Performance characteristics of the main military air defense systems of NATO countries. Organization of a joint NATO air defense system

U " blue berets» there is a technological breakthrough

The airborne troops are rightfully the flagship Russian army, including in the field of supplies the latest weapons And military equipment. Now the main task airborne units- ability to lead fighting in autonomous mode behind enemy lines, and this also implies that the “winged infantry” after landing must be able to defend against attacks from the sky. Boss air defense Airborne Forces Vladimir Protopopov told MK what difficulties the Airborne Forces anti-aircraft gunners now have to face, what systems are being adopted by the Blue Berets, and also about where specialists for this type of troops are trained.

- Vladimir Lvovich, how did the formation of airborne defense units begin?

The first air defense units in the Airborne Forces were formed during the Great Patriotic War, back in 1943. These were separate anti-aircraft artillery divisions. In 1949, air defense control bodies were created in the Airborne Forces, which included a group of officers with an air surveillance, warning and communications post, as well as a P-15 all-round radio station. The first head of air defense of the Airborne Forces was Ivan Savenko.

If we talk about the technical equipment of air defense units of the Airborne Forces, then for 45 years we have been in service with the ZU-23 twin anti-aircraft gun, with which you can fight not only low-flying targets, but also ground lightly armored targets and firing points at a distance of up to 2 km. In addition, it can be used to defeat enemy personnel both in open areas and behind light field-type shelters. The effectiveness of the ZU-23 has been repeatedly proven in Afghanistan, as well as during the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus.

The ZU-23 has been in service for 45 years.

In the 80s, the air defense of the Airborne Forces switched to higher quality weapons, for example, our units began to receive Igla portable anti-aircraft missile systems, which made it possible to conduct effective fight with all types of aircraft, even if the enemy used thermal interference. Airborne air defense units, armed with ZU-23 and MANPADS, successfully carried out combat missions in all “hot spots” starting with Afghanistan.

You talked about the installation of the ZU-23, is it effective as a means of self-covering in modern anti-aircraft combat?

I repeat, the ZU-23 has been in our service for more than 45 years. Of course, the installation itself does not have modernization potential. Its caliber - 23 mm - is no longer suitable for hitting air targets; it is ineffective. But in airborne brigades these installations remain, however, its purpose now is not entirely to combat air targets, but mainly to combat concentrations of enemy manpower and lightly armored ground targets. She has proven herself very well in this matter.

It is clear that with a firing range of up to 2 km and an altitude of 1.5 km, it is not very effective. If we compare it with the new anti-aircraft missile systems that are now being supplied to the Airborne Forces, then, of course, the difference is huge; the ZU-23 has a low kill efficiency. For example, three anti-aircraft guns form one target channel. Let me explain, the target channel is the ability of the complex to detect, identify and hit a target with a probability not lower than a given one. That is, I repeat, three installations make up one target channel, and this is a whole platoon. And, for example, one Strela-10 combat vehicle constitutes one target channel. In addition, the combat vehicle is capable of detecting, identifying and firing at the target itself. And with the ZU-23, fighters must identify the target visually. In conditions where time becomes a key factor, using these installations in the fight against air targets becomes ineffective.

The Strela-10 complexes are very reliable. If the operator catches the target, then this is a guaranteed hit.

- ZU-23, Igla MANPADS... What is replacing these means of protection against air attacks?

Now the air defense of the Airborne Forces, like the Airborne Forces themselves, are actively rearming. I myself have been serving since 1986 and cannot remember such an active surge in the supply of the latest equipment and weapons, which is now occurring in the troops since 2014.

Within two years, the Airborne Forces received 4 divisional Verba MANPADS systems with the latest Barnaul T automation systems. We also rearmed two formations with modernized Strela-10MN air defense systems. This complex has now become 24/7; it can conduct combat work both day and night. The Strela-10 complexes are very unpretentious and reliable. If the operator caught the target, then this is guaranteed direct hit. In addition, both the Verba MANPADS and the Strela-10MN air defense missile system have a new identification system. Among other things, all batteries armed with MANPADS receive small-sized radar detectors MRLO 1L122 “Garmon”. This portable radar detector is designed to detect low-flying targets to engage anti-aircraft missile systems.

The Verba MANPADS has a homing missile, of the “fire and forget” type.

If we talk about “Verba”, then this MANPADS, unlike previous ones, already has appropriate operating modes that allow it to hit air targets that use heat traps. Now they are no longer an obstacle to the destruction of aircraft. There is also a mode for destroying small targets. Now MANPADS can work against both drones and cruise missiles; this was not the case before. In addition, this complex has an increased range, and the destruction height has increased to almost five kilometers, and the missile is homing, of the “fire and forget” type.

One of the main tasks of the Airborne Forces is to conduct combat operations behind enemy lines. How have the latest systems proven themselves in such conditions?

As for actions behind enemy lines, our weapons, as you know, are mobile. Of course, during the exercises we tested the operation of MANPADS after landing; the systems are very reliable. As for the Strela-10MN, we did not airdrop this complex, but its dimensions are completely air transportable and can be transported by various military transport aircraft. By the way, now the outdated armored personnel carrier is being replaced by the newest one - “Rakushka”. This modern version already provides for the placement of Verba ammunition and a set of automation equipment for a unit of anti-aircraft gunners. The vehicle allows launching combat missiles both in motion with a short stop and from a standstill. In general, our systems are fully adapted for operations behind enemy lines.

Military experts say that the role of air defense in modern warfare has increased significantly, do you agree with this?

Everything is correct. According to many of our and foreign military analysts, all armed conflicts begin from the air; a soldier never sets foot on the territory until the battlefield is cleared in order to avoid unnecessary casualties and reduce them to a minimum. Therefore, the role of air defense is indeed increasing significantly. Here we can recall the words of Marshal Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, who said: “Great grief awaits that country that is unable to repel an air strike.” Now these words are becoming more relevant than ever. All armed conflicts in which the world's leading armies take part are primarily based on achieving air superiority. In addition, combat unmanned aerial vehicles are now increasingly being used. aircrafts, which are already capable of conducting combat operations at long ranges. It is no longer a pilot, but an operator on the ground performing combat missions. For example, leads aerial reconnaissance or keeps the UAV in the air for hours and waits for this or that object to be attacked. The pilot's life is no longer at risk. That is why the role of air defense is increasing. But, of course, you must understand that airborne air defense systems are not complex and large systems like the S-300 and S-400. We are means of self-covering. These are the air defense units that directly cover troops on the battlefield.

- Tell us how willingly young guys are now to serve in the air defense of the Airborne Forces, do you have any problems with personnel?

In our specialty, air defense officers are trained at the Military Academy of Military Air Defense of the Russian Armed Forces named after. Marshal Soviet Union A.M. Vasilevsky. Every year we recruit about 17 people. They study for five years and then go to serve in our Airborne Forces. I want to say that we have no refusals, everyone wants to serve. Now that rearmament is being actively carried out, units are receiving new technology and weapons, the guys are interested in learning new systems. After all, earlier the air defense of the Airborne Forces did not have their own reconnaissance means, they did not have their own automated control systems, but now all this has appeared. Again, people began to understand that the role of air defense is increasing, so we have no problems with personnel.

- Is it possible to compare air defense units of the Airborne Forces with similar units of leading NATO countries in terms of armament?

I think this will be somewhat incorrect. After all, they are far behind us in this direction; there is nothing to compare with. They are still armed with outdated MANPADS; they simply do not have automation tools like ours. In 2014–2015, the air defense units of the Airborne Forces actually experienced a technological breakthrough in new and modernized weapons. We have gone far ahead, and this groundwork needs to be developed.

Guided by aggressive goals, the military circles of the imperialist states pay great attention to weapons of an offensive nature. At the same time, many military experts abroad believe that in a future war, the participating countries will be subject to retaliatory strikes. That is why these countries attach special importance to air defense.

For a number of reasons, air defense systems designed to hit targets at medium and high altitudes have achieved the greatest effectiveness in their development. At the same time, the capabilities of means of detecting and destroying aircraft operating from low and extremely low altitudes (according to NATO military experts, the ranges of extremely low altitudes are heights from several meters to 30 - 40 m; low altitudes - from 30 - 40 m to 100 - 300 m, medium altitudes - 300 - 5000 m; high altitudes - over 5000 m), remained very limited.

