The complex index is 9K720, according to the US and NATO classification - SS-26 Stone, English. Stone
Family of operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK): Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K, Iskander-M. The complex was created at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM). Iskander was first shown publicly in August 1999 at the MAKS aerospace show.
Story
The development of the Iskander OTRK was started in accordance with the resolution 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, among other things, of the personal efforts of the chief KBM designer S.P. Invincible, who proved to the Military-Industrial Commission of the Presidium of the USSR Council of Ministers the need to create a missile system in place of the Oka OTRK that does not fall under the provisions of the INF Treaty with the United States.
On October 11, 2011, the first stage of testing of 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 9M723 missile has one stage with a solid propellant engine.
The trajectory of movement is quasi-ballistic (not ballistic, maneuvering), the rocket is controlled throughout the entire flight using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Made using technologies to reduce radar signature (so-called “Stealth technologies”): small dispersion surface, special coatings, small size of protruding parts. Most of the flight takes place at an altitude of about 50 km. The missile conducts intensive maneuvering with overloads of the order of 20-30 units during the initial and final phases of the flight. The guidance system is mixed: inertial at the initial and middle stages of the flight and optical (using a seeker developed by TsNIIAG) at the final stage of the flight, which achieves a high 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, the Iskander-M missile system was fired for the first time with a 9M728 cruise missile. The launches were carried out by the 107th separate missile brigade (Birobidzhan). Developer and manufacturer - OKB Novator. Chief designer - P.I. Kamnev. The missile was tested on May 30, 2007. Firing range: maximum - up to 500 km.
Starting from 2013, it is planned to supply the Russian Armed Forces with missiles equipped with an electronic warfare system that will provide missile cover during the final flight phase. This system includes means of passive and active jamming of enemy air and missile defense surveillance and firing radars using noise and the release of false targets.
Options
Option for the Russian armed forces, 2 missiles on launchers, the firing range in various sources varies from that stated for the Iskander-E - 280 km - 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 which usually takes place at maximum altitude. Controlled throughout the flight. The flight path is not ballistic and difficult to predict. The missile is made using low radar signature technology and also has a radar-absorbing coating and is a relatively small target in natural physical size. Predicting the target when attempting an early interception is further complicated by intensive 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 mid-range missile defense/air defense systems), at an angle of about 90 degrees (in some cases only the angle of attack is sufficient for complete defenselessness of the attacked missile defense system, and even more so air defense, especially short-range ones), thus the Iskander-M has a number of advantages over its analogues, and high capabilities not just for hitting a target, but even for means of defense in the form of modern missile defense systems.
The missile carries a complex set of passive and active jammers; when approaching the target, false targets and jammers are additionally shot at. Model M is additionally equipped with an electronic warfare system to disrupt the operation of enemy radars. All this also provides the missile with high combat effectiveness in comparison with simpler similar missiles.
Maneuvering at high altitudes is ensured by speed and aerodynamic rudders. Such maneuvering is not intensive, but it places extremely high demands on the reaction time for the interceptor (in a hundredth of a second, missiles get closer to tens of meters, the reaction time of one of the fastest-responding missile defense systems is more than 5 seconds, as well as open-source air defense systems). If the interceptor is kinetic, this also requires successful trajectory prediction with high accuracy. To successfully intercept a ballistic target with a high probability, previously created before the Iskander non-ballistic complexes, it was sufficiently early to detect a target of appropriate size and speed, and, having predicted the trajectory, ensure the interception. However, Iskander changes his trajectory. The Oka complex, the predecessor of the Iskander, could change the target while maintaining a stable trajectory before and after the maneuver, thereby moving away from the interceptor, or at least reducing 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. Maneuvering the rocket at high altitude is ensured 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.
Option using cruise missiles, firing range 500 km, warhead weight 480 kg. The missile's flight altitude is about 7 meters when reaching the target, and no higher than 6 km; the missile is automatically adjusted throughout the flight and automatically follows the terrain. R-500 cruise missiles with a range of 2000 km are also being assembled for the Iskander-K OTRK.
Combat use
There is no reliable information about the combat use of Iskander complexes, but there have been reports, refuted by the Russian military, that the complex was used during the Georgian-South Ossetian armed conflict of 2008.
According to the head of the Analytical Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Shota Utiashvili, Russia used Iskander missile systems at sites in Poti, Gori and the Baku-Supsa pipeline.
In blogs, Utiashvili’s statement was widely discussed and was received ambiguously, since some of the photographs of several sustainer stages presented as evidence refer not to the Iskander, but to the 9M79 missiles of the Tochka-U complexes, while the other part of the photographs actually shows fragments with the applied code 9M723, corresponding to the designation of the Iskander missiles.
