Buk anti-aircraft missile system command post. Buk installation: photo, firing range. Tactical and technical characteristics of the Buk air defense system. About the controls

Since the late seventies, one of the main means of military air defense has been the Buk family of anti-aircraft missile systems. To date, several modifications of such equipment have been created and put into service, which are still in use today and will retain their place in the army in the near future.

SAM 9K37 "Buk"

The development of new anti-aircraft systems of the Buk family began in accordance with the resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers of January 13, 1972. The resolution determined the organizations involved in the project and the basic requirements for it. According to the first technical specifications, the promising air defense system was supposed to replace the existing 2K12 “Cube” complex in the army. In addition, it was necessary to create a missile suitable for use both as part of the Buk complex and in the M-22 Uragan naval anti-aircraft system.

The promising anti-aircraft complex was intended to equip military air defense, which affected the requirements for it. The developers were required to mount all units of the complex on a self-propelled chassis and ensure the ability to work in the same battle formations with tanks and other armored vehicles. The complex was supposed to combat aerodynamic targets flying at speeds of up to 800 m/s at low and medium altitudes at ranges of up to 30 km. It was also necessary to ensure the ability to hit a target maneuvering with an overload of up to 10-12 units and using electronic countermeasures systems. In the future, it was planned to “teach” the complex to combat operational-tactical ballistic missiles.

Self-propelled firing system of the Buk-M1 complex

The Research Institute of Instrument Engineering (NIIP) was chosen as the lead developer of the 9K37 Buk air defense system. In addition, a number of other organizations were involved in the project, including the NPO Phazotron of the Ministry of Radio Industry and the Start Machine-Building Design Bureau. A.A. was appointed chief designer of the entire anti-aircraft complex. Rastov. The creation of the complex command post was led by G.N. Valaev, who was later replaced by V.I. Sokiran. The self-propelled firing system was developed under the leadership of V.V. Matyashev, and the head of work on the semi-active homing head was I.G. Akopyan. Employees of the Research Institute of Measuring Instruments, headed by A.P., were involved in the creation of the detection and target designation station. Vetoshko (later these works were supervised by Yu.P. Shchekotov).

It was planned to complete all work on the creation of the 9K37 complex by mid-1975. However, in the spring of 1974, it was decided to divide the work on the project into two independent areas. In accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers of May 22, 1974, the creation of a new air defense system should be continued in two stages. First, it was necessary to bring the new 3M38 missile and self-propelled firing system (SOU) to mass production. At the same time, the latter should have been able to use the existing 9M9M3 missiles of the Kub-M3 complex, and also be built using components of the existing system.

It was assumed that already in the fall of 1974, the 9K37-1 Buk-1 complex would go into testing, and the development of a “full-fledged” 9K37 air defense system, based on new components, would continue according to the previously established schedule. Such an approach to the creation of new anti-aircraft systems should have ensured the earliest possible start of production and supply of new equipment capable of significantly increasing the combat potential of ground forces units.

The 9K37 complex included several main components. To monitor the air situation, it was proposed to use the detection and target designation station (SOTs) 9S18 “Dome”; to launch missiles, a self-propelled firing unit (SOU) 9A310 and a launch-loading unit (PZU) 9A39 should be used. The coordination of the complex’s actions was to be carried out by the 9S470 command post. The means of hitting targets was the 9M38 anti-aircraft guided missile (SAM).

Launch-loading installation 9A39 of the Buk complex

SOC 9S18 "Dome" was a self-propelled vehicle on a tracked chassis, equipped with a three-dimensional coherent-pulse radar station designed to monitor the situation and provide target data to the command post. An electrically driven rotating antenna was installed on the roof of the base chassis. The maximum target detection range reached 115-120 km. In the case of low-flying targets, this parameter was seriously reduced. Thus, an aircraft flying at an altitude of 30 m could be detected only from 45 km. The SOC equipment had the ability to automatically adjust the operating frequency to maintain operability when the enemy uses active interference.

The main task of the Dome station was to search for targets and transmit data to the command post. With a review period of 4.5 s, 75 marks were transmitted. The 9S470 command post was made on the basis of a self-propelled chassis and equipped with all the necessary equipment for processing information and issuing target designations to launchers. The command post crew consisted of six people. For this purpose, the 9S470 machine was equipped with communication and data processing equipment. The equipment of the command post allowed the SOC to process messages about 46 targets at ranges of up to 100 km and altitudes of up to 20 km during one review period. The firing installations were provided with information about six targets.

The main means of attacking enemy aircraft was to be the 9A310 self-propelled firing system. This vehicle was a further development of the SOU 9A38 of the Buk-1 complex. A rotating launcher with four missile guides and a set of special electronic equipment was installed on a self-propelled tracked chassis. In front of the launcher there was a target tracking radar, which was also used for missile guidance.

To transport additional ammunition and load the self-propelled gun, the Buk air defense system included a 9A39 launcher-loader. This tracked vehicle is designed to transport eight missiles and reload the SOU 9A310 launcher. The missiles were transported on four fixed cradle and a special launcher. Depending on the existing situation, the crew of the vehicle could reload the missiles from the launcher to the launcher or launch them independently. At the same time, however, due to the lack of its own tracking radar, external target designation was required. A special crane was provided for reloading missiles.

The 9M38 rocket was made according to a single-stage design. It had a cylindrical body of great elongation with an ogival head fairing. In the middle part of the hull there were X-shaped wings of small aspect ratio, and in the tail there were rudders of a similar design. The missile, with a launch weight of 690 kg and a length of 5.5 m, was equipped with a semi-active radar homing head, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and a dual-mode solid propellant engine. To avoid changes in alignment as the charge burns out, the engine was placed in the central part of the housing and equipped with a long nozzle-gas duct.

Diagram of the 9M38 missile defense system

The new 9K37 Buk anti-aircraft missile system made it possible to attack targets at ranges of up to 30 km and altitudes of up to 20 km. The reaction time was 22 s. It took about 5 minutes to get ready for work. A missile accelerating in flight to 850 m/s could hit a fighter-type target with a probability of up to 0.9. Hitting a helicopter with one missile was guaranteed with a probability of up to 0.6. The probability of destroying the cruise missile of the first missile defense system did not exceed 0.5.

Joint testing of the new air defense system began in November 1977 and continued until the spring of 1979. The testing site was the Emba training ground. During the tests, the combat operation of the complex was tested in various conditions and against various conditional targets. In particular, standard equipment (SOTs 9S18) or other similar stations were used to monitor the air situation. During the test launches, training targets were attacked using a warhead radio fuse. If the target was not hit, a second missile was launched.

During the tests, it was found that the new 9K37 air defense system has a number of important advantages over existing equipment. The composition of the radio-electronic equipment of the SOC and SOU ensured greater reliability of target detection due to simultaneous monitoring of the air situation. A complex with six 9A310 vehicles could simultaneously attack up to six targets. At the same time, the possibility of simultaneously performing several combat missions using the self-propelled firing systems’ own equipment was not excluded. The updated composition of the equipment of various elements of the complex, including the missile, provided greater noise immunity. Finally, the missile carried a larger warhead, which increased the likelihood of hitting a target.

Based on the results of tests and modifications, the 9K37 Buk air defense system was put into service in 1990. As part of the air defense of the ground forces, new complexes were used as part of anti-aircraft missile brigades. Each such formation included one brigade control center from the Polyana-D4 automated control system, as well as four divisions. The division had its own command post 9S470, a detection and target designation station 9S18 and three batteries with two SOU 9A310 and one ROM 9A39 in each. In addition, the brigades had communications, technical support and maintenance units.

