Military Parade 1

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1 9 9 4 J A N U A R Y C F E B R U A R YM I L I T A R Y P A R A D E

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he "Kamov"company start-ed developingthe advancedKa-50 combathelicopter in1977. At thattime the fleetof the SovietArmy's combathelicopters wasmade up of Mi-24s. In terms

of performance they could notchallenge the new American AH-64 "Apache" fire support heli-copter, which was at that timebeing developed. Several heli-copter configurations were stud-ied, as "Kamov" designers triedto create a new superior combatmachine. The experience ofVietnam and Afghanistan had dis-closed the low survivability of theclassic single-rotor helicopterdue to its vulnerable tail rotor andextended rotor drive.

The advantages of an aerody-namically symmetrical coaxialmain rotor came to the fore. Such

a rotor assures easier helicoptercontrol both in the manual and,more importantly, automaticmode, excellent maneuverability,take-off and landing in windyweather. Furthermore, the coaxialrotor considerably improves heli-copter survivability, makes therotor drive more compact andsubstantially reduces enginepower losses. Today, Ka-50 is theworld's best helicopter in termsof efficient use of engine power.

Many of us no doubt recallRussia's MiG-29 and its worldfamous stunt aerobatics nick-named "the bell", or Su-27's"Pugachov cobra", which shockboth experts and spectators. Ka-50 also has its own aerobatic tourde force: no other machine canexecute the so-called "funnel" asperfectly as Ka-50. In actual fact, the "funnel" is an element ofaerobatics, ensuring concentra-tion of helicopter fire on pinpointtargets. Moreover, continuousdisplacement of the helicopter inthe "funnel" in azimuth and eleva-tion makes enemy aiming

extremely difficult.The Ka-50 can sideslip at 80

km/h or move backwards at 90km/h. It only takes a few secondsto reverse flight direction. Ka-50is the only craft in the worldwhich can hover motionlessly fortwelve hours in succession!

The priorities of the "Kamov"company extend far beyond itsunsurpassed experience in thetheory and practice of buildingcoaxial rotor helicopters. In 1965,the company started using fibreglass rotor blades in their heli-copters ten years before the restof the world. Similar fourth-gen-eration blades are now beinginstalled in Ka-50. One of the Ka-50's rotor blades sustained 30holes caused by automatic gun-fire to test the helicopter's surviv-ability. The craft continued flyingfor 80 accident-free hours.

The Ka-50's combat power isbased essentially on anti-tankguided missiles and cannon fire.Frequently, when a helicopterattacks tanks, it becomes a goodenemy target. Ka- 50 is able tocounter this menace with its"Vikhr" supersonic anti-tank mis-siles, with a maximum range of10 km. This weapon helps reducethe time spent by the helicopterin the firing zone, exceeding atthe same time the effective rangeof enemy anti-aircraft missiles.The combination warhead of thesupersonic missile includes sev-eral different fuzes. All these fac-tors, combined with a high-accu-racy jam-proof guidance system,ensures effective engagement ofdifferent targets, includingarmored targets (with dynamical-ly protected armor up to 900 mmthick) as well as airborne targetsflying at a speed of up to 800km/h, using the same type ofammunition. The missile isrenowned for its stealth: theenemy only detects the attack

T1.

Black Shark"

Ka-50 helicopter

2.

Ka-50 tail unit

S.V. Mikheev,Designer GeneralKAMOV company

B L A C K S H A R KK a - 5 0 C O M B A T

H E L I C O P T E R$$ S e r g e y R e z n i c h e n k o $$

"If a single pilot in our helicopter succeeds in doing what ittakes two pilots to do in a rival machine, our victory will beassured."

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when hit. This weapon is char-acterized by power reserves,which may well be used toenhance its combat capabili-ties. Extensive firing tests haveproved the excellent qualitiesof the automatic guidance sys-tem: small-size targets aredefeated at maximum rangesfar more effectively.

The powerful 30 mm gunwas borrowed from the Armyand in terms of ammunitionfully standardized with the oneused in the BMP-2 mechanizedinfantry vehicle. The 2A42 gunhas a selectable rate of fire and permitsselective ammunition supply from twoboxes loaded with armor-piercing andhigh-explosive rounds. Such designincreases gun efficiency by more than 30

per cent in fire against light armor or air-borne targets. The barrel life permits oneto fire the complete 500-round load unin-terruptedly without intermediate cooling.The BMP-2's and the Army combat heli-

copter's gun mount hasproved reliable in conditionsof extreme dust. The gunarrangement in Ka-50 isquite unusual. To preservehigh accuracy of fire alongwith other remarkable prop-erties, the gun is installed inthe helicopter's center ofgravity. This ensuresstrength requirements andeliminates any need for addi-tional reinforcement of thestructure. In addition, thisfactor helps reduce the recoileffect, helicopter weight and

retain the center of gravity, as the roundsare expended. The electrohydraulic servodrive provides for the vertical and hori-zontal movements of the barrel to main-tain the line of fire. The 2A42 gun mount

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and the "Vikhr" missiles aredesigned by a team of weapondesigners headed by A.G.Shipunov, CorrespondingMember of the Russian Academyof Sciences.

Various Ka-50 armament ver-sions have been proposed to bet-ter adapt the craft to the existingfleet of army combat helicoptersand enable firing against differenttargets. Ordnance items areattached to four suspension fit-tings, which can receive virtuallyany airborne weapon: pylonlocks' load-carrying capacityconstitutes the only limitation. Touse the whole ordnance range,no changes in the design or algo-rithm of the weapons control sys-tem are required.

The weapon pylons can betilted. Owing to a 10-degreedownward deflection, the pylonscan impart, to a certain extent,new properties to the convention-al weapons suspended on them.Fuel tanks may be mounted on allsuspension fittings, whenevernecessary.

For combat helicopter groupoperations, Ka-50 has the requi-site equipment and receivesreconnaissance data from various

guidance systems. The receiveddata are also displayed on thewindshield indicator.

To ensure high accuracy inthe operation of airborneweapons, the human operatorwas replaced by an automaticguidance system. The human fac-tor, liable to emotions and stress-es, was eliminated from the mostcritical element of the systemthanks to the high standard of thenational defense industry and thelong-term experience gained by

"Kamov" experts in the develop-ment and operation of avionics.The contract for an integratedelectronic weapons control andavionics system was awarded to aspecialized company, whichdeveloped similar systems forMiG and Su single-seat fighters.The Ka-50's crew was thereby

reduced to the minimum: it con-sists of a single pilot.

From the very start the heli-copter featured enhanced surviv-ability. On the one hand, a com-pact single-pilot craft was easierto protect, while at the same timethe protection should be reliableenough to safeguard the singlecrewman. Unlike its counterpart"Apache", the Ka-50's essentialunits are considerably smaller insize. Complete elimination of thetail rotor, together with its con-

3.

Front view of

the flight

compartment

4.

The Ka-50 in the

mountains

5.

Before night

flight

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trols and gear box, means thattail boom damage can be sus-tained without serious implica-tions. Measures taken to improveboth the craft's and crew's sur-vivability ensured the successfulsolution of at least twenty-sixproblems. They include continu-ous operation of the rotor drivedespite a damaged oil system,assisted emergency escape, anextensive fire extinguishing sys-tem and many others.

Composite materials consti-tute thirty-five per cent of the

helicopter's load-carrying struc-ture. They do not simply reducethe craft's weight. When hit bybullets or shells, the compositesdo not produce secondary effects(splinters, splashes) characteris-tic of a metal surface.

Particular care has beentaken to protect the flight com-partment and fuel system. TheKa-50's pilot is seated in a com-pletely armored and screenedcockpit weighing a little over 300kg. Multiple tests of various pro-tection materials proved the high

operational and combat proper-ties of the combination steelarmor. The latter is part of thefuselage's basic structure, pro-viding it with additional strength.Due to improved countershellresistance of such armor the pilot

is protected from direct hits ofseveral 20 mm shells. The cockpitdesign and layout restrictchanges to 10-15% of the flightcompartment's internal volumeupon impact with the ground. Nohelicopter components can pene-

6.

The Ka-50 delivering

fire

7.

The coaxial rotor

unit

8.

The infrared and

radar decoy cluster

9.

The ejection seat

10.

The pilot's station

Now foreign companies, whichreceived orders for Army combathelicopters must meet customer

requirements to provide a machineat least as good as Kamov-50.

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trate into the cockpit, when theirattachment parts are destroyed.

The new helicopter's landinggear and fuselage are designedto absorb ground impact over-loads. The fuel system arrange-ment prevents any possibility offire after any rough landing of thecraft. If one of the two engines isdamaged, the Ka-50 can continuethe flight on one operatingengine. The rotor swash platecontrol rods will remain opera-tional, even if one has sustainedtwo large-caliber machine gunshot holes.

The assisted emergencyescape system deserves specialattention. It is the world's firstusable helicopter pilot rescue

ejection system. The systemoperates reliably in any criticalsituation. The single-seat heli-copter concept ensures maximumpilot survivability. The K-37 seatdesigned at the firm "Zvezda" bythe team headed by G.I. Severin,Corresponding Member of theRussian Academy of Sciences,allows pilot ejection at all alti-tudes and velocities, includingzero. The pilot can also bail outwithout ejection. A number ofconsecutive operations is per-formed on board the craft as thesystem is actuated. They includejettisoning the main rotor blade

followed by the opening of thecockpit panel and actuation of theejection rocket motor. The afore-mentioned system is most conve-nient for a single-seat helicopter,owing to the lack of time available

during the escape at minimumaltitudes.

The problem of time andeffort needed by the ground per-sonnel to prepare the craft forcombat was also solved success-fully for the Ka-50. As the heli-copter is armed on the ground,electric hoists built in the pylonsensure easy suspension ofweapons weighing up to 500 kg.The supersonic missiles areloaded as an integral block; thestowage process of the beltedammunition in the boxes is sim-plified and mechanized.Arrangement of the equipment in

11.

Control equip-

ment and auto-

matics compart-

ments

12.

Missiles attached

to external fit-

tings

13.

Servicing Ka-50

helicopter sys-

tems

14.

Mi-24 and Ka-50

helicopters

15.

Helicopter's pilot

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the helicopter ensures the opera-tion of several specialists at atime. The equipment is easilyaccessible, owing to the largecowl openings. The Ka-50'speculiar features include grease-free Teflon hinges used in allbearings of the mechanical sys-tem. They enjoy a service life atleast ten times as long as regularbearings. The Army's Ka-50 isdesigned for prolonged servicefrom unprepared landing groundslocated far from the main bases.

According to Air Force spe-cialists and foreign experts, Ka-50 is not merely another goodcombat craft: it constitutes a newtrend in helicopter constructionand Army Aviation tactics.Designed initially to "neutralize"the US AH-64A "Apache" attackhelicopter, Ka-50 has outper-formed its rival in every respect.Now foreign companies, whichreceived orders for Army combathelicopters must meet customerrequirements to provide amachine at least as good asKamov-50. (

COMPARATIVE ARMAMENT DATA

Gun:caliber, mmammunition load, roundsrate of fire, rds/min

gun mount weight, kgammunition supply

firing range, kmprojectile initial velocity, m/sweight of projectile, gAntitank guided missile:launching range, kmvelocitybasic load, missileswarhead

Unguided rocket:caliber, mmbasic load, rockets

Ka-50

30 500 single 200-300/800

115 AP and HE (selective)

3 980 1,000

8-10 supersonic 12 combination, anti-tank

80 40

AH-64A

30 1,200 - 550

57 HE (continuous)

1.5 550 380

6 subsonic 8 air/anti-tank

70 38

16.

Cluster of 80 mm

unguided rockets

17.

Cluster of

anti-tank guided

missiles

18.

Ammunition to

the 30 mm gun

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O N T A R G E T !$ O l e g A n a t o l y e v $

This unique weapon system has hit 38 real targets at a rangeof 15 km, using 40 "Krasnopol" precision projectiles.Operating in a high-rate-of-fire mode, the howitzer made 10-11shots per minute, displaying high accuracy against a target locatedseven kilometers away.

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he newest Russianweapon system -the MSTA-S 152-mm self-propelledhowitzer - wasintroduced to thepublic for the firsttime at the IDEX-93i n t e r n a t i o n a lweapons andequipment exhibi-tion in the capitalof the United Arab

Emirates. This unique weaponsystem has hit 38 real targets at arange of 15 km, using 40"Krasnopol" precision projectiles.Operating in a high-rate-of-firemode, the howitzer made 10-11shots per minute, displaying highaccuracy against a target locatedseven kilometers away. Thiscould not have been achieved bya similar foreign weapon system.

In Abu Dhabi Russianweapons revealed their high effi-ciency. Russia was awarded firstfiring prize.

This up-to-date weapon sys-tem was produced at URAL-TRANSMASH ProductionAssociation. Led by its DesignerGeneral Yu. Tomashev, the asso-ciation staff managed to develophigh-class weaponry, which isrightly regarded as one of theworld's best. The MSTA-Sbecame operational in 1989:since then such self-propelledhowitzers have been delivered tothe Army. It should be noted here

that this weapon gained theimmediate backing of militaryspecialists.

The self-propelled howitzercan hit nuclear targets, artilleryand mortar batteries, tanks andother armored targets. TheMSTA-S is based on a track-lay-ing chassis unified with that of T-72 and T-80 medium tanks and ispropelled with a V84A multifuel573.5-kW (780 hp) engine.

The running gear includes atorsion-bar suspension andhydraulic shock absorbers, whichdampen oscillations both on themove and during firing. Theweapon system can negotiate a2.8 m wide trench, 0.5 m highwall and ford a water obstacle asdeep as 1.5 m. It has a 500 kmfuel endurance. The powerfulengine makes it possible to attaina maximum traveling speed of 60km/h.

The turret accommodates a152-mm howitzer 2A64 completewith laying and sighting systems.It has a maximum range of fire of24.7 km. The turret provides a360° traverse and elevation from -4° to +68°. During firing the ele-vation is adjusted automatically:the layer controls only the tra-verse. The weapon system has acrew of five (or a crew of sevenwhen loaded from the ground).

The howitzer breech endsealing system prevents fumesfrom entering into the fightingcompartment. The design of this

weapon has one definite advan-tage: it incorporates an automat-ic loader, which enables firing atsuch a high rate of fire. TheMSTA-S is equipped with anautomated projectile feeding sys-tem (including a conveyer forfeeding projectiles from theground) and an angle coordinat-ing actuator, used to carry pro-jectiles from the stowage inaccordance with a preset pro-gram.

Thanks to compact arrange-ment of internal equipment thehowitzer can carry a basic load of50 rounds.

The turret carries a PZU-5anti-aircraft machine gun mountwith a "Utes" 12.7-mm AAmachine gun, remotely controlledfrom the turret. It has an aimingrange of fire equal to 2,000 m.Since the mount is rigidlysecured on the turret by a so-called "firm bed", increasedrecoil during fire provides opti-mum spread of bullets, therebyincreasing the probability of hit-ting airborne targets. It merelyneeds to direct the machine guntoward the target. The large-cal-iber machine gun fires at a rate of700 to 800 rounds per minute.The total number of rounds car-ried is 300.

The high combat capabilitiesof the 152-mm 2A64 howitzer,powerful engine and wide rangeof accessories make the self-pro-pelled howitzer a really formida-ble weapon. The MSTA-S hasdeep wading equipment (DWE),enabling it to negotiate waterobstacles 5 m deep and up to1,000 m wide. Using a built-in

1. Commander2. Shell loader3. Charge loader4. Mechanizedammunitionstowage racks5. Ground-stowedprojectiles feedingmechanism6. Powerplantcompartment7. Hydraulic shockabsorber8. Driver9. Elevatingmechanism10. Sight11. Gunner

1.

Advancing to the fir-

ing position

2.

Front view of the

howitzer

3.

Firing over sights T

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dozer, the self-propelled how-itzer is capable of digging outwithin a few minutes a trench ofpractically any depth. The how-itzer can fire over the sights orfrom the defilade, including fir-ing in the mountains. The filter-ing/ventilation unit helps thecrew deliver fire in the contami-nated area. The smoke genera-tor used to put up a camouflagesmoke screen permits the crewto act stealthily even in opencountry and thereby improveconsiderably the performanceof the combat vehicle. TheMSTA-S has a ground powersupply with an independent fuelsystem and a communicationssystem, containing an intercom,external wire and radio commu-nication means. All these ele-ments, coupled with a largeammunition allowance and highreloading rate, contribute to asubstantial reduction in the timeneeded to prepare the howitzer

for action. Here the Russianweapon considerably surpassesits foreign counterparts. It takesonly 1-2 minutes to transfer theweapon system from travelingto combat position and back.

In actual fact, the design ofthe MSTA-S combines the besttechnical achievements ofRussian artillery and Soviet tankconstruction. The MSTA-S canuse all types of 152-mm stan-dard ammunition and homingprecision projectiles. During fir-ing in Abu Dhabi the MSTA-Sused a "Krasnopol" homingartillery projectile, provided witha semi-active laser-beam guid-ance system. The projectile canbe used in the most up-to-datecannons, such as 2S19 MSTA-Sand Giatsint 2S5, and old self-propelled and towed systems2S3M and D-20. It can hitsmall-size moving and station-ary targets (tanks, trucks,artillery pieces, reinforced fire

emplacements, etc.) with a highprobability (0.9), when firing ata range of 18,000 m. To illumi-nate the target by laser beam, aportable laser target indicator,mounted on a tripod, is used.The illuminator can also beaccommodated on the heli-copter.

