Iskander missile system. "Iskander-M" (missile system): characteristics
In world politics there are magic words that make entire governments tremble. For example, the phrase “chemical weapons in Syria”, or “ nuclear weapon Iran" causes political elite Western countries are in a state of extreme military-diplomatic excitement. However, in terms of the speed of reaction of the progressive public to such phrases, our Iskander has no equal. The mention of the Iskander-M OTRK, especially in the context of its deployment near someone’s borders, inevitably entails a reaction close to hysteria from the media, military and politicians of border countries and their Western overlords. Let's figure out what is the secret of the magical properties of this operational-tactical missile system that so frightens our neighbors.
The problem with the Iskander missile system is that it cannot be caught. Firstly, because during the flight the missile maneuvers with enormous overloads, which are still unattainable for any interceptor missile in service with the countries of the world. Secondly, it flies very low - up to 6 km from the surface at a speed of Mach 4, so it is almost impossible to detect it using standard radar means. Thirdly, it throws out false targets to deceive the enemy’s radar, sets up active radio interference and “jammes” all the emitters by which missile defense systems navigate in space. Those. The Iskander can destroy any object within a radius of 500 km with an accuracy of 2 meters and a probability close to 100%. Theoretically, by launching a missile from Kaliningrad, you can “reach” the government quarter in Berlin, and the destructive force of the strike can be easily increased by “hanging” a nuclear warhead on the missile. Such missile weapons no one in the world has. At the same time, Iskander is extremely mobile and secretive - the likelihood of its detection, even by space reconnaissance means, is very low. Within 1 minute, he launched a set of missiles and immediately left the location, turning off all devices.
The rocket is single-stage, has an engine with a single nozzle, is non-ballistic and is controlled along the entire flight path using aerodynamic and gas-dynamic rudders. Most of the flight path of a missile made using Stealth technology and having a small dispersion surface passes at an altitude of 50 km, and on the approach phase - 6-20 km (depending on the type of OTRK), which makes its defeat by the enemy a practically impossible task . The effect of "invisibility" is achieved due to the combination design features, in particular, treating the rocket with special nanostructured dispersive coatings, dropping protruding parts after launch, etc. The Iskander trajectory is not only non-ballistic, but also difficult to predict. Immediately after launch and immediately upon approaching the target, the missile performs intensive maneuvering. Depending on the trajectory, overloads range from 20 to 30 units. Accordingly, the interceptor missile must withstand an overload of at least 2-3 times higher, which is technologically impossible within the framework of the existing 4th technological order in the world and even the promising fifth.
Iskander-M is the main option for Russian army- significantly more complex than the Iskander-E, supplied for export. Less noticeable, more maneuverable at the start and at the final stage of the flight. In addition, it has not just an inertial guidance system, like the Iskander-E, but a combined one, including radio correction, GPS, GLONASS, laser and optical homing in the final section. Controlled by lattice rudders. The warhead is not separated in principle, because the body serves to create lift at the final section.
In 2012, another complex, Iskander-K, which is further development M. It launches even more accurate, already cruise, missiles, which are equipped with small bearing surfaces, like on the R-37. Thanks to this, it became possible to fire along a flat trajectory, like the OKA complex did in its time, only much more accurately and faster. The missile can fly at an altitude of only 6 km (horizontal radars have no chance), it uses a combined seeker and replaceable warheads. Two missiles in a salvo can be equipped with different guidance systems and fire both along a mounted and flat trajectory.
Experts express the opinion that the combined use of two brothers - Iskander-M and Iskander-K - gives a synergistic effect that neither of them is able to counteract. existing systems PRO. One of the missile technology experts, speaking on forums under the nickname “Evil Critic,” described the new product this way: “It is known that both ballistic missiles (BMs) and cruise missiles(KR), as well as their guidance systems, have a number of restrictions on the “current state” of the target object... For example, if you rely ONLY on the Iskander-M, for example, with an optical-correlation system for final guidance on the target target , - and if we assume that the target will have to be hit at “hour X” with low clouds and intense visual opposition from the enemy, the bet may be lost. The same applies to the final guidance radar system, which is similar in operating principle to that of the Pershing-2 - here the enemy’s intense electronic warfare can confuse the cards. At the same time, low cloud cover, for example, and intense visual masking of the final object, will be to a certain extent “on the drum” of the CR with an inertial and optical-correlation system that works out navigation corrections throughout the ENTIRE route (similar to the Pendossk ALCM CR).. Here, no amount of masking of the target will help - and here you ONLY need to shoot down the missile, shoot it down on the route or, as a last resort, on the approach to the target.
Finally, let’s imagine a situation where “Iskander-K” and “Iskander-M” “approach” the target (Czech missile defense radar or noble mines with GBI) - AT THE SAME TIME... And each demonstrates “their own proprietary set of gadgets” , - "Iskander-M" - high-intensity maneuvering of a high-flying hypersonic target, "Iskander-K" - an extremely low flight profile (about 6 m) and following the terrain in a practically "autonomous" (i.e., independent of the search for a target onboard sensors) mode... This REALLY is a situation close to 100% probability of hitting the target... So, to combat Euro-missile defense, the COMBINATION of "Iskander-M" + "Iskander-K" is really optimal. The trick is to use these products simultaneously, “in one hit.”
The German newspaper Bild, citing its sources, reported that Russia has deployed Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad region near the border with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This message was followed by the reaction of the US authorities, who immediately, through all channels of interaction, called on Russia not to destabilize the situation by deploying Iskander missiles in the west. “We wouldn’t want them to take steps that lead to destabilization in the region,” she said official representative US State Department Marie Harf. Translated from diplomatic to human, it sounds something like this: “The deployment of Iskanders will upset the entire balance of power in Europe, and not in our direction. Anything but Iskander!” Concerns were also expressed in Poland and Latvia. Lithuanian Defense Minister Juozas Olakas called this alarming news, and Lithuanian Presidential Adviser Dali Grybauskaite said that Russia's actions do not correspond to declarations of desire for closer cooperation with the European Union and NATO. Even China became nervous when it learned that the missile system would be located near its border.