SAM 9K37-1 "Buk-1"/"Kub-M4"

In connection with the need to quickly begin rearmament of air defense units of the ground forces, in 1974 it was decided to develop a simplified version of the 9K37 complex, built using existing components and assemblies. It was assumed that the new air defense systems, called 9K37-1 Buk-1, would be able to complement the existing Kub-M3 systems in the troops. Thus, each of the five batteries of the regiment was to contain a new 9A38 self-propelled firing system of the Buk-1 complex.

Start-charging installations

Calculations showed that the cost of one 9A38 vehicle would be about a third of the cost of all other battery assets, but in this case it would be possible to ensure a noticeable increase in combat capabilities. The number of target channels of the regiment could be increased from 5 to 10, and the number of missiles ready for use increased from 60 to 75. Thus, the modernization of air defense units with the help of new combat vehicles fully paid off.

In its architecture, the SOU 9A38 differed little from the 9A310. A rotating platform with a launcher and a 9S35 detection, tracking and illumination radar station was mounted on a tracked chassis. The 9A38 self-propelled gun launcher had interchangeable guides for the use of two types of missiles. Depending on the situation, combat mission and available resources, the complex could use the new 9M38 missiles or the 9M9M3 missiles available to the troops.

State tests of the 9K37-1 air defense system started in August 1975 and were carried out at the Emba training ground. The tests used the new SOU 9A38 and existing machines of other types. Target detection was carried out using the 1S91M3 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit of the Kub-M3 complex, and the missiles were launched from the 9A38 and 2P25M3 SOU. All available types of missiles were used.

During the tests, it was found that the 9S35 radar of the 9A38 self-propelled firing system is capable of independently detecting air targets at distances of up to 65-70 km (at altitudes of at least 3 km). When the target was flying at an altitude of no more than 100 m, the maximum detection range was reduced to 35-40 km. At the same time, the actual target detection parameters depended on the limited capabilities of the Kub-M3 equipment. Combat characteristics, such as range or altitude to hit a target, depended on the type of missile used.

SOU of the Buk-M1 complex

The new 9K37-1 air defense system, consisting of the 9A38 self-propelled firing system and the 9M38 missile, was put into service in 1978. As part of its adoption into service, the Buk-1 complex received a new designation. Since the SOU and the missile were in fact only an addition to the existing means of the Kub-M3 complex, the complex using the 9A38 vehicle received the designation 2K12M4 Kub-M4. Thus, the 9K37-1 air defense system, being a simplified version of the Buk complex, was formally assigned to the previous Kub family, which at that time was the basis of the air defense systems of the ground forces.

SAM "Buk-M1"

On November 30, 1979, a new resolution of the Council of Ministers was issued, which required the development of a new version of the Buk air defense system. This time it was necessary to improve the combat characteristics of the complex, as well as increase the level of protection against interference and anti-radar missiles. By the beginning of 1982, the organizations involved in the development of the project completed the creation of updated elements of the complex, due to which it was planned to increase the main parameters of the system.

The Buk-M1 project proposed updating the on-board equipment of several vehicles, which would improve their performance. At the same time, the modernized complex did not differ significantly from the existing one. Thanks to this, various vehicles from the Buk and Buk-M1 air defense systems were interchangeable and could operate as part of one unit.

In the new project, all the main elements of the complex were improved. The Buk-M1 air defense system was supposed to use the modernized SOC 9S18M1 Kupol-M1 to detect targets. It was now proposed to mount a new radar station with a phased array antenna on the tracked chassis. In order to increase the degree of unification of air defense systems, it was decided to build the Kupol-M1 station on the basis of the GM-567M chassis, similar to that used as part of other elements of the complex.

Detection and target designation station 9S18M1 of the Buk-M1 complex

To process information received from the SOC, it was now proposed to use the updated 9S470M1 command post with a new set of equipment. The modernized command post ensured simultaneous reception of data from the complex's SOC and from the division's air defense control center. In addition, a training mode was provided that made it possible to train the calculations of all means of the complex.

The 9A310M1 self-propelled firing system of the Buk-M1 air defense system received an updated tracking and illumination radar. Due to the new equipment, it was possible to increase the target acquisition range by 25-30%. The probability of recognizing aerodynamic and ballistic targets was increased to 0.6. To increase noise immunity, the SOU had 72 letter backlight frequencies, i.e. twice as much as the base 9A310.

The introduced innovations affected the combat effectiveness of the complex. While maintaining the general parameters of the range and altitude of hitting targets, and also without using a new missile, the probability of hitting an enemy fighter with one missile defense system increased to 0.95. The probability of hitting a helicopter remained at the same level, and the same parameter for ballistic missiles increased to 0.6.

From February to December 1982, tests of the modernized 9K37 Buk-M1 air defense system were carried out at the Emba training ground. Checks showed a noticeable increase in the main characteristics in comparison with existing systems, which made it possible to adopt the new system for service. The official adoption of the complex into service with the air defense forces of the ground forces took place in 1983. Serial production of the modernized equipment was carried out at enterprises that had previously participated in the construction of the Buk complexes of the first two models.

Command post 9S470 of the Buk-M1-2 complex

The new type of serial equipment was used in anti-aircraft brigades of the ground forces. Elements of the Buk-M1 complex were distributed over several batteries. Despite the modernization of individual assets of the complex, the standard organization of anti-aircraft units did not change. In addition, if necessary, the simultaneous use of vehicles of the Buk and Buk-M1 complexes in the same units was allowed.

The Buk-M1 air defense system became the first system of its family to be offered to foreign customers. The complex was supplied to foreign armies under the name “Ganges”. For example, in 1997, several complexes were transferred to Finland as part of the repayment of public debt.

SAM 9K317 "Buk-M2"

Back in the late eighties, the development of an updated air defense system of the Buk family with a new 9M317 missile, designated 9K317 Buk-M2, was completed. Due to the new guided munition, it was planned to significantly increase the range and altitude of hitting targets. In addition, the characteristics of the system should have been affected by the use of a number of new equipment installed on different machines of the complex.

Unfortunately, the economic situation in the country did not allow the new complex to be adopted in the late eighties or early nineties. The issue of updating the equipment of air defense units was eventually resolved through the “transitional” complex “Buk-M1-2”. At the same time, the development of the 9K317 system continued. Work on the updated Buk-M2 project and its export version Buk-M2E continued until the mid-2000s.

SOU of the Buk-M2 complex

The main innovation of the Buk-M2 project was the new 9M317 guided missile. The new missile defense system differed from the 9M38 in having shorter wings, a modified body design and a starting weight of about 720 kg. By changing the design and using a new engine, it was possible to increase the maximum firing range to 45 km. The maximum flight altitude of the attacked target increased to 25 km. To expand the combat capabilities of the hull, the missile received the ability to disable a remote fuse with detonation of the warhead at the command of a contact one. A similar operating mode is proposed for using the missile against ground or surface targets.

The 9K317 complex received an updated SOU type 9A317 based on the GM-569 tracked chassis. The general architecture of the firing installation remains the same, but the new vehicle is built on the basis of modern components and new equipment. As before, the SOU is capable of independently finding and tracking a target, launching a 9M317 missile and tracking its trajectory, making adjustments if necessary using a radio command system.

