The power of the Shilka combat complex. Temperamental "Shilka"

Talking about “Shilka” is both easy and difficult. It’s easy, because the Shilka has the longest track record of all post-war anti-aircraft systems. But it’s difficult, because there is no other air defense system like it, about which so much has been filmed and written in the foreign and domestic press.

One of the main reasons for the development of Shilka and its foreign analogues was the appearance in the 50s. anti-aircraft missile systems, capable of hitting air targets at medium and high altitudes with high probability. This forced aviation to use low (up to 300 m) and extremely low (up to 100 m) altitudes when attacking ground targets. The calculations of the air defense systems used at that time simply did not have time to detect and shoot down a high-speed target located in the fire zone within 15-30 s. was needed new technology- mobile and fast-acting, capable of firing from a standstill and on the move.
In accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated April 17, 1957 No. 426-211, the parallel creation of the rapid-fire Shilka and Yenisei self-propelled guns with radar guidance systems began. It should be noted that this competition became the basis for an excellent result of research and development work, which is not outdated in our time.
Formally, the Shilka and Yenisei installations were not considered competitors. The first was developed for air defense of motorized rifle regiments, and the second - for tank regiments and divisions. Their design was carried out by two independent groups of design bureaus and enterprises:
- ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - OKB-40 (Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant), Leningrad Optical-Mechanical Association (LOMO), Design Bureau of the Tula Radioelements Plant (current Research Institute "Strela"), Central Design and Research Bureau of Sports small arms(Tula), VNII "Signal" (Kovrov), Automotive Research Institute and Kaluga Experimental Motor Plant, chief designer of the installation - N.A. Astrov.;
— ZSU-37-2 “Yenisei” - NII-20, State Design Bureau and OKB-3 of the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, chief designer G.S. Efimov. To quickly complete the task, previously created analogues were used.
The qualities of the prototypes were assessed during comparative tests. Based on their results, the state commission made the following conclusions.
The radio instrument systems (RPC) of both ZSUs ensure firing day and night in any weather.

— The Yenisei ZSU with a mass of 28 tons cannot be used to arm motorized rifle units and airborne forces;

- when firing at MiG-17 and Il-28 aircraft at altitudes of 200 and 500 m, the Shilka is 2 and 1.5 times more effective than the Yenisei, respectively;

— mobility and the ability to fire at altitudes and ranges up to 3000 m and 4000 m, respectively, allow the use of the Yenisei self-propelled gun to cover tank regiments and tank divisions from air strikes when they act in isolation from the main forces;

— ZSU "Shilka" and "Yenisei" are unified with other types of weapons. The first - with a 23-mm machine gun and rounds for it, on a tracked base with an SU-85, the second - on RPK modules with the Krug system and on a tracked base with an SU-10OP, which was being prepared for production.

Comparative tests also showed that the ZSU-23-4 in combat value corresponds to a battery of four 57-mm cannons of the S-60 complex. In the conclusion of the state commission, it was recommended to adopt both anti-aircraft guns. However, according to the resolution of the Council of Ministers of September 5, 1962 No. 925-401, the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” was adopted for service. After certain modifications, the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant launched mass production and already in the late 60s. the average annual production was about 300 combat vehicles. The installation became a standard air defense system for motorized rifle and tank regiments.

For the successful solution of the task, the team of main developers (N.A. Astrov, V.E. Pikkel, Ya.I. Nazarov and others) was awarded the USSR State Prize. The developers of the Yenisei self-propelled gun system were also awarded state awards.

And in the future, “Shilka” repeatedly received high marks. One of the main advantages of the ZSU-23 is its ability to be used not only against low-flying air targets, but also against ground targets in all types of combat operations. Afghanistan, Chechnya, and wars in other regions have confirmed the effectiveness of the ZSU-23-4 in the fight against ground enemies.

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" is considered an autonomous combat vehicle. Its main elements are; quad automatic 23-mm anti-aircraft gun AZP-23-4; radio instrument complex (RPK); electrohydraulic power servo drives; communication systems, power supply, navigation and other equipment. Tracked self-propelled base type GM-575 high cross-country ability provides high mobility anti-aircraft installation, it is divided into three compartments (control, combat and power), located in the bow, middle and stern parts, respectively. The compartments are separated from each other by partitions, which also serve as the front and rear supports of the tower.

Combat characteristics of the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" and ZSU-37-2 "Yenisei" (based on the results of state tests)