Let us note that with the supply of Iskanders to Armenia, Azerbaijan’s hands were tied, Lately trying to flex its military muscles in the region, the aggressive rhetoric against Yerevan stopped. In 2014, Armenia will complete the re-equipment of its missile units with ultra-precise and long-range missile systems. Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan stated this at a press conference in Yerevan on January 24, answering a question from journalists about whether reports about Yerevan’s acquisition of Russian modern operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK) Iskander-M are true. Please note that it is not the export Iskander-E with a range of 280 km and one missile in the launcher, which has been reduced in capabilities, but a full-fledged "M", firing at a distance of up to 500 km and having 2 missiles at once (by the way, it is still the only OTRK in the world capable launch 2 missiles from one launcher at once). Apparently, an exception was made for our Armenian friends due to the tense geopolitical situation throughout the CIS.
Iskander can deliver cluster (with 54 combat elements), penetrating, high-explosive fragmentation, and nuclear warheads to the target. This allows you to hit small-sized and area targets, including enemy fire weapons, air defense and missile defense systems, aircraft at airfields, command posts, etc. The RK includes a missile, a self-propelled launcher, a transport-loading and command-staff vehicle, a mobile information preparation station, mobile technical and household support units, as well as sets of arsenal and training equipment.
The history of the creation of this OTRK began in the early 80s. The use of conventional (non-nuclear) warheads while maintaining the effectiveness of the weapon forced developers to look for new ways to build a missile control system (CS). The accuracy of the inertial control system for solving this problem is insufficient; it should have been increased
approximately by an order of magnitude. In the 80s Attempts have already been made in our country to solve this problem. Optical homing equipment for the Scud was created (it was even possible to conduct field tests and hand over the missile for trial operation among the troops). A nuclear-free warhead with guidance using a correlation-type radar seeker was developed for the Volga complex. The modernized "Oka" and "Tochka" had not only an inertial control system, but also an optical correlation-extreme guidance system, which was also not only tested, but also underwent trial operation by the troops. During the years of inactivity of our military-industrial complex great success The USA has achieved in this direction: American rocket"Pershing 2", which was destroyed under the INF Treaty, was equipped with a radar seeker that identified the terrain in the target area; optical homing systems are used in modern versions of the Tomahawk and CALCM cruise missiles. Their effectiveness was clearly demonstrated in Iraq and Yugoslavia.
The task of creating similar equipment for Iskander was completed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (TsNIIAG), a leading developer of guidance and control systems for domestic tactical and operational-tactical missiles, which has a 25-year track record in the development of homing heads. The main way to solve this problem was to combine an inertial system with optical guidance over the terrain surrounding the target. Moreover, the homing head created at TsNIIAG can be used both as part of the Iskander and on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types (including intercontinental ones). This seeker has already passed flight tests and has shown accuracy better than the Americans achieved with their Tomahawks.
The principle of operation of homing systems, which have the scientific name of correlation-extreme, is that optical equipment forms an image of the terrain in the target area, which is compared in the on-board computer with a reference one, after which corrective signals are issued to the missile controls.
The optical seeker is universal and makes only one requirement for the missile's inertial control system: to bring the latter to the point at which the optics begin to see the target. Existing active electronic warfare systems, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems, are powerless against such a head. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows it to work even on a moonless night, which sets it apart new system from existing analogues. In addition, optical systems do not require signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis situations can be turned off by its owners or disabled by radio interference. By the way, many potential customers of Iskander-E put forward demands for independence from satellite navigation. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any imaginable conditions.
Information about the target is transmitted from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft to the information preparation point (IPP). It calculates the flight mission for the missile, which is then transmitted via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles (CSVs) of the division and battery commanders, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can be generated either in the command post or from the control centers of senior artillery commanders. The PPI and KShM equipment is built on local networks Russian computers, and the functionality of the control set depends only on the software and can be easily upgraded to control various fire weapons.
On October 11, 2011, it was announced that the first stage of testing of the updated Iskander-M missile system with new combat equipment was completed - with a new electronic warfare system, which provides cover for the missile during the final flight phase. This system includes means of passive and active jamming of enemy air and missile defense surveillance and firing radars through noise and the release of false targets. Since 2013, new missiles began to be supplied to the Russian army.
The 2012 CIA analytical review “On strategic risks and the global military-political situation in the world” contains a very revealing definition: “The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon capable of influencing the military-political situation in regions of the world if located in Their states do not have an extended territory. Therefore, the issues of deployment of Iskander complexes, as well as their export deliveries, are the subject of political consultations between countries.”
The complex is designed to engage conventionally equipped combat units against small-sized and area targets deep in the operational formation of enemy troops. It is assumed that it can be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.
Most Likely Targets:
— means of fire destruction (missile systems, jet systems volley fire, long-range artillery);
- anti-missile and air defense;
— airplanes and helicopters at airfields;
— command posts and communication centers;
— the most important civil infrastructure facilities.
The main features of the Iskander OTRK are:
— high-precision effective destruction of various types of targets;
- the ability to covertly carry out combat duty, prepare for combat use and apply missile strikes;
— automatic calculation and input of flight missions for missiles when placing them on the launcher;
— high probability of completing a combat mission in the face of active enemy opposition;
— high operational reliability of the rocket and its reliability during preparation for launch and in flight;
— high tactical maneuverability due to the placement of combat vehicles on off-road all-wheel drive chassis;
— high strategic mobility, which is ensured by the ability to transport combat vehicles by all types of transport, including aviation;
— high degree of automation of the process of combat control of missile units;
— fast processing and timely delivery of intelligence information to the necessary management levels;
- long service life and ease of use.