The maximum range of illu-mination of a tank-type target isabout 5,000 m, with illuminationlasting 6 to 15 seconds. Whenfired at a maximum range, thehoming head of the projectile iscapable of locking on targets,illuminated by the laser, within a1 km radius. In test firing, theweapon system managed to hitthree different targets with onelaser target indicator operatingwithin 30 seconds.

The projectile mass is 50 kg,with the warhead weighing 20.5kg. The firing is possible with awind velocity of 25 m/s.Compared to the conventional

4.

Tail section of the weapon

system

5.

In an emplacement

The MSTA-S became operational in 1989: since then such self-propelled howitzers have been delivered to the Army.It should be noted here that this weapon gained the immediatebacking of military specialists.

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152-mm projectile, such a hom-ing projectile reduces the expen-diture on ammunition 40-50 fold,while target is hit 3-5 times asfast.

The high performance of theself-propelled, howitzer 2S19 canbe achieved by a well trainedcrew, which displays teamwork inthe preparation and conduct offire. To train teams and maintaintheir performance standards at ahigh level, provision is made forspecial trainer 2X51, which per-mits training of personnel quicklyand efficiently in classroom con-ditions, thereby saving the ser-vice life of the howitzer andammunition (including practicefiring at the maximum rate). Thetrainer comprises a simulator,instructor's console and powersupply with connection circuit,projectile and case accumulators.The battle stations in the trainersimulator are identical to those ofcrewmen in the 2S19 howitzer.

The turret traverse, which canbe observed in the sight's field ofview, is produced by a rotatingdrum of the traversing mecha-nism. Several photographs areattached to the drum's inner sur-face, comprising terrain pictures,which help solve specific trainingproblems.

The "weapon"'s laying accu-racy is controlled from theinstructor's console. The instruc-tor can inform the crew of initialfiring data, similar to that trans-mitted by the battery's seniorofficer from the command vehicleunder field conditions.

The console is equipped withcontrol units of the main systemsof the 2S19 self-propelled how-itzer: the guidance system, load-ing mechanisms and communica-tion means.

To train the crews in opera-tions, involving the delivery ofrounds from the ground, the

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 2S19Weight, combat loaded, tonsCrew, menDistance covered without refueling and oil changing, kmMaximum speed, km/hNegotiable obstacles, m:

trench (width)wall (height)ford (depth)water obstacles (with water wading equipment):

distance, mdepth, m

Time of transfer from traveling to combat position and back, minGuaranteed run, km

ArmamentHowitzer 2A64, caliber

maximum firing rangelaying angles, deg:

traverseelevation

rate of fire, rnds/minmaximum number of rounds:

fired during first hourfiring during each subsequent hour

ammunition supply, roundsAnti-aircraft machine gun mount:

machine gun NSVT 12,7, caliber, mmaiming range, mrate of fire, rnds/minnumber of cartridges in beltlaying angle, degammunition supply, cartridges

ChassisDiesel engine V84A:

power, hp (kW)guaranteed service life, hnumber of gears:

forwardbackward

suspension type

Special EquipmentFire-fighting equipment

Filtering-ventilation unit, pcdegree of cleaning, %

Built-in digging-in equipment:time required to dig in a trench, min

Camouflaging means

Tank decontamination unit VDP, pc

42 5 (7 when loaded from ground)

500 60

2.8 0.5 1.5

1,000 5

1-2 5,000

152 24,700

360 -4 to +68 7-8

100 60 50

12,7 2,000 700-800 60 -3 to +70 300

780 (573.5) 350

7 1 individual, torsion bar with shock absorbers

triple-action automatic, with control equipment 3ETs 11-22 98

40-60V84A engine smoke generator, smoke grenade launching system (six launchers)2

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trainer is additionally served bytwo more crewmen as this takesplace on the 2S19 self-propelledhowitzer. For training purposes,inert projectiles and speciallyequipped cases are used whichare normally employed in the152-mm artillery systems.

After preparation on thetrainer, the crew of the 2S19howitzer is capable of providing ahigh rate of fire (up to 8-9 roundsper minute).

Victor Sukhanov, director ofthe Sterlitamak Machine-BuildingFactory, where the 2S19 MSTA-Sare mass produced, stressed inan interview:

"STERLITAMAK Machine-Building Factory, unlike manyother enterprises of the defencecomplex, was built from the verystart as a military plant manufac-

turing, in particular, artillery sys-tems of the ground forces. As itwas used in the defence indus-try, the staff was made up ofqualified specialists.

The staff includes many tal-ented inventors, whose creativeconcepts were actually realizedat the factory. The pride of thefactory is our unique self-pro-pelled howitzer 2S19. Six yearshave already passed since theday when we actually tested ourfirst weapon - the self-propelledhowitzer, which proved from thevery start that it was a moderncombat vehicle.

In the postwar years largedefence enterprises in our coun-try enjoyed a stable financialposition and exerted a consider-able effect on the infrastructureof the inhabited areas, where

they were located. We were noexception. The factory helpedfinance the constructing of thecity's airport and a comfortablehotel. We want to carry on equip-ping Sterlitamak with modernamenities and improving its pop-ulation's living standards.However, this depends to a greatextent on the factory's develop-ment prospects.

Recently our enterprise hasstarted producing agriculturalprocessing machines: potatoconveyers, water purifyingplants, high-power jar washermachines. The factory manufac-tures goods using the most-up-to-date know-how. We also pro-duce home appliances. However,we pin our main hopes onexports of the 2S19 self-pro-pelled howitzer. (

1

CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS


AA003

arly in the 1960s,a group ofdesigners, head-ed by P. Isakov,developed thewidely knownm e c h a n i z e dinfantry combatvehicle, BMP-1.It was designedprimarily toenhance troopcombat mobility

and offer armor protection toinfantrymen fighting with tanksupport. This combat vehiclegave birth to new trends in worldtank building and initiated new

approaches to tactical employ-ment of motorized infantry sub-units. Combat vehicles intendedfor similar combat tasks wereadopted by foreign armies muchlater.

At first their combat employ-ment was much discussed. Someanalysts shared views that theMICVs should be used as ameans of armored transportationdesigned to move infantrymen tothe battlefield to follow up aftertanks and capture combat areas.However, it was considered expe-dient to equip them with somearmament. The main armament ofthe BMP-1 was a 73 mm smooth-

bore gun capable of deliveringfire at a distance of up 1,000meters to hit armored vehicles,including old generation tanks. Itwas set up no other tasks. Afterlong debates during the produc-tion process and comparativetests of several vehicles, propo-nents of automatic armament forthe vehicle gained the upperhand: it was equipped with a 30mm automatic gun and the anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)"Konkurs", designed by theInstrument Design Bureau in thetown of Tula. This considerablyexpanded the scope of its combatmissions and enhanced the com-bat capabilities of the vehicle as awhole. But it remained a lot to be

done to find a final concept forthe vehicle's combat employ-ment, its missions and generalappearance. This was achievedduring further development of theBMP-3 and its armament. TheInstrument Design Bureau in Tulawas the leading developer of theBMP-3 armament system whilethe machine building plant in thetown of Kurgan developed thevehicle. An armament systemable to cope with a full range ofcombat missions assigned toinfantry subunits, was developedafter research findings. For thefirst time the MICV was equippedwith a 30 mm automatic gun, a

E1.

BMPs on the march

A R M O R F O R

I N F A N T R Y$ S e r g e y R o s h c h i n $

This combat vehicle gave birth to new trends in world tankbuilding and initiated new approaches to tactical employ-ment of motorized infantry subunits.

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100 mm gun with moderate bal-listics and a 7,62 mm machinegun (MG).

A 100 mm gun fired both HE(High Explosive) shells and guid-ed missiles. The very choice ofballistic solution (Vo=250 m/sec)provided for the development of asmall weight gun and ensuredthat the shell met the target atmajor angles, thereby increasingthe area of destruction anddecreasing range errors and theirdependence on the range of fire.

The cannon launch of guidedmissiles in conjunction with alaser beam gun-laying controlsystem and an independent two-plane aiming line stabilizerensured launch of ATGMs on themove, a high rate of fire, noise-

immunity and safety of the crew.The rigid coaxiality of a 30

mm gun and the barrel of a 100mm gun, coupled with the highprecision and dynamic character-istics of the powerful stabilizerensure high accuracy in its firing.

For the first time in nationaland world practice the MICV wasequipped with an automatic firecontrol system, which providedautomatic angles of sight andlead, as well as precise correc-tions within a wide range ofangles of elevation and the firingof all types of weapons from thestationary position, on the moveand afloat.

The high combat effective-ness of the armament system andcapability to act independently onthe battlefield is ensured by agreat range of ammunition,including eight guided missiles,forty HE shells, 500 rounds for anautomatic gun and 6,000 car-tridges for machine-guns.

There are four compartmentsin the hull of the vehicle: driver'scompartment, fighting compart-ment, troop compartment andpowerplant compartment. Thedriver's compartment is arrangedin the front part of the hull. Thereare three stations: one for the dri-ver in the middle and two for themachine-gunners on both sidesof the driver's seat.

The fighting compartment is

arranged in the middle of the hullwhere the stations for a comman-der and gunner are located. Themain armaments are mounted inthe turret. The gun ammunitionsupply is stowed in an stowagerack under the turntable. Thearmament control equipmentincludes: a sight (laying unit), aground and air fire sight, a com-bined vision (day and nightvision) device, ballistic computer.Machine guns mountedautonomously in the front part ofthe vehicle comprise a sight witha fiber-optical pipper display sys-tem. The main armaments arestabilized in two planes. There is

also terrain navigation equip-ment. The commander's stationis equipped with a radio-transmit-ter, R-173, and a radio-receiver,R-173P.

The seven-seat troop com-

2.

BMP-3 turret

3.

The suspension and

running gear

4.

Driver's compartment

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partment is arranged behind thefighting compartment. Two areindividual seats and five aregroup seats located near theengine compartment bulkhead.There are air ducts here to pro-vide clean air for the troops.There are also boxes with dailyrations for the personnel andSPTA boxes. Armored firing port-holes are located in the vehicle'shull sides.

Three hatches are provided inthe front part of the vehicle andtwo hatches on the turret both forthe crew and troop.

There are three hatches in thefront part of the vehicle and twohatches on the turret both for thecrew and troops. There are alsorear doors and hinged front cov-ers in the hull. The powerplantcompartment is arranged directlyafter the troop compartment.Both compartments are separat-ed by an inner soundproof wall.The powerplant compartmenthouses an engine, power trans-mission assemblies and corre-sponding systems. Removablecovers and ports provide easy

access to the engine and powertransmission assemblies.

The vehicle's track and sus-pension system comprises sixroad wheels and support rollers.The road wheels have doubledisks with externally cushionedrubber supports. The indepen-dent hydropneumatic suspensionhas a big dynamic road wheeltravel. Thanks to such design ithas proved possible to maintainthe vehicle's smooth movementin the off-road conditions at anyspeed without jerking and swing-ing. The track and suspensionsystem of the BMP-3 has a largesafety margin, enabling its use ina number of various-purposevehicles. The BMP-3 moves inwater via hydrojets and not bytrack drive systems as was thecase with the BMP-1 and BMP-2.

The outstanding performanceof the BMP-3 was demonstrateddramatically during its field testsin the Arabian desert as recount-ed by two participants, firstdeputy chief of the ArmorDepartment of the Ministry ofDefence of the Russian

Federation, Lieutenant-GeneralN. Zhuravlev and deputy chiefdesigner of the Tula InstrumentDesign Bureau, Doctor ofTechnical Sciences, S. Berezin.

On July 27, 1991 a giant-air-craft, the "Ruslan", landed inAbu-Dhabi airport. Four BMPs-3rolled off, accompanied by curi-ous glances of the army officersof the United Arab Emirates. Thisdidn't signify that the combatvehicles had been chosen by theArab authorities and had becomelawful "residents" of that country.On the contrary, it was only thebeginning of the road to recogni-tion of Russian armaments by acountry, which traditionallybought English or other Westernweaponry.

The first acquaintance of thetop brass of the UAE with Russianvehicles didn't bring much causefor optimism to our specialists.The Arab military knew a lot aboutthe combat capabilities of similarclasses of vehicles produced bythe NATO countries and were notvery much sanguine with the"know-how" of the BMP-3. More

5.

Performing recon-

naissance mission

6.

Firing

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than that: they predicted its fail-ure during the forthcoming fieldtests. The "D-day" for the testswas repeatedly postponed.Specialists caviled at study of thevehicle's design and meticulouslyscheduled the forthcoming tests.All suggestions by our side werepolitely rejected, while, accordingto unofficial information, every-thing was made ready for tests ofthe American MICVs "Bradley"and English "Warrior".

At last the test day came. TheBrigadier-General, head of theArab inspection group, assignedthe mission in the following way:he would drive his Rover"Toyota", while our columnshould closely follow along thesand-hills. The first phase of thetest would be considered per-formed, if our BMPs managed tofollow his Rover.

The ambient temperature was+60°C. The sand blizzards beganto blow. The sand clogged theeyes and ears, cut at the neckand face. The engines worked onthe brink of stalling. The vehicleshad to negotiate sand-hills at 30°and "dive" from them at 80°. Thevehicles became stuck in thecanyons. In such cases we had totow the machine via the otherthree vehicles linked together intandem.

Sometimes it looked as if onemore problem would arise andthat neither materiel or personnelcould survive any longer. Itseemed a mere miracle, whenafter a seven hours march ourcolumn finally reached an earthroad. We were happy to learn thatour BMP-3 had managed to over-come terrain, which provedunsurpassable for all otherMICVs, including the famous"Bradley".

After inspecting the columnthe Brigadier-General said:"O.K." and issued an order:

"Forward!" A 200 hundred kilo-meters race began at full speedalong earth roads. The vehicleswere stretched to the limit of theircapabilities. Arab officers whodrove our BMPs were determinedto reveal weak spots in the vehi-cle's design. The march contin-ued for three days in violation ofall operational manuals and otherregulatory documents. Racingcontinued at maximum speedsfor 16-17 hours a day. Stops forrespite and check-ups weremade after 5-7 hours of contin-ued movement. Exhausted per-sonnel were allowed only a shortrest at night. The inspecting com-mission concluded that the BMP-3 surpassed similar vehicles ofthe NATO countries in terms ofcruising capabilities.

Nevertheless, we had onlywon half of the battle. Now wehad to fire all sorts of armamentat targets of opportunity at vari-ous ranges. Convinced of theweaponry, our specialists agreedto all the terms set by the Arabofficers. However, when theyreached the firing range theyrealized that a lot had to be doneon the spot from scratch.

Firing had to be executedonly on the move. The vehicleshad to move along two circles sit-uated on both sides by an "imag-inary" control tower. The firinghad to be made from any pointsat any targets located at variousranges. The firing started withmissiles launched at maximumranges. After the first six missileshad been launched, Brigadier-General and the leader of theRussian delegation inspected thetargets. We noted that every tar-get had been hit three times. TheGeneral was experienced enoughto know that there were no com-bat vehicles in the world, whichcould cannon launch anti-tankmissiles on the move. The com-

bat capabilities of other types ofthe armaments were well knownto him and were demonstrated atthe firing range by both Russianand Arab experts. The high com-bat effectiveness of all types ofarmament and their trouble-freeoperation during firing and train-

SPECIFICATIONSModelWeight, combat loaded, tonsCapacity, men:crewmounted infantryMaximum speed, km/h:on roads forward (backward)afloatCruising rangeon roads, kmArmament:100 mm cannon/missile launcher 2A7030 mm automatic gun 2A727.62 mm machine gun PKT(3 machine guns)Practical rate of firefrom the 2A70, rnds/minRate of firefrom the 2A72, min., rounds/minMaximum range of fire, m:100 mm cannon 2A70 (rounds)30 mm gun 2A72Angles of fire, deg.:traverseelevationAmmunition allowance, pc:rounds for 100 mm cannonrounds for 30 mm automatic gun:HE tracer and HE incendiaryAP-TATGMcartridges for machine guns (in belts)

Engine, UTD-29

maximum power

Hydrojet

BMP-3 18.7

3 7 70 (20) 10

600

10

300

4,000 4,000

360 -6 to +60

40

305 195 8 6,000

diesel engine, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 368 kW (500 hp)

one-stage type

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ing made members of the com-mission voice their support forthe BMP-3.

Numerous meetings withthe military of the UAE weremarked by considerable ten-sion, but were conducted in anatmosphere of sincerity, com-petence and mutual esteem.The Russian delegation was wellaware that the Government ofthe UAE had decided in thewake of the Gulf War to tailor amodern army of their ownequipped with state-of- the-artweaponry. Naturally, Westerncountries were eager to offertheir aircraft, tanks, anti-aircraftartillery and other materiel to

their Arab clients. All this wastaken into consideration by thecommission in its report on theBMP-3 tests and their views onfuture cooperation with Russiain the military domain.

Russian specialists drew theattention of their clients to thelight weight of the BMP-3, itsability to easily cross variouswater obstacles, fire anti-tankmissiles on the move, and itsair-transportability.

The Arab military highlyappraised the vehicle as a wholeand asked that it be adapted tomeet the requirements of theirregion, namely to improve troopapartment conditions, to update

the cooling system of theengine, and to put rubbergrousers.