The propulsion engine is an 8D6 diesel model V-6R (since 1969, after minor design changes, the V-6R-1). A six-cylinder, four-stroke, compressorless diesel engine with a liquid cooling system is located in the rear of the ZSU. A cylinder displacement of 19.1 or a compression ratio of 15 creates a maximum power of 280 hp. at a frequency of 2000 rpm. The diesel is powered by two welded fuel tanks (made of aluminum alloy) with a capacity of 405 liters and 110 liters. The first is installed in the bow of the hull. The total fuel supply guarantees 330 km of range and 2 hours of operation of the gas turbine engine. During sea trials on a dirt road, the diesel engine ensured movement at a speed of 50.2 km/h.
A mechanical power transmission with stepwise change in gear ratios is installed in the rear part of the combat vehicle. To transfer forces to the propulsion unit, a multi-disc main dry friction clutch with a mechanical control drive from the driver's pedal is used. The gearbox is mechanical, three-way, five-speed, with synchronizers in II, III, IV and V gears. The rotation mechanisms are planetary, two-stage, with locking clutches. Final drives are single-stage, with spur gears. The machine's tracked propulsion system consists of two drive wheels and two guide wheels with a track tensioning mechanism, as well as two track chains and 12 road wheels.
The car's suspension is independent, torsion bar and asymmetrical. Smooth running is ensured by hydraulic shock absorbers (on the first front, fifth left and sixth right support rollers) and spring stops (on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth left and first, third, fourth and sixth right support rollers). The correctness of this decision was confirmed by operation in the army and during combat operations.
The main element of the ZSU-23-4 is a welded turret. It combines reconnaissance, control and destruction of air targets into a single complex. A cannon is installed outside in the front of the turret, a radar antenna is installed in the rear, and the RPK and combat crew are located inside.
The RPK is designed for round-the-clock combat operation of the Shilka in any weather and climatic conditions. It consists of a gun-targeting radar, a computing device (CSD) and a sighting device.
The radar provides detection, acquisition for auto-tracking and determination of the current coordinates of air targets with a circular or sector view of the airspace within the range of 30-80 in azimuth and 30 in elevation. It is a coherent pulse station in the centimeter wave range, which was chosen for a number of reasons. This range was distinguished by less load on other radio equipment, the ability to recognize and classify air targets, as well as the use of an antenna with small weight and size characteristics. In addition, susceptibility to intentional interference is significantly reduced.
With a pulse power of 100 kW and a beam width of about 1.5, the radar can track a target automatically from a distance of at least 10 km when flying at an altitude of 100 m. The station is protected from passive and active interference. Depending on the situation, the target coordinates (azimuth, elevation and range) are determined automatically, or the angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range from the radar.
Based on the current coordinates of the target, the SRP generates control commands for hydraulic drives that point the guns at the lead point. Then the device solves the problem of projectiles meeting the target and, when it enters the affected area, issues a signal to open fire. During state tests, with timely target designation, the Tobol radio instrument complex detected a MiG-17 aircraft flying at a speed of 450 m/s at a distance of about 13 km and accompanied it automatically from 9 km on a collision course.
The quadruple Amur gun (four 2A7 anti-aircraft guns) was created on the basis of the 2A14 gun of the ZU-23 towed mount. Equipping with a liquid cooling system, a pneumatic reloading mechanism, guidance drives and an electric trigger ensured high-rate firing in short and long (up to 50 shots) bursts with a break of 10-15 seconds after every 120-150 shots (for each barrel). The gun is distinguished by its high operational reliability; in state tests after 14,000 rounds, failures and breakdowns did not exceed 0.05% versus 0.2-0.3% defined in the tactical and technical specifications for its development.
The gun's automatic operation is based on the principle of using powder gases and partly recoil energy. The supply of shells is lateral, belt, carried out from two special boxes with a capacity of 1000 rounds each. They are installed to the left and right of the gun, with 480 rounds intended for the upper and 520 for the lower machine gun.
Cocking of the moving parts of the machine guns in preparation for firing and reloading is carried out by a pneumatic reloading system.
The machines are installed on two swinging cradles (upper and lower, two on each), mounted vertically on the frame, one above the other. With a horizontal arrangement (zero elevation angle), the distance between the upper and lower machines is 320 mm. Guidance and stabilization of the gun in azimuth and elevation is carried out by power drives with a common electric motor with a power of 6 kW.
The gun's ammunition includes 23-mm armor-piercing incendiary tracer (BZT) and high-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (HFZT) shells weighing 190 g and 188.5 g, respectively, with an MG-25 head fuse. Their initial speed reaches 980 m/s, the table ceiling is 1500 m, the table range is 2000 m. The OFZT projectiles are equipped with a self-liquidator that operates within 5-11 s. In the belt, a BZT cartridge is installed every four OFZT cartridges.
The power supply system (PSS) provides all ZSU-23-4 systems with direct current voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V and alternating current voltage of 220 V, frequency 400 Hz. It consists of: gas turbine engine DG4M-1 with a power of 70 hp; DC generator to generate stabilized voltages of 55 V and 27.5 V; DC to AC three-phase converter unit; four 12-ST-70M batteries to compensate for peak overloads, powering devices and electrical consumers when the generator is not working.
For external communication, the installation is equipped with a short-wave transceiver radio station R-123 with frequency modulation. In moderately rough terrain, with the noise suppressor turned off and no interference, it provides communication at a range of up to 23 km, and with it turned on - up to 13 km. Internal communication is carried out via a tank intercom R-124, designed for four subscribers.
To determine the location on the ground and make the necessary amendments to the RPK, the ZSU-23-4 has TNA-2 navigation equipment. The arithmetic mean error of the coordinates generated by this equipment does not exceed 1% of the distance traveled.
no way. While in motion, navigation equipment can operate without updating the initial data for 3 - 3.5 hours.
For action in conditions of contaminated terrain with weapons mass destruction The installation provides protection for the crew from radioactive dust and harmful effects environment. It is carried out using forced air purification and the creation of excess pressure inside the tower using a central blower with inertial air separation.
Conducting combat work "Shilka", depending on the serviceability of the equipment, the situation and external conditions, can be carried out in one of four modes.
The first mode (auto-tracking) is the main one: the current angular coordinates and range to the target are sent to the SRP (analog computer) from the radar automatically tracking it. The SRP generates pre-emptive target coordinates, which, taking into account the necessary corrections, pitching and yaw of the ZSU along the course in the form of pointing angles, are sent to the automatic gun pointing drives to the pre-empted point. The commander or search operator - gunner opens fire upon the signal “There is data” on the SRP.

The second mode is used when the enemy sets up electronic interference that disrupts the normal operation of the guidance system, as well as in the event of a malfunction of the automatic target tracking channel in azimuth and elevation. The angular coordinates come from the sighting device, with the help of which the gunner operator tracks the target, and the range comes from the radar operating in radio rangefinder mode.
The third mode is used when there is a threat of losing a target in auto-tracking mode due to interference or equipment malfunction. In this case, the predicted coordinates are generated based on the last recorded values ​​of the current coordinates of the target and the rate of their change.
The fourth mode is used when the radar, SRP or stabilization systems fail. In this case, shooting at the target is carried out using a backup sight, and the gun is aimed in semi-automatic mode. The lead is introduced by the search operator using the aspect rings for the whole-understudy.