SOU 9A317 is equipped with a tracking and illumination radar with a phased array antenna. The station is capable of tracking targets in a sector 90° wide in azimuth and from 0° to 70° in elevation. Ensures target detection at ranges up to 20 km. In tracking mode, the target can be within a sector 130° wide in azimuth and from -5° to +85° in elevation. The station simultaneously detects up to 10 targets and can provide simultaneous attacks on four.

To improve the characteristics of the complex and ensure operation in difficult conditions, the self-propelled firing system has an optical-electronic system with day and night channels.

Launch-loading installation of the Buk-M2 complex

The Buk-M2 complex can be equipped with two types of launch-loading installation. A self-propelled vehicle has been developed based on the GM-577 chassis and towed with a vehicle tractor. The general architecture remains the same: four missiles are located on a launcher and can be launched or loaded onto a launcher. Another four are transported on transport cradles.

The modernized complex included a new command post 9S510 based on the GM-579 chassis or on a towed semi-trailer. The command post automation can receive information from surveillance equipment and track up to 60 routes simultaneously. It is possible to issue target designation for 16-36 targets. The reaction time does not exceed 2 s.

The main means of target detection in the Buk-M2 air defense system is the SOC 9S18M1-3, which is a further development of the family’s systems. The new radar is equipped with a phased array antenna with electronic scanning and is capable of detecting air targets at ranges of up to 160 km. Operating modes are provided to ensure target detection when the enemy uses active and passive jamming.

It was proposed to introduce the so-called into the self-propelled/towed vehicles of the Buk-M2 complex. target illumination and missile guidance station. The new 9S36 vehicle is a tracked chassis or a towed semi-trailer with an antenna post on a retractable mast. Such equipment allows you to raise a phased array antenna to a height of up to 22 m and thereby improve the characteristics of the radar. Due to the relatively high altitude, target detection is ensured at ranges of up to 120 km. In terms of tracking and guidance characteristics, the 9S36 station corresponds to the radar of self-propelled fire vehicles. With its help, 10 targets are tracked and 4 are simultaneously fired.

All innovations and changes in the composition of the complex have significantly improved its characteristics. The maximum target interception range is stated at 50 km, the maximum altitude is 25 km. The greatest range is achieved when attacking non-maneuvering aircraft. Interception of operational-tactical ballistic missiles can be carried out at ranges of up to 20 km and altitudes of up to 16 km. It is also possible to destroy helicopters, cruise and anti-radar missiles. If necessary, the air defense missile system crew can attack surface or radio-contrast ground targets.

Target illumination and missile guidance radar 9S36 of the Buk-M2 complex. Antenna raised to working position

The first version of the 9K317 project was developed back in the late eighties, but the difficult economic situation did not allow the new air defense system to be put into service. Operation of this complex by the troops began only in 2008. By this time, the air defense system had undergone some modifications, which made it possible to further improve its characteristics.

SAM "Buk-M1-2"

Numerous economic and political problems did not allow the new 9K317 air defense system to be adopted and put into production. For this reason, in 1992, it was decided to develop a simplified “transitional” version of the complex, which would use some elements of the Buk-2, but would be simpler and cheaper. A similar version of the air defense system received the designations “Buk-M1-2” and “Ural.”

The modernized Ural air defense system includes several updated vehicles, which represent a further development of older types of equipment. To launch missiles and illuminate the target, the 9A310M1-2 SOU was proposed, working in conjunction with the 9A38M1 launch-loading machine. The SOC remained the same - the Buk-M1-2 complex was supposed to use the 9S18M1 station. The auxiliary means of the complex have not undergone major changes.

In order to increase the secrecy of operation and, as a result, survivability, as well as to expand the range of tasks to be solved, the self-propelled firing system received the ability to passively find a target. For this it was proposed to use a television-optical viewfinder and a laser rangefinder. Such equipment should have been used when attacking ground or surface targets.

The modernization of various elements of the complex and the creation of a new missile made it possible to significantly increase the size of the target firing zone. In addition, the probability of hitting an aerodynamic or ballistic target with one missile has increased. There is now a full-fledged possibility of using the SOU 9A310M1-2 as an independent air defense weapon, capable of finding and destroying air targets without outside help.

The Buk-M1-2 air defense system was adopted by the Russian army in 1998. Subsequently, several contracts were signed for the supply of similar equipment to domestic and foreign customers.

SAM "Buk-M2E"

In the second half of the 2000s, an export version of the Buk-M2 complex was presented under the designation 9K317E Buk-M2E. It is a modified version of the basic system, which has some differences in the composition of electronic and computing equipment. Due to some improvements, it was possible to improve some system indicators, primarily related to its operation.

SOU "Buk-M2E" on a wheeled chassis

The main differences between the export version of the complex and the basic one are the modernization of electronic equipment, carried out with the widespread use of modern digital computers. Due to its high performance, such equipment allows not only to perform combat missions, but also to work in training mode to prepare crews. Information about the operation of systems and air conditions is now displayed on LCD monitors.

Instead of the original teleoptical viewfinder, a tele-thermal imaging system was introduced into the surveillance equipment. It allows you to find and automatically track targets at any time of the day and in any weather conditions. Communications equipment, equipment for documenting the operation of the complex, and a number of other systems were also updated.

The self-propelled fire vehicle of the 9K317E complex can be built on a tracked or wheeled chassis. Several years ago, a version of such a combat vehicle based on the MZKT-6922 wheeled chassis was presented. Thanks to this, a potential customer can choose a chassis that fully meets his requirements for the mobility of the air defense system.

SAM "Buk-M3"

Several years ago, it was announced the creation of a new anti-aircraft missile system of the Buk family. The 9K37M3 Buk-M3 air defense system should be a further development of the family with increased characteristics and combat capabilities. According to some reports, it was proposed to fulfill the requirements by replacing the equipment of the Buk-M2 complex with new modern digital equipment.

Estimated appearance of the Buk-M3 missile launcher

According to available data, the Buk-M3 complex will receive a set of new equipment with improved characteristics. The combat qualities are planned to be improved through the use of a new missile in combination with a modified self-propelled firing system. Instead of an open launcher, the new self-propelled gun should receive lifting mechanisms with fastenings for transport and launch containers. The new 9M317M missile will be delivered in containers and launched from them. Among other things, such changes to the complex will increase the amount of ammunition available for use.

The available photo of the Buk-M3 system shows a vehicle based on a tracked chassis with a rotating platform on which two swinging packages with six missile containers on each are mounted. Thus, without radically reworking the design of the self-propelled gun, it was possible to double the ammunition capacity ready for firing.

The detailed characteristics of the Buk-M3 air defense system remain unknown. Domestic media, citing unnamed sources, reported that the new 9M317M missile will make it possible to attack targets at ranges of up to 75 km and hit them with one missile with a probability of at least 0.95-0.97. It was also reported that by the end of this year the Buk-M3 experimental complex must undergo the entire range of tests, after which it will be put into service. Serial production and deliveries of new equipment to the troops, therefore, can begin in 2016.

According to rumors, the domestic defense industry intends to continue the development of Buk anti-aircraft missile systems. The next air defense system of the family, according to some sources, may receive the designation “Buk-M4”. It is too early to talk about the characteristics of this system. To date, apparently, even the general requirements for it have not been determined.

