launch equipment in flight and therefore belong to " shot and forgot"
The task of the operator when using such anti-tank systems is to detect the target. ensure its capture by the missile control equipment and launch. After that, without waiting for the defeat of the target, either leave the position, or prepare to hit a new one. A missile guided by an infrared or radar seeker will fly by itself.
Anti-tank missile systems of the third generation are constantly being improved, especially in terms of the capabilities of on-board equipment to capture targets, and the moment when they will appear is not far off.
ATGM fourth generation
Anti-tank guided missiles of the fourth generation systems will not require the participation of the operator at all.
All you have to do is launch a missile into the target area. There, artificial intelligence will detect the target, identify it, independently make a decision to defeat and carry it out.
In the long term, the equipment of the "swarm" of missiles will rank the detected targets in order of importance and hit them starting from the "first on the list." At the same time, preventing the direction of two or more ATGMs to one target, as well as redirecting them to more important ones if they were not fired upon due to a failure or destruction of the previous missile.
For various reasons, we do not have third-generation complexes ready for delivery to the troops or for sale abroad. Because of what we lose money and markets. For example, Indian. Israel is now the world leader in this area.
At the same time, complexes of the second and second plus generations remain in demand, especially in local wars. First of all, due to the relative cheapness of missiles and reliability.
11:51 — REGNUM
Boss Missile troops and artillery Russian army Lieutenant General Mikhail Matveevsky said that a new generation anti-tank missile system (ATGM) is under development. According to the general, the “fire and forget” concept will be implemented on the new self-propelled complex. Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) of this system will have to have increased noise immunity and greater armor penetration, and the control process of the complex itself will be automated as much as possible.
What weapon are we talking about?
Will the long-awaited Hermes ATGM be ready soon?
Most of all, the product described by Mikhail Matveevsky is similar to the promising universal ATGM"Hermes". This complex has been developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau since the mid-1990s, moreover, in the early 2010s there was information that the Hermes-A aviation version was almost ready and would soon be put into service. However, this did not happen, which, most likely, speaks of the technical difficulties that have arisen.
The Hermes complex itself is a line of anti-tank systems of various bases that are most unified with each other - ship-based (Germes-K), aviation (Germes-A), ground-based (Germes - on a self-propelled platform) and stationary (Germes -FROM").
As for the declared performance characteristics of the Hermes, they are very impressive. Shipborne, self-propelled (probably mentioned by Matveevsky) and stationary (for coastal defense) versions will be capable of firing at a distance of up to 100 kilometers. With such a range, it is not yet possible to fully implement the “fire and forget” system - to the zone where the target is located, the missile is controlled using a radio command guidance system, after which the homing head is turned on in the final section (they can be different - infrared, laser, radar ). As for the modifications of the missile with a range of 20 kilometers (aviation "Hermes" or the corresponding ATGMs on other versions of the complex), then it has the principle of "fire and forget", characteristic of third-generation ATGMs (and the Russian Federation, unlike the West, does not yet have such ) has been implemented. At the initial stage, the rocket is guided by an inertial guidance system, and then all the same homing heads are turned on. Armor penetration of missiles of 1000 mm is enough to destroy any of the existing tanks, and the highest range will allow aircraft and launchers not to be exposed to enemy retaliation.
The third generation ATGM is needed by the Russian army as soon as possible
As we can see, "on paper" everything is fine. The question remains, why has no information appeared for a long time about the complex, which was supposedly ready a few years ago? It is still impossible to judge the real degree of readiness of the Hermes, although, definitely, this ATGM, even in the version with a “near” missile, is very necessary for the Russian army. This is especially important for attack helicopter aviation: the Ka-52 and Mi-28N, which are excellent in terms of flight characteristics, are “satisfied” with 2nd generation ATGMs, for which it is necessary to keep the target on sight from the moment the missile is launched and throughout its entire flight. All this time, the helicopter is quite vulnerable, as it cannot turn around or make a sharp maneuver. The fact that there is no fire-and-forget ATGM can also explain the not so high export successes of Russian attack helicopters (the same India, which is a good indicator, was lost to the American Apaches), as they could be.
"Cornet" (GRAU index - 9K135, according to the classification of the US Department of Defense and NATO: AT-14 Spriggan) is an anti-tank missile system developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau. Developed on the basis of the Reflex tank guided weapon system, retaining its main layout solutions. Designed to destroy tanks and other armored targets, including those equipped with modern means dynamic protection. Modification of the Kornet-D ATGM can also hit air targets.