Combat characteristics:
— circular probable deviation: 1...30 m;
— rocket launch weight 3,800 kg;
— length 7.2 m;
— diameter 920 mm;
— warhead weight 480 kg;
— rocket speed after the initial part of the trajectory is 2100 m/s;
— the minimum target engagement range is 50 km;
— maximum range of hitting a target:
500 km Iskander-K
280 km Iskander-E
— time before the launch of the first rocket is 4...16 minutes;
— interval between starts: 1 minute
— service life: 10 years, including 3 years in field conditions.
The main elements that make up the Iskander OTRK are:
- rocket,
- self-propelled launcher,
— transport-charging machine,
— routine maintenance machine,
— command and staff vehicle,
— information preparation point,
— a set of arsenal equipment,
— educational and training facilities.
Self-propelled launcher(SPU) - designed for storing, transporting, preparing and launching two missiles at a target (in the export version, 1 missile). The SPU can be implemented on the basis of a special wheeled chassis MZKT-7930 produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. Gross weight 42 tons, payload 19 tons, highway/dirt road speed 70/40 km/h, fuel range 1000 km. Calculation 3 people.
Transport-charging machine(TZM) - designed to transport two additional missiles. The TZM is implemented on the MZKT-7930 chassis and is equipped with a loading crane. Total combat weight 40 tons. Crew 2 people.
Command and staff vehicle(KShM) - designed to control the entire Iskander complex. Implemented on the KamAZ-43101 wheeled chassis. Calculation 4 people. KShM CHARACTERISTICS:
— maximum radio communication range when stationary/on the move: 350/50 km
— task calculation time for missiles: up to 10 s
— command transmission time: up to 15 s
— number of communication channels: up to 16
— deployment (collapse) time: up to 30 minutes
— continuous operation time: 48 hours
Regulation and maintenance machine(MRTO) - designed to check on-board equipment of rockets and instruments, to carry out routine repairs. Implemented on a KamAZ wheeled chassis. Weight is 13.5 tons, deployment time does not exceed 20 minutes, the time of the automated cycle of routine check of the on-board equipment of the rocket is 18 minutes, crew of 2 people.
Information preparation point(PPI) - designed to determine the coordinates of the target and prepare flight missions for missiles with their subsequent transfer to the SPU. PPI is integrated with reconnaissance assets and can receive tasks and assigned targets from all necessary sources, including from a satellite, aircraft or drone. Calculation 2 people.
Life support machine(MJO) - intended for accommodation, rest and eating of combat crews. Implemented on a KamAZ-43118 wheeled chassis. The machine includes: a rest compartment and a utility compartment. The rest compartment has 6 carriage-type berths with folding upper beds, 2 lockers, built-in lockers, and an opening window. The utility compartment has 2 lockers with seats, a folding lifting table, a water supply system with a 300-liter tank, a tank for heating water, a pump for pumping water, a drainage system, a sink, and a dryer for clothes and shoes.
ROCKET of the Iskander complex
is a solid-fuel, single-stage, with a warhead that is not detachable in flight, guided and vigorously maneuvered throughout the entire difficult-to-predict flight path. It maneuvers especially actively during the starting and final stages of the flight, during which it approaches the target with a high (20-30 units) overload.
This necessitates an anti-missile flight to intercept an Iskander OTRK missile with an overload 2-3 times greater, which is currently practically impossible.
Most of the flight path of the Iskander missile, made using stealth technology with a small reflective surface, passes at an altitude of 50 km, which also significantly reduces the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy. The “invisibility” effect is ensured due to the combination of design features of the rocket and the treatment of its surface with special coatings.
To launch a missile to a target it is used inertial control system, which is subsequently captured by an autonomous correlation-extreme optical homing head (GOS). The operating principle of the missile homing system is based on the formation by optical equipment of the seeker of an image of the terrain in the target area, which the on-board computer compares with the standard entered into it when preparing the missile for launch.
Optical homing head is characterized by increased sensitivity and resistance to existing electronic warfare systems, which allows missile launches on moonless nights without additional natural illumination and hit a moving target with an error of plus or minus two meters. Currently, except for the Iskander OTRK, no other similar missile system in the world can solve this problem.
It is characteristic that the optical homing system used in the rocket does not require corrective signals from space radio navigation systems, which in crisis situations can be disabled by radio interference or simply turned off. Complex use an inertial control system with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker made it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any possible conditions. The homing head installed on the Iskander OTRK missile can be installed on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types.
Types of combat units
- cassette with fragmentation combat elements of non-contact detonation (detonated at a height of about 10 m above the ground)
— cassette with cumulative fragmentation combat elements
— cassette with self-aiming combat elements
— cassette volumetric-detonating action
— high-explosive fragmentation (HFBCH)
- high-explosive incendiary
— penetrating (PrBC)
The cluster warhead contains 54 combat elements.
The Iskander complex is integrated with various systems intelligence and control. It is capable of receiving information about a target designated for destruction from a satellite, reconnaissance aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (of the Reis-D type) to the information preparation point (IPI). It calculates the flight mission for the rocket and prepares reference information for the rockets.
This information is transmitted via radio channels to the command and staff vehicles of the division commanders and batteries, and from there to the launchers. Commands to launch missiles can come from the command gun or from the control posts of senior artillery commanders.
Placing two missiles on each SPU and TZM significantly increases firepower missile divisions, and a one-minute interval between missile launches at different targets ensures high fire performance. In terms of its effectiveness, taking into account the total combat capabilities, operational-tactical The Iskander missile system is equivalent to a nuclear weapon.
/Alex Varlamik, based on materials from arms-expo.ru and wikipedia.org/
OTRK "Iskander-M" / Photo: Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry
The Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system (OTRK) received a new aeroballistic missile.