Based on materials from sites:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/
http://pvo.guns.ru/
http://nevskii-bastion.ru/
http://vz.ru/
http://lenta.ru/

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ANTI-AIRcraft MISSILE SYSTEM

MEDIUM RANGE 9K317 "BUK-M2"

AIR DEFENSE MISSILE COMPLEX MEDIUM-RANGE 9K317 “BUK-M2”

20.12.2016


On the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, a new anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Southern Military District (SMD) received the Battle Banner and took up combat duty.
The unit is staffed by both conscript and contract servicemen; its three divisions are armed with modern Buk-M2 anti-aircraft missile systems.
All missile battalion personnel have at least a specialized secondary education. In addition, before being assigned to military positions, military personnel underwent appropriate training at military air defense training centers.
Press service of the Southern Military District

25.12.2016


Buk-M2 anti-aircraft missile systems will no longer be supplied to the Russian Ground Forces; re-equipment with Buk-M3 systems is underway.
This was announced by the head of the military air defense of the Russian Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov.
“There will be no more deliveries of Buk-M2 (to the Ground Forces). At the beginning of next year, retraining for the Buk-M3 complexes will begin,” he said on the Ekho Moskvy radio station.
TASS

Especially for “Defend Russia,” the editor-in-chief of the website and blog “Vestnik PVO” Said Aminov delved into the analysis of generations of domestic air defense systems and talked about what types of Buk anti-aircraft missile systems there are.

Unfortunately, we did not see the newest Buk-M3 air defense system in person - self-propelled firing systems and launch-loading vehicles of the Buk-M2 air defense system were in the festive columns. But the image of the Buk-M3 complex has already officially appeared not only on the corporate calendar of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern, but also on the cover of the book “Tikhomirov’s Constellation”, published on the 60th anniversary of the NIIP named after V.V. Tikhomirov - the developer of anti-aircraft missiles medium-range complexes.

“Buk” is, indeed, a complex that consists of a number of elements: a self-propelled firing installation, a launcher-loading installation, an air target detection radar, a command post and a number of technical vehicles. It can function successfully in the complex of these machines and devices.

Cube

NIIP was the developer of one of the mass anti-aircraft missile systems of the ground forces, the “Cube,” which was not only actively exported to allied countries of the USSR, but also underwent a baptism of fire in the Middle East in the Arab-Israeli war of 1973. As its developers note, the “Cube” air defense system (aka “Kvadrat” for export) excellently demonstrated its capabilities in that war, but its shortcomings were also revealed. During the fighting between Israel and Lebanon in the Bekaa Valley in 1982, over several days of fighting, 9 self-propelled reconnaissance and missile guidance systems (SURN) of the Syrian Kub air defense systems were destroyed by controlled air bombs.

In 1970, the USSR Ministry of Defense issued an order for the creation of a new generation complex, called “Buk”. When shaping the appearance of the new air defense system, the experience of combat use of the Cubes was taken into account. Basically, the combat effectiveness of the Kubov battery depended on one SURN 1S91, which also had restrictions on target detection altitude - 7 km. If it malfunctioned or was disabled by the enemy, all four 2P25 launchers became useless. Taking this into account, the new Buk was equipped with a self-propelled firing system with four missiles and a radar station, which not only provided target illumination, but could also monitor the airspace. In addition, a separate powerful Kupol radar station was introduced into the new complex, which had twice the detection range of air targets than in the Kub air defense system.

Another lesson from the combat use of the Kub air defense system was the fact that a Kub battery of four launchers with 12 missiles was destroyed by the enemy during the battle after the ammunition was used up, and reloading launchers with TZM2T7 in battle conditions was impossible. Therefore, as part of the new complex, it was decided to provide the ability to fire directly from the means of transporting reserve ammunition - this is how a new unit of the complex, a launch-loading vehicle, appeared. There are no analogues to it abroad. The ROM provided not only the reloading of two SDAs, but also, if necessary, could launch four missiles from its launcher, and then replenish it with four other missiles from the lower tier.

Photo: Air Defense Bulletin

The resolution on the development of the 9K37 Buk complex was adopted on January 13, 1972. At the same time, NPO Altair was given the task of creating a ship-based air defense system M-22 Uragan for the Navy using a single anti-aircraft missile with the Buk complex.

The development of the complex was carried out by NIIP. The chief designer of the Buk air defense system as a whole was A.A. Rastov, G.N. Valaev (later V.A. Rastov, then V.I. Sokiran) was responsible for the creation of the 9S470 command post, V.V. .Matyashev (hereinafter Yu.I. Kozlov), semi-active homing head 9E50 - I.G. Akopyan, missile control circuit - L.G. Voloshin, maintenance and repair vehicles - V.A. Roslov.

The launch-loading installation was created at the Start design bureau of the USSR Ministry of Aviation Industry under the leadership of A.I. Yaskin (hereinafter referred to as G.M. Murtashin). A unified tracked chassis for combat units of the complex was developed at OKB-40 of the Mytishchi Machine Plant under the leadership of N.A. Astrov (hereinafter referred to as V.V. Egorkin). The 9S18 detection and target designation radar was created at NIIIP (Novosibirsk) under the leadership of A.P. Vetoshko (then Yu.P. Shchekotov).

At the beginning, the developer of the 3M9 missile of the Kub air defense missile system, Vympel Design Bureau, carried out work on the 3 M9-M40 solid-fuel missile (chief designer A.L. Lyapin). In a short time, design and technical documentation was released, 10 missiles and a launch container mounted on an all-terrain vehicle were produced. In October-December 1965, five missile launches were carried out at site No. 1 in Faustovo (Moscow region, now GKNIPAS) with self-destruction within the test site. However, the Vympel design bureau focused its efforts on creating air-to-air missiles, and the task of creating the 9M38 missile defense system for the Buk was assigned to the Sverdlovsk Design Bureau Novator under the leadership of L.V. Lyulev. OKB Novator had experience in creating missiles for army air defense systems - the long-range (for its time) Krug air defense system was equipped with a missile created by L.V. Lyulev.

It was planned to complete work on the creation of the Buk complex in the second quarter of 1975. However, it was not possible to meet the deadline. The development of a self-propelled firing system was ahead of work on other air defense systems and on the missile. Taking into account the actual state of work on the complex, as well as the need to strengthen the air defense of the Ground Forces, it was decided to split the work on the Buk air defense system into two stages. Initially, it was planned to rapidly develop an anti-aircraft guided missile and a self-propelled firing system capable of using both the new 9M38 missiles and the old 3M9M3 missiles from the Kub-M3 complex. On this base, using other means of the Kub-M3 complex, it was planned to create a “transitional” 9K37−1 Buk-1 air defense system, which was planned to be transferred for joint testing in September 1974. The second stage involved the creation of a full-fledged Buk air defense system.

For the Buk-1 complex, it was envisaged that each of the five anti-aircraft batteries of the Kub-M3 regiment, in addition to one self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit and four self-propelled launchers, would have one 9A38 self-propelled firing unit. Thus, due to the introduction of a self-propelled gun into the complex, the number of target channels of the regiment increased from 5 to 10, and the number of combat-ready missiles increased from 60 to 75.

The SOU included a launching device with power tracking drives, a 9S35 radar station, supplemented by a television-optical sight with a ground-based radar interrogator, a digital computer system, telecode communication equipment with the SURN from the Kub-M3 air defense system and wired communication with the SPU. The 9A38 self-propelled firing system had a launcher with interchangeable guides for either three 3 M9 M³ missiles or three 9M38 missiles. The mass of the self-propelled gun with a combat crew of four people was 35 tons.

Technical progress in the field of microwave devices, element base, as well as digital computers made it possible to create the 9S35 radar with the functions of a detection, tracking and target illumination station. The station operated in the centimeter radio wave range.

The 9E50 radar homing head was developed for the anti-aircraft missile.