Mikhail Barabanov, an expert from the Moscow Defense Brief, points out that the Iskander complex was used at the base of a separate tank battalion in Gori. As a result of a direct hit by a warhead on the Georgian battalion's weapons depot, it was blown up. However, the author notes that this information is based on unverified sources. A Dutch commission investigating the circumstances of the death of RTL Nieuws television cameraman Stan Storimans in Gori on August 12, 2008, determined that the journalist died from being hit by one 5-mm steel ball. According to the BBC, the Dutch commission expressed an expert opinion that the carrier of the cluster munition was Iskander, but the report did not indicate on what grounds such a conclusion was made. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the data provided by the Dutch side is not enough to determine the type of carrier. Earlier, Human Rights Watch put forward another version, according to which the death of the Dutch journalist was caused by RBK-250 aviation cluster bombs.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, denied all reports about the use of Iskander missiles in Georgia, saying that the Iskander complex was not used during the fighting in South Ossetia.
A little about politics
The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon that can affect the 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 Iskander complexes, as well as their export deliveries, are the subject of political consultations between countries.
On November 5, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, speaking to 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 United States refused to deploy a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, Medvedev said that in response Russia would not deploy this complex in the Kaliningrad region. Due to the escalation of tensions 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 stated that the Russian Federation is ready to deploy the Iskander complex if NATO countries continue to deploy a missile defense system in Europe.
On January 25, 2012, it became known that the first division of Iskander operational-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 Russian Ministry of Defense denied this information, stating that no decision was made by the General Staff on the approval of the staff of the military unit of the Baltic Fleet, armed with Iskander missile systems. On December 15, 2013, German media, citing sources in security structures, reported that Russia had deployed Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. This is evidenced by satellite images, which show at least ten Iskander-M complexes deployed in Kaliningrad, as well as along the border with the Baltic countries. The rollout could occur throughout 2013.
The complexes were transferred to the Kaliningrad region during military exercises and a surprise 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 an imbalance 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 Iskander missiles 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 supply of 6 complexes (PU), in 2011 the formation of the first brigade (12 PU) was completed;
-107th missile brigade of the Eastern Military District (Birobidzhan) - completely rearmed on June 28, 2013 (12 launchers);
-1st Missile Brigade of the Southern Military District (Krasnodar) - transfer of equipment took place on November 14, 2013 (12 launchers);
-112th separate guards missile brigade of the Western Military District (Shuya) - transfer of equipment took place on July 8, 2014 (12 launchers);
92nd separate missile brigade (Orenburg) Central Military District - transfer of equipment took place on November 19, 2014 (12 launchers);
-103rd separate missile brigade (Ulan-Ude) of the Eastern Military District - transfer of equipment took place on July 17, 2015 (12 launchers);
By 2018, it is planned to re-equip all missile brigades with the Iskander OTRK
Main characteristics
Purpose of the complex
Designed to engage combat units in conventional equipment against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.
Most likely targets:
Fire weapons (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery)
- missile defense and air defense systems
-planes and helicopters at airfields
- command posts and communication centers
-critical civil infrastructure facilities
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 storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target. Iskander can be made on the basis of a special wheeled chassis produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT-7930). Gross weight 42 tons, payload 19 tons, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.
-Transport-loading machine (TZM) (9T250 (9T250E))
12 pcs. - designed to transport two additional missiles. Made on the MZKT-7930 chassis, equipped with a loading crane. Total combat weight 40 tons. Crew 2 people.
-Command and staff vehicle (KShM) (9S552)
11 pcs. - designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Assembled on a KAMAZ 43101 wheeled chassis. Radio station R-168-100KAE “Aqueduct”. Calculation 4 people. Characteristics of the crankshaft:
-maximum radio communication range when stationary/on the move: 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 (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
-continuous operation time: 48 hours
-Regulation and maintenance machine (MRTO)
Designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs. Made on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. Weight is 13.5 tons, deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, crew 2 people.
-Information preparation point (IPI) (9С920, KAMAZ 43101)
Designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV. Calculation 2 people.
-Life support machine (LSM)
14 pcs. - designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews. It is made on a KAMAZ 43118 wheeled chassis. The vehicle includes: a rest compartment and a utility compartment. The rest compartment has 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, and an opening window. The utility 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 drainage system, a sink, and a dryer for clothes and shoes.
-A set of arsenal equipment and training facilities
Combat characteristics
Circular probable deviation: 10-30 m (depending on the guidance system used); 5-7 m (Iskander-M using a missile with a correlation seeker)
-Rocket launch weight: 3,800 kg
-Warhead mass: 480 kg
-Length: 7.2 m
-Diameter: 920mm
-Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2,100 m/s Maximum overloads during flight - 20-30G (the rocket maneuvers in flight both in altitude and in flight direction). The maximum trajectory altitude is 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 before first rocket launch: 4-16 minutes
-Interval between launches: 1 minute (for 9P78 launcher with two missiles)
- Operating temperature range: from? 50 degrees C to 50 degrees C
-Operation life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions
Types of head parts
In normal equipment:
- cassette with 54 fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation (triggered at a height of about 10 m above the ground)
- cassette with cumulative fragmentation combat elements
- cassette with self-aiming combat elements
- cassette volumetric detonating action
- high-explosive fragmentation (HFBCh)
- high-explosive incendiary
-penetrating (PrBC)
-special (nuclear)
The Iskander OTRK is an operational-tactical missile system of increased mobility, capable of changing position in a short period of time and launching two medium- and long-range missiles.