Abroad have always shown increased interest in Shilka. About three thousand copies of the Shilka were purchased by foreign countries; they are currently in service with the armies of almost 30 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The ZSU-23-4 was widely used in combat and showed its high efficiency in destroying air and ground targets.
ZSU-23-4 were most actively used in the Arab-Israeli wars of the 60s, October 1973 and April-May 1974. As a rule, in the armies of Syria and Egypt, Shilkas were used to directly cover tank units, as well as anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) "Kub" ("Square"), S-75 and S-125. ZSU were part of anti-aircraft divisions (zdn) of tank divisions, brigades and individual mixed zdn. To timely open fire in defense, Shilok units were deployed at a distance of 600-1000 m from the covered objects. During the offensive, they were located behind the forward units at a distance of 400-600 m. On the march, the ZSUs were distributed along the column of troops.
Basically, ZSU-23-4 operated autonomously. Fire on Israeli planes and helicopters was opened from a range of 1500 - 2000 m (with visual detection of the target). The ZSU radar was practically not used in combat for a number of reasons, the main one of which was poor training of combat crews. The lack of centralized target designation and rugged terrain significantly limited the capabilities of the ZSU radar for timely target detection.
However, the Shilka proved to be a reliable air defense weapon, capable of protecting troops from attacks from suddenly appearing low-flying air targets. During October 1973 alone, out of 98 aircraft shot down by military means Syrian air defense, ZSU-23-4 accounted for 11 targets hit. In April and May 1974, out of 19 aircraft shot down, five were destroyed by Shilkas.
As noted by foreign military experts who analyzed the results of the 1973 Middle East war, in the first three days of fighting, Syrian missilemen destroyed about 100 enemy aircraft. In their opinion, this figure is due to the successful use of the ZSU-23-4, the dense fire of which forced the Israeli pilots to withdraw from low altitudes to where the air defense systems operated with great efficiency.

Comparative characteristics of the Shilka and Gepard self-propelled guns
(Germany) and "Vulcan" (USA)

	Shilka	Cheetah	Volcano
Year of adoption
Dimensions of the affected area, km
- by range
— in height
Speed ​​of targets hit, m/s
- when shooting towards
- when shooting after
Working time, s
Number x caliber of guns, mm
Projectile weight, kg
Initial projectile speed, m/s
Possibility of shooting on the move
All-weather operation
Weight, t
Calculation, persons

“Shilka” also demonstrated quite high efficiency in Lebanon. From May 1981 to June 1982 Syrian group Air defense systems "Feda" carried out 64 shootings and shot down 34 air targets - 27 combat aircraft, 3 helicopters and 4 remotely piloted aircraft(UAV). Six of them were destroyed by ZSU-23-4.
The overall effectiveness coefficient of the ZSU-23-4 in these military conflicts was 0.15-0.18 for one installation with a consumption of 3300 to 5700 shells per shot down target. In addition, the Shilka has demonstrated high operational reliability and good cross-country ability in mountainous desert terrain and the hot climate of North Africa.

In connection with the adoption of the 2K22 Tunguska anti-aircraft gun-missile system in 1982, the serial construction of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns was stopped. By this time, the troops had similar equipment of several modifications, the newest of which was the ZSU-23-4M3. According to available data, over time most of The remaining Shiloks were upgraded to the M3 state and continued to serve in this form until they were decommissioned.

The ZSU-23-4M3 modernization project was created back in the late seventies, which had a corresponding impact on the achieved characteristics. The emergence of the new Tunguska complex, in turn, led to a complete stop in the development of the Shilka project. However, after some time, new options for modernizing old anti-aircraft self-propelled guns appeared. Since the late nineties, work began on modernizing this technology through the use of new equipment. Two new projects make it possible to significantly increase the combat potential of outdated equipment and extend their service life.

ZSU-23-4M4

In the second half of the nineties, the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant proposed an original concept for the development of obsolete systems of the Shilka family. Due to some design modifications and the installation of new equipment, it was planned to significantly improve the characteristics of combat vehicles, ensuring the possibility of their use in modern armed conflicts. In addition, updating the on-board equipment of self-propelled guns made it possible to increase their maintainability through the use of modern elemental base.

The new project for the modernization of anti-aircraft self-propelled guns received a designation corresponding to the previously used nomenclature - ZSU-23-4M4 or "Shilka-M4". The main part of the work on the creation of this project was undertaken by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. He had to develop an updated complex of radio-electronic equipment, as well as master its production. In addition, the Belarusian enterprise Minotor-Service was involved in the project, which was supposed to modernize the base chassis and its units.

As part of the modernization under the ZSU-23-4M4 project, the existing equipment is deprived of most of the existing equipment, instead of which it is proposed to install new ones. In particular, instead of an analog computing device, it is proposed to use a digital computing system. In addition, it applies new system fire control. There were also some other improvements to the project. The use of new equipment made it possible to significantly improve the characteristics of the combat vehicle, as well as reduce the volumes required for its deployment. Thus, the radar and instrument complex of the old "Shilok" was located in seven cabinets. In the M4 project, only five cabinets are allocated for this equipment.

During modernization, the Shilka-M4 self-propelled gun retains the basic principles of combat operation. Like previous vehicles in the family, the new ZSU-23-4M4 must monitor the situation and attack targets using a radar fire control system. The target detection radar antenna is still located in the rear of the tower.

It is proposed to include equipment for receiving external target designation and issuing data via a telecode channel into the on-board electronics. This equipment works together with a battery command post“Assembly”, which expands the combat capabilities of both an individual combat vehicle and the entire formation. For example, it is possible to simultaneously fire at one target with five self-propelled guns.

Another important innovation of the ZSU-23-4M4 project is a training device for radar station operators, with the help of which personnel can be trained without the use of third-party tools.

All modifications used are designed to increase the combat effectiveness of individual vehicles and batteries. The ability to communicate with a battery command post and receive third-party target designation makes it possible to integrate anti-aircraft self-propelled guns into the overall structure of military air defense and, as a result, expand the information field of the air situation. The updated digital equipment of the combat vehicle has higher performance compared to the electronics of previous models, which reduces operating time and also allows for faster data processing and attack execution.

Unlike its predecessors, the Shilka-M4 can operate in difficult jamming environments and can also effectively detect targets flying at low altitudes. Also, the automation of the complex independently takes into account meteorological conditions, wear of gun barrels and other factors affecting the flight path of projectiles.

The modernized combat vehicle has several new operating modes. First of all, it is necessary to note the possibility of automated operation of an anti-aircraft installation under the control of a higher command post. In the training mode for radar operators, the automation is capable of simulating work in difficult conditions. In this case, information about several (no more than five) targets is displayed on the screens. It is also possible to simulate passive and active interference.