Finally, the Russian delega-tion was received by thePresident of the UAE. He saidthat the BMP-3 had been highlyappraised by the military,despite the fact that it had beentested to failure. This reasonhad compelled him to take avital political decision to coop-erate with Russia in the militaryfield. This marked the end of thefield tests in the Arab desert,where our combat materiel dis-played the high quality ofRussian weapons and "defend-ed" its world reputation. (

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he TochmashDesign Bureau isthe leader inRussia's defencecomplex. The spir-it of this firm isdisplayed in itsreliable and effi-cient weapon sys-tems. They aresimple to learnand easy to main-tain. Alexander

Noodleman, the firm's headbefore World War II, is widelyknown as the creator of powerfulaircraft gunnery.

The aircraft guns NS-23, NS-37 and NS-45 developed underNoodleman during World War IIwere second to none in powerand rate of fire in our country andabroad. The NS-45 is still themost powerful air weapon in theworld. There was also the proto-

type of an N-57, a 57 mm can-non, successfully developed butnever brought into the arsenal.

After the war, the DesignBureau continued its work todevelop small-caliber automaticguns for the Navy and aviation.But the demand arose for a newproduct alongside the old. Thisnew weapon included guidedmissile systems for air defenceand anti-tank defence, as well asguided missiles and unguidedrockets.

The specialists took uponthemselves the task of designinga sophisticated weapon saturatedwith electronics and with auto-matic control systems based onnew know-how.

The Tochmash creation wasthe first of its kind to go into ser-vice with the Soviet Army.Armaments developed by theBureau were tested in a number

of wars and conflicts in variousclimates and regions of the worldand won popularity among thehighest military men. TheBureau's product was exportedabroad and became a success inthe weapons marketplace.

The most popular AD weapondeveloped by the Bureau is thesystem Strela. More than 30countries have ordered thisweapon for their armed forces.Some of these countries havebought licenses to produce theStrela. The last version of theStrela-10 is the updated genera-tion of the AD missile systemStrela-10MZ.

This light missile systemdeployed in combat formations ofmotorized and tank regiments isable to protect them effectivelyfrom enemy aircraft, helicopters,cruise missiles and drones. Thecombat systems 9A35MZ and

S T R E L A

1 0 M ZF I N D - F I R E - F O R G E T

$ S e r g e y M e d v e d , P y o t r V o r o n o v $

T1.

Air defence gun and

missile battery

comprising the

Strela-10M and Shilka

ZSU-23-4 weapon

systems

2.

The Strela-10M

delivering fire

The most popular AD weapon developed by the Bureau is the system Strela. Morethan 30 countries have ordered this weapon for their armed forces. Some of thesecountries have bought licenses to produce the Strela. The last version of the Strela-10 is the updated generation of theAD missile system Strela-10MZ.

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9A34MZ are mounted on themulti-purpose light armoramphibious personnel carrier(MTLB). It was chosen to protecttroops fighting from the moveand on the march. Its light weightpermits the vehicle to move easi-ly along soft roads and off-roads,swamps, sands and virgin terrain.It can ford water obstacles at itsmaximum speed of 60 km/h onland and 6 km/h on water.

The combat vehicle featuresmodular design. The launcherwith control equipment is mount-ed in the turret, which may bemounted on any other transportmeans with a load capacity ofover 3 tons. It's convenient forprospective buyers to use theirown vehicles more suitable totheir needs, capabilities and waysof combat employment.

The very design of thelauncher increases the cross-country capacity of the combatvehicle. The launcher is collapsi-ble, unlike all other known ADmissile systems. It is folded whentraveling; its height doesn'texceed 2,220 mm. The system isnot conspicuous on the marchand it may be easily shipped bymodern transport aircraft. It takesonly 40 sec to be transferred

from traveling to combat position,so folding the system doesn'taffect its combat readiness.

The target acquisition systemoperates on the "find and fire"principle. The launcher operatorsurveys the air situation throughthe bullet-proof glass with abroad sector of vision (90° x 120°)or through the sight (15° or 30°).Target acquisition means alsocomprise a passive optical three-band seeker. One of the fourvehicles of the system 9A35MZ isequipped with a passive radiodirection-finder to detect and dis-play in the field of operator'svision the objects equipped withpulsed radio-engineering sys-tems. Such objects might beradar bomb sights, airborne for-ward-looking radars and otheremitters.

The other three vehicles ofthe system 9A34MZ have nodirection-finders. They receivetarget data over radio from thecommander vehicle. In addition,all vehicles are equipped with acentral target designation systemto receive target data from otherAD units over data transmissionwire communications lines. Uponreceipt of such data, all launchersare automatically rotated in the

direction of the target from as faras 30 km.

Rotation continues during thetarget's flight after it's locked onby the homing head of the mis-sile.

The target acquisition andguidance systems of the Strela-10MZ are devoid of active emis-sion means, making it less vul-nerable to enemy detection anddestruction systems, which oper-ate on the principle of acquisitionand guidance of emitting targets.It thereby provides survivabilityagainst battle damage, an impor-tant factor against low-flyingenemy targets. This advantagedistinguishes it from weaponswith command guidance linesand target acquisition radars.

The four combat-ready mis-siles in launcher-containers arelocated on the tipping part of thecombat launcher. Another fourmissiles in similar containers arestowed in the rear of the vehicle.The tipping part is always stableregardless of the number of mis-siles in it because their centres ofmass remain on the axis of thetilt. It takes three minutes for atrained crew to reload the launch-er.

The relatively small size andweight of the missiles allows test,reload, stowage and storage pro-cedures without special trans-port-loading means. The missileengines work on solid propellantand are controlled by signalsgenerated in a three-channeloptical homing head. Targets aredefeated by high-explosive war-heads, rod type, weighing 5 kg.Reliable destruction of targets,large or small, is achieved bydirect hit or by fragments of thedetonated missile within 3 m ofthe target; the warhead isequipped with a contact proximityfuze.

It is well to mention the hom-

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ing head of a missile that has anumber of advantageous featurescompared to earlier versions. Aspreviously noted, the warheadhas three channels: photo-con-trast channel, infra-red channeland interference channel. Such achoice of sensors enables theweapon to lock on and guide mis-siles to their targets in combatunder adverse atmospheric con-ditions as well as through opticaland heat decoys fired by theenemy from any directions. Theoperator selects the proper chan-nel of the homing head before themissile launching, taking intoconsideration the real interfer-ence situation.

The photo-contrast and infra-red channels assure targetdestruction on head-on or pursuitcourse during combat. TheAmerican AD system Chaparralsimilar to Strela-10MZ has onlyan infra-red channel, so it iscapable of hitting targets only onpursuit courses. The superiorityof the Russian system may playan important role in modern,highly maneuverable defence oftroops.

To avoid firing at friendly air-craft and at targets beyond thekill zone, the system features a"friend or foe" device and zoneevaluation equipment. The first

determines the target's nationalidentity at a distance of 12 kmand at a height of 25 to 5,000 m.The second automatically deter-mines the target location relativeto launching zone limits and pre-vents launches at targets beyondthe kill zone. It also computeslead angles prior to launching.

Trouble-free operation of theStrela-10MZ is a key to itsextreme combat efficiency.

Years-long service in the fieldand trials in various climatic con-ditions have demonstrated validi-ty of declared specifications: timeto failure of the equipment of atleast 500 hours and a missile'sservice life of some 20 years.

The test vehicle is intended tocheck up technical condition ofthe missiles. The missiles' para-

meters and their readiness forcombat employment are automat-ically tested according to a presetprogram. The maintenance vehi-cle is intended for maintenance,repair, and testing of combatvehicle's equipment in the field.In addition to these two auxiliaryvehicles, there is also a gasolineengine operated generator tosave the service life of diesel-engines of the combat vehicles inthe stationary operation. It gener-ates electricity for four combatvehicles at a time.

Despite its ease of operation,designers have developed specialtrainers for combat crews, name-ly commanders and operators, tokeep the system in constant com-bat readiness and to teach themtarget acquisition and designa-tion. Thus combat crews acquirea team sense in combat coopera-tion. They learn how to determinevisually the parameters of the tar-gets, how to lock on maneuveringtargets, to track them and fire onthem.

This allows them to extendthe service life of combat materieland to train personnel to accom-plish various tasks.

Combat crews can also trainthemselves with hands-on equip-ment, using dummy missiles andreal aircraft. At last comes thehighest form of combat training:

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Killing range, max., mKilling height, mDetection and employment methodMissile guidance methodBasic load, missilesCrew, menOperating temperature range, °CWeight, kgMaximum speed, km/hFuel endurance, kmLauncher laying angles, deg:traverseelevationLauncher laying rates, deg/s:elevationazimuth

5,000 25 to 3,000 find - fire fire - forget 8 3 -50 to +50 12,300 61.5 500

unlimited -5 to +80

0.3 to 50 0.3 to 100

3.

Advancing to the

position after

unloading from a

landing ship

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combat firing on simulated airtargets.

To conclude, we inform youthat the Strela-10MZ is producedin cooperation with a number ofenterprises at the Saratov plant.This plant is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for machin-ing sophisticated parts from vari-ous metal alloys, as well as forcarrying out the precise assemblyof updated electronics, usingautomated methods of dense-packed, point-to-point wiring andwelding. Laboratories carry outcomplex mechanical, electricaland climatic tests of the equip-ment in the most rigorous envi-ronment. (

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n the mid-1970s, manyarmies started operat-ing such precisionoffensive weapon asunmanned aircraft,drones, heat-homingmissiles with infraredand radio-beam homingdevices, TV guided aeri-al bombs and rockets.So the anti-aircraftdefence designers werecommissioned to create

more effective and reliable airdefence. The research and pro-duction association "Antey", theworld leader in AA missile build-ing, was commissioned to fulfillthis mission. The firm had alreadyproduced such world-famous AAsystems as "KRUG" (nicknamedby NATO countries as SA-4"Ganef") and "OSA" (SA-8"Gecko"). On their adoption bythe Armed Forces, they were themost effective army weapons in

their class. Even now the "OSA"system continues to maintain theupper hand over its foreign oppo-nents. Highly competent scien-tists and designers of "Antey"managed to develop over a shortperiod of time AA missile systemscapable of locating, identifyingand defeating state-of-the-art airassault weaponry. They include amobile AA system S-300B withtwo types of missiles SA-12a"Gladiator" and SA-12b "Giant"and an all-weather AA system"TOR" (SA-15). Later on, "TOR-M1" emerged from the modern-ization of the system "TOR".

The all-weather AA missilesystem "TOR-M1" is intended toaccomplish AA defence missionsat division level. It provides reli-able AA defence for military andcivilian objects against enemysurprise attacks by cruise mis-siles, guided bombs, aircraft,helicopters, drones and remotelycontrolled aerial striking means.

This system is capable ofaccomplishing combat missionsin all climates. The salient featureof the "TOR-M1" concerns itsmaneuverability, mobility, fastresponse, automation of combatI

A N T I - A I R C R A F T

M I S S I L ES Y S T E M T O R

$ Y u r y S t e p a n o v $

Exercises carried out in the European part of Russia showedthat two flights of fighter-bombers flown by experiencedpilots were unable to penetrate without reinforcement theair defence zone guarded by a Tor AA defence battery.

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operations and effectiveness offire against various types of tar-gets.

Exercises carried out in theEuropean part of Russia showedthat two flights of fighter-bombers flown by experiencedpilots were unable to penetratewithout reinforcement the airdefence zone guarded by a "Tor"AA defence battery.

A presentation of the AA mis-sile system "TOR-M1" was held inSummer 1992, at theMosaeroshow-92. Already in win-ter 1993, this system was dis-

played at the international exhibi-tion of armaments and combatmateriel IDEX-93. Its combatcapabilities were demonstrated tomembers of many foreign militarydelegations at the special firingrange some 40 km from Abu-Dhabi. The results of the missilelaunches proved convincing,when all eight missiles hit theirtargets.

Valentin Osipov, Deputy ChiefDesigner, said that prior to theselaunches the Russian delegationdefied French and Canadiandesigners of the identical AA mis-

siles systems CROTALE andADATS to participate in joint firingto compare competing AA sys-tems. However, they refused todo so.

Firing was carried out onrocket-targets MD-20 (rocketprojectiles of legendary"Katusha" - BM-13) flying at aspeed of 600-700 m/sec. Thoseprojectiles were 1 m long. Theywere launched from closed posi-tions, located behind the sand-hills 17 km from "TOR-M1" mis-sile systems. The targets followeda ballistic path but they simulated

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"cruise missiles" or "glidingbombs" in terms of their radio-technical characteristics.

Valentin Osipov recalls:"Upon completion of the firing,the crew of the Canadian AA mis-sile system ADATS approachedus. They said: "You've got anexcellent weapon. We were allwatching. All eight missiles hittheir targets. One hit its target ata height of 16 m from the ground.Excellent results".

The "TOR-M1" includes: acombat vehicle (9A331), a trans-porter-loader (9T244) and main-tenance and repair means. Thecombat vehicle is mounted on atracked chassis (GM-355) withadjustable clearance. The hydro-mechanic transmission andhydropneumatic suspensionensure high off-road capacity,good maneuverability and smoothmovement on rugged terrain. Thecombat vehicle of the "TOR-M1"AA system could be shipped by allmeans of transportation, includ-ing aviation (mass of the chassis -34,250 kg, maximum speed onpaved roads - 65 km/h).

The combat vehicle accom-modates information and com-mand means, control mecha-nisms, means of communicationand navigation, two transport-launch containers with four AAguided missiles each, and a self-contained electric power genera-tor. The information and com-mand means ensure targetdetection, measurement of targetcoordinates and guidance of mis-siles. These means include targetacquisition, tracking and guid-ance radars.

They also include target iden-tification equipment and meansof secondary processing of radarinformation, a missile lock-on andterminal guidance radar, a digitalfast-acting specialized computerSAVER as well as control console

with indicators.The target acquisition radar is

a three-coordinate Doppler circu-lar scanning radar incorporatingmulti-channel digital signal pro-cessing means. Working togetherwith a computer, it can detect upto 48 targets at a range of 25 kmand then track the most danger-ous ten. These targets are divid-ed into priority sequence in termsof the danger they represent. Thefiring data is prepared on themost "dangerous" ones.

Information on these targetsis fed into both the commander'sconsole and air tracking andguidance radar. The tracking andguidance radar is a mono-pulse

Doppler radar with a phasedantenna array and electronicbeam control. This radar refinestarget data, performs a four-coordinate measurement of thetarget's parameters and ensurestracking of this target. The maxi-mum operating range is 25 km.The coordinates of two targetsand the two missiles used todestroy these targets are mea-sured simultaneously in the work-ing sector. The targets arearranged in classes according totrajectory and signal data. Thesedata are fed into the missile con-trol system to optimize its flightmode. Data are processed andthe missile units are controlled bya digital computer.

Thanks to the gyrostabiliza-tion of the acquisition radar'santenna's system, one can detecttargets and assess the air situa-tion, while the combat vehicle ofthe system "TOR-M1" is on themove in the combat formations oftroops being covered. It stopsonly to fire missiles. The radarantenna can be folded for travel.In case of intensive enemy jam-ming (active electronic counter-measures of the enemy) andwhen the targets fly at minimumaltitudes, .the back-up TV track-ing channel may be used.

The launching tube is mount-ed inside the rotating turret. Italso houses two vertically sta-tioned transporting-loading con-

1.

A combat vehicle of

the Tor-M1 system

2.

A transporter-loader

in action

3.

Loading missiles

into the combat

vehicle

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tainers with missiles. The single-stage solid-propellant AA guidedmissile 9M331 uses a canardconfiguration. The high-explosive(HE) warhead contains high den-sity alloy fragments. The activeradio-fuze detonates the missile.The missile is guided by radiocommands. It is highly maneuver-able (permissible load factor is upto 30 g). This allows defeatingfast, low-flying, small-size andarmored targets, maneuveringwith 12 g loads. The missile9M331 is delivered to the armedforces combat-ready and doesn'trequire any maintenance for 10years.

The missile is verticallylaunched by catapult. After leav-ing the launcher, it is turnedtowards the target by jet controls,housed in the head. Then theengine is started. The self-con-tained wide-angle direction finderlocks on the missile and theninjects it into the beam of theguidance radar. The missiles areloaded by the loader-trans-

p o r t e r ' smanipula-tor. Ittakes 18min toload abasic unit.M i s s i l e scan bel o a d e dfrom ac o n v e n -t i o n a l

transportation vehicle using acrane.

The navigation, position areatie-in and orientation systemautomatically establishes thecombat vehicle's position andplots the bearing of its move-ment. It also provides tie-in toother combat means to exchangedata on air situation. Electricpower supply is provided by abuilt-in generator, driven fromthe gas-turbine engine or fromthe power take-off system of thechassis's diesel engine. A built-inautomatic function control systemis used to maintain the systemcombat-ready and ensure reliableassessment of the real conditionthe system equipment. In theevent of break-down, this systemperforms the troubleshooting andeven detects damages accurateto a group of the panels.

The "TOR-M1" system iscapable of executing combat mis-sions independently or as a part

of an automated AA defence sys-tem of a division. The batterycommand post, "Ranzhir" or"Kasatelnaya" coordinates itswork within this system.Information is exchanged via datatransmission radio channels. Theequipment is produced withstate-of-the-art technology andoffers enhanced functional con-trol, which ensures high opera-tional reliability. The crew of theAA self-propelled mount consistsof a commander, operator anddriver. The crew is protected fromthe weapons of mass destruction.Special equipment is used to cre-ate within the turret normal con-ditions for the work.

