During World War II, the main enemy of tanks on the battlefield was enemy artillery or armored vehicles, but soon the situation changed dramatically and enemy aircraft increasingly became one of the main enemies of tanks. The threat from the air has especially increased with the appearance of combat helicopters over the battlefield. These vehicles have become real “tank hunters”. In October 1973, eighteen Israeli Air Force Cobra helicopters destroyed ninety Egyptian tanks in one mission without losing a single helicopter.
It became clear that the air defense forces must not only cover populated areas and fixed objects as before, but also cover their troops on the march. The Soviet military very quickly came to understand this fact. Work on the creation of MANPADS was intensified, and at the end of the 50s, the development of the Kub self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system began in the USSR. Its main task was to protect ground troops, including tank formations, from enemy aircraft and helicopters operating at medium and low altitudes. The complex was put into service in 1967. But already at the beginning of 1972, a resolution was adopted ordering the development of a new self-propelled air defense system to begin, which was to replace the Kub anti-aircraft missile system. Thus began the creation of the Buk, one of the most effective air defense systems in the world.
History of the creation of the Buk air defense system
The main developer of the new air defense system was the Tikhomirov Research Institute of Instrument Engineering (this organization was involved in the creation of the “Cube”). At the same time, work began on the development of the Uragan anti-aircraft complex for the needs of the Navy using a single missile.
The developers had to invest in a very short time frame, so the commissioning of the complex was divided into two stages. Initially, all efforts were devoted to creating a new 9M38 anti-aircraft missile (SAM) and a self-propelled firing system (SFA). They became part of the batteries of the “Cube” complex and significantly increased its combat power. It was in this form that the 2K12M4 “Kub-M4” air defense system was adopted by the USSR Ground Forces in 1978.
The new modernized “Cube” had much better technical characteristics: the number of target channels increased (from 5 to 10), the range and height of destruction of air targets increased, and now the complex could destroy faster targets.
The second stage of creating a new air defense system involved the creation of an integral complex consisting of a 9A310 self-propelled launcher armed with new M938 anti-aircraft missiles, a 9S18 target detection station, a 9S470 command post and a 9A39 charging unit. In 1977, testing of the new air defense system began, which continued until 1979. The tests were successful, and the complex was put into service. It received the designation "Buk-1".
The new anti-aircraft missile system was intended to combat air targets at low and medium altitudes (25-18,000 meters) and at a range of 3 to 25 kilometers. The probability of hitting the target was 0.6. All elements of the complex are placed on unified tracked vehicles with increased cross-country ability.
Almost immediately after the 9K37 air defense system was put into service, work began on its modernization in 1979. They were completed in 1982, in the same year they successfully conducted tests and the modernized Buk-M1 air defense system was put into service. The new anti-aircraft missile system has had a number of basic characteristics significantly improved. The affected area was significantly increased, the probability of hitting cruise missiles and helicopters increased, and it became possible to recognize targets. In addition, the Buk-M1 has become much less vulnerable to anti-radar missiles.
The next stage of modernization of the Buk air defense system occurred in the early 90s of the last century. The anti-aircraft complex was equipped with a new 9M317 anti-aircraft missile, which had much more “advanced” characteristics compared to its predecessor (although the complex can also be armed with the standard 9M38M1 missile for the Buk). This missile hit air targets at an altitude of up to 25 kilometers and at a range of up to 50. The new anti-aircraft missile system was designated 9K37M1-2 “Buk-M1-2”. Work on the air defense system took place from 1993 to 1996. In 1998, the Buk-M1-2 was adopted by the Russian army. Also, the Buk-M1-2 complex provides for the introduction of a new component - a special vehicle with a radar used to illuminate targets and guide missiles. In this case, the radar antenna is located on a telescopic lift, which raises it to a height of 22 meters. This additional element significantly increases the effectiveness of the air defense system, especially against low-flying, high-speed targets (cruise missiles).
Since the mid-80s, work has been in full swing on another modification of the Buk complex, which was supposed to be able to fire at 24 air targets and have a much larger destruction radius (up to 50 kilometers). This modification was called 9K317 Buk-M2. This modification was also planned to be equipped with the 9M317 missile. In the 90s, tests of the new complex were carried out, however, due to the difficult situation in the country and in the Russian economy, it never went into production. Only fifteen years later, the Buk-M2 was finalized and began to be delivered to the troops only in 2008.
Currently, work is underway on the next modification of the legendary air defense system - 9K317M Buk-M3. It will be able to track and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously. They plan to equip the complex with a new missile with a radar guidance system. The complex will be able to operate successfully in conditions of strong electronic countermeasures. The new anti-aircraft missile system is planned to be put into service in 2015.
Description of the Buk anti-aircraft missile system
The Buk-M1 air defense system is designed to destroy army, tactical and strategic aviation aircraft, fire support helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. This complex is capable of effectively resisting massive raids by enemy aircraft and reliably covering troops or military-industrial facilities. This complex can successfully operate under electronic jamming conditions and in any weather conditions. The Buk-M1 air defense system has a circular radius of destruction of targets.
One Buk battery consists of six self-propelled firing systems, three charging vehicles, a target acquisition station and a command post. The GM-569 tracked chassis is used as the base for all vehicles of the complex. It provides the Buks with high maneuverability, maneuverability and speed of deployment of the complex. All systems of the complex have an autonomous power supply.
The command post (CP) of the Buk complex is designed to control the operation of the complex. Can operate in conditions where the enemy actively uses electronic interference. The command post can process information about 46 air targets; it provides reception and processing of data from six fire control systems and a target detection station, as well as from other air defense units. The command post identifies air targets, determines the most dangerous of them and assigns a task to each SDA.
The target acquisition station (TDS) is a 9S18 “Dome” radar operating in the centimeter range, capable of detecting air targets at an altitude of up to 20 and a range of up to 120 kilometers. The station has a high level of noise immunity.
The Buk-M1 self-propelled firing system (SOU) is equipped with four missiles and a 9S35 centimeter-range radar. The self-propelled gun is designed to search, track and destroy air targets. The installation contains a digital computer complex, communication and navigation equipment, a television-optical sight, and an autonomous life support system. The SOU can operate autonomously, without being tied to a command post or target detection station. True, in this case the affected area is reduced to 6-7 degrees in angle and 120 degrees in azimuth. The SOU can perform its functions in conditions of radio-electronic interference.
The charging installation of the Buk complex can store, transport and load eight missiles.
The complex is armed with a 9M38 anti-aircraft solid-fuel single-stage missile. It has a radar guidance system with a semi-active operating principle and a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. At the initial stage of the flight, correction is carried out by radio signals, and at the final stage - due to homing.
To destroy air targets, a warhead weighing 70 kilograms is used, which is detonated using a proximity fuse 17 meters from the target. The damaging elements of a missile are the shock wave and fragments. The length of the rocket is 5.5 meters, its largest diameter is 860 mm, and the total weight is 685 kilograms. The rocket is equipped with a solid propellant engine operating in two modes, with a total operating time of 15 seconds.
Specifications
| Damage zone, km: - range - height - parameter |
3,32..35
0,015..20-22 until 22 |
| Probability of target hit - fighter type - helicopter type - cruise missile type |
0,8..0,95
0,3..0,6 0,4..0,6 |
| Maximum target speed m/s | 800 |
| Reaction time, s: | 22 |
| SAM flight speed, m/s | 850 |
| Rocket mass, kg | 685 |
| Weight of warhead, kg | 70 |
| Channel by target | 2 |
| SAM channel | 3 |
| Expansion (collapse) time, min | 5 |
| Number of missiles on a combat vehicle | 4 |
At the moment, more than ten countries are armed with the Buk air defense system of various modifications. Negotiations are currently underway with several other countries. There are several export options for the complex. Further work is being carried out to modernize it.
"Buk" (according to the GRAU index - 9K37, according to the codification of the NATO and US Defense Ministry - SA-11 Gadfly (translated as Gadfly) and its modifications) is a self-propelled air defense system designed to combat maneuvering aerodynamic targets at medium and low altitudes (from 30 meters 14-18 kilometers) in conditions of intense radio countermeasures.
Technical characteristics of the Buk-M1 air defense system:
| Damage zone, km: - range - height - parameter |
3,32..35 0,015..20-22 until 22 |
| Probability of target hit - fighter type - helicopter type - cruise missile type |
0,8..0,95 0,3..0,6 0,4..0,6 |
| Maximum target speed m/s | 800 |
| Reaction time, s: | 22 |
| SAM flight speed, m/s | 850 |
| Rocket mass, kg | 685 |
| Weight of warhead, kg | 70 |
| Channel by target | 2 |
| SAM channel | 3 |
| Expansion (collapse) time, min | 5 |
| Number of missiles on a combat vehicle | 4 |
Since the late 70s, one of the main means of military air defense has been the Buk series anti-aircraft missile systems. To date, several modifications of this technology have been developed and adopted into service by the Russian Federation. They have been successfully used to this day and occupy a worthy place in Russia’s arsenal.