In order to significantly improve combat characteristics, the updated ZSU-23-4M4 self-propelled gun receives guided missile weapons. In the rear part of the tower it is proposed to mount two Strelets launchers with mounts for four transport and launch containers of Igla missiles. The launchers have their own vertical guidance drives. Azimuth guidance is carried out by rotating the entire tower. The original elements of the ground equipment of the Igla complex are not used. Their functions related to target search and fire control are performed by the existing radio-electronic equipment of the anti-aircraft self-propelled gun.

The ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4" project involves only the modernization of existing equipment, since combat vehicles of the Shilka family have long been discontinued. At the same time, however, the project provides for some measures aimed at extending the service life of the equipment. Thus, during the production of a promising anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, it is planned to carry out a major overhaul of all components and assemblies that cannot be replaced with new ones. In addition, outdated equipment units, etc. dismantled and new ones installed in their place. All this allows you to significantly extend the life of the machine, ensuring its further operation.

During the upgrade to the “M4” state, no major alterations to the basic design are made, due to which the updated self-propelled gun maintains the dimensions and weight at the level of the base model. In addition, the same mobility characteristics are maintained.

New electronic equipment allows the Shilka-M4 to detect a target and track it at ranges of up to 10 km. When integrating a combat vehicle into a military air defense system, this parameter increases significantly. When working together with a battery command post and third-party detection means, the range at which the target is detected increases to 34 km.

During the modernization, the ZSU-23-4M4 retains the old artillery armament in the form of a quad 2A7M assault rifle of 23 mm caliber. These guns can be aimed in any direction in azimuth with an elevation angle from -4° to +85°. At initial speed projectile at the level of 950-970 m/s, effective shooting is possible at a distance of up to 2-2.5 km. Height reach – 1.5 km. Ammunition - 2000 shells for all four guns. With the existing characteristics, the machine guns can be used to attack air targets moving at speeds of up to 500 m/s.

Using guided missiles 9M39 "Igla" the maximum range of hitting targets increases to 5-5.2 km, height - to 3-3.5 km. Maximum speed the target hit, depending on the angle, reaches 360-400 m/s. The target is hit using a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The tower's two launchers house four containers with 9M39 missiles. According to some reports, four more missiles can be transported inside the vehicle and attached to launchers after the ammunition ready for use has been used up.

ZSU-23-4M5

Simultaneously with the Shilka-M4 project, a modernization option was proposed under the designation ZSU-23-4M5. Like the previous project, it was created within the framework of cooperation between enterprises of the two states. At the same time, due to the different composition of the special equipment, the Minsk NPO Peleng was involved in the development of the M5 self-propelled gun. It was to develop and supply some new equipment for use as part of the fire control system.

The ZSU-23-4M5 modernization project is based on the same ideas as the ZSU-23-4M4, but receives a number of new equipment. Both combat vehicles have the same fire control systems, weapons, etc. The only difference between the Shilka-M5 is the presence of an optical-location channel as part of the fire control system. Due to this, a certain expansion of the combat capabilities of the self-propelled gun is ensured, since the optical-location system is capable of ensuring combat operation even in conditions of strong interference interfering with the radar station.

The Shilka-M5 project proposes to equip the self-propelled gun with an additional television sight and a laser rangefinder. This equipment is integrated with other on-board systems, thanks to which the crew has at its disposal a complex of optical and radar equipment that complement each other.

The proposed optical location systems allow you to monitor the situation, find targets and take them for escort at any time of the day without serious restrictions due to weather conditions and other factors. In addition, the performance and overall effectiveness of the TV visor is enhanced by the parallel use of radar. As a result, a television sight with a range finder and a radar station, duplicating each other, increase the likelihood of tracking a target with further shelling using cannon or missile weapons.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns ZSU-23-4M4 and ZSU-23-4M5 have the same dimensions and mobility characteristics. There are also no differences in the characteristics of the range and height of the targets hit, their speed, etc. Thus, the only serious difference between the two combat vehicles is the composition of the fire control systems. In the case of the M5 project, a universal complex with a radar and optical channel is proposed, which in a number of situations can provide greater combat effectiveness in comparison with the equipment of the M4 vehicle.

The general public first learned about new modernization projects for the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” in 1999. At the MAKS exhibition in Zhukovsky, the Shilka-M4 prototype, which was being tested at that time, was shown. Subsequently, this car was repeatedly demonstrated at other exhibitions. In addition, over time, the prototype of the M4 project vehicle was joined by prototype"Shilki-M5".

Two new projects are of great interest to potential customers because they allow minimal costs update the equipment available to the troops, significantly increasing its characteristics. At the same time, the very interesting appearance of a combat vehicle consists of several main components. First of all, this is the maximum possible use of original components with minimal modification. During modernization according to new projects, the Shilka in its basic configuration must undergo repairs and also retain the main structural elements, including weapons.

Increased performance is achieved through a complete redesign of on-board radio-electronic systems with the replacement of outdated analog equipment with modern digital equipment. As a result, new operating modes emerge, including the possibility of effective use in complex interference environments. Finally, the projects involve the introduction of some completely new equipment into the equipment of the combat vehicle. These are launchers for guided missiles in both new projects, as well as an optical-location system in the ZSU-23-4M5 project.

The proposed projects for the modernization of Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled guns are of particular interest to many countries that still have similar equipment in their arsenal. Not all of these states have the opportunity to write off their existing ZSU-23-4 and replace them with newer equipment. The proposals of the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, the Minotor-Service company and the NPO Peleng, in turn, make it possible to seriously update the fleet of equipment without the large costs associated with purchasing completely new machines.

However, as far as we know, the ZSU-23-4M4 and ZSU-23-4M5 projects have not yet gone beyond the demonstration of prototypes at exhibitions. Despite all the efforts of the developers, no one has yet expressed a desire to upgrade their equipment to the Shilka-M4 or Shilka-M5 modifications. This technique currently exists only in the form of a few prototypes. When contracts for such modernization of anti-aircraft self-propelled guns will appear is not yet completely clear. Perhaps the active development of combat aviation and airborne weapons, observed in last years, will be an incentive for some states. However, it cannot be ruled out that two interesting projects will never become the subject of contracts for equipment modernization.