It should be noted that a spe-cial trainer has been designed totrain an operator. This trainer imi-tates the interior and the maincontrol console of the combatvehicle to simulate various air sit-uations and all necessary dataprocured by the equipment to beused by an operator in combat.Simulation of air situations is setup in programmed mode or man-ually in dialogue mode. The train-ing provides for potentialchanges in operational air situa-tion to allow for simulation of a"duel". The system designersmaintain that an operatoracquires the necessary skills intwo and a half hours of training.The complete training course isscheduled for 20 hours. (

PERFORMANCE DATA OF AA MISSILE SYSTEMKill range, kmRange of altitudes, mTime of response after target detection, secNumber of missiles (basic unit), piecesNumber of channels per targetSpeed of travel, km/h

Launching weight, kgCaliber, mmLength, mmMaximum speed, m/secAverage speed, m/secWeight of warhead, kg

1-12 10-6,000 5-8 8 2 65

167 235 2,900 850 650 15

4.

The battery's com-

mand post

5.

Missile 9M331 and

transporting-

launching container

PERFORMANCE DATA OF MISSILE

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or a long time theintelligence serviceagents of the NATOcountries soughtany piece of infor-mation on the Sovietsniper Dragunovrifle (SVD). It wasonly during the warin Afghanistan thatthe first rifles beganto appear by hookor by crook in theW e s t .

Consequently, Western expertswere able to thoroughly study andtest the weapon, which had previ-ously been hidden behind a veilof top secrecy. The rifle was high-ly praised by the experts. Themere look-of the rifle was strik-ing: "The rifle is funny in appear-ance, even mythical." (Armee etDefence)

Not to mention its combatcharacteristics: "NATO standardsprescribe for sniper rifles maxi-mum dispersion at cross-sectionequal to 15 inches at a distanceof 600 yards at the rate of fire of10 rounds per minute. The Sovietsniper Dragunov rifle easily over-

laps these specifications. Therecoil load despite powerfulrounds is moderate. The SVD rifleoperates reliably in the toughestconditions." (Schweizer Waffen-Magazin). The experts inevitablynoted the finish of some parts ofthis rifle. "The inner part of thebarrel and gas piston have achrome coating. This dramaticallyfacilitates the cleaning of theweapon after firing. One cleaningremoves the hardest residuals ofburnt powder." (Visier)

The SVD in its Motherland isthe widely acknowledged as atop-rate weapon. It has been inservice for more than 30 yearswithout any noticeable update.

The Mosin rifle (1891/1930)was operational with the RedArmy and then with the SovietArmy (since 1931).

The sniper version of the riflediffers from its infantry counter-part owing to improved machin-ing of the barrel bore, the opticalsight, and hooked down bolt han-dle.

Numerous attempts weremade to replace the Mosin riflewith a more updated sniper ver-

sion, but all to no avail, as all newversions were inferior in terms ofspecifications and reliability.

In April 1940, another attemptwas made to develop a competi-tive sniper rifle. By that time, theautomatic weapon had alreadyenjoyed indisputable popularitywith the Army. So the designerswere eager to arm sharpshooterswith a sniper rifle. The sniper ver-sion was developed on the basisof the Tokarev rifle (SVT-40). Thisrifle used a bracket to mount anoptical sight and had smaller tol-erance for a barrel bore. But as aresult of the combat employmentof this rifle it turned out that itsuffered 1,5 times more disper-sion during firing compared tothe Mosin rifle. Therefore inOctober 1942, its production wasstopped.

After the Great Patriotic War,weapon designers resumed workon sniper rifle. The Simonov car-bine, SKS adopted version, failedin terms of consistency of fire. Sothe Mosin rifle continued to beoperational. It's safe to say thatmost sharpshooters all over theworld continued to employ maga-

F

SVDT H E W E A P O N O F S H A R P S H O O T E R S

$ I g o r Y a t s e n k o $

The SVD in its Motherland is thewidely acknowledged as a top-rateweapon. It has been in service formore than 30 years without anynoticeable update.

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zine-fed rifles. Foreign designersfaced similar technical problemsas their Russian counterparts,namely they had to ensure thehigh fire consistency of the auto-matic weapons.

The year 1958 witnessed theresumption of work to developthe sniper rifle, chambered forthe 7.62x54 cartridge. Weapondesigners were commissioned todevelop a version of the rifle,which would be as reliable andsimple as conventional rifles, andas accurate and consistent asspecial ones. Weapon designersS. Simonov, A. Konstantinov andE. Dragunov were involved in thedevelopment of such a rifle oncompetitive basis.

The first version of the sniperrifle, nicknamed at that time SSV-58 offered by Dragunov for firingtest, immediately. attractedattention of the experts owing toits technical characteristics in

terms of consistency of fire.These characteristics surpassedthe requirements of rated specifi-cation. But it remained a lot to bedone: the "raw" version of therifle suffered many malfunctions,including break-up of someparts. It took four years of hardwork to refine the rifle.

Simonov withdrew his riflefrom tests because of the poorconsistency of fire in 1961. So in1962 the rifle designs ofDragunov and Konstantinov werechosen on a competitive basis forall-sided tests in the field in vari-ous climates.

The tests were held inTurkestan, Odessa and Moscowmilitary districts.

The prototype of theDragunov rifle successfullypassed all tests and becameoperational in the Army in 1963. Itwas the first successful attemptto develop a special, original

weapon for snipers. Earlierinfantry rifles were modified forthat purpose.

E. Dragunov, a talenteddesigner of sporting weapons anda sharpshooter himself, managedto combine in his SVD rifle thehigh accuracy of the sporting rifleand reliability of the combat rifle.He incorporated many originalinnovations.

To ensure the failure-free fir-ing from this rifle in sandy condi-tions, he increased clearancesalong slides of the receiverframe. This could have resulted inpoor consistency of fire due toincreased rocking of the movableparts of the rifle during fire.Dragunov eliminated thisprospective drawback by drivinga rivet in the ejector. This helpedblock the side-rocking of the boltcarrier in the forward position.

The automatic Dragunovsniper rifle is a gas-operated

1.

Degtyarev rifle.

1930

2.

Tokarev SVT-40

rifle. 1940

3.

Sniper Dragunov

(SVD) rifle. 1963

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weapon. The gas actuates movingparts coming through side-holesin the chromed barrel. The three-lug bolt locks the cartridge-chamber turning counter-clock-wise. Dragunov had achieved asimilar design in his earlier ver-sions of sporting rifles. In theKalashnikov sub-machine gun(AK), the cartridge-chamber islocked by a two-lug bolt, turningclockwise. So in Dragunov's lay-out the cartridge-follower wasused as an extra third lug. Thishelped increase the area of com-bat lugs without increasing thecross-cut areas of the bolt and itsturn-angles. Thus, three support-ing surfaces secured the positionof the bolt, which in turn ensuredhigh consistency of fire.

The main part of the automat-ic system in the rifle is providedby the bolt carrier, actuated bythe gas of the cartridge powdercoming throughout the gas cylin-der piston and the operating rod.These parts return in the forwardposition after pushing the bolt-carrier to the backward position.The bolt handle is producedapiece with the bolt-carrier. Thereturn mechanism is produced

with two springs.A rather light, albeit solid

receiver frame is fabricated fromsheet-metal stampings. The firingmechanism is hammer type. Thetrigger-mechanism provides forsingle fire only. The safety is ofdouble-action type. It stops thetrigger and blocks the bolt-carri-er by pressing the bolt handle.Firing takes place with a com-pletely locked barrel.

The firing mechanism isassembled in a separate casing.

The flash suppressor with fivelongitudinal grooves is secured tothe muzzle end of the barrel. Twoof them are arranged at the bot-tom, and three, at the top. Due tothese grooves the dischargedgases stabilize the rifle in opera-tion. The flash suppressor makesfiring invisible during night com-bat operations and prevents for-eign matter from entering thebarrel. The bayonet-knife forclose-quarters combat is alsosecured to the rifle's barrel. Thebutt-stock has a recess to formup a hand grip.

The sniper rifle is rigged withboth mechanical (open) and opti-cal sighting devices. The first

device consists of the foresightand rear sight. The other sightingdevice (4X) PSO-1 incorporates arange scale. This optical sight hasa luminescent screen capable ofdetecting infrared emitters. Italso comprises a mechanism tocorrect range and direction. Thescale is lit up at night by a 2.5-Wbattery built in the rear strut ofthe sight bracket.

The special 7.62 mm car-tridge was developed for thissniper rifle. Its bullet is similar toa conventional steel-core one andhas better accuracy. Ten car-tridges are housed in a staggeredpattern in a box-type detachablemagazine. According to manyexperts, the rifle is well designedin terms of ergonomics. This riflewill please a sharpshooter inaction. It is fully reliable and well-balanced combat weapon. It'sconvenient to grip when aiming ata target. The automatic sniperDragunov rifle has a high rate offire. Some experts maintain thatone can fire 30 accurate roundsper minute from a Dragunov riflecompared to five from a conven-tional sniper magazine-fed rifle.

The SVD Dragunov rifle maywell have been produced for along time without any modifica-tions owing to its original perfec-tion. It was only in 1991 thatdesigners from the "Izhmash"plant developed a modernizedversion of this rifle, namely theSVD-S. This version incorporatesa more updated automatic sys-tem, more massive barrel and the

TECHNICAL DATAOF SVD RIFLE

Length, mm 1,225Length complete with bayonet, mm 1,370Barrel length, mm 620Weight unloaded, kg 3.67Weight completewith sight, kg 4.3Muzzle velocity, m/sec 830

4.

SVD's telescopic sight

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AA006

receiver frame. A hinged thermo-plastic fixed-cheek buttstock canbe folded to the right side.

The Dragunov SVD served asthe basis for the development ofmany versions of hunting rifles. In1962 the self-loading carbine"Medved" (Bear) was developed.

The main operating part ofthe SVD was used to develop theaforesaid carbine. Previously thecarbine fired 9x53 cartridges,was then chambered for the7.62x51 cartridge. Earlier in the70s, the carbine "Tigr" (Tiger) forhunting was also developed onthe basis of the SVD rifle. At firstit was produced by individualorders. However, since 1992 ithas been mass produced. (

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AA007

n 1972 the A. MikoyanDesign Bureau startedmodifying the MiG-25,known for its excellentaltitude-speed charac-teristics, which wasundergoing flight test-ing at that time. Thedevelopment of a newmachine was dictatedby the need to improvethe combat capabilitiesof air defence aircraft

and the desire to reduce thenumber of types of in-serviceinterceptors.

The new aircraft was desig-nated the MiG-31. It wasdesigned to defeat high- and low-flying air targets both in the for-ward and rear hemispheres, inthe open space and against theearth, at any weather and round-the-clock. It was also meant tocounteract enemy jamming.

The new interceptor was a

success, meeting all require-ments. It also transpired that theaircraft could defeat all types ofaerodynamic targets rangingfrom small cruise missiles andslow-flying helicopters to high-altitude fast aircraft, such as theUS Lockheed SR-1.

In this way the MiG-31received the name of a multi-pur-pose interceptor.

In 1975 test pilot A. Fedotovflew the first MiG-31. Mass pro-duction was launched in 1979.

Unlike its predecessor, thenew interceptor is manned by atwo-man crew: a pilot and navi-gator-operator in the cockpit witha tandem configuration.

Structurally, the MiG-31resembles the MiG-25. Like otherhigh-altitude high-speedmachines, the MiG-31 structurecan withstand mechanical over-load and kinetic heating arising

owing to friction. Stainless steelconstitutes 50% of its airframe,with the rest made up of titanium(16%), aluminum alloys (33%)and other construction materials(1%).

The MiG-31 powerplant con-

IA N I N C O M P A R A B L E

I N T E R C E P T O R$ S e r g e y Y e g o r o v $

The new interceptor was a success, meeting all require-ments. It also transpired that the aircraft could defeat alltypes of aerodynamic targets ranging from small cruise mis-siles and slow-flying helicopters to high-altitude fast air-craft, such as the US Lockheed SR-1.

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sists of two D-30F6 engines man-ufactured at the Perm Scientific-Production Association'Aviadvigatel' led by P. Solovyev.According to experts, this enginecaused a sensation when it wasexhibited at the 1990 Paris AirShow.

Another "surprise", unveiledby the MiG-31 at the Paris AirShow, was the Zaslon phased-array fire control radar. Althoughthe radar is over 15 years old it isstill unique. The stationary anten-na is 1.1 meters in diameter.Thanks to this powerful radar, theMiG-31 is the only mass pro-duced interceptor with a phased-array antenna, which has elec-tronic scanning.

The maximum detectionrange of a bomber target is 200km. The tracking range of anAWACS type aircraft is 260 kmand of a fighter type aircraft, 90km for the forward hemisphere.The standard field of view of theZaslon radar is 140°. Its verticalfield of view has the span of ±70°The radar facilitates the detectionof targets both in the upper hemi-sphere and against the earth,simultaneously tracking up to 10targets and guiding missiles tofour of them. Unlike the AmericanGrumman F-14 Tomcat fighter,which can track and guidePhoenix missiles to targets in arelatively narrow sector, the MiG-31's radar can perform suchtasks in its whole field of view.

An infrared search-and-track(IRST) system is installed in thefighter's nose on a semi-recessed hinge suspension,which provides for its extensioninto the operating position duringflight. With the help of the IRST,the aircraft is able to stealthilyseek out targets, attack them andeffectively operate under inten-sive radar countermeasures.

The pilot's cockpit is

equipped with a color attack-and-pilot display on the windshield.Manufactured at the VoskhodDesign Bureau, this instrumenthas no mass produced foreigncounterparts.

The radio navigation equip-ment can lead the interceptor tothe designated area within anaccuracy of 0.13 to 4 km practi-cally at any point of the globe.The MiG-31's on-board equip-ment enables one to use the air-craft individually or in a group of

similar airplanes. It can also beoperated as aircraft leader toassist less sophisticated fighters.

1.

The pilot's

station

2.

The rocket

armament

3.

The crew

prepares for

flight

4.

Loading the

projectiles

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The long operational range ofthe on-board radar required thedevelopment of an appropriatemissile. The standard missilearmament of the MiG-31 com-prises R-33 guided missiles(known in the West as AA-9Amos) with a range of 120 km. In

the interceptor's basic versionthe missiles are mounted semi-recessed on four underfuselagesuspension fittings. The missilecan hit air targets at altitudesranging from 25 to 50 metersover any type of surface to 26 to28 km. The speed of the targetcan reach M=3.5. This missilecan simultaneously hit four tar-gets flying at different altitudesand ranges.

The MiG-31 is also armedwith two medium-range R-40T(known in the West as AA-6 Acrid)or modified missiles R-46TD.These missiles, mounted onunderwing pylons, are providedwith an IR seeker and have arange of approximately 70 km.They can be substituted with fourshort-range missiles, like the

highly maneuverable R-60, R-60M (classified in the West as AA-8 Aphid). Passive omnidirectionalIR homing, together with com-bined aerodynamic and jet con-trol, ensure high maneuverabilityof the missiles. Absolutelyautonomous, the missiles do notimpose restrictions in terms ofthe initial launch conditions andcan destroy aerodynamic targetsat altitudes of over five meters.The missiles can be used at dayand night under all weather con-ditions against an earth or watersurface in the presence of natur-al disturbances or organizedenemy jamming.

The interceptor is armed witha GSh-6-23 six-barrel cannon,which has a rate of fire of 6,000rounds per minute and is mount-ed under the fuselage. The pro-jectiles weigh 200 g and have aninitial velocity of 700 m per sec-ond. The ammunition load is 260rounds. The use of drum-fedammunition supply instead of acartridge belt reduces consider-ably loading time. When not inoperation, the cannon port isclosed by streamlined flaps.

A group of four MiG-31s cancontrol up to 800 to 900 km ofthe air space.

Their secure digital communi-cations system ensures safeexchange of radar informationwithin the group at a distance ofup to 200 km. The same system isused to maintain, contact withground command posts. Thisenables the MiG-31 interceptorto attack in stealth a targettracked by another aircraft, whichtransmits from a safe distance tothe attacking aircraft.

The MiG-31 is a low mainte-nance aircraft. Its built-in self-test system can rapidly assessthe serviceability of the on-boardequipment. The reliability of theaircraft and its systems exceeds

5.

Performing pre-flight

maintenance

6.

Rear view

7.

Attaching the missile

weaponry

8.

Landing

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AA007

the standard indices and up-to-date world level.

The MiG-31 multi-purposeinterceptor has been modified:the MiG-31 M has a more power-ful radar. The weaponry has alsobeen augmented, consisting ofsix long-range missiles mountedunder the fuselage in the samefashion as the missiles on theMiG-31. The R-40T medium-range missiles have given way tomore sophisticated R-73 (knownin the West as AA-11 Archer) andR-77 missiles with an active radarhoming head (similar to theAmerican AIM-120 AMRAAM).The R-77 can defeat targetsranging from helicopters, hover-ing in the air or resting on theground, to air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles. The all-weatheromnidirectional missile is immuneto radar countermeasures, oper-ates on the fire-and-forget princi-ple with multichannel firing. Theshort aerodynamic planes, cou-pled with four grated control sur-faces, improve guidance effec-tiveness and reduce the effectivearea, thereby concealing use ofthe missile. Now a more powerfulmissile with an estimated range

of 150 km and over is beingdeveloped.