From August 1975 to October 1976, the Buk-1 complex underwent state tests at the test site near Emba. The tests were supervised by a commission headed by P.S. Bimbash.

Tests of the autonomous operating mode of a self-propelled firing system confirmed the detection range of aircraft from 65 to 77 km at altitudes above 3000 m. At low altitudes, the detection range was reduced to a range from 32 to 41 km. Helicopters located at low altitudes were detected from a distance of 21 to 35 km.

In a centralized operating mode, due to limitations in the operation of the 1S91M3 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system, the aircraft detection range was reduced to 44 km for altitudes from 3000 to 7000 m and to 21-28 km for low altitudes.

The operating time (the period from target detection to missile launch) of the self-propelled firing system in autonomous mode was 15-20 seconds. Reloading the complex with three 9M38 missiles takes about 15 minutes.

The destruction of aircraft at altitudes above 3000 m was ensured at a range of 3.4 to 20.5 km. The affected area ranged from 30 m to 14 km in height, and 18 km in terms of heading. The probability of an aircraft being hit by one 9M38 missile is from 0.70 to 0.93.

The complex was put into service in 1978 under the designation 2K12M4 “Kub-M4”, replacing the previously used name “Buk-1”. The reason was the fact that the SOU 9A38 and the 9M38 missile defense system are only additions to the Kub-M3 air defense system.

The Kub-M4 complexes that appeared in military air defense significantly increased the effectiveness of air defense of tank divisions of the Soviet Army Ground Forces.

Serial production of the 9A38 SOU was launched at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, and 9A38 missiles at the Dolgoprudnensky Machine-Building Plant, which previously produced 3M9 missiles.

Beech

Joint tests of the Buk complex in its regular composition were carried out from November 1977 to March 1979 at the Emba training ground. It should be noted that careful testing of the complex’s equipment during the period of autonomous testing, as well as a significant degree of continuity with the Kub-M4 air defense system, led to the fact that during the period of factory tests, as well as joint tests with the Ministry of Defense, no fundamental problems were identified. The complex fully met the specified tactical and technical requirements. In 1979, the Buk complex was adopted by the Soviet army. In 1980, the development was awarded the USSR State Prize.

The command post of the 9S470 complex, part of the Buk air defense system and located on the GM-579 chassis, ensured the reception and processing of information about targets coming from the 9S18 detection and target designation station, as well as from six 9A310 self-propelled firing systems, and from the command post of the anti-aircraft missile brigade. Beech" (" "). The command post processed messages about 46 targets moving at altitudes of up to 20 km in a zone with a radius of 100 km, per review cycle of the detection and target designation station. It provided self-propelled firing systems with up to six target indications with an accuracy of 1 degree in angular coordinates and 400-700 m in range. The work of the command post was extremely automated. All information was processed by the Argon-15 digital computer. The weight of a self-propelled command post with a combat crew of six people did not exceed 28 tons.

Three-coordinate coherent-pulse detection and target designation station (SOC) 9S18 “Dome” centimeter range with electronic scanning of the beam in a given sector by elevation angle (30 or 40 degrees) and mechanical (circular or in a given sector) rotation of the antenna in azimuth (via electrical - or hydraulic drive) was intended for detection and identification of air targets at ranges of up to 110-120 km (45 km at a target flight altitude of 30 m). The SOC ensured the transmission of radar information about the air situation to the 9S470 command post.

The 9A310 self-propelled firing system, located on the GM-568, differed in its purpose and design from the 9A38 self-propelled gun of the Kub-M4 (Buk-1) air defense system in that it was interfaced with the 9S470 CP and the 9A39 launcher-loader using a telecode line , and not with the 1S91M2 and 2P25M2 self-propelled guns developed for the Kub complex. And most importantly, the new self-propelled firing system carried not three, but already four 9M38 missiles. The time for transferring the self-propelled gun from the traveling to the combat position did not exceed 5 minutes, and from standby mode to working mode (for example, after changing position with the equipment turned on) - no more than 20 seconds. The weight of a self-propelled firing system with missiles and a crew of four did not exceed 35 tons.

The 9A39 launcher-loading unit (PZU) located on the GM-577 chassis served to transport and store eight missiles (four each on the launcher and on fixed cradle); launch of four missiles; self-loading of its launcher with four missiles from the cradle; self-loading with eight missiles from a transport vehicle; loading and unloading a self-propelled firing system with four missiles. The mass of the ROM with a crew of three people was 35.5 tons.

Compared to its predecessors Kub-MZ and Kub-M4 (Buk-1), the Buk complex achieved a significant improvement in combat and operational characteristics:

• the division simultaneously fired at six targets and could carry out up to six independent combat missions with the autonomous use of self-propelled firing systems;
• the joint operation of the detection and target designation station with the division’s self-propelled firing systems increased the reliability of target detection;
• a new on-board computer for the homing head and an algorithm for generating the illumination signal have increased noise immunity;
• The missile defense system received a warhead of increased power.

Serial production of the Buk air defense systems was carried out by the same cooperation as in the case of the Kub-M4 complex. Launch-loading installations 9A39 were produced at the Sverdlovsk Machine-Building Plant named after. M.I. Kalinin, and self-propelled firing systems 9A310, detection and target designation stations 9S18 and KP9S470 - at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant.

Buk-M1

Simultaneously with the adoption of the Buk complex, its modernization began. In accordance with the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated November 30, 1979, work was carried out to increase its combat capabilities, the protection of its electronic equipment from interference and anti-radar missiles. The new complex was supposed to have increased destruction limits, an expanded range of targets to be hit, among which were low-altitude cruise missiles such as ALCM and Tomahawk, and hovering attack helicopters.

For the new complex, the Dolgoprudnensky Research and Production Enterprise Design Bureau has developed an improved 9M38M1 missile. At the same time, an increased flight range was provided, the duration of the inertial segment was increased, and the accuracy of guidance on a maneuvering target was improved. The 9E50M1 homing head was better adapted to flight conditions, interference conditions, and the type of target being fired upon.

A fundamentally new system for recognizing the type of target (airplane, helicopter, ballistic missile) was developed and introduced into the improved SOU 9A310M1 with the transfer of relevant information to the missile’s radio fuse to ensure the moment of optimal detonation of the warhead.

In relation to the Buk-M1, a set of measures was developed to effectively combat hovering helicopters - a very difficult target for both air defense systems and fighter aircraft. During field tests carried out in February-December 1982, it was found that the modernized Buk-M1 complex, compared to the Buk, provides a larger area of ​​destruction of aircraft, is capable of shooting down ALCM and Tomahawk cruise missiles with the probability of hitting one a missile of at least 0.4, and highly maneuverable, relatively “compact” and well-protected combat helicopters of the Hugh-Cobra type - with a probability of 0.6-0.7 at a range from 3.5 to 6-10 km.

The radar of the modernized air defense system received 32 letter frequencies of illumination (instead of 16 for the Buk), which contributed to increased protection from mutual and intentional interference.

Compared to the previous one, the SOU 9A310M1 provided target detection and acquisition at a range of up to 85 km, and automatic tracking at a range of 75 km.

The complex included a more advanced detection and target designation station 9S18M1 “Kupol-M1” with a flat angular phased array, located on the GM-567 M tracked chassis, of the same type (unlike the “Kupol” station) with other tracked vehicles of the division.

The Buk-M1 was put into service in 1983, and its mass production began in 1985.