Based on materials from sites:
http://bastion-karpenko.narod.ru/
http://vooruzenie.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://armor.kiev.ua/

Today we will look at a unique anti-aircraft weapon air defense from a slightly different angle. NATO specialists began to be interested in the SOVIET anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” from the moment when the first data about its capabilities appeared in the West. And in 1973, NATO members were already “feeling” the Shilka sample. The Israelis got it during the war in the Middle East.

In the early eighties, the Americans began an intelligence operation with the aim of acquiring another Shilka model, contacting the brothers of Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu. Why was NATO so interested in the Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun?

I really wanted to know: are there any major changes in the modernized Soviet ZSU? The interest was understandable. The Shilka self-propelled gun was a unique weapon and did not yield to the championship in its class for two decades.. Its contours became clearly visible in 1961, when Soviet science celebrated the victory of Gagarin's flight.

So, What is unique about the ZSU-23-4? Retired colonel Anatoly Dyakov, whose fate is closely connected with this weapon - he served for decades in the air defense forces of the Ground Forces, says: “If we talk about the main thing, with the Shilka we began to systematically hit air targets for the first time. Prior to this, anti-aircraft systems of 23-mm and 37-mm ZU-23 and ZP-37 guns, and 57-mm S-60 guns hit high-speed targets only by accident. The shells for them are impact-type, without a fuse. To hit a target, it had to be hit directly by a projectile. The likelihood of this is minuscule. In a word, the previously created anti-aircraft weapons could only put a barrier in front of the plane, forcing the pilot to drop bombs away from the planned location...

Kandahar. Nagahan turn. 1986 ZSU-23-4… “SILKA”… “SHAYTAN-ARBA”.

Unit commanders expressed delight when they saw how the Shilka not only hit targets right before their eyes, but also moved after the units in the battle formations of the covered troops. A real revolution. Imagine, no need to roll the guns... Setting up an ambush for the batteries anti-aircraft guns S-60, you'll suffer - it's difficult to hide guns on the ground. And what does it take to build a battle formation, “become attached” to the area, connect all the points (power units, guns, gun guidance station, fire control devices) with a large cable system. What crowded calculations there were!..

And here is a compact mobile unit. She came, shot from an ambush and left, then look for the wind in the field... Today's officers, those who think in the categories of the nineties, perceive the phrase “autonomous complex” differently: they say, what’s unusual here? And in the sixties it was a feat of design thought, the pinnacle of engineering solutions.”

The self-propelled Shilka really has many advantages. The general designer, Doctor of Technical Sciences Nikolai Astrov, as they say, is not a complete anti-aircraft gunner, managed to create a machine that has proven itself in many local wars and military conflicts. To clarify what we are talking about, let’s talk about the purpose and composition of the 23-mm quad anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”.

"Shilka" is intended to protect combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway trains from enemy air attacks at altitudes from 100 to 1500 meters, at ranges from 200 to 2500 meters, at target speeds of up to 450 m/s.

The Shilka self-propelled gun can also be used to destroy moving ground targets at a range of up to 2000 meters. It fires from a standstill and on the move, and is equipped with equipment that provides autonomous circular and sector search for targets, their tracking, development of gun pointing angles and its control.

"Shilka" in the Middle East.

The ZSU-23-4 consists of a 23-mm quad automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23, power drives designed for guidance. Next essential element- radar-instrument complex RPU-2. It serves, of course, to control fire. Moreover, “Shilka” could work both with a radar and with a conventional optical sighting device. A locator is, of course, good; it provides search, detection, automatic tracking of a target, and determines its coordinates.

But at that time, the Americans began to install missiles on airplanes that could find a radar beam using a radar beam and hit it. And a viewer is a viewer. He disguised himself, saw the plane, and immediately opened fire. And no problem.

The GM-575 tracked vehicle provides the ZSU with high speed of movement, maneuverability and increased maneuverability. Day and night surveillance devices allow the driver and commander of the self-propelled gun system to monitor the road and surrounding conditions at any time of the day, and communication equipment provides external communication and communication between crew numbers. The crew of the self-propelled gun consists of four people: the SPAAG commander, the search operator - gunner, the range operator and the driver.

Iraqi ZSU-23-4M damaged during Operation Desert Storm

“Shilka” was born, as they say, in a shirt. Its development began in 1957. In 1960, the first prototype was ready, in 1961 state tests were held, in 1962, on October sixteenth, the USSR Minister of Defense issued an order for adoption, and three years later its mass production began. A little later - trial by combat.

Let's give the floor again to Anatoly Dyakov: “In 1982, when the Lebanese war was going on, I was on a business trip to Syria. At that time, Israel was making serious attempts to attack the troops located in the Bekaa Valley. I remember that immediately after the raid, Soviet specialists were brought the wreckage of an F-16 aircraft, the most modern at that time, shot down by the Shilka.
You could also say that the warm debris made me happy, but I wasn’t surprised by the fact itself. I knew that the Shilka could suddenly open fire in any area and give excellent results. Because I had to conduct electronic duels with Soviet aircraft at a training center near Ashgabat, where we trained specialists for one of the Arab countries. And not once were pilots in desert areas able to detect us. They themselves were targets, and that’s all, just take them and open fire on them...”

Here are the memories Colonel Valentin Nesterenko, who was an adviser to the head of the Air Force and Air Defense College in North Yemen in the eighties. “At the college that was being created,” he said, “American and Soviet specialists taught. The material part was represented by American anti-aircraft installations "Typhoon" and "Vulcan", as well as our "Shilki". At first, Yemeni officers and cadets were pro-American, believing that everything American was the best.

But their confidence was thoroughly shaken during the first live firing exercises that the cadets performed. American Vulcans and our Shilkas were installed at the training ground. Moreover, American installations were serviced and prepared for firing only by American specialists. On the Shilki, all operations were performed by Arabs.

Both the warning about security measures and the requests to place targets for the Shiloks much further than for the Vulcans were perceived by many as propaganda attacks by the Russians. But when our first installation fired a salvo, spewing out a sea of ​​fire and a hail of spent cartridges, American specialists with enviable haste ducked into the hatches and took their installation away. And on the mountain the targets, blown to pieces, burned brightly. During the entire shooting period, the Shilkas worked flawlessly. "Vulcans" had a number of serious breakdowns. One of them was dealt with only with the help of Soviet specialists..."