In terms of function and com-bat capabilities the US Navy car-rier-based F-14 Tomcat intercep-tor may be considered as a coun-terpart of the MiG-31. It is sur-passed, however, by the Russianfighter in terms of maximumspeed and ceiling. The latter hasapproximately the same cruisingrange and higher capabilities ofweapons control systems. Until1990, the F-14s employed theHarris communications systemfor the automatic exchange ofinformation between the aircraftand the carrier command post or

the E-2C AWACS aircraft, whichacted as a retransmitter betweenthe F-14's on-board radar andother interceptors in the samegroup. The secure digital datasystem, which enables four inter-ceptors to automaticallyexchange information without"go-betweens", was only intro-duced on the F-14 aircraft at theend of 1991.

Consequently, the MiG-31'scombat capabilities, plus theunique features of its on-boardradar, make this multirole inter-ceptor really incomparable. (

COMPARATIVE DATA OF LONG-RANGE INTERCEPTORS

Aircraft weight, kg:without external tanks (ET)with external tanks (ET)Type of enginesEngines thrust with afterburners, kgMaximum speed, km/hService ceiling, kmAltitude and speed in supersonic flight,km/km/hMaximum interception line, km:subsonic, with ET/w/o ETsupersonic, ET/w/o ET (with return at subsonic speed)subsonic with ET, with refuelingLoitering time at a distance of 550 km, minNumber of targets tracked/engaged

MiG-31

41,000 46,200 2xD-30F6 2x15,500 3,000 20,0

18/2,500

1,450/1,200 -/720

2,050 80 10/4

F-14D

29,500 32,900 2F-110-E-6400 2x12,700 2,100-2,200 17,5

12/1,400-1,500

1,230/- - /510

-70 24/6

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AA008

n the mid-50's, after thefamous IL-10 piston-engined attack aircrafthad been removed fromservice, the USSR AirForce was deprived ofspecial-purpose attackaviation. During a fairlylong period, the job ofan attack aircraft wascarried out by lightbombers and fighters

with stronger armor protectionand more powerful weaponry.However, life generated a need todevelop a new "flying tank".Three main principles formed thebasis of the attack aircraft con-cept: high survivability in combat,good maneuverability and possi-ble operation on unimproved air-fields. After winning the competi-tion among army aviationmachines, the Su-25 attack air-

craft developed by the P.O.Sukhoi Design Bureau, headedby General Designer M.P.Simonov, entered service as amass produced aircraft in 1978.

To realize the concept of abattlefield aircraft, the pilot andcritical units of the vehicle arereliably protected and duplicated.The pilot is seated in an all-weld-ed titanium alloy cockpit, afford-ing protection against hits fromthe main directions. The armorbox and weld joints withstand atleast 50 hits without any cracks orspalls. The armor box walls are10 to 24 mm thick, while thetransparent front armor block is57 mm thick. The cockpit's-frontglazing withstands direct fire hitsfrom the large-calibre machinegun.

About 40 experimental andresearch operations were carriedout and approximately 600 sam-ples and mockups were testedduring the development of theSu-25. Over 2,000 shots werefired at the machine from large-calibre machine guns and can-nons with a calibre of up to 40mm. The effect inflicted by high-

IS u - 2 5A T T A C K A I R C R A F T

$ K o n s t a n t i n T r u b e t s k o y $

Three main principles formed the basis of the attack aircraftconcept: high survivability in combat, good maneuverabilityand possible operation on unimproved airfields.

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velocity missile fragments wasalso tested. As a result, the armorprotection and aircraft's layoutwere improved considerably. Thetotal weight of armor used to pro-tect the pilot amounts to approxi-mately 500 kg, while means sup-porting the aircraft's survivabilityweigh about 1,500 kg.

The aircraft control linkagesare duplicated and spaced apart,running along the fuselage. Largediameter linkages remain intact,even when hit by 12.7 mm bul-lets.

The hydraulic and power sup-ply systems are also duplicated.Fuel tank walls are coated on theoutside with quick-swelling pro-tector plates, which skin over bul-let holes and practically stop fuelleakage. Compartments adjacentto the fuel tanks are filled withelastic porous materials. To pre-vent any hit on the engines by asingle missile, the former arespaced apart. For the same pur-pose, containers with 120 decoythermal targets are mounted inthe tail end of the airframe.

The wheels of the three-leglanding gear are fitted with widepneumatic tires, which enable theaircraft to operate on unimprovedairfields. There were cases whenthe Su-25 was able to take offfrom the sodden landing strips,whereas the fuel servicer couldn't

approach it. This may be the rea-son why the West nicknamed itFrogfoot.

To ensure its self-containedoperation from the staging air-fields at a small distance from thefront line, the aircraft can carry

all necessary ser-vice means. Fourspecial outboardcontainers weredeveloped to dothis.

The machine

1.

Su-25 bomb armament

2,3,4.

Various types of outboard weaponry

1. Large calibre gun2. External fuel tank3. AS-7 Kerry A/G guided missile4. AT guided missile5. Rocket pod6. Cluster bomb7. Self-defence AAM (AA-8)

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has high maneuvering and speedcharacteristics. The maximum g-load is 6.5 g, and the maximumflight speed, 950 to 1,000 km/h.

The production-type aircraftare equipped with R95Sh enginesproduced by the Ufa motor-build-ing association. These are themost reliable aviation engines inthe world, with mean time to fail-ure equal to 1,400 hours.

To accomplish ground sup-port missions the Su-25 is config-urated with a variety of powerfulordnance, suspended on tenattachment fittings. The twoextreme fittings are used, as arule, to carry type R-60 air-to-airmissiles specially intended fordogfights. Other pylons canaccommodate 100-500 kg aerialbombs, expandable cassette

bombs and containers for smallcargo, including an airborne minelaying system. The onboard laserillumination and range finder sys-tem Klen-PS enables the fighterto carry type X-25ML air-to-sur-face guided missiles (known inthe West as AS-10) or moresophisticated X-29L missiles.Various-purpose unguided rock-ets S-8, S-13, S-24 and S-25with calibres from 80 to 340 mmare commonly used.

The small-arms weaponry ofthe Su-25 consists of a 30 mmtwin cannon with an ammunitionload of 250 cartridges. If neces-sary, it can be augmented byexternal containers with 33 mmflexible cannons, each with a loadof 260 cartridges.

The bomb load weighs 4,000kg.

According to military experts,the Su-25 is a low-maintenance,simple machine. If the need aris-es, diesel fuel can be usedinstead of aviation kerosene.

The Su-25 was used as abasic vehicle to design a targettowing aircraft, trainer and carriertrainer. The last modification isdesignated Su-25TK. Thismachine, equipped with a morepower armament and sophisticat-ed electronic equipment, candefeat small-size moving targets.In the Russian Air Force it iscalled "tank killer".

Chief Designer at the bureau,V.P. Bobak, told that the Su-25TK's design was based onexperience of the combatemployment of basic aircraft inAfghanistan. For example, thestrength of the fuselage's centralsection is increased, the engine'sinfrared signature is considerablyreduced, the cockpit is betterprotected. The R-195 enginesproduced by the aforementionedmanufacturer enjoy a high powerrating.

Thanks to the aircraft's auto-mated control system, it can hit atarget in any weather, day andnight, boasting a high degree ofaccuracy. New attack aircraft areequipped with an I-251 aimingcomplex manufactured by theKrasnogorsk Zenith factory. It canidentify and track automaticallysmall-size and moving targets. Italso furnishes target data, directsguided missiles and controls thefire of unguided rockets and can-nons.

The aiming complex compris-es a day-time opto-electronicaiming system Shkval with TV andlaser channels, which provides ahitting accuracy of 1-2 m. It alsoensures automatic target track-ing, target designation for guidedmissiles, control of antitank mis-siles, etc. For night operations,the aiming complex is supple-mented by a Mercury night opto-television system, arranged in anoutboard container. The daytimeTV system detects and locks ontotargets at a range of 10 to 15 kmwhile the night system does thesame job at a smaller range. TVinformation is displayed on themonochrome TV indicator.

In the Su-25TK, all navigationand target attack operations areautomated to a maximum. Thepilot can intervene in control,only to confirm that the selectedtarget should be attacked and ini-tiate a command, if necessary, toattack the target for the secondtime, or immediately before land-ing. The rest, right from thearrival in the designated area andtarget search to the application ofweapons and return to the base,is carried out by the onboardautomatic control equipment.

According to the designers,the Su-25TK equipped with suchaiming complex is 5-6 yearsahead of its foreign counterparts.The defensive means of the Su-

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25TK aircraft comprise an elec-tronic complex for the reconnais-sance, identification, suppressionand destruction of radars. To jamthe infrared and radar guidedmissiles, the tail portion of thefuselage accommodates contain-ers with 192 decoy infrared tar-gets and chaff. It is supplement-ed by an infrared generator,located in the same place, as wellas airborne decoy targets firedaway from the B-13 cluster units.

In addition to the items perti-nent to the basic Su-25 aircraft,the new range of armamentincludes other weapons, includ-ing X-58 antiradar guided mis-siles.

Sixteen missiles of the Vikhrantitank system, similar to thoseinstalled on the Ka-50 attack heli-copter, are also unique and con-stitute part of any armament loadof the Su-25TK. These superson-ic missiles, developed by theShipunov firm, can penetrate thefront armour of all modern tanks.Owing to their high velocity, sev-eral targets may be killed duringa single approach. To destroy air-borne targets, this missile alsohas a fragmentation warhead.

The attack aircraft is alsoarmed with a precise rocket,developed specially for this typeof aircraft on the basis of S-25unguided large-calibre ammuni-tion. The S-25L model has a laserguidance system. The more

destructive X-29 missiles,equipped with laser and TV guid-ance systems can also be used.The bomb load of the new attackaircraft is augmented by homingaviation bombs with a calibre ofup to 500 kg.

The built-in armament con-sists of a twin 30 mm cannon withan ammunition supply of 200 pro-jectiles. The cannon armament

can be supplemented by two out-board 30 mm cannon pods with atotal ammunition supply of 300projectiles.

To date the new Su-25TKattack aircraft developed by theP.O. Sukhoi design bureau isconsidered the best attack air-plane in the world. Orders havebeen placed by a number ofcountries. (

TECHNICAL DATA ON SU-25

Take-off weight, kg:maximumnormal

Payload, kgCombat radius with payload, km:

at low altitudeat high altitude

Maximum speed at low altitude, km/hMaximum g-loadingDynamic ceiling, mTake-off/landing run, mEngines: two turbojet engines with total thrust, kgArmament

Air-to-ground laser beam guided missilesAir-to-ground unguided rockets mounted on eight racksBuilt-in 30-mm cannon with 250 projectilesSuspension flexible 23-mm gun mountAir-to-air homing missiles

Maximum take-off weight, kgAmount of fuel in internal tanks, kgMaximum payload, kgNumber of armament suspension pointsMaximum speed, km/hMaximum altitude, mMaximum g-loadingCombat radius with 2-ton payload, km

at sea levelat optimum altitude

Ferry range with external fuel tanks, kmTake-off run on unimproved landing strip, m

17,600 14,600 4,400

750 1,250 975 6.5 7,000 600 9,000

19,500 3,840 4,360 10 950 10,000 6.5

400 700 2,500 600-700

TECHNICAL DATA ON SU-25TK

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n 1981 a new model ofthe TU-22M3 bomber(known in the West asBackfire-C) becameoperational with theUSSR long-rangebomber and naval mis-sile-carrying air force.Previous modifications- the prototype TU-22M, the pre-batchproduction TU-22M1and the TU-22M2

adopted by the Air Force in 1975- marked the first long-rangevariable geometry wing bombers.All M-indexed aircraft consider-

ably differed in design and con-tent from the base model TU-22.

The newest model of thelong-range bomber eliminatescertain weaknesses in its immedi-ate predecessor - the TU-22M2.The TU-22M3 aircraft can operateover longer distances, carrying aspecified ordnance payload, athigh altitudes and supersonicspeeds as well as at low altitudesand high subsonic speeds.Improved operational properties -achieved thanks to a radicalrestructuring of the aircraft -enable the bomber to increasecombat radius and stealthily

approach targets on the terminalleg of the route. The aircraft canoperate 24 hours a day underfavorable and adverse weatherconditions, under strong enemyfire and electronic countermea-sures.

Naturally, this aircraft catego-ry was fitted with all the equip-ment needed to carry nuclearpayloads. For that reason the TU-22M3 is on the list of weapons,controlled in terms of productionand deployment by the SALT-2Treaty.

The aircraft has a crew offour, whose ejection seats ensure

T H E T U - 2 2 M 3 B O M B E R$ Y u r i M u k h i n $

IThe newest model of the long-range bomber eliminates certain weaknesses in itsimmediate predecessor - the TU-22M2. The TU-22M3 aircraft can operate overlonger distances, carrying a specified ordnance payload, at high altitudes andsupersonic speeds as well as at low altitudes and high subsonic speeds.

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vertical (unlike the TU-22) ejec-tion in case of emergency. Theautomated ejection system stipu-lates sequenced and forced bail-out. The crew includes two pilots,a navigator and tail gun operator,who also acts as radio operator.

The bomber's wing leadingedge sweep can vary within a 20to 65° range. The 20° sweep isusually used for take-off andlanding, the 38° sweep for long-range flights, while the 65° sweepis characteristic of high-altitudeand supersonic speed or low-alti-tude and high subsonic speedflights. Effective wing mechanics

ensure excellent take-off andlandings. The stationary sectionof the wing close to the pivot isfitted with wing fences to preventair flow along the wing surfaces.The wing section is thin, therebyreducing the drag and allowingattainment of supersonic speeds.

The tail unit is also notable: itboasts a dorsal fin, whichincreases the vertical tail areaand enhances the aircraft's aero-dynamic characteristics. The all-moving stabilizer provides thepitch control and duplicates thefunctions of the roll control incase of its failure. The ogee sta-bilizer ensures smooth flow-around at full deflection.

The long-range bomber'spower plant consists of two NK-25 engines: each has a nominalthrust of 14,500 kgf and an after-burner thrust of 25,000 kgf.Generally speaking, the powerplant has high operational andeconomical characteristics.

The bomber has nine groupsof fuel tanks with a total capacityof 50,000 kg, which take a mere30 minutes to fill.

The main landing gear with itssix-wheel units enables the air-craft to operate from the lowestgrade airfield runways. Thebomber take-off run is 1,920 m,

although it can be shortened byadditional powder boosters. Thelanding run depends on the land-ing weight and speed as well asthe efficiency of the brakes andvaries from 1,250 to 1,450 m.

The aircraft disposes ofimpressive fire power, based onmissiles and bombs. The X-22long-range guided missile (theadopted Western designation isAS-4 Kitchen) fitted with a liquid-propellant engine is mountedunder the fuselage in the semi-recessed position. Two more mis-siles are carried on the underwingstations. Depending on the typeand character of the target, themissile may be equipped with oneof three guidance systems. TheX-22 missile is used to destroystationary area and multiplewater-borne targets and pene-trate the enemy's air defence.This missile has been used by thearmy for a long time. Expertsbelieve that its warhead powerfully compensates for its fairly lowstriking accuracy.

The revolver-type launcherpositioned inside the fuselage inthe central weapon bay can carrysix X-15 short-range guided mis-siles (known in the West as AS-16Kickback) or their air-to-groundmodifications. Developed by the

1.

Pre-flight servicing

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Raduga Design Bureau, thishypersonic aeroballistic missilehas a takeoff weight of 1,200 kg.In external appearance the mis-sile resembles the AmericanAGM-69 SRAM, mounted on B-52, B-1B and B-2 bombers. TheX-15 has a launching range of 60to 150 km. After launch the mis-sile flies at a cruising supersonicspeed, using aerodynamic lift. Atthe terminal phase of flight it fol-lows ballistic trajectory at a speedequal to M=5. This promisingweapon is equipped with an inter-esting guidance system. The X-15 missile uses an inertial guid-ance system at the cruising leg ofthe trajectory and a terminalhoming system incorporating anactive radar operating at millime-ter wavelengths.

The 24,000 kg total bombload is suspended in the bombbay and under the wings andfuselage. The aircraft can carryup to 69 bombs, each weighing250 kg, and up to eight 1,500-kgbombs at virtually the speed ofsound. It also offers other pay-load variants. Low-altitude bomb-ing accomplished at high flightspeeds looks really impressive.For this purpose the bombers uselow-altitude 500-kg bombs fittedwith a delay-action fuze andparachute braking gear. This typeof bombing is widely employed tohit extensive targets such as run-ways or columns of combat vehi-cles on march.

The aircraft also comprises adefensive modified GSh-23 can-non manufactured at the V.A.Degtyarev state enterprise. Thecannon is mounted in the tail endof the fuselage to protect thebomber from behind. The twobarrels fire alternately at a rate of4,000 rounds per minute. Thecannon's fire unit consists ofhigh-explosive, armor-piercingand armor-piercing incendiary

projectiles. The continuous belt-type ammunition supply makes itpossible to load all types of pro-jectiles interchangeably. The can-non operator is seated in thecommon flight compartment,controlling the cannon remotely.The aft cannon aiming systemcomprises TV and radar channels.

The low level of defensivearmament by modern warfarestandards is conditioned by a

number of reasons. On the onehand, the combat employment ofthis aircraft category stipulatesprior use of penetration airplanesto neutralize the enemy's airdefence. On the other hand,long-range bomber formationsmust be covered in the air by Su-27 type fighters capable of pro-viding a long-range escort.

The airborne fire control sys-tem includes a long-range radar,

TECHNICAL DATAMaximum take-off weight, kgMaximum take-off weight with boosters on, kgMaximum speed, km/hCruising speed, km/hFerry range, kmRadius of action (high-altitude flight,partially at supersonic speed), kmService ceiling (at M=1,3), mMaximum g-loading

124,000 126,400 2,300 900 7,000

2,200 14,000 2.5

2.