The complex is woven into the Russian system of deterrence against NATO and US forces. The reason for its creation was the deployment by Western countries of missile defense systems along the borders of the Russian Federation, supposedly to counter the nuclear threat from Iran.
Advantages of OTRK Iskander
According to the technical specifications, the Iskander or 9K720 is equipped with missiles capable of hitting an object at a distance of 500 km. This is exactly the distance specified 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 with the range described above. For this reason, the Soviet Union retired the Iskander's predecessor, the Oka.
The USA 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- and medium-range missile systems. Most of these weapons are carried on missile cruisers and carried by specialized aircraft. For example, 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-missile missiles, but also Tomahawk missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.
The Iskander analogue of the Patriot air defense system is 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 weapon. According to NATO classification, this weapon is designated SS-26 Stone and is considered the most dangerous product of the Russian 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, delivering a crushing blow to strategic points and “breaking” the defenses for subsequent cruise missile attacks.
A little history
Iskander is a relatively new missile system and does not have any outstanding history.
First steps
The Second World War was going on. The German army crushed one power after another and it seemed that the victorious march of the Third Reich would not be stopped by anything. 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, Reich forces invaded the territory of the USSR. The Soviet units were broken, the fighting moved into the interior of the country. It seemed that nothing would stop the Germans.
However, the Soviet people withstood the brown onslaught. The fascist troops first got stuck near Moscow, and then were completely thrown back from the capital to a considerable distance.
The Battle of Moscow, although it did not become a turning point, showed that the Krauts were not invincible. The turning point came after the Battle of Kursk. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers took part in head-on battles, hundreds of aircraft circled in the sky, and the number of destroyed tanks numbered hundreds.
It was this battle that became the turning point of the entire Second World War - the vector of movement of the armies changed to polar.
Seeing that things were not going well at the fronts, Hitler ordered the intensification of the development of new types of weapons capable of stopping the enemy and preventing him from setting foot on German soil.
"Vau" - the first combat missile of the Germans during the Second World War.
One of the projects that received additional funding was the development of the Fau projectile. In fact, it was the first combat missile.
With their help it was planned to destroy strategic objects and communications. The V-V was actively tested until 1944, when most of the rocket manufacturing plants were destroyed or captured.
Following the results of World War II, some German specialists were transported to the USSR. German scientists actively worked 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 types 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 flights into space and the emergence of means of delivering nuclear weapons subsequently became possible.
A little later, but not yet Iskander
The development of diverse missile systems became 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 to be 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 of several kilotons.
The Iskander flight range reached 240 km. It became 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 throughout the world. Adopted in 1962, it was used by the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries. However, after the development of the new complex, 9P117 began to be exported to the countries of the Middle East. For example, to Egypt and Iraq.
The Middle East has never been known for its calm. Throughout the twentieth century, conflicts between countries regularly occurred there.
The Scud was used by the Egyptians during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The strikes were carried out on the Israeli Armed Forces.
In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraq carried out attacks on Israeli territory. Even the Patriot installations purchased from the Americans did not help “God’s chosen people.”
"Oka", almost, "Iskander"
No matter how good the 9K72 complex was, time takes its toll. New technologies are emerging, leaps are being made in the development of electronics, and military requirements are increasing.
For this reason, in the mid-70s of the last century, work began on the creation of a new missile launcher - the Oka OTRK. S. Nepobedimy was appointed general designer. It is worth noting that subsequently 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 took place at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
It is worth noting an interesting fact: this test site was a test site for most Soviet-Russian missiles for many years.
In total, during the tests, the Oka made about 30 launches. The complex was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1980.
OTRK "Oka": Victim of the RMSD agreement The rocket 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. It was possible to use a nuclear charge with a yield of 5 kilotons as a warhead.
In 1987, Gorbachev signed an agreement to limit the use of medium-short-range missiles. The INF Treaty was also signed by the American side. As a result, most of the Oka OTRK was written off 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 treaty restrictions applied only to missiles with a flight 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 Iskander was created in extremely simple and pleasant conditions means to sin against the truth as much as possible.
First of all, it’s 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. Nepobedimy. The designer took into account all the restrictions caused by the INF Treaty.
The new installation was planned to use modern Iskander missiles, the performance characteristics of which made it possible to overcome layered enemy defenses at a range exceeding 500 km. However, the idea encountered opposition from Gorbachev. Frankly speaking, the “first” president of the USSR screwed up a lot of things.
Subsequently, after the collapse of the country, development still started. Chaos and confusion reigned in the country. Markets collapsed and production chains were disrupted. The designers were not paid wages for six months.
But tests and tests of the complex continued. Not thanks to, but in spite of. The main problem was irregular funding. Every missile and system tested had to be thoroughly checked.
this year the first working sample of the updated Iskander complex was demonstrated
As a result of long and difficult work, in 1999, at the MAKS international air show, the first working prototype of the new Iskander complex was demonstrated. The new product impressed all the guests of the event. A new portion of funding was allocated for development.