ZSU-23-4M of the GDR army

It is appropriate to say here: Israeli intelligence discovered that the Arabs first used the Shilka back in 1973. At the same time, the Israelis quickly planned an operation to capture Soviet-made ZSU and successfully carried it out. But Shilka was studied primarily by NATO specialists. They were interested in how it was more effective than the American 20-mm Vulcan XM-163 self-propelled gun, and whether it was possible to take into account its best design features when fine-tuning the West German 35-mm twin self-propelled gun "Gepard", which had just begun to enter the army.

The reader will probably ask: why later, already in the early eighties, did the Americans need another model? “Shilka” was rated very highly by experts, and therefore, when it became known that modernized versions had begun to be produced, they decided to get another car overseas.

Our self-propelled gun Indeed, it was constantly modernized, in particular, one of the variants even acquired a new name - ZSU-23-4M Biryusa. But it didn’t change elementally. Except that over time a commander's device appeared - for ease of guidance and transfer of the turret to the target. The blocks became more perfect and reliable every year. Locator, for example.

And of course Shilka's authority has grown in Afghanistan. There were no commanders there who were indifferent to her. A convoy is walking along the roads, and suddenly there is fire from an ambush, try to organize a defense, all the vehicles have already been targeted. There is only one salvation - “Shilka”. A long line into the enemy camp, and a sea of ​​fire in the position. They called the self-propelled gun “shaitan-arba”. The start of her work was determined immediately and the withdrawal immediately began. “Shilka” saved the lives of thousands of Soviet soldiers.

In Afghanistan, the Shilka fully realized the ability to fire at ground targets in the mountains. Moreover, a special “Afghan version” was created. A radio device complex was seized from the ZSU. Thanks to it, the ammunition load was increased from 2000 to 4000 rounds. A night sight was also installed.

Interesting touch. Columns accompanied by "Shilka" were rarely attacked not only in the mountains, but also near settlements. The ZSU was dangerous for manpower hidden behind the adobe ducts - the fuse of the “Sh” projectile was triggered when it hit the wall. The Shilka was also effective against lightly armored targets - armored personnel carriers, vehicles...

EACH weapon has its own destiny, its own life. In the post-war period, many types of weapons quickly became obsolete. 5...7 years - and a more modern generation appeared. And only “Shilka” has been in combat service for more than thirty years. It also justified itself during the Gulf War in 1991, where the Americans used various means of air attack, including the B-52 bombers known from Vietnam. There were very confident statements: they, they say, will smash the goals to smithereens.

And now the B-52 makes another approach at low altitudes, the Shilka self-propelled gun, together with the Strela-3 complex, opens fire. One plane's engine immediately caught fire. No matter how hard the B-52 tried to reach the base, it was not possible.

Egyptian "Shilkas" at the 1973 parade.

And one more indicator. "Shilka" is in service in 39 countries. Moreover, it was bought not only by the USSR’s allies under the Warsaw Pact, but also by India, Peru, Syria, Yugoslavia... And the reasons are as follows. High fire efficiency, maneuverability. "Shilka" is not inferior foreign analogues. Including the famous American installation"Volcano".

The Vulcan, which entered service in 1966, has a number of advantages, but in many respects it is inferior to the Soviet Shilka. The American ZSU can shoot at targets that move at a speed of no more than 310 m/s, while the Shilka works at higher speeds - up to 450 m/s. My interlocutor Anatoly Dyakov said that he acted in a training battle on the Vulcan in Jordan and cannot say that American car better, although it was adopted later. Jordanian experts have approximately the same opinion.

ZSU-23-4 cover T-55 tanks during exercises.

A fundamental difference from the Shilka is the Gepard self-propelled gun (Germany). The large caliber of the gun (35 mm) makes it possible to have shells with a fuse and, accordingly, greater effectiveness of destruction - the target is hit by shrapnel. The West German ZSU can hit targets at altitudes of up to 3 kilometers, flying at speeds of up to 350-400 m/s; its firing range is up to 4 kilometers.

However, the "Gepard" has a lower rate of fire compared to the "Shilka" - 1100 rounds per minute versus - 3400 ("Vulcan" - up to 3000), it is more than twice as heavy - 45.6 tons. And we note that the “Gepard” was put into service 11 years later than the “Shilka”, in 1973, this is a machine of a later generation.

The French anti-aircraft gun is known in many countries. artillery complex"Turren" AMX-13 and the Swedish "Bofors" EAAC-40. But they are not superior to the ZSU created by Soviet scientists and workers. "Shilka" is still in service today ground forces many armies of the world, including the Russian one.

We are smoothly moving from the ZSU-57-2 to the great (and I’m not afraid of this word at all) successor. “Shaitan-arbe” - “Shilke”.

We can talk endlessly about this complex, but one short phrase is enough: “In service since 1965.” And enough, in general.

... The history of its creation has been replicated in such a way that it is unrealistic to add anything new or piquant, but speaking about the “Shilka”, one cannot help but note several facts that simply fit the “Shilka” into our military history.

So, the 60s of the last century. Jet aircraft have ceased to be a miracle, representing a completely serious strike force. With completely different speeds and maneuvering capabilities. Helicopters also mounted a propeller and were considered not only as a vehicle, but also as a quite decent weapons platform.

And most importantly, helicopters began to try to catch up with the planes of World War II, and the planes completely overtook their predecessors.

And something had to be done about all this. Especially at the army level, “in the fields.”

Yes, they showed up anti-aircraft missile systems. Still stationary. The thing is promising, but in the future. But the main load was still borne by anti-aircraft guns of all sizes and calibers.

We have already talked about the ZSU-57-2 and the difficulties that installation calculations encountered when working on low-flying fast targets. Anti-aircraft systems ZU-23, ZP-37, ZSU-57 could hit high-speed targets by accident. The projectiles of the installations, impact action, without a fuse, had to hit the target itself to be guaranteed destruction. How high was the probability direct hit, I don’t presume to judge.

Things were somewhat better with batteries of S-60 anti-aircraft guns, the guidance of which could be carried out automatically according to the data of the RPK-1 radio instrument complex.

But in general, there was no longer talk of any accurate anti-aircraft fire. Anti-aircraft guns could put a barrier in front of the plane, force the pilot to drop bombs or launch missiles with less accuracy.