“Now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile”
Valery Kashin, general designer of the research and production corporation Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (part of the High-Precision Complexes holding of the Rostec state corporation), told TASS.
“All these years, the weapons of the Iskander-M missile system have been developing and improving. In particular, a new aeroballistic missile has been created, which successfully passed interdepartmental tests in December,” he said.
Valery Kashin / Photo: Rostec
The agency's interlocutor explained that now the Iskander-M OTRK can be equipped with five types of aeroballistic missiles and one cruise missile.
About the complex
The 9K720 Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system was developed by KBM in the 1990s and put into service in 2006. Produced to replace the outdated 9K79 Tochka (9K79-1 Tochka-U) complexes. The range of the missiles is 500 kilometers, for the export version - 280 kilometers.
Aeroballistic missiles 9M723 (have various types combat equipment, as well as various correlation homing heads) are controlled throughout the flight, which makes their trajectory unpredictable and difficult to intercept by tactical missile defense systems. The complex can also use high-precision cruise missiles 9M728 (R-500), Lenta.ru reported.
Technical information
Guided operational-tactical missile 9M723
Single-stage solid-fuel rocket 9M723, controlled at all stages of flight with a quasi-ballistic trajectory. The warhead of a cluster-type missile has 54 fragmentation elements with non-contact detonation or also a cluster type with elements of a volumetric detonating effect. The missiles are produced by JSC Votkinsk Plant, the launcher is manufactured at the Barricades Production Association.
Single-stage solid propellant rocket 9M723 / Photo: fecusin.ucoz.ru
Schematic diagram of the 9M723 guided operational-tactical missile / Photo: fun-space.ru
The design of the rocket is single-stage with an inseparable warhead. Much attention is paid to reducing the RCS - there are no protruding parts, holes or noticeable joints, the cable garrot is minimized as much as possible on the first versions of the rockets and is made in the form of a thin train on the surface of the rocket body on more modern series, the aerodynamic control surfaces are replaced with swept ones instead of lattice ones. A special heat-protective coating of the body is used, which can probably serve as a coating that reduces the ESR.
Launch of the 9M723 guided tactical missile / Photo: pics2.pokazuha.ru
Rocket 9M723 - rear view / Photo: fun-space.ru
The task of creating similar equipment for Iskander-E was completed by the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics (TsNIIAG), a leading developer of guidance and control systems for domestic tactical and operational-tactical missiles, which has a 25-year track record in the development of homing heads.
The main way to solve this problem was to combine an inertial system with optical guidance over the terrain surrounding the target. Moreover, the 9E436 optical correlation seeker, created in the early 90s at the Moscow TsNIIAG and shown at Eurosatory-2004, can be used both as part of the Iskander-E and on ballistic and cruise missiles of various classes and types (including intercontinental). The seeker 9E436 has already passed flight tests and demonstrated the missile’s accuracy when hitting a target up to two meters. To date, serial production of this head has been prepared.
Optical seeker 9E436 of the 9M723 OTRK "Iskander" missile / Photo: militaryrussia.ru
- GOS mass - 20 kg
- Flight task entry time - no more than 5 minutes
- KVO - up to 20 m
This management principle has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the last ones. Since the system does not recognize the target itself, but the terrain around it, it cannot provide guidance on a moving object. To formulate a flight mission, you must have a reconnaissance image. The operation of the seeker can be hampered by fog or an aerosol cloud exposed by the enemy that obscures the terrain. If the head is installed on ballistic missile, its operation may be hampered by low clouds (this problem does not exist for cruise missiles capable of flying at low altitudes).
However, these disadvantages are more than compensated by the advantages. The optical seeker is universal and makes only one requirement for the missile's inertial control system: to bring the latter to the point at which the optics begin to see the target. Existing active electronic warfare systems, which very effectively counteract radar homing systems, are powerless against such a head. The high sensitivity of the seeker allows it to operate even on a moonless night, which distinguishes the new system from earlier prototypes. In addition, optical systems do not require signals from space radio navigation systems, such as the American NAVSTAR, which in crisis situations can be turned off or disabled by radio interference. At the same time, the integration of inertial control with satellite navigation equipment and an optical seeker makes it possible to create a missile that can hit a given target in almost any imaginable conditions.
The active radar seeker 9B918, which was developed and produced by NPP Radar MMS, also participates in the missile control work.
Engine - solid propellant rocket engine, engine compartment 9X820 (9M723 rocket), charge made of mixed solid fuel with high specific impulse. Iskander/Iskander-E and Iskander-M missiles use fuel different types. The solid propellant rocket motor of the complex does not require special heating during storage or operation in low temperatures(there are no missile heating systems on the SPU and TZM).
Remains of the engine compartment of a 9M723 missile discovered on Georgian territory during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, August 2008 / Photo: militaryphotos.net
- high-explosive fragmentation (all modifications), can be used with an optical or radar correlation seeker;
- high-explosive incendiary use with an optical or radar correlation seeker is unlikely
- penetrating (all modifications), can be used with optical or radar correlation seeker
- nuclear, power 5-50 kt (Iskander-M), theoretically can be used with an optical or radar correlation seeker. The use of nuclear warheads is probably not currently envisaged because V open photos and video materials on the SPU and TZM there are no heating systems for nuclear charges (but based on the modularity of the complex, such systems can be installed at any time).
9M723 rocket - front view / Photo: fun-space.ru
Option 1 (possibly 9N722K1 - Design Bureau of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
- Weight - 480 kg
- Number of combat elements - 54 pcs.
- Warhead deployment height - 900-1400 m
- Trigger height of combat elements - 6-10 m
Types of combat elements:
- fragmentation non-contact
- cumulative fragmentation
- self-aiming
- volumetric detonating
Option 2 (possibly 9N722K1 or another) - GosNIIMash (Dzerzhinsk)
- Weight - 480 kg
- Number of combat elements - 45 pcs.