History of creation
The development and production of anti-tank missile systems (ATGM) in the world has been going on for half a century. During this time, due to ease of operation and relatively low cost, anti-tank systems have become the most popular and sought-after type precision weapons(WTO). For example, only about 700 thousand ATGMs of the TOW family were produced. and production of the latest modifications continues.
At the same time, the term "ATGM" itself does not reflect all the tasks that this type of weapon is assigned to solve for a long time. Initially created as specialized means of combating tanks, today ATGMs are effectively used to destroy a whole range of other small targets: lightly armored and unarmored vehicles, various kinds of fortifications, manpower, enemy infrastructure elements.
An analysis of military operations in various military conflicts of recent years shows the vital need for further expansion of the tasks solved by this type of weapon. Increasing the dynamics of battles, mobility and independence of tactical units, increasing the volume of clashes in settlements, led to the fact that highly mobile and versatile anti-tank systems in their striking capabilities began to be used as one of the main means of fire support for units, both in defensive and offensive operations. Based on this, in order to expand the combat capabilities of promising anti-tank systems, it is necessary to increase the range of their action in terms of the depth of formation of enemy troops, and to increase the combat performance of the systems.
A promising ATGM should be a universal defensive assault complex of guided weapons, providing a solution to a wide range of combat missions in the near tactical zone in various conditions combat use, both in a portable version and when placed on combat vehicles.
At present, the basis of anti-tank weapons in most countries of the world is made up of wearable and portable complexes of the II generation with a semi-automatic control system with the transfer of commands via PLS - ATGMs of the TOW families (USA), Milan (Germany, France, Great Britain), "Competition" (Russia) .
All these complexes have two significant drawbacks:
the presence of wires that exclude the possibility of firing from mobile carriers and limit the flight speed of ATGMs and, accordingly, the rate of fire of the complex;
vulnerability to organized interference.
In this regard, since the 80s of the last century, a search began for ways to improve this type of weapon.
Developed by State Unitary Enterprise "KBP" and put into service in 1998, the III generation complex "Kornet-E" with a guidance system for laser beam became the first anti-tank system that provides complete noise immunity and the ability to fire from mobile carriers. At present, the Kornet-E ATGM with a firing range of 5500 m is the most modern type of multi-purpose weapon of the near tactical zone of application, the ammunition load of which includes missiles with a cumulative tandem warhead, designed primarily to destroy heavily protected objects (tanks, pillboxes etc.) and missiles with a high-explosive warhead to destroy a wide range of targets that pose a danger on the battlefield.
The main direction in the development of anti-tank systems abroad has become the creation of third-generation complexes operating on the principle of "fire and forget", the implementation of which is ensured by autonomous homing of anti-tank guided missiles. At present, two such systems have been put into service - wearable ATGMs Javelin (USA) with infrared seeker and Spike-MR (Israel) with a combined telethermal imaging seeker.
The main declared advantages of systems with autonomous homing ATGMs are:
providing a “fire-and-forget” mode, which makes it possible to increase the survivability of the complex due to the ability to leave the position after a launch (volley);
the possibility of hitting targets in the upper, least protected projection.
However, technical solutions, embedded in the design of such complexes, determine not only their advantages, but also a number of disadvantages - the tactical, technical and economic characteristics are sacrificed to the “fire and forget” principle:
The Kornet-EM multi-purpose missile system developed by SUE "KBP" makes it possible to implement modern requirements for a promising ATGM using advanced and, at the same time, relatively inexpensive technical solutions that provide the Kornet-EM complex with a number of new properties.
The use of technical vision with an automatic target tracking device in the Kornet-EM complex makes it possible to exclude a person from the ATGM guidance process and actually ensures the implementation of the “fire and forget” principle, increasing the accuracy of target tracking in real conditions of combat use by up to 5 times and providing a high probability of hitting throughout the range of combat use of the complex, twice the range of the Kornet-E anti-tank systems.
The ability to hit targets in automatic mode reduces the psychophysical stress on operators, the requirements for their qualifications, and also reduces the time for their training.
The block-modular principle of building the complex, traditional for the Kornet family, ensures the placement of both two and one automatic launcher on a wide range relatively inexpensive low-capacity carriers (the mass of the weapon system, including ammunition, is 0.8 tons for the version with one launcher and 1.2 tons for the version with two launchers) produced various countries, with an opportunity remote control.