3RK9K37 "Buk"
The creation of new Buk anti-aircraft systems began after a resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers of January 1972. The resolution identified the companies involved in the project, as well as the main requirements for it. The first technical specification stated that the new air defense system was supposed to replace the existing 2K12 “Cube” complex in service. In addition, it is necessary to create a missile that could be used both in the Buk kit and in the M-22 Uragan naval anti-aircraft system.
The new, more advanced anti-aircraft complex was intended to improve the equipment of military air defense, which could not but affect the requirements for its development. The specialists were required to mount all components of the complex on a self-propelled chassis, as well as ensure the ability to work together with tanks and other armored vehicles in the same combat formations. The complex must hit aerodynamic air targets moving at speeds of up to 800 meters per second at medium and low altitudes at ranges of up to 30 km. In addition, it was necessary to ensure the ability to hit a target using electronic countermeasures and maneuvering with an overload of up to 12 units. In the future, the developers planned to “teach” the complex to resist operational-tactical ballistic missiles.
The main developer of the 3RK9K37 Buk air defense system is the Research Institute of Instrumentation. In addition, many other companies were involved in the project, including the Start Machine-Building Design Bureau and the NPO Fazotron of the Ministry of Radio Industry.
- The chief designer of the anti-aircraft complex is A.A. Rastov.
- G.N. Valaev is the head of development of the complex’s command post. Later his position was taken by V.I. Sokiran.
- V.V. Matyashev was responsible for the development of a self-propelled firing system.
- I.G. Hakobyan - led the process of creating a semi-active homing head.
- Employees of the Research Institute of Measuring Devices, headed by A.P., were involved in the development of the detection and target designation station. Petoshko (after some time he was replaced by Yu.P. Shchetkov).
Work on the development of the 9K37 complex was going to be completed by mid-1975. But in the spring of 1974, the developers decided to divide all types of work into 2 separate areas. The development was to take place in two stages. First of all, it was necessary to bring the 3M38 missile, as well as a self-propelled firing system, to mass production. Moreover, the latter was supposed to use the existing 9M9M3 missiles of the Kub-M3 system and is being built using components of the existing system.
According to forecasts, the complex will begin testing in the fall of 1974, and the creation of a full-fledged 3RK 9K37 using new components will continue according to a pre-planned schedule. This approach to the development of new anti-aircraft systems should ensure the earliest possible start of deliveries and production of new equipment that would significantly increase the combat potential of the ground forces.
The composition of 3RK 9K37 included several main elements. To monitor the air situation, it was planned to use the 9S18 “Dome” detection and target designation station, and to launch missiles it was planned to use the 9A39 launcher-loader and 9A310 self-propelled firing system. Coordination of actions should be carried out using the 9S470 command post. The means of hitting targets is the 9M38 anti-aircraft guided missile.
SOC 9S18 "Dome" is a self-propelled vehicle on a tracked chassis, equipped with a three-dimensional coherent-pulse radar, which is designed to monitor the situation in the air and transmit information about targets to the command post. On the surface of the base chassis there was a rotating antenna with an electric drive. The maximum target detection range is 115-120 km. In a situation with low-flying targets, this figure was significantly reduced. For example, a flying plane at an altitude of 30 meters was detected by the complex only from 45 kilometers away. The SOC equipment allowed automatic adjustment of the operating frequency in order to maintain operability when active interference was used by the enemy.
The main task of the “Kupil” station is to search for targets and transmit information to the command post. With a review period of 4.5 seconds, 75 marks were transmitted. The 9S470 command post was built on the basis of a self-propelled chassis, which is equipped with all the necessary equipment for processing data and issuing targets to launchers. The command post crew is 6 people. For this purpose, the command post was equipped with communication and data processing equipment. The equipment of the command post made it possible to process messages about 46 targets during 1 period of the SOC review. In this case, targets could be located at altitudes of up to 20 km and ranges of up to 100 km. Data on 6 targets was issued to the firing installations.
The main means of attacking enemy aircraft was to be the 9A310 fire self-propelled gun. It was a subsequent development of the SOU 9A38 of the Buk-1 complex. The tracked self-propelled chassis housed a rotating launcher with 4 guides for missiles, as well as a set of all the necessary electronic equipment. A tracking radar was installed in front of the launcher, which was also used for missile guidance.
To transport the loading of the self-propelled gun and additional ammunition, the Buk air defense system included a 9A39 launcher-loader. Such a vehicle on a tracked chassis was used to transport 8 missiles, as well as reload the SOU 9A310 launcher. The missiles were transported on 4 fixed cradle and a special type of launcher. Depending on the situation, the crew of the vehicle could launch it independently or reload the missiles from the launcher to the launcher. But due to the lack of its own tracking radar, it was impossible to do without external target designation. A special crane was responsible for reloading the missiles.
The 9M38 rocket is made according to a single-stage design. It was distinguished by a cylindrical body of high aspect ratio and had 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 exactly the same design. The missile, with a length of 5.5 meters and a launch weight of 690 kg, was equipped with a dual-mode solid fuel engine, a semi-active radar homing head and a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. To prevent changes in alignment as the charge burns out, the engine was specially placed in the central part of the housing and additionally equipped with a long nozzle-gas duct.
The new 9K37 Buk air defense system made it possible to hit targets at altitudes of up to 20 km and ranges of up to 30 km. Reaction time – 22 seconds. It took about 5 minutes to get ready for work. The probability of hitting a target with a missile that accelerates in flight to 850 meters per second is up to 0.9. The probability of hitting a helicopter with one missile is up to 0.6. The probability of hitting a cruise missile with the first missile defense system is up to 0.5.
Modern tests of this air defense system began at the Emba training ground in the fall of 1977 and continued until the spring of 1979. During the tests, it was possible to check the combat performance of the complex in different conditions and against different conditional targets. For example, standard equipment and other similar stations were used to monitor the air situation. During 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 established that the new 3RK 9K37 has many important advantages compared to the equipment that was already in service. The composition of the electronic equipment of the SOU and SOC ensured high reliability of detection of air targets due to the presence of its own equipment for self-propelled combat units. The updated composition of the equipment of various components of the complex, including the missile, contributed to greater noise immunity. In addition, the missile carried a heavy warhead, which made it possible to increase the accuracy of hitting a target.
Based on the results of modifications and tests, the 9K37 Buk air defense system was put into service in 1990. New complexes began to be used as part of missile brigades. Each formation included 1 brigade control center from the Polyana-D4 automated control system and 4 divisions. The division had its own command post 9S470, three batteries with 2 SOU 9A310 and 1 ROM 9A39 in each, a detection and target designation station 9S18. In addition, the brigades had a communications, maintenance and support unit.
SAM 9K37-1 "Buk-1"/"Kub-M4"
In 1974, due to the urgent need to re-equip the air defense units of the ground forces, it was decided to create a simplified modification of the 9K37 complex, developed using existing units and components. It was assumed that such air defense systems, designated 9K37-1 Buk-1, would complement the existing Kub-M3 systems in the troops. Thus, each of the 5 batteries of the regiment included a new SOU 9A38, which is part of the Buk-1 complex.
According to calculations, the cost of one 9A38 self-propelled gun will be about 1/3 of the cost of all other means of the battery, but in this case it will be possible to provide a significant increase in combat capabilities. Thus, the number of target channels of the regiment would double from 5 to 10, and the number of ready-to-use missiles would also increase from 60 to 75. Thus, the modernization of air defense units with new combat vehicles absolutely paid off.
The SOU 9A38 in its architecture was not much different from the 9A310. A rotating platform with a 9S35 detection, tracking and illumination radar station and a launcher was made on a tracked chassis. The 9A38 self-propelled gun launcher had replaceable guides designed for the use of 2 types of missiles. Depending on the situation, available resources and combat mission, the complex could use new 9M38 or 9M9M3 missiles already in service.
State tests of the air defense system began in August 1975 and took place at the Emba training ground. The new SOU 9A38 and existing machines of other types took part in the tests. The target was detected using the 1S91M3 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system, which was located in the Kub-M3 complex, and the missiles were launched from the 2P25M3 and 9438 SOUs. Missiles of various types (from all available) were used.
During the test, it turned out that the 9S35 SOU 9A38 radar can itself detect targets at distances of up to 65-75 kilometers (at altitudes of 3 kilometers). If the target height was no more than 100 meters, then the maximum detection range was up to 35-45 kilometers. Moreover, the actual target detection indicators directly depended on the limited capabilities of the Kub-M3 equipment. Combat characteristics such as target engagement altitude or range depended on the type of missile used.