The ability of aircraft to more successfully overcome military air defense at low and extremely low altitudes led, on the one hand, to the need for early radar detection of low-flying targets, and on the other, to the appearance in service of military air defense highly automated anti-aircraft guided missile systems (ZURO) and anti-aircraft artillery(BEHIND).

The effectiveness of modern military air defense, according to foreign military experts, largely depends on equipping it with advanced radar equipment. In this regard, in last years In the arsenal of the military air defense of almost all armies of NATO countries, many new ground-based tactical radars for detecting air targets and target designation, as well as modern highly automated ZURO and ZA complexes (including mixed ZURO-ZA complexes), equipped, as a rule, with radar stations, have appeared.

Tactical radars for detection and target designation of military air defense, which are not directly included in anti-aircraft systems, are intended mainly for radar cover of troop concentration areas and important objects. They are assigned the following main tasks: timely detection and identification of targets (primarily low-flying ones), determination of their coordinates and degree of threat, and then transfer of target designation data either to anti-aircraft weapons systems or to control posts of a certain military air defense system. In addition to solving these problems, they are used to target interceptor fighters and bring them to their base areas in difficult weather conditions; the stations can also be used as control rooms when organizing temporary airfields for army (tactical) aviation, and if necessary, they can replace a disabled (destroyed) stationary radar of the zone air defense system.

As an analysis of foreign press materials shows, the general directions for the development of ground-based radars for this purpose are: increasing the ability to detect low-flying (including high-speed) targets; increasing mobility, operational reliability, noise immunity, ease of use; improvement of basic tactical and technical characteristics(detection range, coordinate determination accuracy, resolution).

When developing new types of tactical radars, the latest achievements in various fields of science and technology are increasingly taken into account, as well as the positive experience accumulated in the production and operation of new radar equipment for various purposes. For example, increasing reliability, reducing the weight and dimensions of tactical detection and target designation stations are achieved by using experience in the production and operation of compact on-board aerospace equipment. Electrovacuum devices are currently almost never used in electronic components (with the exception of cathode ray tubes of indicators, powerful transmitter generators and some other devices). Block and modular design principles involving integrated and hybrid circuits, as well as the introduction of new structural materials (conductive plastics, high-strength parts, optoelectronic semiconductors, liquid crystals, etc.) have found wide application in the development of stations.

At the same time, quite a long operation on large ground-based and shipborne radars of antennas that form a partial (multi-beam) radiation pattern and antennas with phased arrays has shown their undeniable advantages over antennas with conventional, electromechanical scanning, both in terms of information content (quick overview of space in a large sector, determination of three coordinates of targets, etc.), and the design of small-sized and compact equipment.

In a number of samples of military air defense radars of some NATO countries (,), created in Lately, there is a clear tendency to use antenna systems that form a partial radiation pattern in the vertical plane. As for phased array antennas in their “classical” design, their use in such stations should be considered the near future.

Tactical radars for detecting air targets and targeting military air defense are currently being mass-produced in the USA, France, Great Britain, Italy, and some other capitalist countries.

In the USA, for example, in recent years the following stations for this purpose have entered service with troops: AN/TPS-32, -43, -44, -48, -50, -54, -61; AN/MPQ-49 (FAAR). In France, mobile stations RL-521, RM-521, THD 1060, THD 1094, THD 1096, THD 1940 were adopted, and new stations “Matador” (TRS 2210), “Picador” (TRS2200), “Volex” were developed. III (THD 1945), Domino series and others. In the UK, S600 mobile radar systems, AR-1 stations and others are produced to detect low-flying targets. Several samples of mobile tactical radars were created by Italian and West German companies. In many cases, the development and production of radar equipment for the needs of military air defense is carried out by the joint efforts of several NATO countries. Leading position At the same time, American and French companies occupy it.

One of the characteristic trends in the development of tactical radars, which has emerged especially in recent years, is the creation of mobile and reliable three-coordinate stations. According to foreign military experts, such stations significantly increase the ability to successfully detect and intercept high-speed, low-flying targets, including aircraft flying using terrain tracking devices at extremely low altitudes.

The first three-dimensional radar VPA-2M was created for military air defense in France in 1956-1957. After modification, it began to be called THD 1940. The station, operating in the 10-cm wavelength range, uses an antenna system of the VT series (VT-150) with an original electromechanical irradiating and scanning device that provides beam sweep in the vertical plane and determination of three coordinates of targets at ranges up to 110 km. The station's antenna generates a pencil beam with a width in both planes of 2° and circular polarization, which creates opportunities for detecting targets in difficult weather conditions. The accuracy of altitude determination at the maximum range is ± 450 m, the viewing sector in elevation is 0-30° (0-15°; 15-30°), the radiation power per pulse is 400 kW. All station equipment is placed on one truck (transportable version) or mounted on a truck and trailer (mobile version). The antenna reflector has dimensions of 3.4 X 3.7 m; for ease of transportation, it can be disassembled into several sections. The block-modular design of the station has a small total weight(in the lightweight version, about 900 kg), allows you to quickly roll up the equipment and change position (deployment time is about 1 hour).

The VT-150 antenna design in various versions is used in mobile, semi-fixed and shipborne radars of many types. Thus, since 1970, the French mobile three-dimensional military air defense radar “Picador” (TRS 2200) has been in serial production, on which an improved version of the VT-150 antenna is installed (Fig. 1). The station operates in the 10-cm wavelength range in pulsed radiation mode. Its range is about 180 km (according to a fighter, with a detection probability of 90%), the accuracy of altitude determination is approximately ± 400 m (at maximum range). Its remaining characteristics are slightly higher than those of the THD 1940 radar.

Rice. 1. Three-coordinate French radar station “Picador” (TRS 2200) with a VT series antenna.

Foreign military experts note the high mobility and compactness of the Picador radar, as well as its good ability to select targets against the background of strong interference. The station's electronic equipment is made almost entirely of semiconductor devices using integrated circuits and printed wiring. All equipment and equipment are placed in two standard container cabins, which can be transported by any type of transport. The station deployment time is about 2 hours.

The combination of two VT series antennas (VT-359 and VT-150) is used on the French transportable three-axis radar Volex III (THD 1945). This station operates in the 10 cm wavelength range in pulse mode. To increase noise immunity, a method of working with separation in frequency and polarization of radiation is used. The station's range is approximately 280 km, the accuracy of altitude determination is about 600 m (at maximum range), and the weight is approximately 900 kg.

One of the promising directions in the development of tactical three-coordinate PJICs for detection of air targets and target designation is the creation for them of antenna systems with electronic scanning of beams (beam), forming, in particular, a partial radiation pattern in the vertical plane. Azimuth viewing is carried out in the usual way - by rotating the antenna in the horizontal plane.

The principle of forming partial patterns is used in large stations (for example, in the French Palmier-G radar system). It is characterized by the fact that the antenna system (simultaneously or sequentially) forms a multi-beam pattern in the vertical plane, the rays of which are located with some overlap above each other , thus covering a wide viewing sector (almost from 0 to 40-50°). With the help of such a diagram (scanning or fixed) an accurate determination of the elevation angle (height) of detected targets and high resolution are provided. In addition, using the principle of forming beams with frequency separation, it is possible to more reliably determine the angular coordinates of the target and carry out more reliable tracking of it.

The principle of creating partial diagrams is being intensively implemented in the creation of tactical three-coordinate radars for military air defense. An antenna that implements this principle is used, in particular, in the American tactical radar AN/TPS-32, mobile station AN/TPS-43 and the French mobile radar Matador (TRS 2210). All these stations operate in the 10 cm wavelength range. They are equipped with effective anti-jamming devices, which allows them to detect air targets in advance against a background of strong interference and provide target designation data to anti-aircraft weapons control systems.

The AN/TPS-32 radar antenna feed is made in the form of several horns located vertically one above the other. The partial diagram formed by the antenna contains nine beams in the vertical plane, and radiation from each of them occurs at nine different frequencies. The spatial position of the beams relative to each other remains unchanged, and by electronically scanning them, a wide field of view in the vertical plane, increased resolution and determination of target height are provided. Characteristic feature This station is to interface it with a computer that automatically processes radar signals, including friend-or-foe identification signals coming from the AN/TPX-50 station, as well as controlling the radiation mode (carrier frequency, radiation power per pulse, duration and pulse repetition rate). A lightweight version of the station, all equipment and equipment of which are arranged in three standard containers (one measuring 3.7X2X2 m and two measuring 2.5X2X2 m), ensures target detection at ranges of up to 250-300 km with an accuracy of altitude determination at a maximum range of up to 600 m .