It is worth mentioning the organizations that took a direct part in the construction of the complex:
- Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering - rocket development;
- Central Design Bureau "Titan" - creation of a launcher and chassis;
- NIIEP - were involved 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 included in the so-called “access prohibited zone” perimeter.
In addition to the 9K720, the defense includes the S-400 air defense system (B, in the future S-500) and elements of the Bastion anti-ship missile system. The essence of the project is to immediately defeat any unfriendly object that illegally crosses the perimeter border.
Modification “E” has been supplied to Armenia since 2016 In service
Iskander is in service with two countries in 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 transferred to Armenia is unknown. The only information available is the delivery date - 2016.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Iskander OTRK
The actual parameters of the OTRK are unknown. The most obvious thing that can be said is that the complex carries 2 missiles with a range of hitting targets of 50 - 500 km. The launch is carried out within a few minutes after the combat signal. After firing, 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 the appearance of the 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 claim that the Russian OTRK is capable of performing its task more efficiently than its American counterpart. US developments in this category (LRPF missiles) are not capable of hitting a target at a distance of over 500 km.
Missile destroyer "Donald Cook" with which "Iskander" is compared The performance characteristics of the Iskander are also often compared with American missile destroyers of the Donald Cook class. Moreover, many military analysts are inclined to believe that the Russian complex is more effective.
The Iskander missile, the characteristics of which are kept in the strictest confidence, is causing a wave of indignation and fear in NATO. The main reason is the possibility of rapid recharging. The process takes place thanks to a special tracking machine. 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 |
| Rocket cruising speed, m/s | 2 100 |
| Highest point of the ballistic trajectory, km | Exceeds 100 |
| Maximum engagement range, km | "Iskander-M" - 500, "Iskander-S" - 2500 (From unconfirmed sources) |
| Minimum engagement range, km | 50 |
| Preparation for shot, m | 4 – 16 |
| Time interval before launch of the 2nd rocket, m | 1 |
| How long does the Iskander last? | 10 in field conditions, 3 in combat |
Options
Since the creation of the first samples of Iskander in 2006, a small number of modifications of this installation have been created. In general, they differ in the missiles used to fire the salvo. In addition, the export version lacks 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) located on the launcher. The chassis has increased cross-country ability and electronic warfare systems. The Iskander-M has much improved performance characteristics. There is a mobile command post. The missiles are capable of penetrating enemy defenses. A number of technologies are used for this: the ability to maneuver at high speeds with an overload of up to 30 g, the release of false elements, a special coating absorbs radio signals, and small dimensions. The missile approaches 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 flight 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 purchased a batch of complexes is Armenia. If there are others, then the information is strictly classified;
- "Iskander-K"- the 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 traveling to the specified object. At low altitudes, the rocket is capable of avoiding obstacles and following changes in terrain. Flight range - 500 km. There is an option with the installation of 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 obsolete achievements of mankind.
Composition of the complex
In addition to the launcher itself, the group includes 5 more types of machines. Each performs its own functions. In total, each brigade includes 51 vehicles.
Composition of the Iskander OTRK division 9P78-1
These are self-propelled launchers. In total, the brigade includes 12 units. Their main purpose is to transport and store missiles. Fully loaded weight 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 an 8 x 8 wheel arrangement and is capable of speeds of up to 70 km/h. Range – 1000 km. All this is necessary for rapid transfer at any time of the day and over any distance. The crew consists of 3 people.
Iskander launcher chassis 9S552
A command and staff vehicle designed to control all elements of the OTRK. Installed on the KAMAZ 43101 chassis. There is an Aqueduct radio station. Full-time crew – 4 people. The division is equipped with 11 such vehicles. The radio station is capable of receiving and transmitting a signal over a distance of 250 km (in the unfolded state). On the march - 50 km. Battery life 2 days.
MRTO
Machine for carrying out routine and repair work. The regular crew is 2 people. Used to check on-board equipment and perform routine repairs. But the main task is to test the missile electronics. In automatic mode, the procedure takes 18 minutes. The vehicle is based on a KamAZ chassis. Operating weight - 13 tons.
9S920
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 target designation sources 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 vehicle is to provide personnel with sleeping places, comfortable meals and other living conditions. There are sleeping places, lockers for storing things, lockers. There is a 300 liter tank, a water heating system, and special pumps. The vehicle is based on KamAZ. The division includes 14 units.
KAO and UTS
A special vehicle designed for rapid reloading of launchers. The procedure takes on average 20 minutes. The second car is a simulator for the crew. It simulates combat situations.
It is also worth noting that an impressive group consisting of infantry formations and armored vehicles (Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles) is assigned to guard the Iskander division and accompanying support vehicles. In addition, the division, being in a stationary position, is camouflaged with standard means: a camouflage network, electronic warfare systems, and protection from thermal imaging detection.
Design of 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 trajectories. Otherwise the products are similar.
The missiles are capable of maneuvering at high speeds, while choosing random trajectories of movement and reversal. At the same time, the missiles are controlled throughout the flight, which increases the accuracy of the hit.