Landing

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which operates in both navigationand aiming modes, and a precisioninertial navigation system adoptedby the long-range navigation. Theautomatic flight control systemkeeps the aircraft on its chosencourse and makes it follow the ter-rain at a set altitude. Bombing isfacilitated by state-of-the-art opti-cal sight. All on-board weaponry iscontrolled by a digital computersystem.

When the target coordinatesare known in advance, the air-craft's avionics can automaticallybring the bomber to the designat-

ed point and, upon accomplish-ment of the mission, return it toone of the airfields assigned forlanding.

The electronic countermeasuresystems include active jammingmeans, a passive electronic recon-naissance system, as well as aninfrared search and attack warningunit.

The TU-22M3 bomber is massproduced by the Kazan aircraftmanufacturer, in accordance withthe protocol on the SALT-2 Treatysigned by the USSR and the US, itsproduction is restricted to 30

bombers per year.Unlike the American B-1B

bomber produced by the Rockwellcompany, the TU-22M3 has noautomatic terrain following system,which limits its capabilities at mini-mum altitudes. The combat aircraftclassification system, adopted inthe Russian Air Force, places theTU-22M3 and B-1B in differentcategories. Consequently, oneshould not compare them. A recentmodel of the Tupolev designbureau - the TU-160 Blackjack-A -is a worthy counterpart of theAmerican strategic bomber. (

1

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GENERAL LAYOUT OF WEAPONRY OF

CRUISER OF THE SLAVA CLASS

(a starboard quarter and top view):

1-10,16-

antennas of various radioelectronic

means;

11 -

rocket launchers;

12-

30-mm automatic gun AK-630M;

13-

130-mm twin automatic gun AK-130;

14-

helicopter's landing site;

15,19-

launchers of S-300F and OSA-M AD

missile systems;

17-

torpedo door;

18-

decoy launchers;

20-

twin launchers of primary anti-ship

defence system

R O C K E T SO V E R S E A

$ I g o r D u b r o v i n $

The name "carrier killer" was coined by foreign observersfor the cruiser "Slava", a new type of ship. And this is nomere chance. The missile cruiser aims to destroy theenemy's large surface ships, including aircraft carriers.

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В О Е Н Н Ы Й П А Р А Д


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anks of seamenstanding stock-still at the soundof the nationalanthem, watchingthe man-of-warensign rise slowlyup the flag-pole,as if announcingto the world thebirth of anotherfighting ship...This picturesprings to mind,

when we recall how the first pur-pose-built new style missile-carry-ing cruiser joined with the SovietNavy twelve years ago. Since thenthe cruiser has been one of themost up-to-date warships of theRussian Navy. The name "carrierkiller" was coined by foreignobservers for the cruiser "Slava", anew type of ship. And this is nomere chance. The missile cruiseraims to destroy the enemy's largesurface ships, including aircraftcarriers.

The ship was conceived in thedays when the creation of thecountry's oceanic shield was onthe agenda. The USA started con-verting their artillery cruisers intomissile-carrying ships as far backas 1959, and commissioned thefirst nuclear-powered ship, "LongBeach", in 1961. The Soviet Unioninitially built anti-submarine ships

intended to fight the submarines ofa potential enemy. However, it alsoplanned to build a larger ship. Thisled to the commissioning in 1962of the missile cruiser, "Grozny",deriving its name from the leg-endary destroyer of the NorthFleet. Then nine more warships ofthe same class were planned, withthe main weapons comprising foreand aft four-container launchersfor anti-ship missiles P-35. Thesemissiles were intended to engagetargets at a maximum distance of300 km. In addition, each cruiserof this class would carry two 76mm turret gun mountings, a medi-um-range anti-aircraft missile sys-tem "Volna", anti-aircraft machineguns and two triple torpedo tubesto fire anti-submarine torpedoes.However, after the addition of thefourth ship, "Variag", to the PacificFleet, and owing to the Sovietleadership's changing attitudes onthe role played by the country'sNavy, the construction of thisseries of missile carriers was halt-ed.

After 1964, a long lull was wit-nessed in the missile cruiser build-ing programme, apart from the so-called anti-submarine ships class"Admiral Zozulya" armed with ship-to-ship winged missile systems,although the ship builders carriedon various projects for large sur-face missile carriers. Then V.

Mutikhin was appointed ChiefDesigner of the "Slava" class cruis-er. A draft design of the ship sawthe light of day in 1973, followedby a detailed design in 1974. Thefirst ship entered the Black SeaFleet in 1982, the second ship,"Marshal Ustinov" (the North Fleet)was completed in 1986, and thethird one, "Chervona Ukraina" (thePacific Fleet), in 1989.

According to foreign sources,the cruiser "Slava" is one of thebest ships of its class, possessingequivalent power. It should benoted here that only the Russianand American Navies possess suchmissile carrier fleets (the referenceis to the "Tikonderoga" class seriesof 27 missile cruisers, started in1980). The "Slava" class cruisershave a displacement, twice that of

1.

Missile systems

ready for combat

R

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the "Grozny" type. With the lengthof 186 m and beam of 20 m, theirstandard displacement is over9,000 tons, and the full one, over11,000 tons. With the full displace-ment, their mean draught is 6.27m. It is manned by a crew of 500,including 60 officers.

The main propulsion system ofthe "Slava" is a gas-turbine, two-shaft plant. It comprises two cruise

engines for economy speed andfour main engines used in combat.Total power reaches 115,000 hp,thereby enabling the cruiser todevelop a full speed of about 32knots (58 km/h). The economyspeed is 18 knots with a cruisingrange, at this speed, of about

6,000 miles (11,000 km). The seaendurance of the "Slava" classcruisers allows them to operate in

mid-ocean for a long time.The main weapon of the

"Slava" is the anti-ship cruise mis-siles. The missiles are accommo-dated in 16 single launchersmounted on the foredeck, eight oneach side. After launch, short-range guidance is pre-pro-

grammed for such a missile beforethe active terminal homing. Targetsmay be sought out and designatedfrom another ship, from aircraftand space.

To protect the naval forcesagainst modern and promising air-craft, cruise missiles and other airattack means, including thosecapable of maneuvering and flyingat minimum altitudes over thewater surface, the "Slava" classcruisers use anti-aircraft collec-tive-defence missile systems "S-300F". The "S-300F" system can

2.

A launcher for the AD guided

missiles

3.

The S-300F AD missile sys-

tem

4



AA010

simultaneously track up to six tar-gets and guide up to 12 missiles tothem. According to specialists, thepresence in the formation of acruiser carrying such a systemallows delivery of interdictory fireat the enemy without entering thezone covered by his aircraft. Agreat effective range of missiles,combined with a fast response ofthe control system and high rate offire of the launchers are responsi-ble for the high effectiveness of thesystem in repelling massive airattacks.

A multi-functional phasedantenna array, constituting part ofthe system, is mounted on a rotarypedestal. It is therefore possible toengage targets in virtually all direc-tions. The rigidity of the antennapost structure and electronicantenna beam stabilization capa-bility allow the system to fire mis-siles from a rolling ship, withoutaffecting the guidance accuracy.

The control system of the "S-300F" uses multiprocessor com-puters with diagnostics devices,built-in functional test equipmentto monitor the components of thesystem, and a simulator to train theoperator. The system sets themodes and controls the function-ing of the components, processesand displays the information, inter-changing it with the peripherals.The entire equipment displayed itsreliability during the ship's longendurance cruise. A multi-func-tional radar, included in the controlsystem, assures high target track-ing and missile guidance accuracyin the active and passive jammingenvironment. The system's fastresponse is achieved through ahigh degree of automatization ofthe system.

The "S-300F" uses a single-stage solid-propellant missile: itsmaximum effective range for airtargets reaches 90 km. The missileis fitted with a powerful warhead

weighing 130 kg, which may beused against both air and surfacetargets. In tracking mode, the mis-sile is guided to the target by itstransceiving hardware. This guid-ance method assures reliable tar-get lock-on against deception jam-ming. The missile is set off by aproximity fuze.

The system also includes anunder-deck drum-type launcher.The missiles stored inshipping/launching containers areset vertical in the drum's guides.Each missile is launched verticallyfrom the container sited under thelaunching hatch. The sustainermotor is started right after lift-off,thereby guarding the magazineagainst fire-and-explosion haz-ards. After the missile has clearedthe launcher, the drum revolves,bringing a reload missile on thelaunching line.

The vertical launch of missileseliminates the need to lay thelauncher in the desired direction.The direction and inclination angleof the missile after lift-off aredetermined by a program, enteredin the missile during the pre-launch preparation phase.

The launcher includes a load-ing device, which delivers the ship-

ping/launching containers withmissiles in them from the ship'sdeck to the magazine and placesthem on the drum's guides.Consequently, the operation ofloading a missile into the magazineis almost completely mechanized,thereby materially reducing thetime needed to load the missiles onboard the ship. The missiles aredelivered and stored in the launch-ers inside the shipping/launchingcontainers and do not require reg-ular check-outs and alignments for10 years of service.

The anti-aircraft collectivedefence missile system receivesthe target designation from the

4.

The 130 mm twin

automatic gun AK-

130

5.

The 30 mm gun

mounting AK-630M

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ship-borne facilities via an inter-face used as part of the controlsystem. In independent targetsearch mode, the system scans

space and seeks out targets withinthe prescribed sector. The inter-face also couples the system withthe ship-borne roll, pitch, yaw and

speed sensors.The maximum slant range for

targets detected at 2 km up to theaircraft's service ceiling is 90 km;for altitudes equal or below 25 km,it is 25 km. The missiles can hit tar-gets flying at a maximum speednot below 4,200 km/h. The rate offire of the "S-300F" system (i. e.,the minimum interval betweenlaunches) is 3 s.

To detect, identify, track andengage anti-ship cruise missiles,as well as low-flying air and surfacetargets in the nearby zone, the"Slava" class cruiser uses a ship-borne anti-aircraft missile system,type "OSA-M". It should be notedhere that this system has gainedgood reputation over many yearsof service and is now installed onpractically all types of Russian sur-face warships. The stern of themissile cruiser comprises two twinunder-deck elevating launchers,type ZIF-122, to fire anti-aircraftremotely-controlled missiles, type9M33M5 (R3-13, (9M33M). Theanti-aircraft missile systemengages targets flying at variousaltitudes, with an effective area notin excess of 0.1 rn2 at a distanceof 1.2 to 10 km. The missile sys-tem includes a launcher and cen-tral and antenna posts. Its controlsystem consists of acquisition,tracking and sighting radars, acommand transmitting station, acontrol desk for three operators,and drive interface and controldevices.

The missiles are guided to thetarget by radio commands. Thewarhead is set off either by a prox-imity fuze (the main mode) or radiocommands, if the target is detect-ed at an extremely low altitude.The radars of the missile systemoperate in the SHF band and incor-porate noise-protection circuits.

The ship's first line of defenceagainst anti-ship missiles is provid-ed by six 30-mm gun mountings

6.

A launcher for the anti-ship

cruise missiles

7.

Missile system command

station

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AK-630M, with a high rate of fire ofup to 5,000 rounds per minute.Given this rate of fire, together withan insignificant shell dispersion(80% of the shells have a scatter ofup to +5.5 mrad), the AK-630Mmay engage targets with a highdegree of probability.

As the elevation angle variesfrom minus 25 to +90 deg., andthe training angle is +180 deg.,the self-defence capability of thecruiser against approaching cruisemissiles covers all the arcs. Thecomplement of one mounting is2,000 HE/fragmentation andHE/tracer rounds.

To provide self-defenceagainst low-flying anti-ship mis-siles, a universal ship-borneartillery system, "AK-130", is sitedon the foredeck of the cruiser. Itstwin 130-mm mounting can alsobe used to engage sea and on-shore targets, and support landingoperations by fire. Its horizontaleffective range is over 20 km. Thegun uses several types of fixed

rounds: HE/fragmentation with animpact fuze, HE/fragmentationwith a radio fuze and HE/fragmen-tation with a remote-controlledfuze. The muzzle velocity of theshell is 850 m/s. The mass of oneround is 53 kg, that of the shell, 32kg. The complement is 180rounds. The fire arc of the gunmountings is fairly wide. The train-ing angle is +200 deg., while theelevating angle ranges from minus10 to 80 deg., and the training rateis 25 deg/s. The "MR-184" firedirector, which forms part of theartillery complex, ensures accuratemeasurement of the motion para-meters of air, sea and on-shoretargets, fire adjustment against asea target by reference to thesplashes, the automatic tracking ofthe artillery shell and the determi-nation of metrological correctionsfrom the results of own-shell track-ing. The fire director is fitted withmoving target indication and noiseprotection apparatus. The rate offire of the universal artillery system

may reach 86 rounds per minute:this feature makes it a formidableweapon against air and large seatargets.

To safeguard the cruiseragainst enemy weapons, the shipis provided with window dispensersPK-10 (six dispensers per side)and PK-2 (two dispensers perside). The radar and optronic shellsof these dispensers are capable ofsetting decoy targets and passivejamming screens, enabling theship to hide from hostile detection.

In terms of anti-submarinewarfare, the cruiser "Slava" car-ries, under the aft superstructure,two quintuple torpedo tubes foranti-submarine torpedoes, androcket launchers on top of thesuperstructure.

The "Slava" class cruisers aresome of the most up-to-date navalwarships. They are impressive,both in terms of the size and powerof their weapons and the beauty ofits streamlined architectural forms.

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E X C L U S I V E S


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T H E B A L T I C

"PIRANHA"$ N i k o l a i B e l a s h o v $

Incidentally, some specialists hold that in a war one welltrained and equipped saboteur is capable of accomplishingmore than a whole division.

Y. Mineev, Designer of "Piranha"

he title does notmean, of course, thatthis warm-waterpredator has takenover the cold watersof the Baltic Sea. Thisexotic name has beengiven to a smalld i e s e l - p o w e r e dProject 865 subma-rine designed by spe-cialists from the St.Petersburg MarineEngineering Bureau

"Malachite" under the supervision ofY.K. Mineev. It shares a commonfeature with its aggressive name-sake: both of them have very sharp"teeth".

This small "predator" has farmore weaponry per ton of weightthan anyone else in the world. It car-ries on board mines, torpedoes and,most effective of all, diver-saboteursequipped with everything they needto carry out a wide range of tasks.Incidentally, some specialists holdthat in a war one well trained andequipped saboteur is capable ofaccomplishing more than a wholedivision.

The "Piranha" has a corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic body.

Thanks to unique production tech-nologies, the "Piranha" is extremelytoughly built and almost completelysilent. Its non-magnetic body rulesout any potential damage by mines.Excellent conditions are provided forthe submariners' work. Two out-board hermetic containers comprisea broad assortment of special equip-ment for their work, including indi-vidual devices for movement aboutunderwater. Divers remain in con-tact with the submarine, which cankeep them supplied with oxygen forbreathing, warmth and electricityand also ensure the functioning ofhydroinstruments.

Thanks to its excellent naviga-tional qualities, high maneuverabilityand extremely simple running, the"Piranha" is indispensable for carry-ing out special tasks and combatingenemy warships in off-shoreregions. It is capable of moving eas-ily all over the Black, Baltic and Redseas, for example. The existence ofefficient modern means of naviga-tion, communications, hydro-acoustics and radar and the highdegree of automation of the controls(the submarine is operated by oneperson only) mean that the"Piranha" has the same potential as

far bigger ships. It can "see", "hear"and "get its bearings" just as well asthey can. Due to its small displace-ment, it can penetrate areas whereother ships would not even attemptto go.

Despite its small dimensions,the inside of the submarine providesexcellent living conditions for thecrew and frogmen thanks to thenon-traditional design, the high den-sity of accommodation, miniaturiza-tion of internal equipment, and thelocation of weaponry and transportcontainers outboard. For example,instead of three ballast tanks it hasonly one, which works in turn in dif-ferent modes.

The "Piranha" has high seaendurance. The charging of lead-acid storage batteries (1,200 kW/h)and the replenishment of com-pressed air supplies can be effectedat sea by the submarine in only eighthours. It only needs to call in at adepot to replenish the ten-day sup-plies of fuel and lubricants, food,fresh water, means of regeneratingthe air and also drain the tanks ofdirty oil, faecal and waste water.

The submarine may be sta-tioned at any point of anchoragewith an equipped pier. To save on

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the service life of its equipment, thesubmarine should be supplied fromthe shore with the following: directcurrent voltage of 190-320 V, 10-25kW; alternating current voltage of220 V, 4 kW, 400 Hz; compressedair under a pressure of 200 MPa;and cooled or warmed clean ventila-tion air. In general, the "Piranha" isnot expensive to run.

As well as ships which havepassed a whole series of trials andbecome operational, Russia todayalso has an excellent training-research complex to train crews forthe "Piranha". It is equipped with themost up-to-date electronic equip-ment, making it possible to trainspecialists in conditions as close toreal combat as possible.

However, the submarine enjoysone major advantage over foreignmodels: it can now be mass pro-duced at Russian shipyards. In othercountries submarines with suchcharacteristics are still only on thedrawing board and may not be man-ufactured until the 21st century. Thisapplies to the small submarinesS300CC and TR-300, designed byItalian and German companiesrespectively. The "Piranha-2" isalready being designed at"Malachite".