The proposed version of the combat vehicle with two launchers provides simultaneous salvo firing at two targets, which significantly increases the rate of fire and fire performance of the complex, making it possible to almost halve the amount of funds for combat missions. As in the Kornet-E complex, the possibility of salvo firing of two missiles at one target, induced in one beam, is retained, ensuring the overcoming of the SAZ.
Almost twice - up to 10 km, the firing range of the complex has been increased. The issue of increasing the firing range is currently one of the controversial. Many military experts believe that the nature of the terrain and the shielding properties of the landscape in most areas suitable for combat operations provide direct visibility at distances of no more than 3-4 km, and therefore the implementation of the firing ranges of weapons systems firing direct fire at visually observable targets, above the specified values is not appropriate. However, the analysis of armed conflicts recent decades shows that in territories with a desert-flat relief, in wide valleys located between mountains, in the foothills, when located at dominant heights, targets can be observed at ranges over 10-15 km. Using the advantages of the terrain in the conduct of hostilities, which include taking positions that provide maximum sectors and viewing ranges, is one of the main conditions for successful combat. Therefore, for the above types of terrain, situations will always arise when it is possible to detect and fire targets at long ranges (over 5-6 km). In this regard, the State Unitary Enterprise "KBP" believes that weapons, including anti-tank systems, should ensure firing at the maximum possible range, which will allow inflicting significant damage on the enemy before the main forces come into fire contact with him or organize ambushes without subsequent entry into the battle. Of course, in this case, other characteristics of the complex should not deteriorate: shooting accuracy, the power of impact on the target, weight and size characteristics. In the ATGM "Kornet-EM" this problem was solved. Due to the improvement of the control system of the complex, the designs of the engines of guided missiles and the introduction of a target tracking machine, the firing range of the complex was increased to 8 (ATGM with KBCh) - 10 km (UR with FBCh). At the same time, the accuracy of firing of the Kornet-EM ATGM by 10 km has become higher than that of the Kornet-E base complex by 5 km, and the dimensions and docking parameters of the previously developed Kornet-E ATGM missiles have been retained for the new missiles, which allows ensure their compatibility with previously developed launchers and maintain operational characteristics.
Increasing the range and accuracy of firing, the implementation of auto-tracking, which provides the ability to track not only slow ground targets, but also faster objects, made it possible to solve a fundamentally new task for ATGMs in the Kornet-EM complex - hitting small air targets (helicopters, UAVs and attacking aircraft attack aviation). Appearance in recent times and the predicted sharp increase in the future in the number of reconnaissance and reconnaissance-strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), coupled with a sharply increased role army aviation- reconnaissance and attack helicopters, became an important circumstance that prompted the search for ways to increase the combat capabilities of anti-tank systems (which are the most massive view WTO SV) in the fight against low-speed aircraft.
attack helicopters are currently the most dangerous targets for ground troops, capable of inflicting massive damage in a minimum amount of time. So, with one ATGM ammunition load, the helicopter is capable of destroying up to a company of armored vehicles (10-14 BTT objects).
UAVs, conducting reconnaissance, allow the enemy to open defenses in advance, carry out accurate target designations for firing over-the-horizon weapons, record and transmit information about the regrouping of troops both during the battle near the line of contact and in the rear, which generally leads to a significant increase in losses and possible disruption of combat missions.
To effectively counter attack helicopters and UAVs, it is necessary to have air defense systems directly in combat formations, since an attack or reconnaissance flight is carried out by them at low altitudes, which does not allow them to be detected in time by medium and long-range air defense systems, usually located deep in the rear.
ATGM "Kornet-EM" is a complex capable of effectively solving such problems.
The effectiveness of the Kornet-EM complex in combating air targets is ensured by a combination of a high-precision automatic guidance system and a guided missile with a thermobaric warhead equipped with a non-contact and contact target sensor (NDC) with a flight range of up to 10 km.
The presence of a non-contact target sensor guarantees reliable engagement of air targets at all firing ranges. In combination with a powerful high-explosive warhead, the NDC makes it possible to compensate for possible misses of the complex, ensuring effective overpressure defeat of a UAV (or helicopter) with misses of up to 3 meters.
The maximum missile flight range of 10 km gives the Kornet-EM complex an advantage in the fight against helicopters - it provides the ability to fire at distances exceeding the range of use by the enemy military weapons.
As a result, the Kornet-EM ATGM, if necessary, can perform some of the functions of an air defense system in the near zone, providing cover for the combat formations of its troops from attacks by helicopters and UAVs. No other complex has this quality.