In 1978, the new 9K371 air defense system entered service as part of the 9M38 missile and the 9A38 self-propelled firing system. As a result, the Buk-1 complex received a different designation. Since the missile and self-propelled gun were only an addition to the already existing means of the Kub-M3 complex, the air defense system using the 9A38 vehicle began to be designated 2K12M4 “Kub-M4”. Thus, the 9K37-1 air defense system, a simplified version of the Buk, was formally classified as part of the previous Kub family, although at that time it was the main air defense system of the ground forces.
SAM "Buk-M1"
In the fall of 1979, another resolution of the Council of Ministers was issued, according to which it was necessary to develop a new modification of the Buk air defense system. This time the task was to improve the combat characteristics of the air defense system, increasing the level of protection against anti-radar missiles and interference. By the beginning of 1982, the organizations participating in the project had completed the development of new, more advanced elements of the complex, thereby increasing the main indicators of the system.
Experts suggested modifying the on-board equipment of the vehicles in order to improve their performance. At the same time, the complex did not have any significant differences from its predecessor. Thanks to this, different vehicles from the Buk and Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems were interchangeable and were part of the same unit.
In the new project, all the main elements of the complex were finalized. The Buk-M1 air defense system was supposed to use the upgraded SOC 9S18M1 Kupol-M1 to detect a target. Now it was proposed to install a new radar station with a special phased array antenna on a tracked chassis. In order to increase the degree of unification of the complex's machines, it was decided to create the Kupol-M1 station based on the GM-567M, similar to that used in other components of the complex.
To process data received from the SOC, it was proposed to use an updated command post, namely 9S470M1 with a new set of equipment. An improved command post could ensure simultaneous reception of data from the division's air defense control center and from the complex's SOC. In addition, it was planned to introduce a training mode that would allow training in the calculations of all existing means of the complex.
SOU 9A310M1 SAM "Buk-M1" has now received an updated tracking and illumination radar. Thanks to the new equipment, it was possible to increase the acquisition range of an air target by 25-30%. The probability of recognizing ballistic and aerodynamic targets has been increased to 0.6. To increase noise immunity, the self-propelled firing system had 72 letter frequencies of illumination, which is 2 times more than that of the base 9A310.
The introduced innovations affected the combat effectiveness of the air defense system. While maintaining the general altitude and range of hitting the target and without using a new missile, the probability of hitting a fighter with one missile was increased to 0.95. The probability of hitting a helicopter remained at the same level, but the same indicator for ballistic missiles increased to 0.6.
From February to December 1982, tests of a new modernization of the 9K37 Buk-M1 air defense system were carried out at the Emba training ground. Testing showed a significant increase in key indicators compared to existing systems, thanks to which the system was adopted for service. The official adoption of the air defense system took place in 1983. Mass serial production of improved equipment took place at enterprises that had previously participated in the creation of the Buk complexes of the first 2 models.
A new type of serial equipment was used in anti-aircraft brigades of the ground forces. The components of the Buk-M1 air defense system were distributed over several batteries. Despite the modernization of individual air defense systems, the standard organization of anti-aircraft units remained unchanged. In addition, if necessary, it was allowed to use two Buk and Buk-M1 complexes in the same units.
The Buk-M1 air defense system is the first system of its series that was offered to foreign customers. The air defense system was supplied to foreign armies and was called “Ganges”. For example, in 1997, several complexes were transferred to Finland as part of the repayment of debt from Russia.
SAM 9K317 "Buk-M2"
At the end of the 80s, the creation of an updated anti-aircraft missile system of the Buk family with a more advanced 9M317 missile was completed. Then it received the designation 9K317 Buk-M air defense system. Thanks to the new guided munition, it was expected to significantly increase the height and range of hitting the target. In addition, the performance of the system should be positively affected by the use of new equipment that was installed on various machines of the complex.
But the difficult economic situation that existed in the country at that time did not allow the new complex to be put into service. This did not happen either in the late eighties or early nineties. As a result, the issue of updating the equipment of air defense units was resolved due to the “transitional” air defense system “Buk-M1-2”. At the same time, improvements to the 9K317 system continued. Moreover, work on the updated Buk-M2 project, as well as its export modification Buk-M2E, did not stop until the mid-2000s.
The most important innovation of the Buk-M project is the new 9M317 guided missile. The main differences between the new missile and the 9M38: shorter wing length, starting weight of about 720 kg and a modified hull design. By changing the design and using a new engine, it was possible to increase the firing range, its maximum value being up to 45 kilometers. At the same time, the maximum flight altitude of the target increased to 25 kilometers. To expand the combat capabilities of the hull, another innovation was introduced - now the rocket has the ability to turn off a remote fuse with detonation of the warhead at the command of a contact one. This mode of operation is suitable for using the missile against surface and ground targets.
The air defense missile system received a modified 9A317 type self-propelled gun based on the GM-569 tracked chassis. Despite the fact that the general architecture of the firing installation has not changed, the new vehicle is built on the basis of new equipment and modern components. As before, the SOU can itself find and track an air target, launch a missile and track its trajectory, and, if necessary, make adjustments through the radio command system.
SOU 9A317 has a tracking radar and illumination with a special phased array antenna. The station can track targets in a sector at an elevation angle of up to 70° and a width of 90°. The target is detected at ranges of up to 20 kilometers. The target, while in tracking mode, can be within a sector with a width of -5° to +85° in elevation and 130° in azimuth. The station is capable of detecting up to ten targets simultaneously and provides simultaneous attacks on four of them.
To increase the characteristics of the complex and ensure normal operation in difficult conditions, the self-propelled firing system is equipped with an optical-electronic system with night and day valves.
The Buk-M2 air defense system is equipped with 2 types of launcher-loading installation. The self-propelled vehicle was developed on the basis of the GM-577 chassis and is towed with a car tractor. At the same time, the general architecture is the same: 4 missiles are on the launcher and can be loaded onto the launcher or launched. Another 4 are transported on special transport cradles.
The new modification includes a new command post 9S510 on a towed semi-trailer or based on the GM-579 chassis. The automatic control unit can receive data from surveillance equipment and track up to sixty routes simultaneously. It is possible to issue target designation for 16-36 targets. As for the reaction time, it does not exceed 2 seconds.
The main target detection device in the Buk-M2 complex is the SOTs 9S18M1-3, which represents a subsequent development of the family’s systems. The new radar is equipped with a phased array antenna with electronic scanning and can detect targets at ranges of up to 160 kilometers. There are operating modes that ensure target detection when the enemy uses passive and active jamming.
It is proposed to include a missile guidance station and target illumination into the towed/self-propelled vehicles of the Buk-M2 complex. The new 9S36 vehicle is a towed semi-trailer or tracked chassis with an antenna post on a retractable mast. Thanks to such equipment, it is possible to raise the antenna to a height of up to 22 meters and thereby increase the characteristics of the RSL. Such a high altitude makes it possible to detect air targets at ranges of up to 120 kilometers. In terms of tracking and guidance characteristics, the station does not differ from the radar of self-propelled fire vehicles. It provides tracking of ten targets and allows simultaneous firing of four of them.
All changes and innovations in the composition of the complex made it possible to significantly improve its characteristics. The maximum altitude for intercepting an air target is 25 km, and the maximum range is 50 km. When attacking non-maneuvering aircraft, the greatest range is achieved. Interception of operational-tactical ballistic missiles is carried out at altitudes up to 16 km and ranges up to 20 km. It is also possible to destroy helicopters, anti-radar and cruise missiles. If necessary, the air defense missile system crew can attack radio-contrast or surface ground targets.
The first version of the 9K317 project appeared in the late 80s, but due to the difficult economic situation of the state, it was not accepted for service. The use of this complex in military operations began only in 2008. By that time, the air defense system had undergone many improvements, which made it possible to improve its characteristics.
SAM "Buk-M1-2"
Numerous political and economic problems did not allow the new 9K317 air defense system to be adopted and put into mass production. Therefore, in 1992, they decided to create a simplified, so-called “transitional” version of the complex that would not only use some components of the Buk-2, but would also be cheaper and simpler. And a solution was found - Buk-M1-2 and Ural.
The modernized Ural anti-aircraft missile system combined several improved vehicles that were represented by the further development of older technology. To launch missiles, as well as target illumination, it was necessary to use the 9A310M1-2 SOU, which works together with the 9A38M1 launch-loading machine. As for the SOC, it has not changed - Buk-M1-2 was supposed to use the 9S18M1 model station. The auxiliary means of the complex did not receive significant changes.