Buk-M2 and Buk-M1−2

Simultaneously with the start of work on the minor modernization of the complex, which was implemented in the Buk-M1 air defense system, NIIP began work on a more advanced version of the Buk-M2 complex. The third generation complex provided for the creation of a multi-channel air defense system capable of simultaneously firing at up to 24 targets. This required the introduction of a radar complex with a phased antenna array (PAR) into combat equipment and the provision of intermittent illumination mode.

The new complex achieved a significant expansion of the target engagement zone in range and altitude. Thanks to the use of a phased array antenna, one self-propelled gun could simultaneously hit four targets (the Buk-M1 self-propelled gun could hit only one). The air defense missile system had greater information content, increased noise immunity and a number of other advantages that ensured its significant superiority over foreign analogues.

In addition to the improved 9M317 missile, created at the DNPP Design Bureau, and a self-propelled firing system with phased array, the complex also received a new combat weapon - a target illumination and missile guidance radar (RPN). The transmitting and receiving module of this station, also located on the GM-562 self-propelled gun, in the working position, through a special telescopic mast, rose to a height of 21 m, which significantly expanded the capabilities of the complex to combat low-flying aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. The range of destruction of targets flying at extremely low altitudes has increased by 1.5-2 times.

By a resolution of the Central Committee of October 18, 1990, the Buk-M2 air defense system on a tracked chassis was put into service, and the time frame for its serial development was established.

Almost immediately after, joint tests of the modernized Buk-M2−1-Ural complex, placed on a wheelbase (KrAZ all-terrain vehicles and Chelyabinsk-made trailers), intended for the country's air defense forces, were completed. According to the plan of the then Air Defense Commander-in-Chief I.M. Tretyak, the towed Ural air defense system was supposed to be integrated with type air defense systems, which was supposed to form a very effective layered system designed for the defense of large government facilities (Moscow, Leningrad and other key political and economic centers of the country) . Unfortunately, the collapse of the USSR and the sharp reduction in funding for the armed forces and industry did not allow new complexes to be launched into series.

Of the entire range of combat assets of the Buk-M2 air defense system, in the 90s only the 9M317 missile defense system was mass-produced. The missile was developed and manufactured by the Dolgoprudny Research and Production Enterprise as an interspecific missile: for the SV air defense system and for the Shtil-1 ship-based air defense system. The presence of a new missile allowed IIP to initiate the modernization of the Buk-M1 air defense system by introducing a new missile from the Buk-M2 complex. The Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense supported the idea: carrying out such R&D with minimal use of budgetary funds made it possible to obtain a significant increase in the performance characteristics of the complex - in particular, the possibility of use not only in air defense systems, but also in tactical missile defense systems and in coastal defense.

The complex, called "Buk-M1−2", was created in the most difficult years for the defense industry, when the main task for almost all enterprises was not development and technical re-equipment, but survival in the current conditions.

Photo: Said Aminov

R&D work on the Buk-M1−2 was carried out by the previous cooperation: NIIP (General Director - V.V. Matyashev, at the final stage of development Yu.I. Bely, chief designer of the air defense system - E.A. Pigin), Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant (General Director - V.V. Abanin), DNPP (General Director - G.P. Ezhov, General Designer - V.P. Ektov), ​​M Research Institute "Agat" (General Director and General Designer - I.G. Akopyan), NPP " Start" (general director - G. M. Muratshin), MZiK (general director - N. V. Klein).

Considering the meager state funding, the co-executing enterprises created a new complex using export proceeds from contracts for the supply of the Buk-M1 air defense system to Finland and the modernization of the Kvadrat air defense system (export name of the Kub air defense system) in Egypt. As a result, in the most difficult years for the domestic defense industry, an air defense system that was unique in its characteristics was created, which at that time had no analogues in world practice in terms of combat use capabilities. Having retained the composition of combat weapons similar to the Buk-M1 complex, the Buk-M1−2 air defense system, unlike its predecessor, ensures the destruction of tactical, ballistic and aircraft missiles, as well as firing at surface and radio-contrast ground targets.

The affected area of ​​the aerodynamic targets of the modernized air defense system has been expanded to 25 km in height and up to 42-45 km in range. The channel capacity has been doubled when hitting a target in the “coordination support” mode. The probability of hitting enemy aircraft increased from 0.80-0.85 to 0.90-0.95. The command post of the Buk-M1−2 air defense system was integrated with the control point of the short-range air defense system "", which significantly increased the effectiveness of the mixed anti-aircraft group.

It is important to note that the documentation for the modernization was made in such a way that factory brigades directly in the troops could modify the Buk-M1 to the Buk-M1−2 with a minimum of costs. In 1998, by order of the Minister of Defense No. 515 of November 21, 1998, the Buk-M1−2 air defense system was adopted by the Russian army.

Only in the early 2000s, when the defense industry began to receive the first orders, the question of mass production of the third generation Buk-M2 air defense system again arose. Unfortunately, over the past 15 years after its development, many component supply companies have ceased to exist or ended up abroad, and the element base has changed significantly. NIIP and the main manufacturer Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant have done a tremendous amount of work to establish new cooperation, replace components and introduce new technologies and materials. For example, the basis of the complex's computing facilities was replaced from the now foreign supplier of the Argon-15 digital computer (Chisinau) to domestic Baguette-type digital computers.

As a result, the Buk-M2 air defense system began to enter service with the Russian army. Since 2008, the complex has taken part in parades on Red Square. At the same time, the Buk-M2E air defense system received high international recognition. An export contract for the supply of a complex on a tracked chassis to Syria is currently being implemented. In the process of Rosoboronexport carrying out marketing work to promote the Buk-M2E air defense system to the foreign market, several foreign customers expressed a desire to purchase systems, but not on a tracked base, but on a wheeled one. This work was carried out by NIIP jointly with UMP and NPP Start. A tractor produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) was chosen as the base wheeled vehicle. The wheeled version of the air defense system passed all types of tests and was delivered to the first customer - Venezuela. A number of non-CIS countries are next in line.

In 2013, the serial development of the Buk-M2 air defense system was awarded a prize from the government of the Russian Federation.

Photo: Said Aminov

Buk-M3

The decision to create a new modification of the complex, which received the Buk-M3 designation, was made by the Ministry of Defense in 1990. Defense industry enterprises were left to their own devices, and only those who could find export contracts survived. NIIP's products were well known in the world, which helped the institute survive a long period of reforms and continue new developments. The Ministry of Defense and GRAU did not stop funding, although it was insufficient. The main thing was that there was an understanding of the need to preserve a unique school, which had half a century of experience in developing medium-range air defense systems for the air defense of the Ground Forces.

Despite the difficult conditions that made the development of the Buk-M3 air defense system the longest in the history of NIIP, in 2011 the work was completed with successful launches as part of state tests. Currently, the complex is being finalized according to a plan to eliminate comments received during the GSI process, and the State Armament Program provides for its serial launch. According to media reports, the Buk-M3 air defense system should begin to enter service with the troops from the end of 2015.

The main features of the complex in comparison with its predecessor: increased channeling, increased destruction range, significant increase in noise immunity, placement of missiles in transport and launch containers, increase in 1.5 times the ammunition capacity of missiles on self-propelled guns (now there are 6 of them). According to media reports, a new 9M317ME missile was developed at the Dolgoprudny Research and Production Enterprise, unified for the Buk-M3 land-based complex and the Shtil-1 ship-based air defense system with a vertical launch system. The missile in these complexes will be placed in transport and launch containers. In the ship version, the missile launch will be vertical, in the land version - inclined.