The mobile American radar AN/TPS-43, developed by Westinghouse, having an antenna similar to the antenna of the AN/TPS-32 station, forms a six-beam diagram in the vertical plane. The width of each beam in the azimuthal plane is 1.1°, the overlap sector in elevation is 0.5-20°. The accuracy of determining the elevation angle is 1.5-2°, the range is about 200 km. The station operates in pulse mode (3 MW per pulse), its transmitter is assembled on a twistron. Features of the station: the ability to adjust the frequency from pulse to pulse and automatic (or manual) transition from one discrete frequency to another in the 200 MHz band (there are 16 discrete frequencies) in the event of a complex radio-electronic environment. The radar is housed in two standard container cabins (with a total weight of 1600 kg), which can be transported by all types of transport, including air.

In 1971, at the aerospace exhibition in Paris, France demonstrated a three-dimensional radar of the Matador military air defense system (TRS2210). NATO military experts highly appreciated prototype station (Fig. 2), noting that the Matador radar responds modern requirements, being also quite small in size.

Rice. 2 Three-coordinate French radar station “Matador” (TRS2210) with an antenna that forms a partial radiation pattern.

A distinctive feature of the Matador station (TRS 2210) is the compactness of its antenna system, which forms a partial diagram in the vertical plane, consisting of three beams rigidly connected to each other with scanning controlled by a special computer program. The station feed is made of 40 horns. This creates the possibility of forming narrow beams (1.5°X1>9°)> which in turn makes it possible to determine the elevation angle in the viewing sector from -5° to +30° with an accuracy of 0.14° at a maximum range of 240 km. Radiation power per pulse is 1 MW, pulse duration is 4 μsec; signal processing when determining the target's flight altitude (elevation angle) is carried out using the monopulse method. The station is characterized by high mobility: all equipment and equipment, including a collapsible antenna, are placed in three relatively small packages; deployment time does not exceed 1 hour. Serial production of the station is scheduled for 1972.

The need to work in difficult conditions, frequent changes of positions during combat operations, long duration of trouble-free operation - all these very stringent requirements are imposed when developing a radar for military air defense. In addition to the previously noted measures (increasing reliability, introducing semiconductor electronics, new structural materials, etc.), foreign companies are increasingly resorting to unification of elements and systems of radar equipment. Thus, in France, a reliable transceiver THD 047 has been developed (included, for example, in the Picador, Volex III and others stations), a VT series antenna, several types of small-sized indicators, etc. A similar unification of equipment is noted in the USA and Great Britain .

In Great Britain, the tendency to unify equipment in the development of tactical three-coordinate stations manifested itself in the creation of not a single radar, but a mobile radar complex. Such a complex is assembled from standard unified units and blocks. It may consist, for example, of one or more two-coordinate stations and one radar altimeter. The English tactical radar system S600 is designed according to this principle.

The S600 complex is a set of intercompatible, unified blocks and units (transmitters, receivers, antennas, indicators), from which you can quickly assemble a tactical radar for any purpose (detection of air targets, determining altitude, controlling anti-aircraft weapons, controlling air traffic). According to foreign military experts, this approach to the design of tactical radars is considered the most progressive, as it provides higher production technology, simplifies maintenance and repair, and also increases the flexibility of combat use. There are six options for completing the complex elements. For example, a complex for a military air defense system may consist of two detection and target designation radars, two radar altimeters, four control cabins, one cabin with data processing equipment, including one or more computers. All equipment and equipment of such a complex can be transported by helicopter, C-130 plane or by car.

The trend towards unification of radar equipment units is also observed in France. The proof is the THD 1094 military air defense complex, consisting of two surveillance radars and a radar altimeter.

In addition to three-coordinate radars for detecting air targets and target designation, the military air defense of all NATO countries also includes two-coordinate stations for a similar purpose. They are somewhat less informative (they do not measure the target’s flight altitude), but their design is usually simpler, lighter and more mobile than three-coordinate ones. Such radar stations can be quickly transferred and deployed in areas that need radar cover for troops or objects.

Work on the creation of small two-dimensional detection and target designation radars is being carried out in almost all developed capitalist countries. Some of these radars are interfaced with specific anti-aircraft systems ZURO or ZA, others are more universal.

Two-dimensional tactical radars developed in the USA are, for example, FAAR (AN/MPQ-49), AN/TPS-50, -54, -61.

The AN/MPQ-49 station (Fig. 3) was created to order ground forces USA specifically for the mixed complex ZURO-ZA "Chaparral-Vulcan" military air defense. It is considered possible to use this radar for target designation of anti-aircraft missiles. Main distinctive features station are its mobility and ability to work in the front line on rough and mountainous terrain. Special measures have been taken to increase noise immunity. According to the principle of operation, the station is pulse-Doppler; it operates in the 25-cm wavelength range. Antenna system (together with the identification station antenna " friend - stranger» AN/TPX-50) is installed on a telescopic mast, the height of which can be automatically adjusted. The station can be remotely controlled at distances of up to 50 m using a remote control. All equipment, including the AN/VRC-46 communications radio, is mounted on a 1.25-ton M561 articulated vehicle. The American command, when ordering this radar, pursued the goal of solving the problem of operational control of military air defense systems.

Rice. 3. Two-coordinate American radar station AN/MPQ-49 for issuing target designation data to the military complex ZURO-ZA “Chaparral-Vulcan”.

The AN/TPS-50 station, developed by Emerson, is light in weight and very small in size. Its range is 90-100 km. All station equipment can be carried by seven soldiers. Deployment time is 20-30 minutes. In 1968, an improved version of this station was created - AN/TPS-54, which has a longer range (180 km) and “friend-foe” identification equipment. The peculiarity of the station lies in its efficiency and the layout of high-frequency components: the transceiver unit is mounted directly under the horn feed. This eliminates the rotating joint, shortens the feeder and therefore eliminates the inevitable loss of RF energy. The station operates in the 25-cm wavelength range, pulse power is 25 kW, and the azimuth beam width is about 3°. Total weight does not exceed 280 kg, power consumption 560 watts.

Among other two-dimensional tactical early warning and target designation radars, US military experts also highlight the AN/TPS-61 mobile station weighing 1.7 tons. It is housed in one standard cabin measuring 4 X 1.2 X 2 m, installed in the back of a car. During transportation, the disassembled antenna is located inside the cabin. The station operates in pulse mode in the frequency range 1250-1350 MHz. Its range is about 150 km. The use of noise protection circuits in the equipment makes it possible to isolate a useful signal that is 45 dB lower than the interference level.

Several small-sized mobile tactical two-dimensional radars have been developed in France. They easily interface with ZURO and ZA military air defense systems. Western military observers consider the Domino-20, -30, -40, -40N radar series and the Tiger radar (TRS 2100) to be the most promising stations. All of them are designed specifically for detecting low-flying targets, operate in the 25-cm range (“Tiger” in the 10-cm range) and are coherent pulse-Doppler based on the principle of operation. The detection range of the Domino-20 radar reaches 17 km, Domino-30 - 30 km, Domino-40 - 75 km, Domino-40N - 80 km. The range accuracy of the Domino-30 radar is 400 m and azimuth 1.5°, weight is 360 kg. The range of the Tiger station is 100 km. All marked stations have an automatic scanning mode during target tracking and “friend or foe” identification equipment. Their layout is modular; they can be mounted and installed on the ground or any vehicles. Station deployment time is 30-60 minutes.

The radar stations of the military complexes ZURO and ZA (directly included in the complex) solve problems of searching, detecting, identifying targets, target designation, tracking and controlling anti-aircraft weapons.

The main concept in the development of military air defense systems of the main NATO countries is to create autonomous, highly automated systems with mobility equal to or even slightly greater than the mobility of armored forces. Their characteristic feature is their placement on tanks and other combat vehicles. This places very stringent requirements on the designs of radar stations. Foreign experts believe that the radar equipment of such complexes must meet the requirements for aerospace on-board equipment.

Currently, the military air defense of NATO countries includes (or will receive in the near future) a number of autonomous anti-aircraft missile systems and air defense systems.