"Shilka" was a breakthrough in the field of hitting flying targets at low altitudes. Plus mobility, which has already been appreciated by the ZSU-57-2. But the main thing is accuracy.

General designer Nikolai Aleksandrovich Astrov managed to create an incomparable machine that performed well in combat conditions. And more than once.

Small amphibious tanks T-38 and T-40, tracked armored tractor T-20 "Komsomolets", light tanks T-30, T-60, T-70, self-propelled gun SU-76M. And other, less known or not included in the series models.

What is the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”?

Perhaps we should start with the purpose.

"Shilka" is intended to protect combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway trains from enemy air attacks at altitudes from 100 to 1500 meters, at ranges from 200 to 2500 meters at target speeds of up to 450 m/s. The Shilka can fire from a standstill and on the move, and is equipped with equipment that provides autonomous circular and sector search for targets, their tracking, and the development of gun pointing angles.

The armament of the complex consists of a 23-mm quad automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23 "Amur" and a power drive system designed for guidance.

The second component of the complex is the RPK-2M radar and instrument complex. Its purpose is also clear. Fire guidance and control.

This particular vehicle was modernized in the late 80s, judging by the commander’s triplex and night sight.

An important aspect: “Shilka” can work with both a radar and a conventional optical sighting device.

The locator provides search, detection, automatic tracking of a target, and determines its coordinates. But in the mid-70s, the Americans invented and began arming aircraft with missiles that could find a radar beam using a radar beam and hit it. This is where simplicity comes in handy.

The third component. The GM-575 chassis, on which everything is actually mounted.

The Shilka crew consists of four people: a self-propelled gun commander, a search and gunner operator, a range operator and a driver.

The driver is the most thieves member of the crew. It is in simply stunning luxury compared to others.

The rest are in the tower, where not only is it cramped and, like in a normal tank, there is something to hit your head on, but also (it seemed to us) it can easily and naturally apply an electric shock. Very cramped.

Positions of the range operator and gunner-operator. Top view in hover.

Locator screen

Analogue electronics... You look in awe. Apparently, the operator determined the range using the round screen of the oscilloscope... Uh...

“Shilka” received its baptism of fire during the so-called “War of Attrition” of 1967-70 between Israel and Egypt as part of the Egyptian air defense. And after that, the complex was responsible for another two dozen local wars and conflicts. Mainly in the Middle East.

But “Shilka” received special recognition in Afghanistan. And the honorary nickname “Shaitan-arba” among the Mujahideen. The best way to calm down an ambush organized in the mountains is to use the Shilka. A long burst of four barrels and a subsequent shower of high-explosive shells at the intended positions - the best remedy, which saved more than one hundred lives of our soldiers.

By the way, the fuse went off quite normally when it hit an adobe wall. And trying to hide behind the duvals of villages usually did not lead to anything good for dushmans...

Considering that the Afghan partisans did not have aviation, the Shilka fully realized its potential for firing at ground targets in the mountains.

Moreover, a special “Afghan version” was created: a radio device complex was removed, which was completely unnecessary in those conditions. Thanks to it, the ammunition load was increased from 2000 to 4000 rounds and a night sight was installed.

By the end of our troops' stay in the DRA, columns accompanied by Shilka were rarely attacked. This is also a recognition.

It can also be considered recognition that the Shilka is still in service in our army. More than 30 years. Yes, this is far from the same car that began its career in Egypt. “Shilka” has undergone (successfully) more than one deep modernization, and one of these modernizations even received its own name, ZSU-23-4M “Biryusa”.

39 countries, and not only our “faithful friends,” purchased these machines from the Soviet Union.

And today in service Russian army“Shilki” are also listed. But these are completely different machines, which are worth a separate story.

Of all the anti-aircraft systems built after World War II, it has the longest and most impressive track record.

Place baptism of fire for “Shilka” the Middle East became, then there was a fight against American aviation in Vietnam, numerous conflicts in African continent and the war in Afghanistan. The Afghan Mujahideen did not have aviation, so the Shilka was used for other purposes: the ZSU-23-4 was used to support ground forces and protect transport convoys. The Dushmans called “Shilka” “shaitan-arba” and were very afraid of her.

ZSU-23-4 is intended for cover ground troops, as well as combating low-flying targets. "Shilka" was part of the air defense of the regimental level. Potential opponents highly appreciated the combat effectiveness of this anti-aircraft system; at one time, the Americans and Israelis spent a lot of effort to obtain it for study.

Currently, the ZSU-23-4 is considered an obsolete anti-aircraft gun, back in Soviet time its replacement began with the more advanced Tunguska air defense missile system. Despite this, Shilkas are still in service with the armed forces of Russia, Ukraine and several dozen other countries. They are actively used in local conflicts in third world countries.

Since the start of mass production, 6.5 thousand units of these weapons have been manufactured.

History of creation

During the Second World War, air attacks during the march became a big problem for ground forces: attack aircraft, operating at low altitudes, caused enormous damage to manpower and military equipment. The Germans, who at the end of the war suffered severe losses from Western aviation, developed a small-caliber anti-aircraft gun called Kugelblitz (“Ball Lightning”). It had two 30-mm guns and a radar, with the help of which it detected the enemy and aimed at the target. The rate of fire of the Kugelblitz was 850 rounds per minute, and they even tried to install night vision devices on it. This ZSU was far ahead of its time and became the subject of study and copying for many years.

Soviet infantry and tank crews did not have such luxury and suffered greatly from German air raids throughout the war. They began to correct the situation after the victory over the Germans.

In 1947, work began on the creation of a 57-mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun ZSU-57-2. However, at the time production began, this complex was already outdated. It had a too low rate of fire (220-240 rounds per minute), clip-on loading and an open turret at the top. The ZSU-57-2 did not have a radar, so the target could only be detected visually, and it also did not have a protection system against weapons of mass destruction. Meanwhile, the potential enemy was not asleep: the Americans, having studied captured samples of the German “Ball Lightning”, adopted a 40-mm ZSU with a radar target detection system in 1956.