- Type of combat elements - 9N730 with a central explosive charge (CRZ) 9N731
- Non-contact fuse type - 9E156 "Umbrella" developed by the Research Institute of Electronic Devices (Novosibirsk)
Proximity fuse 9E156 "Umbrella" of the combat element of a cassette warhead / Photo: news.ngs.ru
- Rocket 9M723K1 / 9M723K5 - missiles with cluster warheads.
- The 9M723K-E missile is an export version of the missile with a cluster warhead
- The 9M723-1 missile is an improved version of the missile, developed as of 2007-2009.
- Rocket 9M723-1F / 9M723-1FE - missile with radar seeker 9B918
- Rocket 9M723-1F2 / 9M723-1F2Tl - mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - telemetric version of the rocket
- The 9M723-1K5 / 9M723-1K5Tl missile is mass-produced, with the letters "Tl" - a telemetric version of the missile.
- 9M723 missile with a new type of combat equipment - a missile with a new type of combat equipment was launched at the Kapustin Yar test site on October 11, 2011. The launch was successful.
- 9M723 missile with an optical correlation seeker - On November 14, 2911, a missile with a seeker of this type was successfully tested at the Kapustin Yar test site.
OTRK "Iskander-M" / Photo: Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry.
In addition to high combat characteristics, the Russian operational-tactical missile system Iskander has interesting feature- just the mention of it makes heads of state nervous. And the possibility of deploying Iskander missiles near someone’s borders changes the plans of military-political alliances.
This was the case in Poland. After Russia decided to transfer the OTRK to the Kaliningrad region, the United States abandoned plans to build missile defense facilities in this country. Putin promised the Israeli authorities not to supply Iskander to Syria so as not to upset the balance of power in the region. Even China is concerned about the possibility of new Russian missiles appearing near its borders. “The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a weapon capable of influencing the military-political situation in regions of the world,” the CIA said in a 2012 analytical review.
Why is the world so afraid of Iskander? Why are dozens of countries queuing for an export modification of the complex that flies half the distance and lacks the main “bells and whistles”? Finally, why did the news about the adoption of a new modification of the missile, the Iskander-K, cause a reaction in NATO that can only be called hysteria? Russia was accused of destabilizing the situation in Europe, threatening a number of countries, violating a bunch of treaties and agreements - all because of one missile.
This is because this missile guarantees the destruction of the target. It is very difficult to notice and impossible to shoot down. And where the Iskander will fly will be hot.
Unkillable
The OTRK missile flies very quickly and either very high or several meters above the ground - depending on the modification and combat mission. Flight speed - Mach 4 (almost 5 thousand km/h), range - 500 km. All protruding parts are discarded immediately after launch, the surface of the rocket is treated with dispersive nanostructured coatings, which makes the Iskander invisible to enemy radars.
According to experts, it is not necessary to completely disable enemy air defenses and missile defenses - it is enough to confuse them for the short period of time necessary for the missile to reach its target. Taking into account the speed of the Iskander, this interval is calculated in seconds, and its equipment is capable of such a task. On approach, the missile intensively jams enemy air defense systems and shoots down false targets.
OTRK "Iskander" / Photo: Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry
But this is not the main advantage. Even if we imagine that the enemy’s air defense detected an incoming missile, the enemy will not be able to shoot it down. At the initial and final stages of the trajectory, the Iskander maneuvers unpredictably with overloads of 20-30 units. To defeat, an interceptor missile must maneuver 2-3 times more energetically. But there are no such missiles now, nor will there be in the foreseeable future.
Combined target guidance: inertial system, radio correction, GPS , GLONASS, laser and optical homing at the final stage of the flight. The probable deviation from the target is 2 meters.
Double guarantee
However, the Iskander cannot be called an absolute weapon. A modification of a missile with an optical guidance system can, for example, be confused by intense visual opposition from enemy air defense forces and low clouds in the target area. Such a homing head compares the terrain in the field of view with the image stored in the memory and corrects the flight. But how can we compare if the lasers blind us and we can’t see a damn thing? A missile with a radar seeker can also be led astray - modern electronic warfare systems are created for this purpose. But a cruise missile following a strictly given route, without the help of its own sensors, can only be shot down physically. This is exactly what the Iskander-K is, and it is impossible to destroy it in flight for the reasons stated above.
Picture: tvzvezda.ru
The rocketeers are confident that the launch of two Iskander missiles of different modifications, with different guidance systems and flight paths, guarantees hitting the target. Iskander-K maneuvers intensively, scatters interference, blinds and jams the radars of air defense systems. The Iskander-M silently flies at an altitude of 6 meters, without wasting time searching for the target and knowing exactly where it needs to go. As a result, at least one 480-kg combat unit The rocket arrives at its destination.
By the way, the OTRK launcher is designed for just two missiles and is capable of firing them almost simultaneously: entering a flight mission via an optical channel takes a couple of seconds. After firing, the launcher secretly reloads and changes position - it is made so as to be invisible to drones and satellites.
Briefly about the main thing
The warhead of the Iskander is interchangeable, of eight varieties. The missile can deliver a cluster warhead with 54 cumulative fragmentation elements, a cluster warhead with self-targeting submunitions, a volumetric explosion, and a penetrating warhead for the destruction of well-fortified objects. As well as several options for landmines and thermo nuclear warhead with a capacity of up to 50 kilotons.
OTRK Iskander is an operational-tactical missile system of increased mobility, capable of short term change position and launch two medium- and long-range missiles.
The complex is woven into Russian system deterrence of NATO and US forces. The reason for its creation was the deployment by Western countries of missile defense systems along the borders of the Russian Federation, supposedly to counter nuclear threat from Iran.