In order to increase the secrecy of operation and survivability, as well as to expand the range of tasks, the self-propelled fire installation received the ability to passively find a target. This meant the use of a laser rangefinder and a television-optical viewfinder. Such equipment should have been used when attacking surface or ground targets.
The modernization of various elements of the complex and the development of a new missile made it possible to significantly increase the size of the target firing zone. In addition, the probability of hitting a ballistic or aerodynamic target with one missile has increased. It became possible to fully operate the 9A310M1-2 SOU in the role of an independent air defense weapon that could detect and destroy air targets without outside help.
The Buk-M1-2 air defense system entered service with the Russian Army in 1998. In the future, several contracts were concluded for the supply of this equipment to foreign and domestic customers.
SAM "Buk-M2E"
The export version of the Buk-M2E air defense system was presented in the second half of the 2000s. It received the designation 9K317E “Buk-M2E” and was an improved version of the basic system, which had some differences in the composition of the computing and electronic equipment. Thanks to the modifications made, it was possible to improve some characteristics of the system, primarily related to its operation.
The main differences between the export version of the complex and the basic one are the modernization of electronic equipment, carried out using modern digital computers. Thanks to its high performance, such equipment allows you not only to carry out combat missions, but also to work in training mode to prepare crews. Data on the air situation and the operation of steel systems is displayed on liquid crystal monitors.
Instead of the teleoptical viewfinder that was previously available, a thermal imaging system was introduced into the surveillance equipment. It allows you to find and automatically track targets in any weather conditions and at any time of the day. The equipment for documenting the operation of the complex, communications equipment and many other systems were also updated.
The RZK 9K317E self-propelled fire vehicle can be built on a wheeled or tracked chassis. Several years ago, a version of such a vehicle was presented based on the wheeled chassis of the M3KT-6922 model. Thus, a potential customer will be able to choose the chassis option that would completely suit him.
SAM "Buk-M3"
The creation of a new anti-aircraft missile system of the Buk series was announced several years ago. The 9K37M3 Buk-M3 air defense system should become an impetus for the subsequent development of this family with increased combat capabilities and characteristics. It was proposed to fulfill the requirements for the system by replacing the equipment of the Buk-M2 air defense system with new digital equipment.
The complex's facilities will receive a set of new equipment with better characteristics. The combat qualities are going to be improved through the use of a new missile along with a modified self-propelled gun. Instead of the open launcher that existed before, the new self-propelled firing system should receive special lifting mechanisms with fastenings designed for transport and launch containers. The new 9M317M rocket will be delivered in containers and launched from them. Such changes to the air defense system will increase the amount of ready-to-use ammunition.
If you look at the photo of the Buk-M3 missile launcher, you will see a vehicle based on a tracked chassis that has a rotating platform, where 2 swinging packages with 6 missile containers are mounted on each of them. Thus, without radically reworking the design of the self-propelled gun, it was possible to double the ammunition load ready for firing.
Unfortunately, the detailed characteristics of the Buk-M3 complex have not yet been disclosed. Domestic media, citing their sources, reported that the new 9M317M missile will be able to attack targets at ranges of up to 75 km and destroy them with one missile with a probability of no less than 0.95-0.97. In addition, it was reported that the experienced Buk-M3 air defense system will soon undergo a whole range of tests, after which it will be put into service.
There are rumors that the domestic defense industry plans to continue developing the Buk air defense system. The next air defense system of the family, according to unofficial data, may receive the designation “Buk-M4”. But it’s too early to talk about the characteristics of this system. At the moment, even the general requirements for it are unknown.
21-07-2014, 04:30
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This post will explain to you in detail what the BUK military air defense system is and how it functions in combat conditions. I think many of us have heard this abbreviation of the anti-aircraft missile system in the media in connection with, but not everyone understands how the BUK air defense system works and the features of its functioning.
The military air defense system "Buk" (9K37) was intended to fight in radio countermeasures against aerodynamic targets flying at speeds up to 830 m/s, at medium and low altitudes, maneuvering with overloads of up to 10-12 units, at ranges up to 30 km, and in in the future - and with Lance ballistic missiles.
Development was started in accordance with the Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated January 13, 1972 and provided for the use of cooperation between developers and manufacturers, the main composition corresponding to that previously involved in the creation of the Kub air defense system. At the same time, the development of the M-22 “Hurricane” air defense system for the Navy was determined using the same missile defense system as the “Buk” complex.
The developer of the Buk air defense system as a whole was identified as the Research Institute of Instrument Engineering (NIIP) of the Research and Design Association (NKO) "Phazotron" (General Director V.K. Grishin) MRP (former OKB-15 GKAT). The chief designer of the 9K37 complex as a whole was appointed A.A. Rastov, the command post (CP) 9S470 - G.N. Valaev (then - V.I. Sokiran), the self-propelled firing systems (SOU) 9A38 - V.V. Matyashev, semi-active Doppler homing head 9E50 for missiles - I.G. Akopyan.
Launch-loading units (PZU) 9A39 were created at the Mechanical Design Bureau (MKB) "Start" MAP (formerly SKB-203 GKAT) under the leadership of A.I. Yaskina. Unified tracked chassis for the complex's combat vehicles were created at OKB-40 of the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant (MMZ) of the Ministry of Transport Engineering by a team headed by N.A. Astrov. The development of 9M38 missiles was entrusted to the Sverdlovsk Machine-Building Design Bureau (SMKB) "Novator" MAP (former OKB-8) headed by L.V. Lyulev, refusing to involve the design bureau of plant No. 134, which had previously developed the missile defense system for the "Cube" complex. The detection and target designation station (SOTs) 9S18 (“Dome”) was developed at the Research Institute of Measuring Instruments (NIIIP) MRP under the leadership of chief designer A.P. Vetoshko (then Yu.P. Shchekotov).
Completion of the development of the complex was planned for the second quarter. 1975
However, in order to quickly strengthen the air defense of the main striking force of the Ground Forces - tank divisions - with an increase in the combat capabilities of the "Cube" anti-aircraft missile regiments included in these divisions by doubling the channels for targets (and ensuring, if possible, complete autonomy of these channels during operation from detection to hitting the target). The resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated May 22, 1974 ordered the creation of the Buk air defense system in two stages. It was initially proposed to develop at an accelerated pace the missile defense system and the self-propelled firing system of the Buk air defense system, capable of launching both 9M38 and 3M9M3 missiles from the Kub-M3 complex. On this basis, using other means of the Kub-M3 complex, it was planned to create the Buk-1 (9K37-1) air defense system, ensuring its entry into joint testing in September 1974, maintaining the previously prescribed volumes and timing of work on the Buk complex » in full specified composition.
For the Buk-1 air defense system, it was envisaged that each of the five anti-aircraft missile 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 system from the Buk air defense system. Thus, due to the use of a self-propelled firing system with a cost of about 30% of the cost of all other battery assets in the Kub-MZ anti-aircraft missile regiment, the number of target channels increased from 5 to 10, and the number of combat-ready missiles - from 60 to 75.
In the period from August 1975 to October 1976, the Buk-1 air defense system included the 1S91M3 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system, the 9A38 self-propelled firing system, the 2P25M3 self-propelled launchers, the 3M9M2 and 9M38 missile defense systems, as well as a maintenance vehicle (MTO) 9B881 passed state tests at the Embensky training ground (head of the training ground B.I. Vashchenko) under the leadership of a commission headed by P.S. Bimbash.
As a result of the tests, the detection range of self-propelled firing system radar aircraft in autonomous mode was obtained from 65 to 77 km at altitudes of more than 3000 m, which at low altitudes (30-100 m) decreased to 32-41 km. Helicopters at low altitudes were detected at a distance of 21-35 km. In the centralized operating mode, due to the limited capabilities of the 1S91M2 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit, the aircraft detection range was reduced to 44 km for targets at altitudes of 3000-7000 m and to 21-28 km at low altitudes.
The operating time of the self-propelled firing system in autonomous mode (from target detection to missile launch) was 24-27 seconds. The charging and discharging time for three 3M9M3 or 9M38 missiles was about 9 minutes.
When firing the 9M38 missile defense system, the destruction of aircraft flying at altitudes of more than 3 km was ensured at a range of 3.4 to 20.5 km, and at an altitude of 3.1 m - from 5 to 15.4 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 was 0.70-0.93.
The complex was put into service in 1978. Due to the fact that the 9A38 self-propelled firing system and the 9M38 missile defense system were only complementary to the Kub-MZ air defense system, the complex was named “Kub-M4” (2K12M4).
The Kub-M4 complexes that appeared in the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces made it possible to significantly increase the effectiveness of the air defense of tank divisions of the Ground Forces of the Soviet Army.