According to foreign military experts, the most advanced mobile military air defense missile system designed to combat low-flying (including high-speed at M = 1.2) targets at ranges up to 18 km is the French all-weather complex (THD 5000). All its equipment is located in two all-terrain armored vehicles (Fig. 4): one of them (located in the control platoon) is equipped with the Mirador II detection and target designation radar, an electronic computer and target designation data output equipment; on the other (in the fire platoon) - a target tracking and missile guidance radar, an electronic computer for calculating the flight trajectories of targets and missiles (it simulates the entire process of destroying detected low-flying targets immediately before launch), a launcher with four missiles, infrared and television systems tracking and devices for transmitting radio commands for missile guidance.

Rice. 4. French military complex ZURO “Crotal” (THD5000). A. Detection and targeting radar. B. Radar station for target tracking and missile guidance (combined with the launcher).

The Mirador II detection and target designation station provides radar search and acquisition of targets, determination of their coordinates and transmission of data to the tracking and guidance radar of the fire platoon. According to the principle of operation, the station is coherent - pulse - Doppler, it has high resolution and noise immunity. The station operates in the 10 cm wavelength range; The antenna rotates in azimuth at a speed of 60 rpm, which ensures a high rate of data acquisition. The radar is capable of detecting up to 30 targets simultaneously and providing the information necessary to classify them according to the degree of threat and then select 12 targets for issuing target designation data (taking into account the importance of the target) to the radar of firing platoons. The accuracy of determining the target range and height is about 200 m. One Mirador II station can serve several tracking radars, thus increasing firepower covering areas of concentration or troop movement routes (stations can operate on the march) from air attack. The tracking and guidance radar operates in the 8-mm wavelength range and has a range of 16 km. The antenna forms a beam 1.1° wide with circular polarization. To increase noise immunity, a change in operating frequencies is provided. The station can simultaneously monitor one target and direct two missiles at it. An infrared device with a radiation pattern of ±5° ensures launch of the missile at the initial part of the trajectory (the first 500 m of flight). The “dead zone” of the complex is an area within a radius of no more than 1000 m, the reaction time is up to 6 seconds.

Although the tactical and technical data of the Krotal missile defense system are high and it is currently in mass production (purchased by South Africa, the USA, Lebanon, Germany), some NATO experts prefer the layout of the entire complex on one vehicle(armored personnel carrier, trailer, car). Such a promising complex is, for example, the Skygard-M missile defense system (Fig. 5), a prototype of which was demonstrated in 1971 by the Italian-Swiss company Contraves.

Rice. 5. Model of the mobile complex ZURO "Skygard-M".

The Skygard-M missile defense system uses two radars (a detection and target designation station and a target and missile tracking station), mounted on the same platform and having a common 3-cm range transmitter. Both radars are coherent pulse-Doppler, and the tracking radar uses a monopulse signal processing method, which reduces the angular error to 0.08°. The radar range is about 18 km. The transmitter is made on a traveling wave tube; in addition, it has an instantaneous automatic frequency tuning circuit (by 5%), which turns on in the event of strong interference. The tracking radar can simultaneously track the target and its missile. The reaction time of the complex is 6-8 seconds.
The control equipment of the Skygard-M ZURO complex is also used in the Skygard ZA complex (Fig. 6). A characteristic feature of the complex’s design is the radar equipment that can be retracted inside the cabin. Three versions of the Skyguard complex have been developed: on an armored personnel carrier, on a truck and on a trailer. The complexes will enter service with military air defense to replace the Superfledermaus system of similar purpose, widely used in the armies of almost all NATO countries.

Rice. 6. Mobile complex ZA "Skyguard" of Italian-Swiss production.

The military air defense systems of NATO countries are armed with several more mobile missile defense systems (clear-weather, mixed all-weather systems and others), which use advanced radars that have approximately the same characteristics as the stations of the Krotal and Skygard complexes, and decisive similar tasks.

The need for air defense of troops (especially armored units) on the move led to the creation of highly mobile military systems of small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery (MZA) based on modern tanks. The radar systems of such complexes have either one radar operating sequentially in the modes of detection, target designation, tracking and gun guidance, or two stations between which these tasks are divided.

An example of the first solution is the French MZA “Black Eye” complex, made on the basis of the AMX-13 tank. The MZA DR-VC-1A (RD515) radar of the complex operates on the basis of the coherent-pulse Doppler principle. It is characterized by a high rate of data output and increased noise immunity. The radar provides all-round or sector visibility, target detection and continuous measurement of their coordinates. The received data enters the fire control device, which within a few seconds calculates the pre-emptive coordinates of the target and ensures that a 30-mm coaxial anti-aircraft gun is aimed at it. The target detection range reaches 15 km, the error in determining the range is ±50 m, the station's radiation power per pulse is 120 watts. The station operates in the 25 cm wavelength range (operating frequency from 1710 to 1750 MHz). It can detect targets flying at speeds from 50 to 300 m/sec.

In addition, if necessary, the complex can be used to combat ground targets, while the accuracy of determining the azimuth is 1-2°. In the stowed position, the station is folded and closed with armored curtains (Fig. 7).

Rice. 7. Radar antenna of the French mobile complex MZA “Black Eye” (automatic deployment to combat position).

Rice. 8. West German mobile complex 5PFZ-A based on a tank: 1 - detection and target designation radar antenna; 2 - “friend or foe” identification radar antenna; 3 - radar antenna for target tracking and gun guidance.

Promising MZA complexes made on the basis of the Leopard tank, in which search, detection and identification tasks are solved by one radar, and the tasks of target tracking and control of a coaxial anti-aircraft gun by another radar, are considered: 5PFZ-A (Fig. 5PFZ-B , 5PFZ-C and Matador 30 ZLA (Fig. 9).These complexes are equipped with highly reliable pulse-Doppler stations capable of searching in a wide or circular sector and highlighting signals from low-flying targets against the background of high levels of interference.

Rice. 9. West German mobile complex MZA “Matador” 30 ZLA based on the Leopard tank.

The development of radars for such MZA complexes, and possibly for medium-caliber ZA, as NATO experts believe, will continue. The main direction of development will be the creation of more informative, small-sized and reliable radar equipment. The same development prospects are possible for radar systems of ZURO complexes and for tactical radar stations for detecting air targets and target designation.

Not long ago, the head of the operational department of the Russian General Staff, Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir, told reporters that the main goal of creating an American missile defense system is to significantly neutralize the strategic nuclear potential Russia and the almost complete elimination of the Chinese missile threat. And this is not the first sharp statement by Russian high-ranking officials on this matter; few US actions cause such irritation in Moscow.

Russian military officers and diplomats have repeatedly stated that the deployment of the American global missile defense system will lead to a disruption of the fragile balance between nuclear states that developed during the Cold War.

The Americans, in turn, argue that global missile defense is not directed against Russia, its goal is to protect the “civilized” world from rogue countries, for example, Iran and North Korea. At the same time, the construction of new elements of the system continues at the very Russian borders - in Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania.

Experts' opinions on missile defense in general and the US missile defense system in particular vary widely: some see America's actions as a real threat to Russia's strategic interests, while others speak of the ineffectiveness of the American missile defense system against the Russian strategic arsenal.

Where is the truth? What's happened anti-missile system USA? What does it consist of and how does it work? Does Russia have a missile defense system? And why does a purely defensive system cause such a mixed reaction among the Russian leadership - what's the catch?

History of missile defense

Missile defense is a whole range of measures aimed at protecting certain objects or territories from damage by missile weapons. Any missile defense system includes not only systems that directly destroy missiles, but also complexes (radars and satellites) that provide missile detection, as well as powerful computers.

In the public consciousness, a missile defense system is usually associated with countering the nuclear threat posed by ballistic missiles with a nuclear warhead, but this is not entirely true. In fact, missile defense is a broader concept; missile defense is any type of defense against enemy missile weapons. This includes active protection of armored vehicles from ATGMs and RPGs, and air defense systems capable of destroying enemy tactical ballistic and cruise missiles. So it would be more correct to divide all missile defense systems into tactical and strategic, and also to separate self-defense systems against missile weapons into a separate group.

Rocket weapons first began to be used en masse during World War II. The first anti-tank missiles, MLRS, and German V-1 and V-2 appeared, killing residents of London and Antwerp. After the war, the development of missile weapons accelerated. It can be said that the use of missiles has radically changed the methods of warfare. Moreover, very soon missiles became the main means of delivering nuclear weapons and turned into the most important strategic tool.