Missile warheads are designed to hit various targets. For example, there is a cluster warhead that can split into many parts and hit a large area. There are options for extremely accurate hits, used to neutralize command bunkers or missile defense and air defense elements. In especially sad cases, missiles are equipped with tactical nuclear warheads with a yield of up to several kilotons.
During the flight, missiles are capable of discarding electronic warfare elements, which makes guidance difficult for enemy missile defense systems. 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
If you believe various open sources, 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 to launch non-nuclear strikes against ISIS militants (an organization banned in Russia). The launches took place in December 2017. The characteristics of the Iskander-M, declared by the developers, have received combat confirmation.
The most controversial case is the statement that the Iskander missile system, the characteristics of which guarantee the destruction of enemy personnel and equipment, was used during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in August 2008.
The participation of the OTRK division could not be proven. The Russian military denies these rumors. There is an opinion that the Georgian side mistook the Tochka-U missile launches for 9K720, which were precisely 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 Baltic states, missile defense elements in Poland and Romania, strategic infrastructure structures in Denmark and Sweden. Also, 9K720 are located on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
| 2008 | The Georgian-Ossetian conflict that occurred in August during the Olympics. The use of 9K720 has not been recorded, but the Georgian authorities and a number of Western media claim the opposite. The Tochka-U complex was used to carry out targeted missile strikes |
| 2016 | Exercises in Tajikistan. The missiles hit training targets and tested the operational range of the Iskander-M |
| 2017 | In December, the Iskander-M complex was delivered to Syria (the characteristics of the missiles had to be tested in real combat). Cases of combat use and destruction of defensive structures have been recorded. Probable targets: large formations of terrorist groups, ammunition depots and accumulations 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 destruction radius of which remains a mystery for Russia’s opponents.
Most of the information relates to official statements by the Russian military and television programs broadcast on patriotic channels. Which creates the impression of “ideality” of military equipment. And not only Iskander.
Most likely, in a few years (possibly decades), the real capabilities of the complex will be discovered. Judging by open information, the OTRK is capable of hitting targets while passing through high-echelon defenses. 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.
A modern strike weapons complex capable of using various types of guided missiles with trajectories that impede the operation of missile defense systems.
Iskander is sometimes referred to as the “family of missile systems” because of variety of possible equipment. It was developed by the Kolomna "Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering" according to the technical specifications from the end 1980s , first shown in 1999, adopted for service in 2006. He is the heir to the Tochka missile systems of the ground forces ("Tochka-U" ) and "Oka", but significantly surpasses them in characteristics and tactical capabilities.
Since 2007 he has entered the military. Starting from 2013, purchases of Iskander will not be carried out in parts, as before, but immediately in brigade sets of equipment. According to the plans of the State Armament Program, by 2020 the ground forces will receive at least 120 systems (ten brigade sets).
The Iskander is mounted on an autonomous self-propelled launcher. Two missiles are placed on a single wheeled chassis in a closed housing. The type of missiles is different, depending on the modification of the complex. Iskander has three of them (in fact, these are separate missile systems): Iskander-M, Iskander-E and Iskander-K.
The Iskander-M self-propelled launcher carries two 9 M723−1 tactical ballistic missiles. The engine is solid fuel. The missile equipment of ground forces complexes is traditionally very diverse. These include cluster warheads with fragmentation and cumulative elements, including self-aiming ones (they open at an altitude of 900-1400 meters and fire a cloud of destructive elements over the target). These are ordinary high-explosive fragmentation warheads. These are high explosive incendiary parts. These are penetrating warheads for hitting buried targets such as bunkers. And finally, these are “special” (nuclear) combat units.
According to some information, it is possible to equip missiles with correction systems at the final stage of flight (radar or optical), which increases its accuracy at the final stage literally up to a circle with a radius of 1-2 meters from the aiming point, and also, if necessary, allows you to work on the target autonomously (without participation external target designation and space navigation systems - the use of satellite correction, by the way, is also provided for on the rocket). No operational-tactical missile system in the world has such capabilities.
The firing range is 400-500 km (up to the upper limit limited by the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty), the missile weight is 3800 kg, of which 480 kg is the warhead.
The fundamental difference between the 9 M723−1 missile and its predecessors is the so-called “quasi-ballistic” trajectory. The missile is controlled throughout the flight (and not in the acceleration phase, like a conventional ballistic one) through the use of aero- and gas-dynamic rudders. Not only does this ensure high-precision targeting of the target, but it also does not make it possible to “predict” its ballistic trajectory based on radar detections, which greatly complicates the interception of a missile by tactical missile defense systems.
The export version of the Iskander-E is a tactical 9M723E ballistic missile system with roughened characteristics. In particular, the missile's range is limited to 280 km according to international missile technology control regimes.
The most interesting is the most classified version of the complex - Iskander-K (tested in May 2007). Here the complex is used as a launch platform for the latest R-500 cruise missiles. In principle, the use of such land-launched cruise missiles with a range of over 500 km is also prohibited by the INF Treaty. So the operating range of the Iskander in this version is 500 km.