The interaction of Kornet-EM ATGMs adapted to combat low-speed air targets with standard air defense systems will significantly increase efficiency air defense tactical units of the SV as a whole.
Based on the foregoing, to date, the Kornet-EM ATGM is the best example of a tactical WTO for hitting visually observed targets. The complex is a universal defensive assault weapon with a fully jam-free control system that ensures highly effective combat against ground and air targets in various combat conditions, including in adverse weather conditions and in the presence of organized electronic and optical interference.
The Kornet-EM complex includes:
To destroy ground targets such as bunkers, bunkers, lightly armored vehicles, enemy manpower, including those located in shelters, the missile can be equipped with a high-explosive thermobaric warhead with a TNT equivalent of 10 kg.
The automatic launcher with four guided missiles ready for launch is equipped with a telethermal imaging sight with high-resolution television cameras and a third-generation thermal imager, a built-in laser rangefinder and a laser missile guidance channel, as well as a target tracking machine with guidance drives.
Comparative analysis performance characteristics of the complex "Kornet-EM" and its foreign analogues shows that in terms of combat effectiveness, when performing tasks traditional for anti-tank systems, the complex surpasses analogues in terms of aggregate indicators by 3-5 times, while being easier to use and maintain and having a 3-4 times lower cost of ammunition, which is a consumable part of the complex and primarily determines the cost of its operation in the troops.
Combat use
ATGM "Kornet-E" (export version) participated in the hostilities between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon in 2006. Several launchers and unused missiles were captured by the Israeli army. It probably got to the Lebanese militants from Syria, where it was officially delivered.
The Israeli Armed Forces recognized defeat in this conflict by enemy fire (all types of influence) of 46 Merkava tanks. In 24 cases, the armor was pierced, in 3 of these cases, the ammunition detonated. Irretrievable losses from missiles of all types, including Kornet-E, amounted to only 3 tanks (one Merkava-2, Merkava-3 and Merkava-4 each); believing that the new modifications of the Merkav proved to be less vulnerable. Some units of the Kornet rocket ended up in the Israeli National Institute for the Study of Ammunition of the Engineers of the Israel Defense Forces. The Lebanese radio station An-Nour, owned by Hezbollah, citing an American report circulated in diplomatic circles, stated that Israeli losses were greatly underestimated, and 164 tanks were lost during the fighting.
According to the Israeli authorities, on April 7, 2011, during the shelling of an Israeli school bus by Hamas, the Kornet ATGM was used, which led to a diplomatic scandal between Israel and Russia.
Anti-tank missile systems (ATGMs) are one of the most dynamically developing segments of the global arms market. First of all, this is due to the general trend towards the maximum strengthening of the constructive protection of all types of combat armored vehicles in modern armies peace. The armed forces of many countries are moving on a large scale from second-generation anti-tank systems (semi-automatic guidance) to third-generation systems that implement the fire-and-forget principle. In the latter case, the operator only needs to aim and shoot, then leave the position.
As a result, the market of the most modern anti-tank weapons turned out to be actually divided between American and Israeli manufacturers. The achievements of the Russian military-industrial complex (DIC) in this area on the world market are represented practically only by the Kornet ATGM of the 2+ generation with a laser guidance system developed by Tulsky design office instrument making (KBP). We don't have a third generation.
Announce the entire list
The basis of the commercial success of the Kornet ATGM is in the ratio of "efficiency-cost" in comparison with complexes armed with missiles with a thermal imaging homing head (GOS), that is, in fact, firing with expensive thermal imagers. The second factor is the good range of the system - 5.5 km. On the other hand, the Kornet, like other domestic anti-tank systems, is constantly criticized for its insufficient ability to overcome the dynamic armor of modern foreign main battle tanks.
ATGM "Hermes-A"
Nevertheless, "Kornet-E" has become the most popular domestic anti-tank systems, supplied for export. Its parties were purchased by 16 countries, including Algeria, India, Syria, Greece, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. The last deep modification - - with a firing range of 10 kilometers is capable of "working" both on ground and on air targets, primarily on unmanned vehicles and combat helicopters.
ATGM "Kornet-D" / "Kornet-EM"
In addition to armor-piercing missiles with a cumulative warhead (warhead), the ammunition load includes universal ones with high-explosive ones. However, such "air-ground" versatility abroad quickly lost interest. This is how it happened, for example, with the ADATS (Air Defense Anti-Tank System) complex developed by the Swiss company Oerlikon Contraves AG and the American company Martin Marietta. It was adopted only in the armies of Canada and Thailand. The United States, having made a large order, eventually abandoned it. Last year, the Canadians also removed ADATS from service.