Appreciating the experience of the Nazis combat use V-1 and V-2 missiles, the USSR and the USA almost immediately after the end of World War II began creating systems capable of effectively combating the new threat.

In the USA in 1958 they developed and adopted anti-aircraft missile system MIM-14 Nike-Hercules, which could be used against nuclear warheads enemy. Their defeat also occurred due to the nuclear warhead of the anti-missile missile, since this air defense system was not particularly accurate. It should be noted that intercepting a target flying at enormous speed at an altitude of tens of kilometers is a very difficult task even at the current level of technology development. In the 60s, it could only be solved with the use of nuclear weapons.

A further development of the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules system was the LIM-49A Nike Zeus complex, its testing began in 1962. The Zeus anti-missile missiles were also equipped with a nuclear warhead; they could hit targets at an altitude of up to 160 km. Successful tests of the complex were carried out (without nuclear explosions, of course), but still the effectiveness of such a missile defense system was very much in question.

The fact is that in those years the nuclear arsenals of the USSR and the USA were growing at an unimaginable pace, and no missile defense could protect against an armada of ballistic missiles launched in the other hemisphere. In addition, in the 60s, nuclear missiles learned to release numerous decoys, which were extremely difficult to distinguish from real warheads. However, the main problem was the imperfection of the anti-missile missiles themselves, as well as target detection systems. The Nike Zeus program would cost the American taxpayer $10 billion to deploy, a huge sum at the time, and did not provide sufficient protection against Soviet ICBMs. As a result, the project was abandoned.

At the end of the 60s, the Americans began another missile defense program, which was called Safeguard - “Precaution” (originally it was called Sentinel - “Sentinel”).

This missile defense system was supposed to protect the deployment areas of American silo-based ICBMs and, in the event of war, provide the ability to launch a retaliatory missile strike.

Safeguard was armed with two types of anti-missile missiles: heavy Spartan and light Sprint. The Spartan anti-missiles had a radius of 740 km and were supposed to destroy nuclear combat units the enemy is still in space. The task of the lighter Sprint missiles was to “finish” those warheads that were able to get past the Spartans. In space, warheads were to be destroyed using streams of hard neutron radiation, more effective than megaton nuclear explosions.

In the early 70s, the Americans began the practical implementation of the Safeguard project, but only built one complex of this system.

In 1972, one of the most important documents in the field of control over nuclear weapons– Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems. Even today, almost fifty years later, it is one of the cornerstones of the global nuclear safety system in the world.

According to this document, both states could deploy no more than two missile defense systems, the maximum ammunition capacity of each of them should not exceed 100 missile defense systems. Later (in 1974) the number of systems was reduced to one unit. The United States covered the ICBM deployment area in North Dakota with the Safeguard system, and the USSR decided to protect the capital of the state, Moscow, from a missile attack.

Why is this treaty so important for the balance between the largest nuclear weapons states? The fact is that from about the mid-60s it became clear that a large-scale nuclear conflict between the USSR and the USA would lead to the complete destruction of both countries, therefore nuclear weapon became a kind of deterrence tool. Having deployed a sufficiently powerful missile defense system, any of the opponents could be tempted to strike first and protect themselves from the “response” with the help of anti-missiles. Refusal to defend their own territory in the face of imminent nuclear destruction guaranteed an extremely cautious attitude of the leadership of the signatory states to the “red” button. This is also why the current deployment of NATO missile defense is causing such concern in the Kremlin.

By the way, the Americans did not begin to deploy the Safeguard missile defense system. In the 70s, they acquired Trident sea-launched ballistic missiles, so the US military leadership considered it more appropriate to invest in new submarines and SLBMs than to build a very expensive missile defense system. And Russian units still protect the skies of Moscow today (for example, the 9th Missile Defense Division in Sofrino).

The next stage in the development of the American missile defense system was the SDI program (Strategic Defense Initiative), initiated by the fortieth US President Ronald Reagan.

It was a very large-scale project new system US missile defense, which was absolutely contrary to the 1972 Treaty. The SDI program provided for the creation of a powerful, layered missile defense system with space-based elements, which was supposed to cover the entire territory of the United States.

In addition to anti-missile missiles, this program provided for the use of weapons based on other physical principles: lasers, electromagnetic and kinetic weapons, railguns.

This project was never realized. Its developers faced numerous technical problems, many of which have not been resolved to this day. However, the developments of the SDI program were later used in the creation of the US national missile defense, the deployment of which continues to this day.

Immediately after the end of World War II, the USSR began creating protection against missile weapons. Already in 1945, specialists from the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy began work on the Anti-Fau project.

The first practical development in the field of missile defense in the USSR was “System A”, work on which was carried out in the late 50s. A whole series of tests of the complex were carried out (some of them were successful), but due to the low efficiency, “System A” was never put into service.

In the early 60s, the development of a missile defense system began to protect the Moscow Industrial District; it was named A-35. From that moment until the collapse of the USSR, Moscow was always covered by a powerful anti-missile shield.

The development of the A-35 was delayed; this missile defense system was put on combat duty only in September 1971. In 1978, it was upgraded to the A-35M modification, which remained in service until 1990. The radar of the Danube-3U complex was on combat duty until the beginning of the two thousandth. In 1990, the A-35M missile defense system was replaced by the A-135 Amur. The A-135 was equipped with two types of anti-missile missiles with a nuclear warhead and a range of 350 and 80 km.

The A-135 system should be replaced by the newest complex missile defense A-235 "Samolet-M", it is now at the testing stage. It will also be armed with two types of anti-missile missiles with a maximum destruction range of 1 thousand km (according to other sources - 1.5 thousand km).

In addition to the above systems, in the USSR in different time Work was also carried out on other projects for protection against strategic missile weapons. We can mention Chelomeev’s Taran missile defense system, which was supposed to protect the entire territory of the country from American ICBMs. This project involved installing several powerful radars in the Far North that would monitor the most possible trajectories of American ICBMs - through the North Pole. It was supposed to destroy enemy missiles with the help of powerful thermonuclear charges (10 megatons) mounted on anti-missiles.

This project was closed in the mid-60s for the same reason as the American Nike Zeus - the missile and nuclear arsenals of the USSR and the USA were growing at an incredible pace, and no missile defense could protect against a massive strike.

Another promising Soviet missile defense system that never entered service was the S-225 complex. This project was developed in the early 60s; later, one of the S-225 anti-missile missiles found use as part of the A-135 complex.

American missile defense system

Currently, several missile defense systems are deployed or are being developed in the world (Israel, India, Japan, the European Union), but all of them have a short or medium range. Only two countries in the world have a strategic missile defense system – the USA and Russia. Before moving on to the description of the American strategic system ABOUT, a few words should be said about general principles operation of such complexes.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles (or their warheads) can be shot down by different areas their trajectories: initial, middle or final. Hitting a missile during takeoff (Boost-phase intercept) looks like the simplest task. Immediately after launch, an ICBM is easy to track: it has a low speed and is not covered by decoys or interference. With one shot you can destroy all warheads installed on an ICBM.

However, interception at the initial stage of a missile’s trajectory also has significant difficulties, which almost completely neutralize the above advantages. As a rule, strategic missile deployment areas are located deep in enemy territory and are reliably covered by air and missile defense systems. Therefore, it is almost impossible to approach them at the required distance. In addition, the initial stage of a missile's flight (acceleration) is only one or two minutes, during which it is necessary not only to detect it, but also to send an interceptor to destroy it. It's very difficult.

Nevertheless, intercepting ICBMs at the launch stage looks very promising, so work on means of destroying strategic missiles during acceleration continues. Space-based laser systems look most promising, but operational systems of such weapons do not yet exist.

Missiles can also be intercepted in the middle section of their trajectory (Midcourse intercept), when the warheads have already separated from the ICBMs and continue to fly in outer space by inertia. Mid-flight interception also has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of destroying warheads in space is the large time interval that the missile defense system has (according to some sources, up to 40 minutes), but the interception itself is associated with many complex technical issues. Firstly, warheads have relatively small size, a special anti-radar coating and do not emit anything into space, so they are very difficult to detect. Secondly, to further complicate the work of missile defense, any ICBM, except for the warheads themselves, carries a large number of false targets, indistinguishable from real ones on radar screens. And thirdly: anti-missiles capable of destroying warheads in space orbit are very expensive.