The Buk-M1-2 air defense system is a multi-purpose system that simultaneously fires at six targets flying at different azimuths and altitudes. The high firepower created by the complex's 6 firing channels allows you to effectively hit tracked targets. The complex is armed with modern 9M317 anti-aircraft guided missiles, which have high technical characteristics that ensure the destruction of air and surface targets, as well as combat work against ground targets. Missiles are launched from self-propelled firing systems 9A310M1-2 and launch-loading systems 9A39M1-2.
One of the significant differences between the Buk-M1-2 air defense system and the Buk-M1 complex is the presence of a laser rangefinder in the SOU 9A310M1-2, which allows successful combat work against surface and ground targets with microwave radiation turned off, which significantly improves the characteristics noise immunity, stealth and survivability of the complex.
The “coordinate support” mode implemented in the Buk-M1-2 complex allows you to successfully solve combat missions under intense influence on the complex of active interference.
The complex ensures the destruction of aerodynamic targets with maximum approach speeds of 1100-1200 m/s and removal speeds of 300 m/s in an altitude zone from 15 m to 25 km, and a range from 3 to 42 km. Ensures the destruction of cruise missiles (CM) at ranges of up to 26 km, tactical ballistic missiles (TBM) - at ranges of up to 20 km. The affected area of the complex when firing at surface targets is up to 25 km. The probability of being hit by one missile is 0.8-0.9, the operating time is 20 s. The deployment time of the complex from traveling to combat position is up to 5 minutes. The complex's combat assets are mounted on high-capacity self-propelled tracked chassis, allowing movement both on highways and on dirt roads and off-roads with a maximum speed of 65 km/h. The fuel range is 500 km, maintaining a reserve for two hours of combat work.
The complex ensures operation at ambient temperatures from -50°C to +50°C and altitudes above sea level up to 3000 m, as well as under conditions of the use of nuclear and chemical weapons.
The facilities of the complex are equipped with autonomous power supply systems, and at the same time the ability to operate from external power sources is provided. The continuous operation time of the complex is 24 hours.
The complex includes combat weapons:
command post 9S470M1-2, designed to control the combat operations of the complex (one);
target detection station 9S18M1, providing detection of air targets, identification of their nationality and transmission of information about the air situation to the command post (one);
self-propelled firing system 9A310M1-2, providing combat operation both as part of a complex in a given sector of responsibility, and in autonomous mode and performing target detection, acquisition, identification
its nationality and shelling of an escorted target (six);
launch-loading installation 9A39M1-2, designed for launching, transporting and storing 9M317 missiles, as well as performing loading and unloading operations with them (three, attached to two SOU 9A310M1-2);
anti-aircraft guided missile 9M317, designed to destroy air, surface and ground targets in conditions of intense enemy radio countermeasures.
The high combat readiness of the 9K37M1-2 complex is maintained with the help of attached technical means.
All technical equipment, except PES-100 and UKS-400V, are mounted on the chassis of Ural-43203 and ZIL-131 vehicles.
Currently, in parallel with the serial development of the Buk-M1-2 complex, work is underway to significantly modernize the complex, aimed at significantly improving its tactical and technical characteristics.
Directions for modernization of the Buk-M1-2 air defense system:
a mobile station for automatic detection of radio emission sources “Orion” is being introduced into the complex, which provides information support and increases the effectiveness of the complex in conditions of massive use of organized jamming and anti-radar missiles;
SOU 9A310M1-2 and PZU 9A39M1-2 are equipped with objective control systems (SOK), which provides operational documented control of the process of combat operation of a self-propelled firing system (SOU) and launch-loading unit (PZU) with information output to a special electronic computer.
SOC can be used to monitor the actions of the crew of the firing installation during its training.
Today we will talk about such a type of weapon as the Buk missile systems. This article has nothing to do with politics, so we will consider the purely technical side of the issue. Let's try to figure out a little what this self-propelled army is and get acquainted with its tactical and technical characteristics, firing range, in short, with all its abilities. So, before us is a Buk installation.
The beginning of the story
First you need to decide on the purpose of this installation. It consists of destroying aerodynamic targets flying at medium and low altitudes at speeds of up to 830 m/sec, maneuvering with 12-unit overloads and at a range of up to 30 kilometers. In accordance with the well-known Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated January 13, 1972, its development began. A team of developers and manufacturers who had previously participated in the creation of the Kub air defense system was involved in this. At the same time, they appointed the development of the M-22 complex, called Uragan, for the Navy using a missile fully compatible with the Buk.
Developers
The developers were identified as: Research Institute of Instrument Engineering, as well as a research and design association called "Phazotron". Rastov A.A. was appointed chief designer of this complex. The launch-loading installation was created at the Start Machine-Building Design Bureau, where the head was A. I. Yaskin. The tracked chassis, unified for the complex’s vehicles, was developed by the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant, which was headed by N. A. Astrov. The 9M38 missiles were assigned to be developed by the Sverdlovsk IKB “Novator”. The detection and, of course, target designation station "Dome" was created at the Research Institute of Measuring and Precision Instruments of the Ministry of Radio Industry. In order for the Buk installation to fully function, a set of maintenance and technical support tools on a vehicle chassis was developed. Completion of the preparatory phase was planned for the second quarter of 1975.
Change of plans
The resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Central Committee of the CPSU of May 22, 1974, in view of the need to quickly strengthen air defense with the build-up of the Kub regiments that are part of these divisions, ordered the creation of the Buk complex in two stages. First of all, it was necessary to quickly develop a guided anti-aircraft missile and a self-propelled firing system of the complex, which could launch 9M38 missiles, as well as 3M9M3 of the already existing Kub-M3 complex. Then, on this base, they were supposed to create the Buk, a new generation missile system. And in September 1974, ensure its participation in joint tests. But, regardless of this, the previously set deadlines had to be fully respected.
Fire self-propelled gun 9A38
It was mounted on the GM-569 chassis, and in one installation it combined the functions of a self-propelled launcher and SURN, which were used in the Kub-M3. The created 9A38 installation provided high-quality search in a given sector, performed detection and subsequent acquisition of targets for automatic tracking. It also solved problems before the launch, launch and homing of the three missiles that were located on it, and the other three 3M9M3 guided missiles from the 2P25M3 launcher associated with it.
The firing installation could operate both from SURN and autonomously. Its weight is 34 tons. The Buk air defense system consisted of: radar 9s35; computing digital system; optical television viewer; starting devices with power servo drive; radar ground interrogator, which operates in the "Password" system; equipment with SPU and SURN; gas turbine generator; equipment for orientation, topographical reference and navigation; life support systems.
Functions of the 9S35 radar station
By the time described, significant progress had been made in the creation of quartz and electromechanical filters, ultra-high-frequency devices, and digital computers, which allowed the 9S35, part of the Buk complex, to combine the functions of illumination, detection and target tracking stations. It used two transmitters - pulsed and continuous radiation, and it itself operated in the centimeter wavelength range. One transmitter detected and tracked targets, the other illuminated targets and guided anti-aircraft missiles.
The antenna system searched in sectors; the received signals were processed by an electromechanical method by a central computer. The transition time for 9S35, part of the Buk air defense system, from standby mode to combat mode was less than twenty seconds. The speed of targets was determined with an accuracy of +10 to -20 m/s, which ensured their selection in a moving state. Possible errors: the root mean square when measuring angular coordinates was 0.5 d.u., the maximum range was 175 meters. The station was protected from all active, combined and passive interference.
Anti-aircraft missile 9M38
This missile, which is part of the Buk air defense system, uses a solid-fuel dual-mode engine. Due to the complexity of mining, they abandoned the use of direct-flow. In addition, it had high resistance in some, mainly passive, sections of the trajectory and was unstable in operation at a high angle of attack. For these reasons, the deadline for the creation of the Kub air defense system was missed. The rocket design was normal, standard, X-shaped, with a low aspect ratio wing. At first glance, its appearance resembled anti-aircraft missiles of the Tartar and Standard ship families made in the USA, which fully complied with the size restrictions for the USSR Navy.
The front part of the 9M38 housed the autopilot equipment, semi-active generator, warhead and power supply. The rocket had no parts that separated in flight, its length was 5.5 meters, its diameter was 400 millimeters, and its steering span was 860 millimeters. It was equipped with a homing head, which had a combined control system using proportional navigation. “Buk” - a missile system with such a missile - could hit targets flying at an altitude of 25 meters to 20,000 and a range from three and a half to 32 kilometers, its speed was 1000 m/sec. The missile weighed 685 kg, including a 70 kg warhead.