The Buk-M3 complex will hit air targets operating at speeds of up to 3 thousand meters per second and at altitudes of 0.015-35 km. In addition, the Buk-M3 anti-aircraft division will have 36 target channels. These data were cited by the head of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov, in his interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station in December 2013.

The new complex will have significantly increased firepower. NPP Start created a new system of the complex - a self-propelled launcher with 12 missiles. There are no analogues among the Buk-M3 medium-range air defense systems abroad.

Based on materials:
“Tikhomirov constellation. 60 years of the Research Institute of Instrument Engineering named after V.V.Tikhomirova . LLC Publishing Group "Bedretdinov and Co" , M., 2014
“Anti-aircraft missile systems of the SV air defense. Equipment and weapons" No. 5−6, 1999.

Said Aminov

Cooperation of enterprises led by "NIIP named after V.V. Tikhonravov" in 1994-1997. Work was carried out to create a modernized Buk-M1-2 complex based on the 9K37 Buk air defense system. At the same time, the complex turned into a universal fire weapon.

Through the use of the new 9M317 missile and the modernization of other means of the complex, for the first time it is possible to destroy tactical ballistic missiles of the "Lance" type, aircraft missiles at ranges of up to 20 km, elements of precision weapons, surface ships at ranges of up to 25 km and ground targets (aircraft at airfields, launch installations, large command posts) at ranges up to 15 km. The effectiveness of defeating aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles has been increased. The boundaries of the affected zones have been increased to 45 km in range and up to 25 km in altitude.

The uniqueness of the Buk complex and all its modifications lies in the fact that, with a significant size of the affected area in terms of range, height and parameters, the combat mission can be carried out by the autonomous use of only one ground-based fire weapon - a self-propelled firing system. This quality makes it possible to ensure surprise in the firing of air targets from ambushes, and autonomous operational change of combat position, which significantly increases the survivability of the installation.

Currently, the developers are proposing a new version of the family, designated Buk-M2.

Compound

The Buk-M1-2 complex differs from its predecessor the Buk-M1 air defense system primarily in the use of the new 9M317 missile (see photo). In addition to the use of an improved missile, it is planned to introduce a new tool into the complex - a radar for target illumination and missile guidance with the antenna placed in the working position at a height of up to 22 m using a telescopic device (see photo).

With the introduction of target illumination and guidance radars, the complex's combat capabilities to engage low-flying targets, in particular modern cruise missiles, are significantly expanded.

Composition of the complex:

• command post 9S470M1-2 (see photo , , , , )
• six self-propelled firing systems 9A310M1-2 (see photo)
• three launch-loading installations 9A39M1 (see photo)
• target detection station 9S18M1 (see photo)
• maintenance vehicle (MTO) 9V881M1-2 with spare parts trailer 9T456
• maintenance workshop (MTO) AGZ-M1
• repair and maintenance machines (MRTO):
  • MRTO-1 9V883M1
  • MRTO-2 9V884M1
  • MRTO-3 9V894M1
• transport vehicle 9T243 with a set of technological equipment (KTO) 9T3184
• automated control and testing mobile station (AKIPS) 9V95M1
• missile repair machine (workshop) 9T458
• unified compressor station UKS-400V
• mobile power station PES-100-T/400-AKR1 (see photo).

The complex is offered in two versions - mobile on tracked vehicles of the GM-569 family, similar to those used in previous modifications of the Buk complex, and also transported on road trains with semi-trailers and KrAZ vehicles. In the latter option, with a slight reduction in cost, the maneuverability indicators deteriorate and the deployment time of the air defense system from the march increases from 5 to 10-15 minutes.

The 9A310M1-2 self-propelled firing system includes:

• radar station (radar)
• launcher with four missiles
• digital computing system,
• television-optical viewer,
• laser rangefinder,
• navigation and communication equipment,
• radio interrogator "friend or foe",
• built-in trainer,
• documentation equipment.

The location of the radar and launcher with missiles on one rigid platform allows, using an electro-hydraulic drive, their simultaneous rotation in azimuth with the raising and lowering of the artillery unit. In the process of combat operation, the SOU carries out detection, identification, auto-tracking and recognition of the type of target, development of a flight mission, solution of the launch problem, launch of a missile, illumination of the target and transmission of radio correction commands to the missile, evaluation of firing results. The self-propelled gun can fire at targets both as part of an anti-aircraft missile system with target designation from a command post, and autonomously in a predetermined sector of responsibility. Firing of targets can be carried out both from the self-propelled gun itself and from the launch-loading unit (PZU) attached to it.

The 9A310M1-2 SOU can be equipped with both the standard 9M38M1 missile and the newly developed 9M317 missile.

The 9M317 anti-aircraft guided missile was developed as a single anti-aircraft missile for the air defense of the ground forces and the air defense of naval ships (the Ezh air defense system). It hits tactical ballistic missiles, strategic and tactical aircraft, including those maneuvering with an overload of up to 12 units, cruise missiles, fire support helicopters (including those hovering at low altitudes), remotely piloted aircraft, anti-ship missiles in intense conditions. radio countermeasures, as well as radio-contrast surface and ground targets.

The 9M317 missile, compared to the 9M38M1, has an expanded destruction zone of up to 45 km in range and up to 25 km in height and parameters, as well as a larger range of targets to be hit.

Externally it differs from the 9M38M1 by a significantly shorter wing chord length; it provides for the use of an inertial-corrected control system with a semi-active radar seeker 9B-1103M with guidance using the proportional navigation method.

The technical solutions contained in it made it possible, based on recognition results, to adapt the control system and combat equipment of the missile to the type of target (ballistic target, aerodynamic target, helicopter, small target, surface (ground) target) and increase the probability of destruction. Due to the technical solutions implemented in the missile’s onboard equipment and the complex’s equipment, it is possible to fire at radio-contrast surface and ground targets and defeat them through a direct hit. The missile can hit targets flying at ultra-low altitudes. Target acquisition range with EPR = 5 m² - 40 km.

A fully assembled and equipped rocket is explosion-proof and does not require checks and adjustments during its entire service life. The missile has a high level of reliability. Its service life is 10 years and can be extended after special work.

The high efficiency, versatility and possibility of using the 9M317 missile defense system have been confirmed during military exercises and firing.

The secrecy of the operation of the SDA has been improved due to the introduction of a laser rangefinder, which, paired with a television-optical sighting device, provides passive direction finding of ground (NGTs) and surface (NVTS) targets. The modified software of the digital computer system provides optimal angles of missile flight to the target, at which the influence of the underlying surface on the missile homing head is minimized. To increase the effectiveness of the missile warhead when working against surface (ground) targets, the radio fuse is turned off and a contact fuse is connected. To improve the noise immunity of the complex, a new mode has been introduced - “coordinate support”. In this mode, range coordinates from other means of the complex are used to fire at the active jammer. Thus, compared to the previously used “Triangulation” mode, in which two SDA were involved, the number of firing channels for the active jammer doubles.

SOU 9A310M1-2 can be interfaced with the means of the "Cube" complex. Moreover, the “Cube” complex can simultaneously fire at two targets instead of one. One target channel is the SOU 9A310M1-2 with an attached self-propelled launcher (SPU) 2P25, the second is a standard channel, that is, a reconnaissance and guidance control station (SURN) 1S91 with a SPU 2P25.

In recent years, the Research Institute of Instrument Engineering and related organizations have successfully completed a number of development work on further modernization of the anti-aircraft missile system as a whole and its individual elements.