The "Piranha" has already beendisplayed in model form and designsin the Persian Gulf at the IDEX-93exhibition in Abu Dhabi and inTurkey at the IDEF-93 exhibition inAnkara. It caused a real sensationamong specialists. Take this fact, forexample. In Abu Dhabi apart fromRussia only Italians and Germansexhibited small submarines (pro-jects). In Ankara they did not bringthem. Had the clear advantages ofthe existing Russian model con-vinced them that there was no needto demonstrate the designs for theS300CC and the TR-300?

A unique aim requires for itsrealization unique minds capable ofcreating unique technologies."Malachite" has such minds at itsdisposal. It is no accident that this

bureau produced the design for thecountry's first nuclear submarineand many other unique projects.Working on the "Piranha", Mineev'steam was able to solve many prob-lems, which are holding up suchprojects abroad. Yuri Mineev isemphatic about this point. Hebelieves, and it is hard not to agree,that the creation of this submarineonly became possible thanks to aradical break with the old stereotypedesign of such boats, a fundamentalrevision of the theory of their tacticaluse and the elaboration of entirelynew, original methods and require-ments.

The Russian government hasnow decided to sell the "Piranha" toforeign buyers. "Malachite" is offer-ing various types of cooperation in

1.

"Piranha" in the open sea

L a y o u t o f e s s e n t i a l e q u i p m e n t i n t h e P i r a n h a s m a l l s u b m a r i n e

3

E X C L U S I V E S


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this connection: the sale of ready-made boats with optional additions(for example, shore equipment andinstruments may be included ifrequired); hiring (joint use); designand building; joint building; sale ofbuilding license; and training ofcrews.

As well as the "Piranha", itsyounger sister, the super-mini"Triton" submarine, has taken part ininternational exhibitions. It was alsothe brain child of "Malachite" and isan autonomous device for militarydivers, designed for the clandestinedelivery and laying of mines, thedelivery, landing and return of diverreconnaissance personnel and theircargoes, underwater patrols, thesearch for and destruction of under-water diver-saboteurs and theexamination of underwater objectsand ships' hulls. The boat isequipped with all the requisite tech-nical devices, which ensure theimplementation of these tasks andconform to the highest nautical safe-

ty standards. The "Triton" is easilynavigated and highly maneuverable.It has a corrosion-resistant hull andis equipped with up-to-date meansof navigation, communication, auto-matic control and a stationary respi-ratory system. The sea endurance ofthe boat is six hours, and the maxi-mum underwater speed, six knots.The boat can be carried to its baseor place of use by any form of freighttransport. The "Triton" package alsocontains a special automobile trailer.One merely needs any crane with atwo ton capacity to launch it intowater. This mini-submarine is alsooffered for sale to foreign buyers.

According to the encyclopedia,a piranha fish loses its aggressivequalities when kept in a small aquar-ium. Drawing a parallel with its exot-ic Russian namesake, we can saythat under the conversion of militaryproduction the "Malachite" special-ists have also managed to "tame"their "Piranha", by finding someexclusively peaceful applications.

For example, one version, called the"Nelma", is an excursion submarinecapable of making one-day under-water trips to a depth of 100 metersin off-shore waters of seas andoceans. Its attractive salon completewith air-conditioning can take 40passengers in comfortable seats byport-holes, offering a view of thefascinating underwater world. Thereis also a steward and excursionguide, as well as a buffet and toiletfacilities.

The strong hull, the duplicatedsystems guarantying movement,submergence-surfacing and opera-

2.

The Triton mounted on

a trailer

3.

The Triton supersmall

submarine

A c h a r t s h o w i n g t h e i n t e r n a l l a y o u t o f t h e T r i t o n

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tion, the perfect equipment for navi-gation and communications, andalso the set of efficient emergencyand life-saving devices, ensure thatthe "Nelma" conforms to the safetystandards required by the MaritimeRegisters. Another version compris-es two-berth cabins, which makes itpossible to extend the duration ofthe excursion to six or seven dayswith a maximum of twelve passen-gers.

Another project at the "Piranha"base has been called the"Researcher", as this submarine isintended for ecological, oceano-graphic and geological research onthe shelf, study of potential newcable and pipe line routes on the seabed, the collection of rock samples,drilling, search for submergedobjects, and filming at a depth of upto 150 meters. In addition, the"Researcher" can assist the work ofdivers at depths of up to 60 meters.

Retaining all the finest qualities

of their military double, thepeaceful "Nelma" and "Researcher"have acquired, thanks to the effortsof Y. Mineev's designers, a numberof new features, enabling them to beused most effectively to tackle vari-ous commercial undertakings. At thesame time their cost and productionperiod are minimal, because theyhave been designed with the exist-ing basic military submarine andavailable technological and produc-

tion capacities. The peaceful versionof the "Triton" needs no alterations.In each particular case it is assem-bled according to the nature andspecific features of the tasks which ithas to perform. It can be used toinspect and repair underwaterpipelines and structures, study thesea bed, gather pearls and carry outrescue operations. (

COUNTRY AND TYPE OF SUBMARINE

CharacteristicsLength, mDiameter of hull, mDisplacement, tonsDepth of submersion, mCrew, menCruising range, milesYear of construction

Russia "Piranha" 28.3 3.7 218 200 3-4 1,000 1988-90

Germany TR-300 33.0 4.0 370 100 9 2,000 project

Italy S300CC 33.15 3.65 274 300 7 1,400 project

COUNTRY AND TYPE OF SUBMARINE

CharacteristicsLength, mDiameter of hull, mDisplacement, tonsDepth of submersion, mCrew, menCruising range, miles

"Triton-2" 9.5 1.9 5.7 40 6 60

Russia "Triton" 5 1.2 1.6 40

2 30

Italy CE-2E 7 1.3 1.9 30-60 2 60

COUNTRY AND TYPE OF SUBMARINEStandard displacement, m3Maximum submersion depth, mLength, mUnderwater speed, knots:maximumcruisingin search modeSea endurance, days:fullwithout surfacingCruising range, milesCrew, men

250 200 31.5

6.5 4.0 1.0-1.5

10 1-2 1,000 5

T h e R e s e a r c h e r s m a l l s u b m a r i n e

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A E R O S P A C E I N D U S T R Y


AA012

arch 25, 1993...The quiet snow-capped forestnear Plesetsk isdisturbed by theroar of a missilelaunch... Thishappens regu-larly in suchplaces. ThePlesetsk spacelaunch site is theworld's busiestspace port,

accounting for 87% launches in theUSSR. However, the engine opera-tion at this particular launch seemedunusual for a launch vehicle andresembled that of a ballistic missilelaunch. One bang of the solid-pro-pellant gas generator and the missileemerges from the launching-trans-porting container, hovers for a frac-tion of a second, the solid-propellantsustainer engine starts up and themissile disappears into the clouds inthe twinkling of an eye. It takes theground launch control system only afew minutes to process the telemetryand trajectory measurement data,and then a report is issued: launchvehicle and payload systems are nor-mal and the satellite goes into sched-uled curcumterrestrial orbit. Later onthe satellite communication sessionsconfirm that the first demonstration

and test launch of the START-1transportable launch vehicle was acomplete success. The launch itselfwas preceded by a long chain ofevents, dating back to the mid-60s,when staff from the Moscow ThermalEngineering Institute (MIT) begandeveloping the RSD-10 strategic bal-listic missile (known in the West asthe SS-20 missile) and the associat-ed ground mobile system. Researchand development activities were ledby Chief Designer AlexanderNadiradze, MIT's Director and out-standing scientist and research orga-nizer, the future Academician, Leninand State prize-winner, who wastwice awarded the Gold Star of theHero of Socialist Labor. In the early70s, after successful tests, the firstmissile systems entitled Pioneer weredeployed.

At that time the strategic mobileground missile system was unique.The strategic missile launcher mobil-ity concept was first implementedhere to ensure a high degree of sur-vivability of the missile group. It hasbeen modified considerably.

When the two-stage SS-20 mis-sile was removed and destroyedunder the Intermediate-Range andShorter-Range Missile Treaty, itcould deliver three nuclear warheadunits over a range of 5,500 km. Thewarhead units were designed toindependently strike pre-selectedtargets. The ground control systemperformed short-duration pre-launchand launch procedures, supplement-ed by efficient missile/warhead con-trol, ensuring high accuracy.

The reliability of the missile andground complex components wasdemonstrated by an unprecedentedrun of more than two hundred acci-dent-free launches. All the 72 SS-20missiles subject to destruction bylaunch under the Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range MissilesTreaty were launched successfully!

Using the experience gainedduring the development, test-fire and

M1.

The Topol mobile

ground missile

system (launch-

er) at a field

launch site

T H E W H O L EOF THE EARTH SERVES AS

S T A R T ' SL A U N C H I N G P A D

$ A l e x e i N e d e l i n $

The reliability of the missile andground complex components wasdemonstrated by an unprecedentedrun of more than two hundred acci-dent-free launches.All the 72 SS-20 missiles subject todestruction by launch under theIntermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles Treaty werelaunched successfully!

Yuri S. SolomonovProfessor, Doctor of TechnicalSciencesDirector of COMPLEX Researchand Technical Center

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operation of the missile systems, theMIT designers took on the morecomplicated task of developing amobile land-based ICBM and suc-ceeded. In the late 80s, the ArmedForces commissioned the RS-12M(SS-25) missile system known asTopol (Poplar). The RS-12M wasmore refined than the RSD-10 (SS-20) and marked another achieve-ment of the Thermal EngineeringInstitute and its sub-contractors.

Compared to the RSD-10, themore powerful three-stage solid-pro-pellant RS-12M (SS-25) missile wasable to deliver a single nuclear war-head over a range of up to 10,500km. The advanced design and con-figuration concepts improved thesystem's operational readiness andreliability. The missile systembecame more mobile and the struc-ture of its firing units more compact.

It could be launched at any point onthe route. At present the Topolmobile ground missile system consti-tutes the basic grouping of theStrategic Rocket Forces.

New times came, the "Cold War"came to an end. International obliga-tions assumed by the USSR, andsubsequently by Russia, limited thedevelopment and deployment of newmissile systems. The DefenceMinistry's R&D funds were reduced.Major teams of experts, with uniqueexperience in the creation of themost sophisticated weapons, endedup standing idle. In these circum-stances, the problem of conversionof the MIT's scientific and technolog-ical potential became crucial. Howshould the vast experience and com-prehensive knowledge of designersof formidable missile weaponry beexploited for peaceful projects?

Could missile technology be convert-ed? These were the burning issueswhich the MIT's staff had to resolve.The successful launch of the START-1 launch vehicle on March 25, 1993in Plesetsk proved a truly convincinganswer.

Space research was selected asa domain liable to missile technologyconversion. The MIT scientificresearch center COMPLEX begandesigning a series of START launch

2.

Preparing the launching

stand for launch

3.

A launch structure con-

taining the launching

stand

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vehicles, using accumulated scientif-ic and industrial potential. Accordingto space services market research,carried out in the early 90s, the suc-cess gained in satellite equipmentminiaturization small-size space vehi-cles could be the most promisingarea of research. A similar US pro-gram is known as the "Light Sats".

Feasibility studies on light satel-lites in space communications andinformation exchange, spaceresearch, the solution of technologi-cal tasks in advanced material and

medicine production proved theprofitability of the program. A single,fairly simple satellite would cost farless than a heavy high-orbit vehicle,taking at least five to seven years todevelop and three to ten years' activeorbit. Such a protracted life cycle canmake the equipment morally obso-lete even before the end of its servicelife. The small spacecraft aredesigned for shorter active servicelife. They should be able to carry sim-plified equipment and weigh lessthan a ton.

The low cost and simplicity ofsmall spacecraft facilitate high launchrates and the consequent creation ofmobile and flexible orbital groups.This is becoming economically inex-pedient to use heavy launch vehiclesto put lighter payloads into low orbitowing to their dependence on theexisting launch pad, sophisticatedlaunching equipment and durablepreparation, not to mention their highcost. Moreover, one failure of aheavy launch vehicle used to put intoorbit several small payloads mightjeopardize several satellite missions.

Particular attention has beenaccounted to the environmentalaspect. The utilization of launch vehi-

cles, operating on high-boiling pro-pellant components (propellant fuel -hydrazine derivatives, propellant oxi-dizer - nitrogen tetroxide), for manycurrent and future missiles (includingCosmos, Cyclone, Burlak, Ariane,Titan III) adversely affects the atmos-phere, in particular, the ozone layer.These propellants are both intricateand dangerous to store or use. Solid-propellant missiles, however, don'tsuffer from such disadvantages: theMoscow Thermal EngineeringInstitute has made considerableadvances with the development ofsuch rockets, as proved by the out-standing performance of the SS-20and SS-25.

START-1 launch vehicle wasdesigned during the first develop-ment stage. The system was com-missioned for commercial serviceafter successful tests in March,1993. The four-stage, solid-propel-lant missile can launch a 320-350 kgpayload into orbit with an inclinationof 90° and height of 400 to 700 km.

A more powerful and sophisticat-ed START launch vehicle will bedeveloped during the second stage,which is nearing completion. Thisfive-stage vehicle has a launchingweight of approximately 60 tons andis 29 m long. It can put a 750 kg pay-load into a 700 km high circular polarorbit.

Both missiles are technically reli-able owing to the high degree ofstandardization with the base modelsof combat ballistic missiles. At thesame time, a number of specific"space" problems were solved suc-cessfully during the rocket develop-ment, for example, in software andalgorithmic support and also in the

4.

A transporting-launching

container (tail section)

mounted on the launching

stand

5.

An experimental spacecraft

linked up with the launch

vehicle

START missile systems stand out, asthe launch is made from a trans-portable ground launching complex,which does not require a stationarylaunch site or additional capital con-struction. Consequently, the cus-tomer can launch his satellite fromhis own territory, whether a station-ary site is available or not.

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BASIC DATA ON MULTI-PURPOSE TRANSPORTABLE SPACE ROCKET SYSTEM

Number of stagesType of propellantLaunching equipment

Launch vehicle transportation configurationPayload orbital concept

Available payload volume, m3Injected payload weight, max., kgRange of circular polar orbit heights, max., kmLaunch vehicleDimensions:length, mdiameter, mDate of initial launch

Commercial service date

Start-1 4

solid transportable launching stand,

factory-assembled launch vehicle in launching con-tainer delivered to launch site by

rail and/or seadirect orbital injection or interme-diate orbital injection followed byprecise orbital injection by space-

craft engine

1.3

550

700

22 1.8

March 25, 1993 (Plesetsk launch site) 1993

Start 5

7.8

750

700

29 1.8

1994

1994

functional and design compatibility ofspacecraft and launch vehicle.

START missile systems standout, as the launch is made from atransportable ground launchingcomplex, which does not require astationary launch site or additionalcapital construction. Consequently,the customer can launch his satellitefrom his own territory, whether a sta-tionary site is available or not. It isonly necessary to coordinate thecharacteristics of the anticipatedlaunch area, the spacecraft's orbitalelements, orbital injection accuracy,the areas where rocket's detachablesections will be dropped, as well assome issues related to the launchpreparation techniques, the matingof the payload and launch vehicle,security measures, etc.

As well as launch vehicles,START multi-purpose transportablespace rocket system includes thefinal assembly and transportationequipment for the rocket, as well aslaunching equipment used to sup-port pre-launch procedures andactual launch.

The latter contains a launchstand and instrumentation module.

The relatively small amount of tech-nological and launching equipment ismainly determined by the advan-tages of launch vehicle's solid-pro-pellant engines. The missile islaunch-ready as of its delivery fromthe factory. This simplifies to a maxi-mum on-site preparation proce-dures.

The launch vehicles are kept inlaunching-transporting containers,which protect them from anymechanical damage during trans-portation or re-loading and maintainthe required temperature andhumidity. At launch the container isvertically erected by the elevatingmechanism hydraulic cylinder toensure the rocket's "cold" launch.The missile is ejected from the con-tainer by the pressure of the solid-propellant gas generator, whichaffects the first-stage engine bottom.

The system comprises all theequipment needed to make the rock-et transportable. It provides for thetie-in to the launching site, rocket'sazimuthal guidance and aiming, flightmission computation, systems con-trol during individual and overalltests, and the supply of power for the

rocket system. Rocket flight controlis provided by the on-board controlsystem. If a coordinated decisionneeds to be taken, the rocket systemmay be equipped with a mobiletelemetry instrumentation center.

It thereby transpires that STARTtransportable space rocket systemdeveloped by the scientific researchcenter "Complex" constitutes aneconomically viable and competitiveway of putting small spacecraft intolow orbit. The experience gained bySTART designers suggests that avariety of additional services can beoffered to customers, including theinstallation of special-purpose equip-ment on the utility space platform,the development of the spacecraft asa whole and its individual systems,etc.

This work reflects a good exam-ple of effective application of thedefense complex design potential inthe interest of the national economyand peaceful space research. STARThigh-tech system offers an excellentchance to demonstrate the vastpotential of the conversion process inthe domain of missile technology.

(

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n Kaliningrad, a subur-ban town near Moscow,you will come across onthe main avenue a mon-ument depicting a stockyman walking at a briskpace and clenchedmouth. The inscriptionon the pedestal readscurtly, "AcademicianS.P. Korolev". Probablyeverybody interested inspace exploration knowsthis name. His engineer-

ing talent, determination, out-standing administrative and sci-entific potential paved the way toouter space for mankind. Thethunderbolts of the Baikonurlaunchers, which set the worldagape, were prepared right here,by the organization now entitledthe S. P. Korolev Research andProduction Association (RPA)"Energia". However, for a longtime to come, specialists andjournalists will refer to it by usingshorter and more meaningful

terms, such as "The KorolevDesign Bureau" or "The Korolevfirm".