Tests of the Buk installation
The Buk installation passed state tests from August 1975 to the end of October the following year, 1976. They were led by Bimbash P.S., and they were carried out on the territory of the Emba training ground. As you can see, the Buk installation (photos of it are presented in the review) consisted of: SURN 1S91M3, firing installation 9A38, anti-aircraft guided missiles 3M9M3 and 9M38, self-propelled launchers 2P25M3, as well as maintenance vehicles. As a result, some amendments were made: the detection range of helicopters was 21-35 kilometers at low altitudes, and aircraft - 32-41 km.
The time from the moment of target detection was 24-27 seconds. Charging and discharging time is nine minutes. The destruction of the aircraft by the 9M38 missile was ensured: at a range of 3.5-20.5 km - at a flight altitude of more than 3000 meters, 5-15.5 km - at an altitude of 30 meters. in terms of heading it was 18.5 km, in height - from 30 m to 14.5 km. The probability of fire damage is 0.70-0.93 when launching one missile. In 1978, the Buk-1 (Kub-M4) installation was put into service.
Characteristics of the Buk, command post
We have now learned a lot of details about the weapons we are considering. It's time to group the most important things in one place. So, before us is the Buk complex. The characteristics of its combat weapons are as follows. 9S470 - a command post installed on the GM-579 - provided display, reception and processing of all data coming from the target designation and detection station, as well as six 9A310 - self-propelled fire units.
He ensured the selection of the necessary dangerous targets and their correct distribution in manual and automatic modes between self-propelled fire installations, assigned them responsible sectors and many other important activities. The Buk complex, thanks to the CP, works normally when using missiles against radar and interference. The command post can process 46 targets at an altitude of up to 20,000 m in a zone with a radius of 100,000 m. Up to six target indications were issued per station review cycle. 28 tons - the mass of the command post, taking into account six people.
Target designation and detection station "Dome"
We continue the conversation about what the Buk installation is. The characteristics of the “Dome” are the next stage of its consideration. This station has electronic beam scanning in elevation in a 30-40 degree sector with mechanical rotation of the antenna along a given azimuth. The purpose of the 9S18 is to detect and identify targets in the air at altitudes from 30 meters to 45.5 kilometers, at a range of up to 120 kilometers. Then information about the situation in the air is transmitted to the 9S470 control post. Depending on the installed sector and the presence of interference, the viewing speed is 5-18 seconds with a circular view and 2.5-4.5 seconds with a 30-degree sector view. The received information was transmitted via a telecode line during a review period of 4.5 seconds, in the amount of 75 marks. Protection against targeted, retaliatory, and asynchronous pulse interference was also developed.
Also, regardless of the presence of barrage noise interference, detection of a fighter located at an altitude of up to 5,000 meters was ensured. The “Dome”, part of the Buk anti-aircraft complex, in turn, consisted of a rotating device, an antenna post, an antenna tracking device, a receiving device, a transmitting device and other systems. The station went into combat position in five minutes from the traveling position, and from the standby position in 20 seconds.
Differences between 9A310 and 9A38 firing systems
The first installation differed from the second (“Buk-1”) in that it communicated via a telecode line not with the self-propelled launcher 2P25M3 and with SURN 1S91M3, but with the PZU 9A39 and the command post 9S470. Also, the 9A310 had four 9M38 guided anti-aircraft missiles on its launcher, rather than three. It was charged in 12 and a half minutes from the ROM and 16 minutes from the transport supply vehicle. Weight - 32.4 tons, including four crew members. The width of the self-propelled fire unit is 3.25 meters, length - 9.3 meters, height - 3.8 meters. Let's look further at what the Buk complex consists of. Photos will help us with this, as always.
9A39 - launch-loading installation
This ROM was installed on the GM-577 chassis. Its purpose was to store and transport eight guided anti-aircraft missiles, four of which were on fixed mounts, four on the launcher. It was also intended for launching four guided missiles, further self-loading them from the cradle, and subsequent self-loading with eight missiles from a transport support vehicle. Thus, the “Buk” is a missile system that combined the functions of the self-propelled launcher of the earlier “Kub” complex and the TZM in one ROM.
It included: a starting device with a servo power drive, supports, a crane, a digital computer, telecode communication equipment, navigation, topography references, energy supply and power supply units. The weight of the installation is 35.5 tons, including a crew of three people, dimensions: width - 3.316 meters, length - 9.96 meters, and height - 3.8 meters.
Capabilities of the Buk air defense system
This complex had higher combat, external and operational characteristics compared to the Kub-M4 and Kub-M3 complexes. Even if you just look at what the Buk launcher is, a photo of its weapons, then anyone will understand all its power, which provided:
Conclusion
Based on the results of modeling and testing, it was determined that the firing range of the Buk installation is from 3 to 25 kilometers at an altitude of up to 18 kilometers and a speed of up to 800 m/s. In this case, high-quality shelling of targets that were not maneuvering was ensured. The probability of defeat was 0.7-0.8 when firing one guided missile and the course parameter was up to 18 km. If the target maneuvers, then the probability of defeat is 0.6. The Buk complex was adopted by the air defense forces in 1980. Since then, it has been modernized several times to increase its combat capabilities and security.
The self-propelled military air defense system "Buk" (SA-11 "Gadfly") is designed to combat maneuvering aerodynamic targets at low and medium altitudes, in conditions of radio countermeasures, and in the future - against Lance-type ballistic missiles.
Development, which began in 1972, involved the use of cooperation between developers and manufacturers, previously involved in the creation of the Kub air defense system. At the same time, the development of the M-22 (“Hurricane”) air defense system for the Navy was determined using the same missile defense system as the “Buk” complex.
The developer of the Buk (9K37) air defense system was generally identified as the Instrument Engineering Research Institute of the Phazotron Research and Design Association. A. A. Rastov was appointed chief designer of the complex.
The development of missiles was entrusted to the Sverdlovsk machine-building design bureau "Novator" headed by L.V. Lyulev. The detection and target designation station (STS) was developed at the Research Institute of Measuring Instruments under the leadership of chief designer A.P. Vetoshko (then Yu.P. Shchekotov).
Launch-loading units (PZU) were created at the Start machine-building design bureau under the leadership of A.I. Yaskin.
A set of technical support and maintenance equipment on a vehicle chassis was also developed for the complex.
Completion of the development of the complex was planned for 1975.
However, in 1974, it was decided to create the Buk air defense system in two stages. It was initially proposed to rapidly develop a missile defense system and a self-propelled firing system for the Buk air defense system, capable of launching both 9M38 missiles and 3M9MZ missiles from the Kub-M3 complex. On this basis, using other means of the Kub-M3 complex, it was planned to create the Buk-1 (9K37-1) air defense system, ensuring its entry into joint testing in September 1974, maintaining the previously prescribed volumes and timing of work on the Buk complex » in full specified composition.
For the Buk-1 air defense system, it was envisaged that each of the five anti-aircraft missile batteries of the Kub-M3 regiment, in addition to one self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance installation and four self-propelled launchers, would have one 9A38 self-propelled firing system from the Buk air defense system. . Thus, due to the use of a self-propelled firing system costing about 30% of the cost of all other battery assets in the Kub-MZ anti-aircraft missile regiment, the number of target channels increased from 5 to 10, and the number of combat-ready missiles - from 60 to 75.
The 9A38 self-propelled firing system, placed on the GM-569 tracked chassis, seemed to combine the functions of a self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system and a self-propelled launcher used as part of the Kub-M3 air defense system. It provided search in a designated sector, detection and acquisition of a target for auto-tracking, solution of pre-launch tasks, launch and homing of three missiles (9M38 or 3M9MZ) located on it, as well as three 3M9MZ missiles located on one of the self-propelled launchers 2P25MZ air defense missile system associated with it "Kub-M3Z". The combat operation of a self-propelled fire installation could be carried out both with control and target designation from a self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance installation, and autonomously.
The 9A38 self-propelled firing system includes a 9S35 radar station, a digital computer system, a launcher with a power tracking drive, a ground-based radar interrogator operating in the Password identification system, a television-optical sight, telecode communication equipment with a self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance installation, equipment wired communication with a self-propelled launcher, an autonomous power supply system based on a gas turbine generator, navigation, topographical and orientation equipment, a life support system.
The mass of a self-propelled firing system with a combat crew of four people is 34 tons.
Advances in the development of microwave devices, quartz and electromechanical filters, and digital computers (DCs) have made it possible to combine the functions of target detection, tracking, and target illumination stations into the 9S35 radar. The station operates in the centimeter wavelength range using a single antenna and two transmitters - pulsed and continuous radiation. The first transmitter was used to detect and auto-track a target in a quasi-continuous radiation mode or, if difficulties arose with unambiguous range determination, in a pulse mode with pulse compression (using linear frequency modulation), the second transmitter (continuous radiation) was used to illuminate the target and the missile defense system. The station's antenna system conducts a sector search using an electromechanical method, target tracking by angular coordinates and range is carried out using a monopulse method, and signal processing is carried out by a digital computer. The width of the antenna pattern of the target tracking channel is 1.3° in azimuth and 2.5° in elevation, and the width of the illumination channel is 1.4° in azimuth and 2.65° in elevation. The search sector review time (120° in azimuth and 6-7° in elevation) in autonomous mode is 4 s, in control mode (10° in azimuth and 7° in elevation) - 2 s.