Warheads can also be intercepted after they enter the atmosphere (Terminal phase intercept), or in other words, at their last stage of flight. There are also pros and cons here. The main advantages are: the ability to deploy a missile defense system on its territory, the relative ease of tracking targets, and the low cost of interceptor missiles. The fact is that after entering the atmosphere, lighter false targets are eliminated, which makes it possible to more confidently identify real warheads.

However, intercepting warheads at the final stage of their trajectory also has significant disadvantages. The main one is the very limited time available to the missile defense system - on the order of several tens of seconds. Destroying warheads at the final stage of their flight is essentially The Last Frontier missile defense.

In 1992, American President George W. Bush initiated a program to protect the United States from limited nuclear strike— this is how the non-strategic missile defense (NSMD) project appeared.

Development modern system national missile defense began in the United States in 1999 after President Bill Clinton signed the corresponding bill. The declared goal of the program was to create a missile defense system that could protect the entire US territory from ICBMs. In the same year, the Americans conducted the first test as part of of this project: A Minuteman missile was intercepted over the Pacific Ocean.

In 2001, the next occupant of the White House, George W. Bush, said that the missile defense system would protect not only America, but also its main allies, the first of which was named Great Britain. In 2002, after the Prague NATO summit, the development of a military-economic feasibility study began for the creation of a missile defense system for the North Atlantic Alliance. The final decision to create a European missile defense system was made at the NATO summit in Lisbon, held at the end of 2010.

It has been repeatedly emphasized that the purpose of the program is to protect against rogue countries like Iran and North Korea, and it is not directed against Russia. Later, a number of Eastern European countries joined the program, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

Currently, NATO missile defense is a complex complex consisting of many components, which includes satellite systems for tracking ballistic missile launches, ground-based and marine complexes detection of missile launches (radar), as well as several systems for destroying missiles at different stages of their trajectory: GBMD, Aegis (Aegis), THAAD and Patriot.

GBMD (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense) is ground complex, designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles in the middle part of their trajectory. It includes an early warning radar that monitors the launch of ICBMs and their trajectory, as well as silo-based interceptor missiles. Their range is from 2 to 5 thousand km. To intercept ICBM warheads, the GBMD uses kinetic warheads. It should be noted that at the moment GBMD is the only fully deployed US strategic missile defense system.

Kinetic combat unit It was not chosen by chance for the rocket. The fact is that to intercept hundreds of enemy warheads, a massive use of anti-missile missiles is necessary; the activation of at least one nuclear charge in the path of the warheads creates a powerful electromagnetic pulse and is guaranteed to blind missile defense radars. However, on the other hand, a kinetic warhead requires much greater guidance accuracy, which in itself represents a very difficult technical task. And given that modern ballistic missiles are equipped with warheads that can change their trajectory, the effectiveness of interceptors is further reduced.

So far, the GBMD system can boast of 50% accurate hits - and only during exercises. It is believed that this missile defense system can only work effectively against monoblock ICBMs.

Currently, GBMD interceptor missiles are deployed in Alaska and California. Perhaps another area for the deployment of the system will be created on the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Aegis (“Aegis”). Usually, when people talk about American missile defense, they mean the Aegis system. Back in the early 90s, the idea was born in the United States to use the ship's Aegis command and control system for missile defense needs, and to adapt an excellent anti-aircraft missile"Standard", which was launched from a standard Mk-41 container.

In general, the placement of missile defense system elements on warships is quite reasonable and logical. In this case, the missile defense becomes mobile, gaining the opportunity to operate as close as possible to the areas where enemy ICBMs are deployed, and, accordingly, to shoot down enemy missiles not only in the middle stages, but also in the initial stages of their flight. In addition, the main flight direction Russian missiles is the region of the Arctic Ocean, where there is simply nowhere to place missile defense silos.

In the end, the designers managed to place more fuel in the anti-missile missile and significantly improve the homing head. However, according to experts, even the most advanced modifications of the SM-3 anti-missile missile will not be able to intercept the latest maneuvering warheads of Russian ICBMs - they simply do not have enough fuel for this. But these anti-missile missiles are quite capable of intercepting a conventional (non-maneuvering) warhead.

In 2011, the Aegis missile defense system was deployed on 24 ships, including five Ticonderoga-class cruisers and nineteen Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. In total, the American military plans to equip 84 US Navy ships with the Aegis system by 2041. Based on this system, the Aegis Ashore ground system has been developed, which has already been deployed in Romania and will be deployed in Poland by 2019.

THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense). This element of the American missile defense system should be classified as the second echelon of the US national missile defense system. This is a mobile complex that was originally developed to combat medium and short-range missiles; it cannot intercept targets in outer space. The warhead of the THAAD missiles is kinetic.

Some THAAD systems are located on the US mainland, which can only be explained by the ability of this system to fight not only against medium- and short-range ballistic missiles, but also to intercept ICBMs. Indeed, this missile defense system can destroy warheads of strategic missiles at the final stage of their trajectory, and does so quite effectively. In 2013, a national American missile defense exercise was held, in which Aegis, GBMD and THAAD systems took part. The latter showed the greatest efficiency, shooting down 10 targets out of ten possible.

One of the disadvantages of THAAD is its high price: one interceptor missile costs $30 million.

PAC-3 Patriot. "Patriot" is a tactical-level anti-missile system designed to cover military groups. The debut of this complex took place during the first American war in the Persian Gulf. Despite the extensive PR campaign of this system, the effectiveness of the complex was considered not very satisfactory. Therefore, in the mid-90s, a more advanced version of the Patriot appeared - PAC-3.

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The most important element of the American missile defense system is the SBIRS satellite constellation, designed to detect ballistic missile launches and track their trajectories. The deployment of the system began in 2006 and should be completed by 2019. Its full complement will consist of ten satellites, six geostationary and four in high elliptical orbits.

Does the American missile defense system threaten Russia?

Will a missile defense system be able to protect the United States from a massive nuclear strike from Russia? The clear answer is no. The effectiveness of the American missile defense system is assessed differently by experts, but it certainly cannot ensure the guaranteed destruction of all warheads launched from Russian territory.

The ground-based GBMD system is insufficiently accurate, and only two such systems have been deployed so far. The ship's Aegis missile defense system can be quite effective against ICBMs at the accelerating (initial) stage of their flight, but can intercept missiles launched from the depths Russian territory, she won't be able to. If we talk about intercepting warheads in the mid-flight phase (outside the atmosphere), then it will be very difficult for SM-3 anti-missile missiles to deal with maneuvering warheads of the latest generation. Although outdated (unmaneuverable) units may well be hit by them.

Domestic critics of the American Aegis system forget one very important aspect: the deadliest element of the Russian nuclear triad are the ICBMs located on nuclear submarines. A missile defense ship may well be on duty in the area where missiles are launched from nuclear submarines and destroy them immediately after launch.

Hitting warheads during the mid-flight phase (after they have separated from the missile) is a very difficult task; it can be compared to trying to hit another bullet flying towards it with a bullet.

At present (and in the foreseeable future), the American missile defense system will be able to protect US territory from only a small number of ballistic missiles (no more than twenty), which is still a very serious achievement, given the rapid spread of missile and nuclear technologies in the world.

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

The first flight of the Tu-22M3M long-range supersonic missile-carrying bomber is planned at the Kazan Aviation Plant for August this year, RIA Novosti reports. This is a new modification of the Tu-22M3 bomber, which was put into service back in 1989.

The aircraft demonstrated its combat capability in Syria, striking terrorist bases. “Backfires,” as this formidable machine was nicknamed in the West, were also used during the Afghan War.

As the senator notes Victor Bondarev, ex-commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the aircraft has enormous potential for modernization. Actually, this is the entire line of Tu-22 bombers, the creation of which began at the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 60s. The first prototype made its launch flight in 1969. The first production vehicle, the Tu-22M2, was put into service in 1976.

In 1981, the Tu-22M3 began to arrive in combat units, which became a deep modernization of the previous modification. But it was put into service only in 1989, which was due to the fine-tuning of a number of systems and the introduction of new generation missiles. The bomber is equipped with new NK-25 engines, more powerful and economical, with an electronic control system. The on-board equipment has been largely replaced - from the power supply system to the radar and weapons control complex. The aircraft's defense system has been significantly strengthened.