In 1957, work began in the USSR on the creation of a new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Two competing projects were launched at once: the ZSU-37-2 Yenisei, armed with two 37 mm guns, and the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, with four 23 mm guns. Both anti-aircraft installations were equipped with a radar, had a tracked chassis and a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction. Formally, they were intended to solve various tasks: “Yenisei” provided protection for armored forces, and “Shilka” was supposed to cover motorized rifle units. Both complexes had belt-fed guns and water-cooled barrels.

By 1960, both anti-aircraft systems were ready, and their testing began. The ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” turned out to be 1.5-2 times more effective than its competitor in shooting at low-flying high-speed targets, but the “Yenisei” was superior to it in terms of engagement height. The commission recommended the adoption of both anti-aircraft systems. However, only the Shilka went into production; work on the Yenisei was suspended.

By 1970, “Shilka” became the main mobile anti-aircraft complex of the SA; it completely replaced the ZSU-57-2 and began to be exported. Shilkas were first used during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict. Then Syrian air defense managed to destroy 98 Israeli Air Force aircraft, 10% of which were ZSU-23-4. Heavy anti-aircraft fire at low altitudes had a demoralizing effect on Israeli pilots, forcing them to fly to higher altitudes, where they became easy prey for SAMs.

“Shilkas” were used during the Iran-Iraq War (by both sides), in the final stages of the Vietnam War, and during Operation Desert Storm.

In Afghanistan, Soviet troops used the ZSU-23-4 to destroy ground targets. The unnecessary radar was removed from the Shilka and the ammunition load was increased to 4 thousand shells. After the Shilka appeared on the battlefield, the dushmans usually began to retreat.

The main disadvantage of the Shilka was the insufficient power of the 23-mm projectile; the military was not satisfied with the slanted range of the gun and the insufficient high-explosive effect of the projectiles. When creating a new attack aircraft, the Americans tested on it the effects of a captured Shilka, captured by Jews during the 1973 war. This is how the famous A-10 “Warthog” appeared, which is really well protected from 23 mm anti-aircraft ammunition. The Americans actively advertised this aircraft, calling it invulnerable to Soviet air defense fire.

They tried to convert the ZSU-23-4 to a more powerful 30-mm projectile, but it turned out that it was easier and cheaper to build a new anti-aircraft gun than to modernize an old one. And so it was done: in 1982, the Tunguska ZSU, armed with 30-mm automatic cannons, was put into service.

Over the years of operation of this complex, several modifications have been developed.

Description of design

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" has a welded body with bulletproof and anti-fragmentation armor. It is divided into three compartments: control, located in the front of the vehicle, the fighting compartment, located in its center, and the power compartment, in the rear. On the right side of the anti-aircraft gun there are three hatches, through which the equipment of the machine is dismantled and serviced, as well as the ventilation of the units.

The Shilki turret is equipped with a quadruple 23-mm AZP-23 Amur gun, the automation of which operates by removing powder gases from the barrel. Each barrel is equipped with a cooling system casing and a flash suppressor. The cartridge feed is lateral, from a belt link with the cartridge skewed. The tapes are in cartridge boxes. The turret contains two boxes; the system for cocking anti-aircraft guns is pneumatic.

The Shilka ammunition consists of two types of 23-mm shells: armor-piercing BZT and fragmentation OFZT. BZT armor-piercing ammunition does not have explosives and contains only incendiary composition for tracing. OFZT shells have a fuse and a self-destructive device (action time is 5-10 seconds). In a belt for four rounds of OFZT there is one BZT.

Guidance is carried out using hydraulic drives, manual guidance is also possible. The rate of fire is 3400 rounds per minute.

In the instrument compartment of the tower there is a radar-instrument complex, with the help of which the target is searched, tracked, and projectile trajectories and the necessary lead are calculated. The detection range of airborne objects is 18 km.

The Shilka anti-aircraft complex can fire at air targets in several modes:

• in automatic;
• in semi-automatic;
• along foreshortening rings;
• according to remembered coordinates;
• against ground targets.

Automatic firing mode is considered the main one.

The radar-instrument complex consists of the following elements:

• lamp radar 1RL33M2;
• analog counting and solving device;
• sighting device;
• stabilization systems.

The combat vehicle is equipped with an R-123M radio station and a TPU-4 intercom.

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" is equipped with a V6R diesel engine. It has six cylinders, liquid cooling and a maximum power of 206 kW. The vehicle has two aluminum fuel tanks with a total volume of 515 liters. This was enough for up to 400 km. The additional installation is intended to power the on-board electronics.

The chassis of the machine consists of two drive wheels, two guide wheels and twelve road wheels with rubber-coated rims. Suspension – independent torsion bar.

The crew is protected from weapons of mass destruction by creating excess pressure in the fighting compartment and purifying the air.

The modernization of the Shilka anti-aircraft complex followed the path of improving its ability to detect air targets, as well as increasing the security of the complex. Back in the mid-70s, the Ovod-M-SV complex was created to control the fire of anti-aircraft guns at the regimental level. It included the Luk-23 radar and an automated fire control system.

In the mid-90s, modifications “Shilka-M4” and “Shilka-M5” appeared with more advanced fire control systems. To destroy armored targets, a 23-mm sub-caliber ammunition was created.

In 1999, the Shilka modification was presented to the general public, the turret of which was additionally equipped with Igla MANPADS.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of the Shilka anti-aircraft gun is its heavy, complex and low-power chassis. Its repair and maintenance is a complex and labor-intensive task. To get to some of its components, it is necessary to dismantle many units, drain the oil and coolant. Power 240 l. s., which the Shilka engine is capable of, is insufficient for its weight, so the car is slow-moving and difficult to maneuver.

In addition, in power plant and the chassis of the vehicle, other design errors and shortcomings were made, which resulted in frequent breakdowns of the anti-aircraft gun.

The Shilki radar has a short range and is quite finicky to set up. It should also be added that the car provided a minimum level of comfort for the crew.

However, all of the above disadvantages are leveled out the highest level reliability of the complex's anti-aircraft guns. If they were correctly assembled and installed, and the cooling system was filled with water according to the standards, then the likelihood of failure or failure during shooting was practically eliminated.

Even today, the Shilka can pose a serious danger to enemy planes and helicopters, unless, of course, they fly too high.

Specifications

Below are the performance characteristics of the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them