Main directions of modernization:

• increasing the number of simultaneously fired targets through the use of a phased antenna array (PAR);
• improving noise immunity by adapting the phased array beam to the tactical and jamming environment.
• increasing the efficiency of the radar by increasing the transmitter power and the sensitivity of the microwave receiver (new electronic devices);
• the use of high-speed computers and modern digital signal processing.

A modernized self-propelled gun with phased array can be interfaced with the BUK-M1-2 complex, as a result of which the number of targets simultaneously fired by it can be increased from 6 to 10 - 12.

The 9K37 Buk anti-aircraft missile system has been in service with the Soviet army since the late 70s, and now the Russian army, being one of the most popular air defense systems.

Despite its age, numerous modernizations of this weapon allow it to remain effective and relevant even today.

History of creation

On January 13, 1972, it was decided to replace the outdated 2K12 "Cube" air defense system with a new weapon using standardized missiles together with the M-22 "Uragan" naval system.

The development started at the Tikhomirov Research Institute of Instrument Making, the work was headed by A.A. Rastov. Due to the rush, they planned to put the complex into operation in parts. First came the 2K12M4 Kub-M4 self-propelled firing system, which used the recently created 9M38 anti-aircraft missiles. It was put into service in 1978. The main differences from its predecessor were 10 target channels and increased limits for the height and speed of air targets.

• Self-propelled firing system 9A310;
• 9M38 anti-aircraft missiles;
• command post 9С470;
• charging installation 9A39.

The created anti-aircraft missile system was tested at the end of 1977, which ended in 1979 with its entry into service.

Peculiarities

The Buk turned out to be capable of destroying air targets flying at altitudes from 25 to 18,000 meters, located at a distance of 3 to 25 kilometers from the complex with a probability of 0.6.

Each part of the complex was located on a standardized tracked platform with high cross-country ability.

"Buk-M1"

After a short period of time, modernization of the complex began, culminating in the creation of the new Buk-M1 air defense system. It was distinguished by an increased area and probability of destruction, target recognition function and less vulnerability to anti-radar missiles.

Designed to combat enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones. Used to cover various types of troops or ground targets from massive enemy air raids. Capable of operating in conditions where the enemy widely uses electronic countermeasures and in any weather.

Device

A self-propelled firing system is capable of operating alone, but its capabilities are extremely limited. Therefore, it is customary to consider the complex as a whole, in a fully combat-ready state to cover the area from air threats.

The Buk-M1 complex consists of:

• self-propelled firing system 9A310M1;
• charging installation 9A39M1;
• target detection station 9S18;
• command post 9S470M1.

All anti-aircraft missile systems are built on the GM-569 tracked chassis, which was chosen due to such features as good maneuverability and maneuverability, which allows you to spend a minimum amount on deploying and putting the complex into combat condition.

After deployment, the highly noise-resistant target detection station 9S18 “Dome” radar begins to continuously scan airspace in the centimeter range at a distance of up to 120 and a range of up to 20 kilometers.

Also, each of the 9A310 self-propelled firing systems has its own radar station operating in the centimeter range, computing equipment and a communication device, which allows it to independently scan the airspace in search of a target and transmit information to the command post.

The signal about detected targets is sent to the 9S470 command post, which is capable of simultaneously receiving and processing data on 46 targets. Next, he transfers up to 6 tasks to each of the 9A310 firing installations.

Anti-aircraft missile 9M38

Development began in 1973, and in 1976 the missile entered service with the Soviet army as part of the Buk.

This is a solid-fuel single-stage anti-aircraft missile designed to operate for up to 15 seconds. Its dimensions are strictly limited due to the fact that the development was carried out not only for land systems, but also for the M-22 “Hurricane” system for the Navy.

It has a semi-active homing head and carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 70 kg. The detonation is carried out by a charge weighing 34 kg at a distance of 16 meters from the target.

Designed to destroy highly maneuverable targets located at a distance from 3500 to 32000 m, at altitudes from 25 to 20000 m, and can withstand overloads of up to 19g.

After launch, the flight course is indicated by radio signals from the firing installation; when approaching the target, the homing head comes into play.

9K317 "Buk-M2"

By the end of the 1980s, a modification appeared using modern 9M317 missiles. The use of this missile was supposed to significantly increase the range and altitude of the targets hit, and it was also planned to use improved equipment on all vehicles of the complex.

The 9M317 received smaller wings, the firing range reached 45,000 m at an altitude of 25,000. Its fuse received 2 modes, which made it possible to carry out detonations not only at a distance from the target, but also upon contact, making it possible to fight surface and ground enemies.

The 9A317 self-propelled firing system received new equipment, which made it possible to simultaneously detect 10 targets and attack 4 at once.

The updated 9S510 command post has the ability to track 60 targets at once and issue 36 target indications simultaneously. In this case, the time from receiving information to transmission to firing installations is no more than 2 seconds.

The 9S18M1-3 detection and target designation station is equipped with a phased array antenna, which allows it to detect air targets at a distance of up to 160,000 m. It is resistant to various types of enemy interference.

Additionally, a 9S36 missile illumination and guidance station was added to the complex. It is a phased array antenna raised by a retractable mast to a height of 22 meters, which improves performance and detects targets at a distance of 120 km. The 9S36 electronic equipment is capable of tracking 10 targets and issuing commands to fire at 4 of them.

Comprehensive improvements to the 9K317 Buk-M2 complex made it possible to increase the interception distance of aircraft and helicopters to 50,000 m, and the altitude to 25,000 m.

The missile interception range has increased to 20,000 m, and the altitude to 16,000. Use against ground and surface targets is also possible.

The country's deplorable economy in the early 90s did not allow the adoption of a new product; the army limited itself to the compromise Buk-M1-2 complex.

It was only in 2008 that the 9K317 Buk-M2 entered service with the Russian army, having been modified to suit our times.

SAM "Buk-M1-2 Ural"

As already mentioned, the most modern modification at that time was not adopted for service, so the army limited itself to a simplified version of the “Ural”. Development started in 1992 and ended in 1998 with the adoption of the Buk-M1-2 air defense system into service with our army.

The complex includes:

• self-propelled firing system 9A310M1-2;
• target detection station 9S18M1;
• command post 9С470;
• charging installation 9A38M1.

To increase stealth and camouflage, as well as increase capabilities, the 9A310M1-2 was equipped with a television-optical sight and a laser rangefinder, which made passive direction finding of the target possible.

SAM "Buk-M2E"

Export modification of the Buk-M2, characterized by improved electronic digital equipment. Modern equipment operates not only in combat, but also in training mode, which allows for the training of soldiers.

It is possible to use a conventional tracked chassis or a wheeled MZKT-6922, which allows the customer to choose a more suitable option.

SAM "Buk-M3"

The development of a new modification of the air defense system became known not so long ago. It is planned to completely replace outdated electronics with modern digital equipment, and replace the missile with a modern 9M317M, launched from a container and with higher performance.

The exact characteristics are not known today, but approximate ones can be given. The self-propelled firing unit contains 6 containers with ready-to-launch missiles inside.

The estimated target engagement range is up to 75,000 m, the probability is 0.96.

Combat use

The Buk anti-aircraft missile system is in service with 9 countries, including Russia.

With the exception of the first Chechen war, where the complexes were used by the Russian army, other episodes can hardly be called successful for Russia. During the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, the plane of the commander of the air defense of Abkhazia was mistakenly destroyed.

In South Ossetia, the Russian Air Force lost 4 aircraft due to Buk-M1 fire, in addition, in 2014, a Boeing 777 was destroyed over Ukraine, and some sources link this event to the use of the Buk.