Composition of the Iskander OTRK.
- Gross weight: 42 t
- Payload: 19 t
- Calculation: 3 people
- Chassis: MZKT-7930
- Chassis: MZKT-7930
- Loading crane
- Calculation: 2 people.
Command and staff vehicle
- Number of communication channels: up to 16h
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101
- Calculation: 4 people
- Weight: 13.5 tons
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KamAZ
Information preparation point
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101
Life support machine
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43118
- Warhead weight: 480 kg
- Length 7.3 m
- Diameter 920 mm
Nuclear weapons.
November 22, 2019
November 18, 2019
September 19, 2019
August 31, 2019
The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is designed to destroy area and small-sized targets deep in the operational location of enemy troops with combat units used in conventional equipment; destruction of enemy air defense and missile defense systems, as well as the most important objects covered by them, at ranges of up to 500 km. The complex was developed by NPO Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau. Tactical use of the OTRK can include a simultaneous strike with an Iskander-M quasi-ballistic missile and an Iskander-K cruise missile to destroy highly protected missile defense and air defense targets along different trajectories, which complicates protection from defeat. Has a low barrier to non-nuclear use. Created using modern design and scientific and technical achievements in the field of OTRK. A special feature of the installation is the use of two missiles.
Main characteristics of the Iskander OTRK
Composition of the Iskander OTRK.
The complex includes six types of machines:
Self-propelled launcher- designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target.
- Gross weight: 42 t
- Payload: 19 t
- Highway speed: 70 km/h
- Speed of movement on a dirt road: 40 km/h
- Fuel range: 1000 km
- Calculation: 3 people
- Chassis: MZKT-7930
Transport-charging machine- designed to transport two additional missiles.
- Chassis: MZKT-7930
- Loading crane
- Total combat weight: 40 tons
- Calculation: 2 people.
Command and staff vehicle- designed to control the entire Iskander complex.
- Maximum radio range when stationary/on the move: 350/50 km
- Mission calculation time for missiles: up to 10 seconds
- Command transmission time: up to 15 seconds
- Number of communication channels: up to 16h
- Deployment (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
- Continuous operation time: 48 hours
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101
- Radio station: R-168-100KA “Aqueduct”
- Calculation: 4 people
Regulation and maintenance machine- designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs.
- Weight: 13.5 tons
- Deployment time: 20 minutes
- Time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket: 18 min
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KamAZ
Information preparation point- designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is interfaced with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or UAV.
- Calculation: 2 people
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43101
Life support machine- designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews.
- Chassis: KAMAZ 43118
- Rest compartment: 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, opening window
- Household supply compartment: 2 lockers with seats, a folding lifting table, a water supply system with a 300-liter tank, a tank for heating water, a pump for pumping water, a drainage system, a sink, a dryer for clothes and shoes
Combat characteristics of the Iskander OTRK.
Circular probable deviation: 10-30 m
- Rocket launch weight: 3800 kg
- Warhead weight: 480 kg
- Length 7.3 m
- Diameter 920 mm
- Rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory: 2100 m/s
- Maximum overloads during flight - 20-30G
- Maximum trajectory altitude - more than 100 km
- Minimum target range: 50
- Maximum target engagement range: 500 km "Iskander-K"
- Guidance: INS, GLONASS, optical seeker
- Time before launch of the first rocket: 4-16 minutes
- Interval between starts: 1 minute
- Operating temperature range: -50 °C to 50 °C
- Service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions
Types of warheads of the Iskander OTRK.
Iskander can use a very wide range of combat units. The main ones are:
To destroy area targets and entrenched equipment, a cluster fragmentation warhead is used with remote detonation in the air of 54 combat elements to destroy people and equipment in the trenches from above.
- A concrete-piercing warhead is used to destroy bunkers.
- To hit point targets, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead is usually used.
Cluster warheads for hitting area targets.
Iskander can use a wide range of cluster warheads, allowing it to immediately hit a large area target, such as a military base, airfield, air defense/missile defense center.
On average, 1 kg of fragmentation cluster munitions affects about 32 m2. The area of destruction varies depending on the type of cluster munition and can be much lower for cumulative or volumetric detonating munitions, but these munitions can also hit armored vehicles or infantry/vehicles in shelters. The known types of Iskander OTRK cluster munitions are as follows:
Cassette with 54 fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation, triggered at a height of about 10 m above the ground surface
Cassette with PTAB-2.5KO cumulative fragmentation warheads, capable of penetrating the roof armor of armored vehicles up to 20 mm thick, as well as inflicting wounds on infantry with fragments
Cassette with self-aiming combat elements using its own radar and IR seeker to destroy clusters of SPBE-D equipment
Volumetric detonating cassette for destroying manpower and equipment among buildings and in shelters
Non-cluster munitions for hitting point targets.