Advantages of OTRK Iskander
According to the technical characteristics, the Iskander or 9K720 is equipped with missiles capable of hitting an object at a distance of 500 km. This is exactly the distance specified in the treaty on the reduction and elimination of small and medium-sized missiles. medium range- RIAC.
Under the terms of the treaty, the United States and the USSR were obliged to get rid of missiles with the range described above. For this reason Soviet Union decommissioned Iskander's predecessor, Oka.
The USA and the USSR are obliged to get rid of long-range missiles.
However, the Americans themselves violate the terms of the treaty. They are developing new short- and medium-range missile systems. Most of these weapons are carried on missile cruisers and carried by specialized aircraft. For example, Reaper and Predator aircraft.
Even the missile defense elements located on the territory of Romania and Poland have a dual purpose and are capable of launching not only anti-missile missiles, but also Tomahawk missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.
The Iskander analogue of the Patriot air defense system is the main missile defense system of the United States and a number of NATO countries It was this reason that provoked the development and development of the Iskander air defense system - a new generation weapon. According to NATO classification, this weapon is designated SS-26 Stone and is considered the most dangerous product of the Russian Armed Forces. The 9K720 division is comparable in firepower to the US aviation group.
According to experts, the combined strike of the complexes is capable of penetrating the existing missile defense and air defense systems in Europe, delivering a crushing blow to strategic points and “breaking” the defenses for subsequent cruise missile attacks.
A little history
Iskander is a relatively new missile system and does not have any outstanding history.
First steps
There was a second World War. The German army crushed one power after another and it seemed that the victorious march of the Third Reich would not be stopped by anything. Poland, Benelux countries, France...
Somewhere the Nazis met fierce resistance. Elsewhere they were greeted as friends.
Gradually german army acquired the status of invincible.
In June 1941, on the night of the 22nd, without a declaration of war, Reich forces invaded the territory of the USSR. The Soviet units were broken, the fighting moved into the interior of the country. It seemed that nothing would stop the Germans.
However, the Soviet people withstood the brown onslaught. The fascist troops first got stuck near Moscow, and then were completely thrown back from the capital to a considerable distance.
Although the Battle of Moscow did not end turning point, but showed that the Krauts are not invincible. The turning point came after the battle on Kursk Bulge. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers took part in head-on battles, hundreds of aircraft circled in the sky, and the number of destroyed tanks numbered hundreds.
It was this battle that became the turning point of the entire Second World War - the vector of movement of the armies changed to polar.
Seeing that things were not going well at the fronts, Hitler ordered the intensification of the development of new types of weapons capable of stopping the enemy and preventing him from setting foot on German soil.
"Vau" - the first combat missile of the Germans during the Second World War.
One of the projects that received additional funding was the development of the Fau projectile. In fact, it was the first combat missile.
With their help it was planned to destroy strategic objects and communications. The V-V was actively tested until 1944, when most of the rocket manufacturing plants were destroyed or captured.
Following the results of World War II, some German specialists were transported to the USSR. German scientists actively worked for the benefit of the victorious country.
Contrary to popular belief, scientists and engineers were not starved. On the contrary, people received enhanced rations. Thanks to their work, the development of jet aircraft was accelerated. Including various kinds rockets.
It was with German scientists that domestic rocket science began.
Using their developments, Soviet scientists created a base on the basis of which flights into space and the emergence of means of delivering nuclear weapons subsequently became possible.
A little later, but not yet Iskander
The development of diverse missile systems became most widespread during the reign of Nikita Khrushchev. The Secretary General was very fond of this class of weapons and saw inexhaustible potential in it. Thanks to Khrushchev, the development of ICBMs was accelerated. Many consider this to be the main achievement of the leader of the USSR.
It was at this time that the development of the R-17 rocket began. Compared to its predecessor R-11, new model had a larger flight radius and carried up to a ton payload. For example, a high-explosive fragmentation charge of increased power or a nuclear warhead of several kilotons.
The Iskander flight range reached 240 km. It became possible to launch from a mobile chassis.
reached the flight range of the first Iskander missiles
Another name for the 9P117 complex is “Scud”. It is under this name that the installation is known throughout the world. Adopted in 1962, it was used by the USSR and countries Warsaw Pact. However, after the development of the new complex, 9P117 began to be exported to the countries of the Middle East. For example, to Egypt and Iraq.
The Middle East has never been known for its calm. Throughout the twentieth century, conflicts between countries regularly occurred there.
The Scud was used by the Egyptians during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The strikes were carried out on the Israeli Armed Forces.
In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraq launched attacks on Israeli territory. Even the Patriot installations purchased from the Americans did not help “God’s chosen people.”
"Oka", almost, "Iskander"
No matter how good the 9K72 complex was, time takes its toll. New technologies are emerging, leaps are being made in the development of electronics, and military requirements are increasing.
For this reason, in the mid-70s of the last century, work began on creating a new rocket launcher- OTRK "Oka". S. Nepobedimy was appointed general designer. It is worth noting that subsequently it was he who took part in the creation of Iskander.
this summer the first tests of the missile system took place
The complex was first tested in the summer of 1978. The tests took place at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
It is worth noting interesting fact: This test site was the test site for most Soviet-Russian missiles for many years.
In total, during the tests, the Oka made about 30 launches. The complex was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1980.
OTRK "Oka": Victim of the RMSD agreement The rocket used by the complex could reach speeds of up to 5M. Flight range - 500 km. The characteristics made it possible to effectively overcome enemy defenses and hit command posts, warehouses and other infrastructure. It was possible to use a nuclear charge with a yield of 5 kilotons as a warhead.
In 1987, Gorbachev signed an agreement to limit the use of medium-short-range missiles. The INF Treaty was also signed by the American side. As a result, most of the Oka OTRK was written off and destroyed. True, the complex was in service until 2003. In limited quantities.