The result was an aircraft with a variable sweep wing with the following characteristics: Length - 42.5 m. Wingspan - from 23.3 m to 34.3 m. Height - 11 m. Empty weight - 68 tons, maximum take-off - 126 tons Engine thrust - 2x14500 kgf, afterburner thrust - 2x25000 kgf. The maximum speed at the ground is 1050 km/h, at altitude - 2300 km/h. Flight range - 6800 km. Ceiling - 13300 m. Maximum missile and bomb load - 24 tons.

The main result of the modernization was the armament of the bomber with Kh-15 missiles (up to six missiles in the fuselage plus four on an external sling) and Kh-22 (two slung under the wings).

For reference: the X-15 is a supersonic aeroballistic missile. With a length of 4.87 m, it fit into the fuselage. The warhead had a mass of 150 kg. There was a nuclear option with a yield of 300 kt. The missile, having risen to a height of 40 km, when diving onto the target on the final section of the route, accelerated to a speed of 5 M. The range of the X-15 was 300 km.

And the X-22 is supersonic cruise missile, the range of which reaches 600 km, and maximum speed- 3.5M-4.6M. Flight altitude - 25 km. The missile also has two warheads - nuclear (up to 1 Mt) and high-explosive cumulative with a mass of 960 kg. In connection with this, she was conventionally nicknamed the “aircraft carrier killer.”

But last year, an even more advanced cruise missile, the Kh-32, was put into service, which is a deep modernization of the Kh-22. The range has increased to 1000 km. But the main thing is that noise immunity and the ability to overcome the active zones of enemy electronic warfare systems have significantly increased. At the same time, the dimensions and weight, as well as the warhead, remained the same.

And this is good. The bad news is that due to the cessation of production of the X-15 missiles, they began to be gradually withdrawn from service since 2000 due to the aging of the solid fuel mixture. At the same time, a replacement for the old rocket was not prepared. In connection with this, the bomb bay of the Tu-22M3 is now loaded only with bombs - both free-falling and adjustable.

What are the main disadvantages of the new weapon option? Firstly, the bombs listed do not belong to precision weapons. Secondly, in order to completely “unload” the ammunition, the aircraft must carry out bombing in the very thick of the enemy’s air defense.

Previously, this problem was solved optimally - first, the X-15 missiles (among which there was an anti-radar modification) struck the radar of the air defense/missile defense systems, thereby clearing the way for their main striking force - the X-22 pair. Now combat missions of a bomber are associated with increased danger, unless, of course, a collision occurs with a serious enemy who owns modern air defense systems.

There is another unpleasant point, due to which the excellent missile carrier is significantly inferior in capabilities to its brothers in the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Air Force - Tu-95MS and Tu-160. On the basis of the SALT-2 agreement, equipment for in-flight refueling was removed from the "twenty-second". In connection with this, the combat radius of the missile carrier does not exceed 2,400 km. And even then only if you fly light, with half the rocket and bomb load.

At the same time, the Tu-22M3 does not have missiles that could significantly increase the strike range of the aircraft. The Tu-95MS and Tu-160 have these, this is the Kh-101 subsonic cruise missile, which has a range of 5500 km.

So, work to modernize the bomber to the level of the Tu-22M3M is going on in parallel with much more secret work to create a cruise missile that will restore the combat effectiveness of this machine.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Raduga Design Bureau has been developing a promising cruise missile, which was declassified to a very limited extent only last year. And even then only in terms of design and characteristics. This is “product 715”, which is intended primarily for the Tu-22M3M, but can also be used on the Tu-95MS, Tu-160M ​​and Tu-160M2. American military-technical publications claim that this is almost a copy of their subsonic and longest-range air-to-surface missile AGM-158 JASSM. However, I really wouldn’t want this. Because these, according to Trump’s characteristics, “smart missiles,” as it recently turned out, are smart to the point of self-will. Some of them, during the last unsuccessful shelling of Syrian targets by the Western allies, which became famous throughout the world, actually flew to beat the Kurds, against the will of their owners. And the range of the AGM-158 JASSM is modest by modern standards - 980 km.

Improved Russian analogue this overseas missile - X-101. By the way, it was also made at the Raduga Design Bureau. The designers managed to significantly reduce the dimensions - the length decreased from 7.5 m to 5 m or even less. The diameter was reduced by 30%, “losing weight” to 50 cm. This was enough to place the “715 product” inside the bomb bay of the new Tu-22M3M. Moreover, in the amount of six missiles at once. That is, now, finally, from the point of view of combat tactics, we again have everything the same as it was during the operation of the Kh-15 missiles being withdrawn from service.

Inside the fuselage of the modernized bomber, the missiles will be placed in a revolver-type launcher, similar to the cartridge drum of a revolver. As the missiles are launched, the drum rotates step by step and the missiles are sequentially sent to the target. This placement does not impair the aerodynamic qualities of the aircraft and, therefore, allows for economical fuel consumption, as well as maximum use of the capabilities of supersonic flight. Which, as mentioned above, is especially important for the “single-refueling” Tu-22M3M.

Of course, the designers of “Product 715” could not, even theoretically, achieve supersonic speed while simultaneously increasing the flight range and reducing the dimensions. Actually, the X-101 is not a high-speed missile. On the marching section it flies at a speed of about 0.65 Mach, at the finish line it accelerates to 0.85 Mach. Its main advantage (besides range) lies elsewhere. The missile has a whole range of powerful weapons that allow it to break through enemy missile defenses. There is also stealth - the EPR is about 0.01 sq.m. And the combined flight profile - from creeping to an altitude of 10 km. And an effective electronic warfare system. In this case, the circular probable deviation from the target at a full distance of 5500 km is 5 meters. Such high accuracy is achieved through a combined guidance system. In the final section, an optical-electronic homing head operates, which guides the missile along a map stored in memory.

Experts suggest that in terms of range and other characteristics, the “715 product” will be inferior to the X-101, but only slightly. Estimates range from 3000 km to 4000 km. But, of course, the striking power will be different. The X-101 has a warhead mass of 400 kilograms. So much in new rocket“It won’t fit.”

As a result of the adoption of the 715 product, the bomber’s high-precision ammunition will not only increase, but will also be balanced. Thus, the Tu-22M3M will have the opportunity, without approaching the air defense zone, to pre-treat radars and air defense systems with “babies”. And then, coming closer, strike strategic targets with powerful supersonic X-32 missiles.

The recent developments in the situation in Europe (the Balkan events) are very dynamic in both the political and military fields. As a result of the implementation of the principles of new thinking, it became possible to reduce NATO armed forces in Europe, while simultaneously increasing the quality of the NATO system, as well as the beginning of the reorganization of the system itself.

A significant place in these reorganization plans is given to issues of combat and logistical support for combat operations, as well as the creation of reliable air defense (air defense), without which, according to foreign experts, one cannot count on success in combat in modern conditions. One of the manifestations of NATO’s efforts in this direction was the unified air defense system created in Europe, which included active forces and assets allocated by NATO countries, as well as the automated “Nage” system.

1. Organization of a unified NATO air defense system

NATO Command The purpose of the joint air defense system is definitely the following:

prevent the intrusion of possible enemy aircraft into the airspace of NATO countries in peacetime;

to prevent them from striking as much as possible during military operations in order to ensure the functioning of the main political and military-economic centers, strike forces of the armed forces, strategic forces, aviation assets, as well as other objects of strategic importance.

To perform these tasks it is considered necessary:

provide early warning to command of a possible attack through continuous monitoring of airspace and obtaining intelligence data on the state of enemy attack weapons;

protection from air strikes of nuclear forces, the most important military-strategic and administrative-economic facilities, as well as areas of concentration of troops;

maintaining high combat readiness of the maximum possible number of air defense forces and means to immediately repel an attack from the air;

organization of close interaction of air defense forces and means;

in the event of war - destruction of enemy air attack weapons.

The creation of a unified air defense system is based on the following principles:

covering not individual objects, but entire areas, stripes

allocation of sufficient forces and means to cover the most important areas and objects;

high centralization of control of air defense forces and means.

The overall management of the NATO air defense system is exercised by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe through his deputy for the Air Force (also Commander-in-Chief of the NATO Air Force), i.e. commander in chief The Air Force is the Air Defense Commander.