Non-cluster warheads are designed to destroy point fortified objects such as command bunkers, reinforced concrete warehouse buildings, barracks, fuel storage tanks and the like. Anti-bunker ammunition is designed to penetrate reinforced concrete floors up to 1.2 m thick and detonate indoors. High-explosive fragmentation warheads hit lightly armored vehicles with shrapnel at a distance of 70 m, and easily vulnerable equipment, such as dug-in vehicles as part of air defense systems and communications centers, at a distance of 200 m.
Nuclear weapons.
Special (nuclear) warhead with a capacity of up to 50 kilotons.
November 22, 2019 At the Kapustin Yar training ground, a solemn ceremony was held to present a brigade set of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system to the personnel of the missile formation of the Western Military District. The transfer of the kit completed the re-equipment of the existing missile formations of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by the head of combat training - deputy chief of the missile forces and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel Yuri Zaritsky, the command of the Western Military District and representatives of defense industry enterprises.
November 18, 2019 During the exercises, crews of the Iskander-M missile systems of the Central Military District practiced delivering group and single strikes against important objects and targets that determine the combat potential of a mock enemy at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. The crews marched to the designated area, where they carried out engineering equipment for the starting positions and took up combat duty. The crews also improved their actions when working on launchers and transport-loading vehicles, and the drivers strengthened their driving skills in various terrain conditions.
September 19, 2019 At the Donguz training ground in the Orenburg region, military personnel of the Central Military District missile unit hit a training target with a missile from the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system. The launch took place during the strategic command and staff exercises Center-2019. The complex hit a target that imitated a critical target of a mock enemy.
August 31, 2019, as part of a tactical exercise at the Kapustin Yar training ground, military personnel of the VVO missile formation launched a ballistic missile of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system at a target simulating a critical target of a mock enemy. As a result of the missile strike, the training target was destroyed.
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Ground forces have completed rearmament with the Iskander missile system
On November 22, 2019, at the Kapustin Yar training ground, a ceremony was held to present a brigade set of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system to the personnel of the missile formation of the Western Military District. The transfer of the kit completed the re-equipment of the existing missile formations of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by the head of combat training - deputy chief of the missile forces and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel Yuri Zaritsky, the command of the Western Military District and representatives of defense industry enterprises. Several dozen launchers, transport-loading and command-staff vehicles, life support equipment, regulations and maintenance were handed over to the personnel of the missile formation. The final stage of rearmament of the missile formation will be a tactical exercise with a combat launch of a missile, after which the entire personnel of the formation will march in a combined manner to the place of permanent deployment.
Iskander-M complexes practiced delivering strikes against a simulated enemy
On November 18, 2019, during the exercise, crews of the Iskander-M missile systems of the Central Military District practiced carrying out group and single strikes against important facilities and targets that determine the combat potential of a mock enemy, located at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. The crews marched to the designated area, where they carried out engineering equipment for the starting positions and took up combat duty. The crews also improved their actions when working on launchers and transport-loading vehicles, and the drivers strengthened their driving skills in various terrain conditions.
At the Center-2019 exercises, the Iskander-M missile was successfully launched
At the Donguz training ground in the Orenburg region on September 19, 2019, military personnel from the missile formation of the Central Military District hit a training target with a missile from the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system. The launch was carried out as part of the strategic command and staff exercises Center-2019. The complex successfully hit a target that imitated a critical target of a mock enemy. The servicemen also fulfilled the standards for transferring the missile system to a combat position and reloading the missiles. The effectiveness of the attack was assessed using the Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle.
Strategic command and staff exercise of the Russian Armed Forces Center-2019
The strategic command and staff exercise of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation “Center” was held from September 16 to 21, 2019. They are the final stage of a complex of combat training activities. During the exercises, military personnel worked out the issues of using troop groups in solving problems of combating international terrorism and ensuring military security in the Central Asian strategic direction.
An Iskander OTRK missile was launched near Astrakhan
As part of a tactical exercise at the Kapustin Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region on August 31, 2019, military personnel of the missile formation of the Eastern Military District launched a ballistic missile of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system at a target simulating a critical target of a mock enemy. During the exercise, the crews of the complex demonstrated their skills in meeting the standards for transferring the OTRK from a traveling position to a combat position, reloading missiles from transport-loading vehicles to self-propelled launchers, and launching a missile strike at given coordinates. As a result of the missile strike, the training target was destroyed
The Iskander operational-tactical missile system (index - 9K720, according to NATO classification - SS-26 Stone "Stone") - is a family of operational-tactical missile systems: Iskander, Iskander-E, Iskander-K. The complex was developed at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau. The Iskander missile system was adopted by the Russian army in 2006; to date, 20 Iskander systems have been produced (according to open data from the Ministry of Defense).
The complex is designed to engage conventionally equipped combat units against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.
Most likely targets:
Fire weapons (missile systems, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range artillery);
Missile and air defense systems;
Airplanes and helicopters at airfields;
Command posts and communication centers;
Critical civil infrastructure facilities.