Until 2003, the Oka OTRK was in service with Russia.
By the way, the treaty restrictions applied only to missiles with a flight range of less than 500 km and more than 5500 km. It was on the basis of the new parameters that the development of the next project began.
Development of Iskander
To say that Iskander was created in extremely simple and pleasant conditions means to sin against the truth as much as possible.
First of all, it’s worth starting with the fact that the idea to create a new Iskander-M missile system, the characteristics of which had no analogues in the world, was proposed by S. Nepobedimy. The designer took into account all the restrictions caused by the INF Treaty.
IN new installation planned to use modern rockets Iskander, whose performance characteristics made it possible to overcome layered enemy defenses at a range exceeding 500 km. However, the idea encountered opposition from Gorbachev. Frankly speaking, the “first” president of the USSR screwed up a lot of things.
Subsequently, after the collapse of the country, development still started. Chaos and confusion reigned in the country. Markets collapsed and production chains were disrupted. The designers were not paid wages for six months.
But tests and tests of the complex continued. Not thanks to, but in spite of. the main problem consisted of irregular funding. Every missile and system tested had to be thoroughly checked.
this year the first working sample of the updated Iskander complex was demonstrated
As a result of a long and difficult work In 1999, at the MAKS international air show, the first working prototype of the new Iskander complex was demonstrated. The new product impressed all the guests of the event. A new portion of funding was allocated for development.
It is worth mentioning the organizations that took a direct part in the construction of the complex:
- Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering - rocket development;
- Central Design Bureau "Titan" - creation of a launcher and chassis;
- NIIEP - were involved in the design of all OTRK automation.
Subsequently, in 2006, the first Iskanders entered service with the army. Russian Federation. The installations were included in the so-called “access prohibited zone” perimeter.
In addition to the 9K720, the defense includes the S-400 air defense system (B, in the future S-500) and anti-ship elements missile system"Bastion". The essence of the project is to immediately defeat any unfriendly object that illegally crosses the perimeter border.
Modification “E” has been supplied to Armenia since 2016 In service
Iskander is in service with two countries in the world: Russia and Armenia. According to data from open sources, the Russian Federation uses 72 Iskander-M complexes and an unspecified number of Iskander-K modifications. How many OTKR units were transferred to Armenia is unknown. The only information available is the delivery date - 2016.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Iskander OTRK
The actual parameters of the OTRK are unknown. The most obvious thing that can be said is that the complex carries 2 missiles with a range of hitting targets of 50 - 500 km. The launch is carried out within a few minutes after the combat signal. After firing, the launcher moves away from the missile launch site in order to camouflage and evade a retaliatory strike.
Western weapons experts claim that the 9K720 is capable of hitting targets at a distance of over 5,500 km. The main argument in favor of these discussions was appearance missiles of the complex, the Iskander-M missile is similar to the Caliber. Whether this is true or fiction is unknown.
Also, experts from NATO countries claim that the Russian OTRK is capable of performing its task more efficiently than its American counterpart. US developments in this category (LRPF missiles) are not capable of hitting a target at a distance of over 500 km.
Missile destroyer "Donald Cook" with which "Iskander" is compared The performance characteristics of the Iskander are also often compared with American missile destroyers of the Donald Cook type. Moreover, many military analysts are inclined to believe that Russian complex more efficient.
The Iskander missile, the characteristics of which are kept in the strictest confidence, is causing a wave of indignation and fear in NATO. main reason- Possibility of rapid recharging. The process takes place thanks to a special tracking machine. The ship has to go to the port for a similar procedure.
Basic performance characteristics
| The missile hits the target with an error, m | 5 – 30 |
| Rocket weight at launch, t | 3,8 |
| Warhead weight, kg | 400 |
| Rocket height, m | 7,2 |
| Radius, cm | 46 |
| Rocket cruising speed, m/s | 2 100 |
| Highest point ballistic trajectory, km | Exceeds 100 |
| Maximum destruction range, km | "Iskander-M" - 500, "Iskander-S" - 2500 (From unconfirmed sources) |
| Minimum engagement range, km | 50 |
| Preparation for shot, m | 4 – 16 |
| Time interval before launch of the 2nd rocket, m | 1 |
| How long does the Iskander last? | 10 in field conditions, 3 in combat |
Options
Since the creation of the first samples of Iskander in 2006, a small number of modifications of this installation have been created. In general, they differ in the missiles used to fire the salvo. In addition, the export version lacks some of the functionality available to products for the Russian army.
OTRK "Iskander-M": Modification 2011 List of modifications:
- "Iskander-M"— missile system (characteristics and video below) basic version. It has two Iskander missiles (characteristics are classified) located on the launcher. The chassis has increased cross-country ability and electronic warfare systems. The Iskander-M has much improved performance characteristics. Mobile present command post. The missiles are capable of penetrating enemy defenses. A number of technologies are used for this: the ability to maneuver on high speeds with overload up to 30 g, reset of false elements, special coating absorbs radio signals, small dimensions. The missile approaches the target at an angle of 90 degrees;
- "Iskander-E"— The letter “E” means that the version is intended for export. It is equipped with a missile with a flight range of 280 km and a warhead weight of 480 kg. In fact, it is a significantly simplified version of the previous modification. The only country that purchased a batch of complexes is Armenia. If there are others, then the information is strictly classified;
- "Iskander-K"- the version on which cruise missiles with intelligent guidance are installed. The warhead has a mass of 480 kg. The flight speed is 2100 m/s. The flight altitude is 7 meters (When approaching the target), 7 km - while traveling to the specified object. At low altitudes, the rocket is able to avoid obstacles and follow changes in terrain. Flight range - 500 km. There is an option with the installation of R-500 (Range - 2 thousand km).