The average transmitter power of the target detection and tracking channel when using quasi-continuous signals is at least 1 kW, and when using signals with linear frequency modulation - at least 0.5 kW. The average power of the target illumination transmitter is at least 2 kW. The noise figure of the station's survey and direction-finding receivers did not exceed 10 dB. The radar transition time from standby mode to combat mode is no more than 20 s. The station is capable of unambiguously determining the speed of a target with an accuracy of -20... + 10 m/s. Selection of moving targets is ensured. Maximum errors in range do not exceed 175 m, root-mean-square errors in measuring angular coordinates - no more than 0.5 d.u. The radar is protected from active, passive and combined interference. The equipment of the self-propelled firing system ensures that the launch of missile defense systems is blocked when accompanied by a friendly aircraft or helicopter.
The 9A38 self-propelled firing system has a launcher with interchangeable guides for either three 3M9MZ missiles or three 9M38 missiles.
The 9M38 anti-aircraft missile is single-stage, has a dual-mode solid propellant engine (total operating time is about 15 s). The rejection of the ramjet engine was explained both by the instability of its operation at high angles of attack and high resistance in the passive part of the trajectory, and by the complexity of its development, which largely determined the delay in the creation of the “Cube” complex. Metal is used in the power structure of the engine chamber.
The general design of the missile - normal, X-shaped, with a low aspect ratio wing - was externally reminiscent of American ship-based anti-aircraft missiles of the Tartar and Standard families, which corresponded to the strict dimensional restrictions when using the 9M38 missile defense system in the M-22 complex, developed for the Soviet fleet.
In the front part of the missile, a semi-active homing head, autopilot equipment, power supplies and a warhead are successively located. To reduce the spread of alignment over flight time, the combustion chamber of the solid propellant rocket engine is located closer to the middle of the rocket, the nozzle block includes an elongated gas duct, around which the steering drive elements are located.
The smaller diameter of the front compartment of the rocket (330 mm) in relation to the engine and tail compartment is determined by the continuity of a number of elements of the 3M9 rocket. A new seeker with a combined control system was developed for the rocket. The complex implements self-guidance of missiles using the proportional navigation method.
The 9M38 missile defense system can hit targets at altitudes from 25 m to 18-20 km at ranges from 3.5 to 25-32 km. The rocket has a flight speed of 1000 m/s and can maneuver with overloads of up to 19g.
The mass of the rocket is 685 kg, including the warhead - 70 kg.
The design of the 9M38 missile ensures its delivery to the troops in a transport container in a fully equipped form, as well as operation without inspections and routine maintenance for 10 years.
Tests of the Buk-1 air defense system took place from August 1975 to October 1976.
As a result of the tests, the detection range of self-propelled firing system radar aircraft in autonomous mode was obtained from 65 to 77 km at altitudes of more than 3000 m, which at low altitudes (30-100 m) decreased to 32-41 km. Helicopters at low altitudes were detected at a distance of 21-35 km. In the centralized mode of operation, due to the limited capabilities of the 1S91M2 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit issuing target designations, the aircraft detection range was reduced to 44 km for targets at altitudes of 3000-7000 m and to 21-28 km at low altitudes.
The operating time of the self-propelled firing system in autonomous mode (from target detection to missile launch) was 24-27 s. The loading and unloading time for three 3M9MZ or 9M38 missiles was about 9 minutes.
When firing 9M38 missiles, the destruction of aircraft flying at altitudes of more than 3 km was ensured at a range of 3.4 to 20.5 km, and at an altitude of 30 m - from 5 to 15.4 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 was 0.70-0.93.
The complex was put into service in 1978. Due to the fact that the 9A38 self-propelled firing system and the 9M38 missile defense system were means that only complemented the Kub-MZ air defense system, the complex was named “Kub-M4” (2K12M4).
The Kub-M4 complexes that appeared in the air defense forces made it possible to significantly increase the effectiveness of air defense of tank divisions of the ground forces of the Soviet Army.
Joint tests of the Buk complex in its full specified composition were carried out from November 1977 to March 1979.
The Buk air defense systems had the following characteristics.
The 9S470 command post located on the GM-579 chassis provided: reception, display and processing of target information received from the 9S18 detection and target designation station and six 9A310 self-propelled firing systems, as well as from higher command posts; selection of dangerous targets and their distribution between self-propelled firing systems in manual and automatic modes, setting their sectors of responsibility, displaying information about the presence of missiles on them and on launch-loading installations; about the letters of the illumination transmitters of self-propelled firing systems, about their work on targets; about the operating modes of the detection and target designation station; organizing the operation of the complex in conditions of interference and the enemy’s use of anti-radar missiles; documentation of work and training in calculation of CP. The command post processed messages about 46 targets at altitudes up to 20 km in a zone with a radius of 100 km per review cycle of the detection and target designation station and issued up to 6 target designations to self-propelled firing systems with an accuracy of 1 ° in azimuth and elevation, 400-700 m in range . The weight of the command post with a combat crew of 6 people did not exceed 28 tons. The command post has bulletproof and anti-radiation protection and is capable of speeds on the road of up to 65 km/h, and on rough terrain - up to 45 km/h. Power reserve - 500 km.
The detection and target designation station 9S18 (“Dome”) is a three-coordinate coherent-pulse station that operates in the centimeter wavelength range, has electronic scanning of the beam in elevation (in a sector of 30 or 40°) and mechanical (circular or in a given sector) rotation of the antenna in azimuth (with using an electric or hydraulic drive). The station is designed to detect and identify air targets at ranges of up to 110-120 km (45 km at a flight altitude of 30 m) and transmit information about the air situation to the 9S470 control post.
The rate of viewing the space, depending on the established sector in elevation and the presence of interference, ranged from 4.5 to 18 s for all-round viewing and from 2.5 to 4.5 s for viewing in a 30° sector. Radar information is transmitted via telecode line to the 9S470 control unit in the amount of 75 marks per review period (4.5 s).
The root mean square errors (RMS) of measuring target coordinates were: no more than 20" in azimuth and elevation, no more than 130 m in range. Resolution in range is no worse than 300 m, in azimuth and elevation - 4°. For protection against targeted interference was used to adjust the carrier frequency from pulse to pulse, from response - the same and blanking of range intervals along the auto-recording channel, from non-synchronous pulses, changing the slope of linear frequency modulation and blanking of range sections. In case of noise barrage of self-covering and external covering of given levels, the detection and target designation station ensures detection of fighter aircraft at a distance of at least 50 km. The station ensures tracking of targets with a probability of at least 0.5 against the background of local objects and in passive interference using a moving target selection circuit with automatic wind speed compensation. The station is protected from anti-radar missiles using software adjustment carrier frequency in 1.3 s, transition to circular polarization of probing signals or to intermittent radiation (flicker) mode.
The station includes an antenna post consisting of a reflector with a truncated parabolic profile, an irradiator in the form of a waveguide line that provides electronic scanning of the beam in the elevation plane, a rotating device, a device for folding the antenna into the stowed position, a transmitting device (with an average power of up to 3.5 kW) , receiving device (with a noise figure of no more than 8) and other systems. All station equipment was located on a modified self-propelled chassis of the SU 1 OOP family. The difference between the tracked base of the detection and target designation station and the chassis of other combat vehicles of the Buk air defense system was determined by the fact that the Kupol radar was initially designed for development outside the air defense system as a means of detecting the divisional air defense unit of the ground.
The time for transferring the station from the traveling position to the combat position is no more than 5 minutes, and from standby mode to working mode - no more than 20 seconds. The mass of the station with a crew of 3 people is no more than 28.5 tons.
The 9A310 self-propelled firing system in its purpose and design differed from the 9A38 self-propelled firing system of the Kub-M4 (Buk-1) air defense system in that, using a telecode line, it was not interfaced with the 1S91MZ self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system and the P25MZ self-propelled launcher, and with a 9S470 gearbox and a 9A39 launcher-loading unit. In addition, on the launcher of the 9A310 self-propelled firing system there were not three, but four 9M38 missiles. The time it takes to transfer it from traveling to combat position does not exceed 5 minutes. The time for transferring the installation from standby mode to operating mode, in particular, after changing the position with the equipment turned on, is no more than 20 s. Loading a 9A310 self-propelled firing system with four missiles from a launcher-loading installation was carried out in 12 minutes, and from a transport vehicle in 16 minutes. The weight of a self-propelled firing system with a combat crew of 4 people did not exceed 32.4 tons.