ATGM "Metis-M1"
Another development of KBP also has good export performance - second-generation complexes with a range of 1.5 kilometers and Metis-M1 (2 kilometers) with a semi-automatic wire guidance system.
At one time, the leadership of the KBP, despite, as it was officially announced, the successful completion of development work on anti-tank guided missiles operating according to the “fire-and-forget” scheme, refused to implement this concept in the Kornet complex in order to achieve the maximum possible ranges shooting in comparison with Western counterparts, using the principle of "see-shoot" and a laser-beam control system. The emphasis was on the creation of a combined system of anti-tank weapons that implement both of these principles - both “fire-and-forget” and “see-shoot” - with an emphasis on the relative cheapness of anti-tank systems.
ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S"
It was supposed to organize anti-tank defense with three complexes of various staffing. To do this, in the support zone - from the front line of defense to a depth of 15 kilometers towards the enemy - it was planned to place light portable anti-tank systems with a firing range of up to 2.5 kilometers, self-propelled and portable with a range of up to 5.5, self-propelled long-range anti-tank systems "Germes" on BMP-3 chassis with a range of up to 15 kilometers.
The control system of the promising multi-purpose complex "Germes" is combined. In the initial phase of the flight, the rocket of the version under discussion with a range of 15–20 kilometers is controlled by an inertial system. In the final section - semi-active laser homing of the missile at the target by the laser radiation reflected from it, as well as infrared or radar. The complex was developed in three versions: land, sea and aviation.
At the moment, only the latest version, Hermes-A, is officially in the development of the KBP. In the future, it is possible to equip anti-aircraft missile and gun systems developed by the same KBP with Hermes. Tula also developed the third-generation Avtonomiya ATGM with an infrared homing system of the IIR (Imagine Infra-Red) type, which was never brought to the level of mass production.
ATGM "Shturm-SM"
The latest development of the Kolomna Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (KBM) - a modernized version of the second-generation Shturm (Shturm-SM) self-propelled ATGM with the Ataka multifunctional missile (range - six kilometers) - has recently completed state tests. For 24/7 target detection new complex equipped with a sighting system with television and thermal imaging channels.
During civil war in Libya, baptism of fire (albeit in rebel detachments) was adopted by self-propelled ATGMs of Kolomna development (range - six kilometers), using a combined guidance system - automatic radar in the millimeter range with missile guidance in the radio beam and semi-automatic with missile guidance in the laser beam.
Main competitor
It is worth noting that the Western trend for self-propelled armored anti-tank systems is the decommissioning and lack of demand. There is still no serial infantry (portable, portable and self-propelled) ATGM with an IIR infrared guidance system and target contour memory that implements the fire-and-forget principle in the Russian arsenal. And there is serious doubt about the ability and desire of the Russian Ministry of Defense to purchase such expensive systems.
ATGM ADATS
Production exclusively for export is no longer dominant for the Russian defense industry, as it was in the old days. In foreign armies, rearmament to this standard continues. Almost all tenders for the purchase of anti-tank systems come down to the competition between the American and Israeli Spike. Nevertheless, there are many foreign customers who cannot acquire Western complexes solely for political reasons.
ATGMFGM-148 Javelin
The main portable ATGM in the US Army is the FGM-148 Javelin, jointly produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, which was put into service in 1996 with a firing range of 2.5 kilometers. This is the world's first serial ATGM with an IIR type infrared homing system that implements the fire-and-forget principle. The missile is capable of hitting an armored target both in a straight line and from above. The "soft start" system allows you to shoot from enclosed spaces. The disadvantage of the complex is its high price. The export version costs $125,000 ($80,000 for its military) and $40,000 for one missile.
Another disadvantage is the design flaws that affect when combat use. It takes about 30 seconds to lock on a target, which is very expensive pleasure. Maneuvering on the battlefield, the target can "break out of sight." Such a failure often results in an error in remembering the contour of the target. American soldiers have repeatedly complained about the extreme inconvenience of the complex for carrying.
ATGM BGM-71 TOW
However, in the Western armies, the introduction of anti-tank systems with an IIR guidance system has long been the main focus. However, the Ratheyon corporation continues the mass production of the "old" one with an increased firing range of up to 4.5 kilometers and guidance by wire or radio link. Rockets with tandem and high-explosive warheads, as well as warheads of the "shock core" type. The latest equipped with inertial guidance missiles in service marines USA since 2003 ATGM short range FGM-172 Predator SRAW with a range of up to 600 meters.