Rocket launch from Iskander 9K720 Most likely, the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system is undergoing further modification in closed design bureaus. The judgment is based on common sense. After all, weapons are one of the most obsolete achievements of mankind.
Composition of the complex
In addition to the launcher itself, the group includes 5 more types of machines. Each performs its own functions. In total, each brigade includes 51 vehicles.
Composition of the Iskander OTRK division 9P78-1
These are self-propelled launchers. In total, the brigade includes 12 units. Their main purpose is to transport and store missiles. Fully loaded weight is 42 tons. The weight of the transported cargo is 19 tons.
The unit is mounted on the basis of the MEKT-7930 tractor. The chassis has an 8 x 8 wheel arrangement and is capable of speeds of up to 70 km/h. Range – 1000 km. All this is necessary for rapid transfer at any time of the day and over any distance. The crew consists of 3 people.
Iskander launcher chassis 9S552
A command and staff vehicle designed to control all elements of the OTRK. Installed on the KAMAZ 43101 chassis. There is an Aqueduct radio station. Full-time crew – 4 people. The division is equipped with 11 such vehicles. The radio station is capable of receiving and transmitting a signal over a distance of 250 km (in the unfolded state). On the march - 50 km. Battery life 2 days.
MRTO
Machine for carrying out routine and repair work. The regular crew is 2 people. Used to check on-board equipment and perform routine repairs. But the main task is to test the missile electronics. IN automatic mode the procedure takes 18 minutes. The vehicle is based on a KamAZ chassis. Working weight - 13 tons.
9С920
A machine designed to prepare flight information for missiles. Based on the KamAZ chassis. Crew - 2 people. In fact, this is a server where all information from various target designation sources flows: satellites, aircraft, drones. After processing, the information is transmitted to the launcher, after which the rocket is launched.
Life support machine
The main purpose of the vehicle is to provide personnel with sleeping places, comfortable meals and other living conditions. There are sleeping places, lockers for storing things, lockers. There is a 300 liter tank, a water heating system, and special pumps. The vehicle is based on KamAZ. The division includes 14 units.
KAO and UTS
A special vehicle designed for rapid reloading launchers. The procedure takes on average 20 minutes. The second car is a simulator for the crew. It simulates combat situations.
It is also worth noting that an impressive group consisting of infantry formations and armored vehicles (Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles) is assigned to protect the Iskander division and accompanying support vehicles. In addition, the division, being in a stationary position, is camouflaged with standard means: a camouflage network, electronic warfare systems, and protection from thermal imaging detection.
Design of OTRK Iskander missiles
Two types of missiles have been developed for the OTRK: quasi-ballistic and cruise. In principle, they differ only in guidance systems and flight trajectories. Otherwise the products are similar.
The missiles are capable of maneuvering at high speeds, while choosing random trajectories of movement and reversal. At the same time, the missiles are controlled throughout the flight, which increases the accuracy of the hit.
Missile warheads are designed to hit various targets. For example, there is a cluster warhead capable of splitting into many parts and striking large area. There are options for extremely accurate hits, used to neutralize command bunkers or missile defense and air defense elements. In especially sad cases, missiles are equipped with tactical nuclear warheads with a yield of up to several kilotons.
During the flight, missiles are capable of discarding electronic warfare elements, which makes guidance difficult for enemy missile defense systems. An additional factor is the small size of the flying rocket in physical terms.
 |
Iskander - M |
 |
Iskander – K (R-500) |
 |
Iskander - E |
Combat use
According to various open sources, anti-aircraft missile system Iskander was used only three times. Moreover, in one case it was live firing as part of joint exercises with Tajikistan.
The second case is the use of several OTRK installations for applying non- nuclear strikes on ISIS militants (prohibited organization in Russia). The launches took place in December 2017. The characteristics of the Iskander-M declared by the developers have received combat confirmation.
The most controversial case is the statement that the Iskander missile system, the characteristics of which guarantee the destruction of enemy personnel and equipment, was used during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in August 2008.
The participation of the OTRK division could not be proven. The Russian military denies these rumors. There is an opinion that the Georgian side mistook the Tochka-U missile launches for 9K720, which were precisely used to disable the enemy’s infrastructure.
The combat use of the Iskander is based in the west of the Russian Federation.
More precisely, in the Kaliningrad region. From the region, the missile system is capable of hitting a whole range of targets on the territory of a potential enemy. These are military airfields and NATO command centers in the Baltics, missile defense elements in Poland and Romania, strategic infrastructure structures in Denmark and Sweden. Also, 9K720 are located on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
| 2008 | The Georgian-Ossetian conflict that occurred in August during the Olympics. The use of 9K720 has not been recorded, but the Georgian authorities and a number of Western media claim the opposite. The Tochka-U complex was used to carry out targeted missile strikes |
| 2016 | Exercises in Tajikistan. The missiles hit training targets and tested the operational range of the Iskander-M |
| 2017 | In December, the Iskander-M complex was delivered to Syria (the characteristics of the missiles had to be tested in real combat). Cases recorded combat use and destruction of defensive structures. Probable targets: large formations of terrorist groups, ammunition depots and accumulations of armored vehicles. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander OTRK
The 9K720 complex is relatively new, and a number of technical parameters are hidden from public view. Therefore, it is very difficult to judge the real advantages and disadvantages of the Iskander-M OTRK, the destruction radius of which remains a mystery for Russia’s opponents.
Most of the information relates to official statements by the Russian military and television programs broadcast on patriotic channels. Which creates the impression of “ideality” of military equipment. And not only Iskander.
Most likely, in a few years (possibly decades), the real capabilities of the complex will be discovered. Judging by open information The OTRK is capable of hitting targets while penetrating high-level defenses. And it will be good if we never have to test the Iskander-M or Iskander-K on a real enemy. After all, first of all, the 9K720 is a weapon of intimidation.
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