The length of the self-propelled firing system is 9.3 m, width is 3.25 m (9.03 m in working position), height is 3.8 m (7.72 m).
The 9A39 launcher-loading unit, located on the GM-577 chassis, is designed for transporting and storing eight missiles (4 each on the launcher and on fixed cradle), launching four missiles, self-loading its launcher with four missiles from the cradle, self-loading eight missiles from a transport vehicle ( in 26 minutes), from ground cradles and from transport containers, loading and unloading a self-propelled firing system with four missiles. Thus, the launch-loading installation of the Buk air defense system combined the functions of a transport-loading vehicle and a self-propelled launcher of the Kub complex. In addition to the launching device with a power servo drive, a crane and cradle, the launch-loading installation included a digital computer, navigation, topographical and orientation equipment, telecode communication, energy supply and power supply units. The mass of the installation with a combat crew of 3 people does not exceed 35.5 tons.
The length of the launch-loading installation is 9.96 m, width - 3.316 m, height - 3.8 m.
The command post of the complex receives information about the air situation from the command post of the Buk anti-aircraft missile brigade (ASU Polyana-D4) and from the detection and target designation station, processes it and issues target designation to self-propelled firing units, which, according to the control center, search and capture automatic target tracking. When targets enter the affected area, a missile defense system is launched. Missile guidance is carried out using the proportional navigation method, which ensures high accuracy of targeting. When approaching the target, the seeker issues a command to the radio fuse for close arming. When approaching a target at a distance of 17 m, the warhead is detonated upon command. If the radio fuse fails to operate, the missile defense system will self-destruct. If the target is not hit, a second missile defense system is launched at it.
Compared to the Kub-M3 and Kub-M4 air defense systems, the Buk complex has higher combat and operational characteristics and provides: simultaneous firing by a division of up to six targets, and, if necessary, the performance of up to six independent combat missions with the autonomous use of self-propelled firing installations; greater reliability of target detection due to the organization of a joint survey of space by a detection and target designation station and six self-propelled firing systems; increased noise immunity due to the use of an on-board seeker computer and a special type of illumination signal; greater efficiency in hitting a target due to the increased power of the missile defense warhead.
Based on the results of firing tests and modeling, it was determined that the Buk air defense system provides fire at non-maneuvering targets flying at speeds of up to 800 m/s at altitudes from 25 m to 18 km, at ranges from 3 to 25 km (up to 30 km at target speeds up to 300 m/s) with a heading parameter of up to 18 km with a probability of hitting one missile defense equal to 0.7-0.8. When firing at targets maneuvering with overloads up to 8g, the probability of defeat was reduced to 0.6.
Organizationally, the Buk air defense systems were consolidated into anti-aircraft missile brigades, which included: CP (combat control point of the brigade from the Polyana-D4 automated control system); four anti-aircraft missile battalions with their own 9S470 command post, 9S18 detection and target designation station, communications platoon and three anti-aircraft missile batteries with two 9A310 self-propelled firing systems and one 9A39 launcher-loader in each; as well as technical support and maintenance units. The Buk anti-aircraft missile brigade was to be controlled from the army's air defense command post.
The Buk complex was adopted by the Air Defense Forces of the North in 1980. Serial production of the Buk air defense systems was mastered in cooperation involved in the Kub-M4 complex.
Damage zones of the Buk-M 1 -2 air defense system
In 1979, the Buk air defense system was modernized in order to increase its combat capabilities and protect its electronic equipment from interference and anti-radar missiles. As a result of tests carried out in 1982, it was found that the modernized Buk-M1 complex, compared to the Buk air defense system, provides a larger aircraft engagement zone, is capable of shooting down ALCM cruise missiles with a probability of hitting one missile system of at least 0.4, Hugh-Cobra helicopters with a probability of 0.6-0.7, as well as hovering helicopters with a probability of 0.3-0.4 at a range from 3.5 to 6-10 km. The self-propelled firing system uses 72 letter illumination frequencies (instead of 36), which contributes to increased protection from mutual and intentional interference. Recognition of three classes of targets is provided: aircraft, ballistic missiles, helicopters. The 9S470M1 command post, in comparison with the 9S470 command post, provides simultaneous reception of information from its own detection and target designation station and about six targets from the air defense control post of a motorized rifle (tank) division or from the army air defense command post, as well as comprehensive training of all crews of air defense missile systems. The 9A310M1 self-propelled firing system, compared to the 9A310 installation, provides target detection and acquisition for auto tracking at long ranges (25-30%), as well as recognition of aircraft, ballistic missiles and helicopters with a probability of at least 0.6.
The complex uses a more advanced detection and target designation station 9S18M1 (“Kupol-M1”), which has a flat angular phased array and a self-propelled tracked chassis GM567M, the same type as the chassis of the KP, self-propelled firing installation and launch-loading installation. The length of the detection and target designation station is 9.59 m, width - 3.25 m, height - 3.25 m (8.02 m in working position), weight - 35 tons. The Buk-M1 complex provides effective organizational and technical measures for protection against anti-radar missiles. The combat assets of the Buk-M1 complex are interchangeable with the same type of combat assets of the Buk air defense system without modifications; the standard organization of combat formations and technical units is similar to the Buk complex. The technological equipment of the complex includes: 9V95M1E - an automated control and testing mobile station machine on a ZIL-131 and a trailer; 9V883, 9V884, 9V894 - repair and maintenance vehicles for “Ural-43203-1012”; 9V881E - maintenance vehicle “Ural-43203-1012”; 9T229 - transport vehicle for 8 missiles (or six containers with missiles) on the KrAZ-255B; 9T31M - truck crane; MTO-ATG-M1 - maintenance workshop for ZIL-131.
The Buk-M1 complex was adopted by the Air Defense Forces of the Army in 1983. In the same year, the Navy M-22 Uragan air defense system, unified with the Buk air defense system according to the 9M38 missile system, also entered service. Complexes of the Buk family were offered for delivery abroad under the name Gang.
During the Oborona-92 exercise, the Buk family of air defense systems successfully fired at targets based on the R-17 and Zvezda ballistic missiles and on the Smerch MLRS missile.
In December 1992, the President of the Russian Federation signed a decree on further modernization of the Buk complex - the creation of an air defense system, which was repeatedly presented at various international exhibitions under the name Ural. Cooperation of enterprises led by NIIP named after. V.V. Tikhonravova in 1994-97. work was carried out to create the Buk-M1-2 air defense system.
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 and 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. Increased effectiveness of destruction of aircraft, helicopters and wings
armored missiles. The boundaries of the affected zones have been increased to 45 km in range and up to 25 km in altitude. The new missile provides for the use of an inertial-corrected control system with a semi-active radar seeker with guidance using the proportional navigation method. The launch mass of the rocket was 710-720 kg with a warhead mass of 50-70 kg. The new 9M317 missile differed in appearance from the 9M38 by a significantly shorter wing chord length. In addition to the use of an improved missile, it is planned to introduce into the complex a new radar for illuminating targets and guiding missiles with the antenna placed in the working position at a height of up to 22 m using a telescopic device. 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.
The complex provides for the presence of command posts and firing sections of two types: four sections, each of which includes one advanced self-propelled firing unit, carrying four missiles and capable of simultaneously firing up to four targets, and one launch-loading unit with eight missiles; two sections, each of which includes one illumination and guidance radar, also capable of providing simultaneous fire at up to four targets, and two launch-loading installations with eight missiles on each.
The complex is being developed in two versions: mobile on tracked vehicles of the GM569 family, similar to those used in previous modifications of the Buk complex, and also transportable 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.
In particular, the Start MKB, while carrying out work to modernize the Buk-M complex (Buk-M 1-2 and Buk-M2 air defense systems), developed the 9P619 launcher and the 9A316 launcher-loading installation on a tracked chassis, and also a 9A318 launcher on a wheeled chassis. The process of development of the Kub and Buk families of air defense systems is an excellent example of the evolutionary development of weapons and military equipment, ensuring a continuous increase in the combat capabilities of the air defense of ground forces at relatively low costs. Unfortunately, this development path also creates the preconditions for a gradual technical lag. In particular, even in the promising versions of the Buk complex, neither the safest and most reliable scheme for continuous operation of a missile in a transport and launch container, nor the all-aspect vertical launch of missiles, introduced in all other second-generation ground forces air defense systems, were used. And yet, in difficult socio-economic conditions, the evolutionary path of weapons development must be considered as practically the only possible one, and the choice made by the customer and the developers of the Kub and Buk air defense systems as the correct one. The air defense system is in service with Finland, India, Russia, Syria, and Yugoslavia.
TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
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