European way
Back in the mid-70s of the twentieth century, France, Great Britain and Germany undertook a joint program to create a third-generation TRIGAT ATGM with an IIR-type infrared seeker. R&D was carried out by Euromissile Dynamics Group. It was planned that the universal TRIGAT in short, medium and long range versions would replace all anti-tank systems in service with these countries. But despite the fact that the system entered the testing phase in the second half of the 90s, the project eventually fell apart, as its participants decided to stop funding.
Only the FRG continued to develop the system in the LR-TRIGAT helicopter version with long-range missiles (up to six kilometers). The Germans ordered almost 700 of these missiles (under the name Pars 3 LR) from the European concern MBDA to arm Tiger combat helicopters, but other customers of these helicopters refused these missiles.
MBDA continues production of the popular second-generation MILAN portable anti-tank systems (in service with 44 countries) in the MILAN-2T/3 and MILANADT-ER versions with a range of three kilometers and a very powerful tandem warhead. Also, MBDA continues to produce the second-generation HOT complex (purchased by 25 countries), the latest modification is HOT-3 with a firing range of 4.3 kilometers. The French army continues to purchase the Eryx light portable anti-tank system with a range of 600 meters.
The Thales group and the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics have developed a light short-range ATGM (600 meters) RB-57 NLAW with an inertial guidance system. The Swedes continue to produce the portable ATGM RBS-56 BILL (range - two kilometers), which at one time became the world's first anti-tank missile system capable of hitting a target from above. The Italian OTO Melara was never able to market, developed back in the 80s, the MAF complex with a range of three kilometers and a laser guidance system.
High demand for second-generation complexes remains not only due to their mass distribution and low price. The fact is that the latest modifications of many second-generation anti-tank systems in terms of armor penetration are not only comparable, but also surpass the next-generation systems. A huge role is also played by the trend of arming anti-tank missiles with cheaper high-explosive and thermobaric warheads to destroy bunkers and various kinds of fortifications, for use in urban battles.
Israeli version
Israel remains the main competitor of the United States in the market of portable and transportable anti-tank systems. The most successful was the family (Rafael company) - medium (2.5 kilometers), long (four) range and heavy long-range version of Dandy (eight kilometers), which, among other things, are armed with UAVs. The weight of the Spike-ER (Dandy) rocket in a container is 33 kilograms, PU - 55, standard installation for four rockets - 187.
ATGMMAPATS
All modifications of Spike missiles are equipped with an IIR type infrared homing system, which is supplemented by a fiber-optic cable control system for options for four and eight kilometers. This greatly enhances performance characteristics Spike versus Javelin. The principle of combining the IR seeker and control over a fiber optic cable is fully implemented only in the Japanese Type 96 MPMS (Multi-Purpose Missile System) ATGM. Similar developments in other countries were discontinued due to the high cost of the system.
ATGMNimrod-SR
Spike has been supplied to the Israeli army since 1998. For the production of the complex for European customers in 2000, Rafael created the EuroSpike consortium in Germany together with German companies, including Rheinmetall. Licensed production is deployed in Poland, Spain and Singapore.
ATGMspike
It is in service in Israel and is offered for export ATGM MAPATS (range - five kilometers), developed by Israel Military Industries based on the American TOW. Israel Aeronautics Industries Corporation has developed a unique long-range (up to 26 kilometers) Nimrod self-propelled anti-tank system with a laser guidance system.
Second generation replicas
The main Chinese ATGM remains a heavily modernized copy of the most massive Soviet anti-tank complex "Malyutka" - HJ-73 with a semi-automatic guidance system.
The Chinese copied American system TOW, creating a portable second-generation ATGM HJ-8 with a firing range of 3 kilometers (the later modification of the HJ-8E already hits four). Pakistan manufactures it under license under the name Baktar Shikan.
Iran also successfully copies TOW (Toophan-1 and Toophan-2). Based on the latter version, the Tondar ATGM with a laser guidance system was created. The Iranians also made a copy of another old American Dragon complex (Saege). A copy of the Soviet "Baby" is being produced under the name Raad (one of the modifications with a tandem warhead). Since the 90s of the XX century, it has been produced under license Russian complex"Competition" (Towsan-1).
The Indians acted in the most original way by adapting the Franco-German MILAN 2 rocket to the Konkurs launcher. Both products are manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited under license. India is also developing a third-generation Nag ATGM with an IIR type infrared guidance system, but without much success.