The main features of the Iskander OTRK are:
High-precision effective destruction of various types of targets;
The ability to covertly carry out combat duty, prepare for combat use and launch missile strikes;
Automatic calculation and input of flight missions for missiles when placing them on the launcher;
High probability of completing a combat mission in the face of active enemy opposition;
High operational reliability of the rocket and its reliability during preparation for launch and in flight;
High tactical maneuverability due to the placement of combat vehicles on off-road all-wheel drive chassis;
High strategic mobility, which is ensured by the ability to transport combat vehicles by all types of transport, including aviation;
High degree of automation of the process of combat control of missile units;
Fast processing and timely delivery of intelligence information to the necessary management levels;
Long service life and ease of use.
Combat characteristics:
Circular probable deviation: 1…30 m;
- rocket launch weight 3,800 kg;
- length 7.2 m;
- diameter 920 mm;
- warhead weight 480 kg;
- rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory is 2100 m/s;
- minimum target engagement range 50 km;
- maximum target engagement range:
500 km Iskander-K
280 km Iskander-E
- time before the launch of the first rocket is 4...16 minutes;
- interval between starts: 1 minute
- service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions.
The main elements that make up the Iskander OTRK are:
Rocket,
- self-propelled launcher,
- transport-charging machine,
- routine maintenance machine,
- command and staff vehicle,
- information preparation point,
- a set of arsenal equipment,
- educational and training facilities.
Transport-loading vehicle of the Iskander complex Self-propelled launcher (SPU) - designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target (in the export version, 1 missile). The SPU can be implemented on the basis of a special wheeled chassis MZKT-7930 produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. Gross weight 42 tons, payload 19 tons, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.
Transport-loading vehicle (TZM) - designed to transport two additional missiles. The TZM is implemented on the MZKT-7930 chassis and is equipped with a loading crane. Total combat weight 40 tons. Crew 2 people.
Command and staff vehicle of the Iskander complex The command and staff vehicle (CSM) is designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Implemented on the KamAZ-43101 wheeled chassis. Calculation 4 people. KShM CHARACTERISTICS:
- maximum radio communication range when stationary/on the move: 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 (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
- continuous operation time: 48 hours
Regulations and maintenance machine (MRTO) - designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs. Implemented on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. Weight is 13.5 tons, deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine checks of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, crew 2 people.
Information preparation point of the Iskander complex Information preparation point (PPI) - is designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. The PPI is integrated with reconnaissance assets and can receive missions and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or drone. Calculation 2 people.
Life support vehicle (LSM) - designed for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews. Implemented on a KamAZ-43118 wheeled chassis. The machine includes: a rest compartment and a utility compartment. The rest compartment has 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, and an opening window. The utility 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 drainage system, a sink, and a dryer for clothes and shoes.
Life support machine of the Iskander missile complex The ROCKET of the Iskander complex is a solid-fuel, single-stage, with a warhead that is not detachable in flight, guided and energetically maneuvered throughout a difficult-to-predict flight path. It maneuvers especially actively during the starting and final stages of the flight, during which it approaches the target with a high (20-30 units) overload.
This necessitates an anti-missile flight to intercept an Iskander OTRK missile with an overload 2-3 times greater, which is currently practically impossible.
Most of the flight path of the Iskander missile, made using stealth technology with a small reflective surface, passes at an altitude of 50 km, which also significantly reduces the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy. The “invisibility” effect is achieved due to the combination of design features of the rocket and the treatment of its surface with special coatings.
To launch the missile to the target, an inertial control system is used, which is subsequently captured by an autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing head (GOS). The operating principle of the missile homing system is based on the formation by optical equipment of the seeker of an image of the terrain in the target area, which the on-board computer compares with the standard entered into it when preparing the missile for launch.
The optical homing head is characterized by increased sensitivity and resistance to existing electronic warfare systems, which makes it possible to launch missiles on moonless nights without additional natural illumination and hit a moving target with an error of plus or minus two meters. Currently, except for the Iskander OTRK, no other similar missile system in the world can solve this problem.
It is characteristic that the optical homing system used in the rocket does not require corrective signals from space radio navigation systems, which in crisis situations can be disabled by radio interference or simply turned off. The integrated use of an inertial control system with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker made it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any possible conditions. The homing head installed on the Iskander OTRK missile can be installed on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types.
Types of combat units
- cassette with fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation (detonated at a height of about 10 m above the ground)
- cassette with cumulative fragmentation combat elements
- cassette with self-aiming combat elements
- cassette volumetric detonating action
- high-explosive fragmentation (HFBCh)
- high-explosive incendiary
- penetrating (PrBC)
The cluster warhead contains 54 combat elements.
The Iskander complex is integrated with various reconnaissance and control systems. It is capable of receiving information about a target designated for destruction from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (of the Reis-D type) to the information preparation point (PPI). It calculates the flight mission for the rocket and prepares reference information for the rockets.
This information is transmitted via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles of the division commanders and batteries, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can come from the command gun or from the control posts of senior artillery commanders.
Placing two missiles on each SPU and TZM significantly increases the firepower of missile divisions, and a one-minute interval between missile launches against different targets ensures high fire performance. In terms of its effectiveness, taking into account its total combat capabilities, the Iskander operational-tactical missile system is equivalent to a nuclear weapon.
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