The entire area of ​​responsibility of the NATO joint air defense system is divided into 2 air defense zones:

northern zone;

southern zone.

Northern air defense zone occupies the territories of Norway, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the coastal waters of the countries and is divided into three air defense regions (“North”, “Center”, “Northeast”).

Each district has 1–2 air defense sectors.

Southern air defense zone occupies the territory of Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Mediterranean and Black Seas and is divided into 4 air defense regions

"Southeast";

"South Center";

"Southwest;

Air defense areas have 2–3 air defense sectors. In addition, 2 independent air defense sectors have been created within the boundaries of the Southern zone:

Cypriot;

Maltese;

For air defense purposes the following is used:

fighter-interceptors;

Long, medium and short range air defense systems;

anti-aircraft artillery (ZA).

A) In service NATO air defense fighters The following fighter groups consist of:

group - F-104, F-104E (capable of attacking one target at medium and high altitudes up to 10,000m from the rear hemisphere);

group - F-15, F-16 (capable of destroying one target from all angles and at all altitudes),

group - F-14, F-18, "Tornado", "Mirage-2000" (capable of attacking several targets from different angles and at all altitudes).

Air defense fighters are entrusted with the task of intercepting air targets at the highest possible altitudes from their base over enemy territory and outside the SAM zone.

All fighters are armed with cannons and missiles and are all-weather, equipped with a combined weapons control system designed to detect and attack air targets.

This system typically includes:

Interception and targeting radar;

counting device;

infrared sight;

optical sight.

All radars operate in the range λ=3–3.5 cm in pulse (F–104) or pulse-Doppler mode. All NATO aircraft have a receiver indicating radiation from radar operating in the range λ = 3–11.5 cm. Fighters are based at airfields 120–150 km away from the front line.

B)Fighter tactics

When performing combat missions, fighters use three methods of combat:

interception from the position “Duty at the airport”;

interception from the “Air duty” position;

free attack.

"Duty officer at the airport"– the main type of combat missions. It is used in the presence of a developed radar and ensures energy savings and the availability of a full supply of fuel.

Flaws: shifting the interception line to one’s territory when intercepting low-altitude targets

Depending on the threatening situation and the type of alarm, the duty forces of air defense fighters can be in the following degrees of combat readiness:

Ready No. 1 – departure 2 minutes after the order;

Ready No. 2 – departure 5 minutes after the order;

Ready No. 3 – departure 15 minutes after the order;

Ready No. 4 – departure 30 minutes after the order;

Ready No. 5 – departure 60 minutes after the order.

The possible line for a meeting between military and technical cooperation with a fighter from this position is 40–50 km from the front line.

"Air duty" – used to cover the main group of troops in the most important objects. In this case, the army group zone is divided into duty zones, which are assigned to air units.

Duty is carried out at medium, low and high altitudes:

–In PMU – in groups of aircraft up to a flight;

-At SMU - at night - by single planes, changeover. produced in 45–60 minutes. Depth – 100–150 km from the front line.

Flaws: – the ability to quickly detect enemy duty areas;

forced to adhere to defensive tactics more often;

the possibility of the enemy creating superiority in forces.

"Free Hunt" – for the destruction of air targets in a given area that does not have continuous air defense missile coverage and a continuous radar field. Depth - 200–300 km from the front line.

Air defense and air defense fighters, equipped with detection and targeting radars, armed with air-to-air missiles, use 2 methods of attack:

Attack from the front HEMISPHERE (at 45–70 0 to the target's heading). It is used when the time and place of interception are calculated in advance. This is possible when tracking the target longitudinally. It is the fastest, but requires high pointing accuracy both in location and time.

Attack from the rear HEMISPHERE (within the heading angle sector 110–250 0). Can be used against all targets and with all types of weapons. It provides a high probability of hitting the target.

Having good weapons and moving from one method of attack to another, one fighter can carry out 6–9 attacks , which allows you to shoot down 5–6 BTA aircraft.

Significant disadvantage Air defense fighters, and in particular fighter radars, is their work based on the use of the Doppler effect. So-called “blind” heading angles arise (angles of approach to the target), in which the fighter’s radar is not able to select (select) the target against the background of interfering reflections of the ground or passive interference. These zones do not depend on the flight speed of the attacking fighter, but are determined by the target’s flight speed, heading angles, approach and the minimum radial component of the relative approach speed ∆Vbl., specified by the performance characteristics of the radar.

The radar is capable of selecting only those signals from the target that have a certain Doppler ƒ min. This ƒ min is for radar ± 2 kHz.

In accordance with the laws of radar ƒ = 2 V2 ƒ 0

where ƒ 0 – carrier, C–V light. Such signals come from targets with V 2 =30–60 m/s. To achieve this V 2 the aircraft must fly at a heading angle q=arcos V 2 /V c =70–80 0, and the sector itself has blind heading angles => 790–110 0, and 250–290 0, respectively.

The main air defense systems in the joint air defense system of NATO countries are:

Long-range air defense systems (D≥60km) – “Nike-Hercules”, “Patriot”;

Medium-range air defense system (D = from 10–15 km to 50–60 km) – improved “Hawk” (“U-Hawk”);

Short-range air defense systems (D = 10–15 km) - “Chaparral”, “Rapier”, “Roland”, “Indigo”, “Crotal”, “Javelin”, “Avenger”, “Adats”, “Fog-M”, “ Stinger", "Blowpipe".

NATO air defense systems principle of use are divided into:

Centralized use, applied according to the plan of the senior boss in zone , area and air defense sector;

Military air defense systems are part of the ground forces and are used according to the plan of their commander.

To funds used according to plans senior managers include long- and medium-range air defense systems. Here they operate in automatic guidance mode.

The main tactical unit of anti-aircraft weapons is a division or equivalent units.

Long- and medium-range air defense systems, with a sufficient number of them, are used to create a continuous cover zone.

When their number is small, only individual, most important objects are covered.

Short-range air defense systems and air defense systems used to cover ground forces, roads, etc.

Each anti-aircraft weapon has certain combat capabilities for firing and hitting a target.

Combat capabilities – quantitative and qualitative indicators characterizing the capabilities of air defense systems units to carry out combat missions at a specified time and in specific conditions.

The combat capabilities of an air defense missile system battery are assessed by the following characteristics:

Dimensions of shelling and destruction zones in vertical and horizontal planes;

Number of simultaneously fired targets;

System response time;

The ability of the battery to conduct long-term fire;

The number of launches when firing at a given target.

The specified characteristics can only be predetermined for a non-maneuvering purpose.

Firing zone - a part of space at each point of which a missile can be aimed.

Affected area - part of the firing zone within which the missile meets the target and defeats it with a given probability.

The position of the affected area in the firing zone may change depending on the direction of flight of the target.

When the air defense system is operating in the mode automatic guidance the affected area occupies a position in which the bisector of the angle limiting the affected area in the horizontal plane always remains parallel to the direction of flight towards the target.

Since the target can approach from any direction, the affected area can occupy any position, while the bisector of the angle limiting the affected area rotates following the turn of the aircraft.

Hence, a turn in the horizontal plane at an angle greater than half the angle limiting the affected area is equivalent to the aircraft leaving the affected area.

The affected area of ​​any air defense system has certain boundaries:

along N – lower and upper;

on D from leave. mouth – far and near, as well as restrictions on the exchange rate parameter (P), which determines the lateral boundaries of the zone.

Lower limit of the affected area – Nmin of firing is determined, which ensures the specified probability of hitting the target. It is limited by the influence of the reflection of radiation from the ground on the operation of the RTS and the closing angles of positions.

Position closing angle ( α ) – is formed when the terrain and local objects exceed the position of the batteries.

Upper and data bounds affected areas are determined by the energy resource of the river.

Near border the affected area is determined by the time of uncontrolled flight after launch.

Lateral borders affected areas are determined by the course parameter (P).

Exchange rate parameter P – the shortest distance (KM) from the point where the battery is located and the projection of the aircraft track.

The number of simultaneously fired targets depends on the number of radars irradiating (illuminating) the target in the air defense missile system batteries.

The system reaction time is the time that passes from the moment an air target is detected until the missile is launched.

The number of possible launches on a target depends on the long-range detection of the target by the radar, the course parameter P, H of the target and Vtarget, T of the system reaction and the time between missile launches.