The Design Bureau wasfounded in 1946, when Korolevwas appointed Chief Designer. Itis responsible for the creation ofa number of ballistic missiles thenin service with the Soviet Army,including the first intercontinentalmissile in the world, the R-7.However, the firm gained worldrenown owing to its achievementsin space exploration. Here onealways uses the word "first". Forit did indeed devise the first arti-ficial earth satellite, the firstorbital flight piloted by YuriGagarin, the first long-timeorbital station, the first flightaround the moon, expeditions toplanets in the solar system.

At present, "Energia" is head-

I

1.

The "Mir" station

2.

The "Mir" station

today: the

"Progress-M"

transport ship (at

the upper left) has

separated from the

station, freeing the

link-up unit for the

"Soyuz-TM" space-

craft

S P A C E H O M E

FOR MAN$ A n d r e i V a d i m o v $

Presently, "Energia" carries out R & D and designwork in a number of areas related to mastery of outerspace and adjacent fields. It has focussed on thecreation of a long-life orbital station "Mir-2" tosupersede in the second half of the 1990s the first"Mir" station, which has performed admirably inorbit.

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AA013

ed by Yuri Pavlovich Semyonov,Director General, Chief Designer,Dr. Sc. (Tech.), Professor,Corresponding Member of theRussian Academy of Sciences

and Permanent Member of theInternational AstronauticsAcademy. The company includes,as well as the head design office,an experimental machine-build-

ing works, two subsidiaries (inSamara and LeningradskyRegion) and a number of smallstructural departments. The com-pany has an experimental base,an airport and is founder or par-ticipant in a number of interna-tional associations and joint ven-tures, such as "Lokheed-Energia-Khrunichev", "Energia-Maraphon", "Energia-USA" andothers.

The company employsapproximately 20,000 highly-qualified specialists. The follow-ing data may provide a betteridea of its intellectual potential:over 10,000 graduate engineersand at least 400 doctors and can-didates of science. In co-opera-tion with other companies, theyhave developed unique sophisti-cated experimental, production,transport, trial and operational(launching, control and search-and-rescue) complexes, whichcan be used to accomplish allkinds of operations with aero-space missile equipment.

The company's scientists,designers and engineers consti-tute the world's pioneers in anumber of areas, where theygained theoretical and practicalachievements, including those inthe following domains: ballisticsand celestial mechanics; compu-tation mathematics; control ofmotion about the center of mass-es; theory of automatic control;dynamics of rarefied gas; high-temperature physical mechanics.

The company's staff developsmissile engines (sustainers formissiles and reusable low-thrustmotors designed for the orienta-tion of spacecraft in outer space).Good results have been achievedin the development of electro-jetand nuclear missile engines.

Presently, "Energia" carriesout R & D and design work in anumber of areas related to mas-

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tery of outer space and adjacentfields. It has focussed on the cre-ation of a long-life orbital station"Mir-2" to supersede in the sec-ond half of the 1990s the first"Mir" station, which has per-formed admirably in orbit. It alsoplans to develop spaceships,including those put in orbit by thenew launch vehicle "Zenit", pre-pare the "Energia-M" for tests,and design promising inter-orbital tugs. It is also researchingthe construction of small pilotedreusable spaceships and hyper-sonic single-stage space carriers,utilizing the atmosphere to createlift and to produce oxidizer for theengines.

In the present socio-econom-ical situation, the state cannotafford to finance of the Russianspace programs. Consequently"Energia", as well as the rest ofthe aerospace sector, has turnedto other, extra-budgetary,sources of financing for realiza-tion of their programs. Attemptsare being made to introduce themarket economy into space pro-grams, solve some of the prob-lems by attracting foreign invest-ment, provide paid services anddevelop joint projects.

The latter method is of inter-est to both Russian companiesand potential foreign partners. Ithas become clear that NASA(National Aeronautic and SpaceAgency) faces similar financingproblems for worth-while pro-jects. Space research is becom-ing an increasingly expensive lux-ury even for the powerfulAmerican economy. This is anobvious solution: the leadingspace nations should pool theirefforts to accomplish expensiveprojects, such as the constructionof a new generation of low orbitstations, inhabited bases on theMoon and, finally, expeditions toMars.

On September 3, 1993, therepresentatives of the RussianFederation and the United Statesof America, Prime-Minister V.Chernomyrdin and Vice-PresidentA. Gore, signed in Washington astatement on pooling efforts toproduce a new space station,combining the advantages of for-mer national projects. This jointproject will make it possible tointegrate the national programsof both parties without breakingthe international commitments ofeither side. The American aero-space corporation "Boeing" andthe leading Russian aerospacecompany, the S.P. KorolevResearch and ProductionAssociation "Energia" have beenselected as general contractorsto build the new station.

It should be noted here thatthe joint orbital station projectmay be named a mutual compro-mise of the partners. TheAmerican party has assumed theadditional burden of deliveringpayloads into orbit at a higherlevel than originally planned, atan inclination of 51.6°. At thesame time, however, they enjoythe chance to dispose of the

achievements of Russian spacetechnology, thereby reducingtheir own expenses. By reviewingits previous orbit plan, theRussian party looses the chanceto observe some territory of thecountry, but at the same timereceives the hard currency itneeds so badly. As a corollary,anticipated expenses on the sta-tion will not increase the level ofspace appropriations allocated inpast years in Russia.

As was stated above, the sta-tion will enter orbit at an inclina-tion of 51.6° and 450 km high.The Russian project stipulated aslightly different inclination angle

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of 65°, and the same height,which would have guaranteedobservation of virtually planet'sentire surface, apart from thepolar caps. Therefore, the exper-iments to be conducted on boardthe station will focus on researchinto new materials and bioagentsin a state of weightlessness con-ditions. Observation of theearth's surface and objects in theUniverse still constitutes animportant component of the sta-tion's functioning program. Theproject's realization also offersthe. chance for the engineers ofthe two countries to share aunique experience in creatingsophisticated spacecraft andmastering new operational meth-ods and techniques in the cur-cumterrestrial space. Prolongedoperation of the object in orbit(the station will function for atleast 10 years) will supply practi-cal evidence confirming the feasi-bility of a piloted inter-planetaryexpedition.

In accordance with theagreed order of assembly, theRussia's manned module will bethe first in orbit. In terms of sizeand major structural components,it will resemble the operationalstation "Mir". However, its interi-or, equipment, life and energysupport systems represent a newgeneration in this type of equip-ment. This event will take place,as planned, in 1996. Throughoutone year, two universal dockingmodules fitted with androgynous(i.e., used as both passive andactive members) assemblies andairlock module will be succes-sively mated with the basic com-ponent. The androgynous dock-ing devices boast the same inter-active design: they were the firstones to be developed by special-ists from the USSR and the USAto ensure the docking of the twocountries' spaceships during an

experimental "Apollo-Soyuz"flight in 1975. From the powerstandpoint, the two spaceshipsdiffered slightly: the Sovietdesign was based on the electro-mechanical principle, while theAmerican one was hydraulic.During the two last decades, bothcountries refrained from directtechnical co-operation in space:the docking modules did not findpractical application and were notinstalled on spacecraft. Duringthe past few years, when a num-ber of agreements on joint spaceexperiments were signed, jointwork on the androgynous dockingmodules received a further devel-opment boost. Thus the special-ists from "Energia" modernizedthese modules and installed themon the "Crystal" module of the"Mir" orbital complex. This hasfacilitated the docking of a"Space Shuttle" with a "Mir" sta-tion. Such a docking is planned

for 1995 during the realization ofthe "Shuttle-Mir" program, whichstipulates the presence of a cos-monaut on an American space-ship, and an astronaut on aRussian station.

Later on, when they start tocreate a joint space station, anAmerican transport vehicle willdeliver to the airlock module,which is to be the dockside forthe "Space Shuttle" ships,American, European andJapanese design inhabited mod-ules. As well as the modules, thestation will also include multi-meter truss-based designs.These will be used to accommo-date the powerful solar electricplants to support energy-con-suming experiments on the pro-duction of new materials andbioagents as well as the vitalactivity of the crew and equip-ment.

The solar powerplants will dif-

3.

The "Mir" station

main control center

4.

Ground-based indus-

trial installations as

viewed from space

5.

Cosmonaut working

aboard the "Mir" sta-

tion

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AA013

fer. The Russian party plans touse concentrators with gas-tur-bine converters, whereas theAmerican party has chosen solarbatteries with a large usable area.In addition, the trusses are sup-posed to carry heat sinks toremove surplus heat and low-consumption motors for orienta-tion. Powered gyroscopes will beused as actuators of the preciseorientation system. Regularlaunches of the station will becarried out by both liquid-propel-lant rocket motors in the stationand the engines of the transportvehicles.

The crew of the multi-modulestructure will comprise 2-3 cos-monauts and 4-6 astronauts. Toprovide them with normal livingsconditions, a certain amount ofwater and air for breathing mustbe provided on board. The deliv-ery of these items to orbit by"Progress" type cargo ships willresult in significantly smaller pay-loads. Therefore, the Americanside has displayed a keen interestin our ability to regenerate gas

and water. The USA specialistsrecognize the predominance of"Energia'''s development of life,support and temperature controlsystems used in longtime spaceflights, appreciate the vast expe-rience of the design bureau'sorganization of record-long expe-ditions and practical recovery ofthe vital systems after seriousaccidents. They are reviewing thepotential application of the ideasof the Russian party in the field ofon-board systems of space sta-tions to American modules.European and Japanese special-ists have also displayed interest.

The inclination of the orbitwhich the station will be assem-bled in provides for delivery ofcrews and payloads by thenational orbital means of bothRussia and the United States.Each country can realize, in theprocess, the advantages of theirspace transport systems: Russiaplans to use expendable, relative-ly cheap and well tested, two-and three-stage missiles with"Progress" transport vehicles and

"Soyuz-TM" piloted vehicles,whereas the USA wants to try outa park of four reusable "SpaceShuttle" ships. Urgent cargoeswill be returned to earth with theaid of Russian design ballisticcapsules "Raduga". The Americanships may return from the orbitlarge units and, when necessary,whole station modules. A modi-fied Russian "Soyuz-TM" craftequipped with an androgynousunit will be used as a salvagingship.

Each partner can work inde-pendently on its part of the sta-tion, as long as it ensures thisindependence without breakinginternational commitments. Atany stage of assembly, the sta-tion's design will allow each partyto act independently in itsrespective hemisphere of influ-ence. The use of the Russiangroup of modules in the projectas the basis for the initial deploy-ment of the American part of thestation in no way affects thenational status of the loads deliv-ered to the station. This is an

INTERNATIONAL

ORBITAL STATION

1. Japanese module

2. US modules

3. European module

4. Solar gas-turbine

units (Russia)

5. Solar batteries (USA)

6. Basic unit (Russia)

7. Piloted spacecraft

(Russia)

8. Russian modules

6.

Checking the onboard

systems of the "Soyuz-

TM" spacecraft in the

shop

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original form of space service.What valuable technological

developments and "know-how"will "Energia'"s designers employ

in the Russian part of the futurejoint orbital station? There are anumber of them. Therefore adetailed discussion of each

development in one article isimpossible. Consequently, weshall dwell on the most interest-ing ones. Let us first make it clearthat many ideas have alreadybeen researched and verified onthe ground, and have even beenused in space as experimentalunits. The new station will incor-porate them as standard systems.

At present, the length of timea man may stay in space dependsto a large extent on the progressmade in the regeneration ofwaste gases and water. Aboardthe "Mir" station, Russian spe-cialists have successfully testedexperimental unit "Electron",which regenerates oxygen fromwaste water. Another systemregenerates water for technicalpurposes from waste. Clearly,this know-how will reduce materi-ally the regular flow of cargo intoorbit.

According to recent experi-ence, a fairly large amount ofsuch cargo traffic was normallytaken up by the propellant usedfor the orientation of motors,which maintained the desiredattitude of the station in space.The new orientation system doesnot require propellant for thispurpose. A disturbing torque willbe neutralized by sets of gyro-dynes or vacuumed power gyro-scopes, which will maintain thestations with modules in thedesired position.

Ensuring the multiple switch-on/switch-off function, which isvery important for space liquid-propellant engines, the sustainerengines of the station, used toperform various maneuvers andlaunch on a regular basis the sta-tion into standard orbit, will alsopossess one more unique fea-ture, namely, its potential multi-ple refueling in conditions ofweightlessness. This problem wassolved after a long study of the

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behavior of the liquid in condi-tions of weightlessness, with theaid of the "Volna" installation,which could simulate various con-ditions in transparent tanks,recording the processes onvideo. This allowed for the designof special mobile intra-tankdevices, precluding the penetra-tion of the bubbles into theengine's pipelines.

The problem of supplyingpower to orbital colonies is alsovery topical. Prior experienceindicates that simple enlargementof the solar battery area does notsolve the problem radically.Application of folding, turningtrusses to accommodate the bat-teries as well as platforms, whichturn the latter in two planes, with-out reorienting the station, solvesthis problem only partially. Itbecomes increasingly difficult toprevent mutual shadowing of the

structural members. A dramaticbreakthrough in this field may beachieved by using an original fea-ture: solar reflector concentratorswith gas-turbine converters.Comparable to solar batteries interms of the amount of energy,these devices have appreciablysmaller dimensions, the charac-teristics may prove decisive in thearchitecture of the orbital com-plex.

Recent achievements in thefield of space materials will alsobe applied aboard the station. Itis well known that plastics andmetals are exposed to severeattacks of such factors as a deepvacuum, ultraviolet radiation,aggressive products of missileengine exhaust gases and others.In addition, they must retain theirfunctional properties for years."Energia'''s specialists havedevised a number of unique

developments in this field, includ-ing self-lubricating anti-frictionmaterials and coatings, based onthe use of metallopolymers, fluo-roplastics and polyurethane elas-tomers, heat-resistant materialsmade from high-temperaturenon-organic glass textolites,screen-vacuum heat insulation,heat-proof coatings. Many ofthese materials may find or havealready found extensive applica-tion both in space and on theground.

To sum up, it should be notedthat the joint Russian-Americanorbital station project promotes,to a large extent, the progress ofspace exploration. The main gainfrom its realization resides in thereal transition of the two largestcountries in the world from rivalryto partnership. This will also allowother nations to become involvedin the mastery of outer space. (

1

F R O M D E S I G N B U R E A U S


AA014

orld shipbuilders aimfirst and fore-most toincrease thespeed of ships.The problemdates back tothe time, whenthe first man-made transportv e s s e l sappeared. Forcenturies the

speed challenge, often enhancedby severe competition, causedthe designers to seek out andapply new and sometimes com-pletely unusual technical solu-tions. However, this problemcould not be solved for displace-ment vessels until the middle ofour century. A number of objec-tive physical laws prohibit suchvessels from accelerating to aspeed over 30 knots (55 km/h).This limit was set in the early 20thcentury.

After exhausting the speedpotential of vessels, whichdepend for their motion on theuse of hydrostatic ("Archimedes")forces, the ship builders tried toemploy so called hydrodynamicsupport forces, appearing onspecial hulls at high speeds ofmovement, to move ships.Consequently, a planing boat wascreated, which rises off the waterdue to hydrodynamic forces,occurring at high speeds, with itssmall stern resting on its surface.This made it possible to avoidwave drag and considerablyincrease the speed of the planingboat. However, such vessels did-n't find wide application, as theirseaworthiness problems (motionon a rippled water surface) werestill unsolved. The next step inthe speed chase was the hover-craft's development. Such a pro-ject was realized for the first timein 1935 by a team led by V.I.Levkov, Professor of MoscowAviation Institute. Attempts weremade to increase the vessel'sspeed still further.

Maximum progress in thisfield was achieved by Russiandesigner R.E. Alekseev. Hescored two revolutionary worldbreakthroughs. In the late 1940shis design bureau developed

W1.

The "Orlyonok"

transporting and

landing ekranoplan

ON THE BOUNDARY

OF TWO MEDIA$ S e r g e i B o r i s o v $

A planing boat, hovercraft, hydrofoil ship - these areconsecutive stages in the implementation of an ideato raise the fast-speed vessel hull from the water inthe speed chase. This process was logically complet-ed by creating ground-effect ships, also produced bythe team led by R.E. Alekseev.

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AA014

hydrofoil torpedo boats for theNavy, which attained a speed ofup to 140 km/h and possessedseaworthiness equal to fourpoints. Later on, famous passen-ger ships, such as "Raketa","Meteor", "Kometa", "Chaika"and "Burevestnik", appeared.Now 1,000 hydrofoil ships areoperational in the world, with80% Russian-made. The principlebehind the motion of these ves-sels is based on use of the so-called low-submerged hydrofoileffect, known in the world as theAlekseev effect.

A planing boat, hovercraft,hydrofoil ship - these are consec-utive stages in the implementa-tion of an idea to raise the fast-speed vessel hull from the waterin the speed chase. This processwas logically completed by creat-ing ground-effect ships, also pro-duced by the team led by R.E.

Alekseev. The designer made aninvaluable contribution to domes-tic and world ship building. Heguaranteed Russia's indisputablesuperiority in the manufacture ofhydrofoil ships and, fantasticekranoplan craft (wing-in-ground-effect machines). A low-flying wing was proposed for themotion of ships by R.E. Alekseevin the late 1950s. The effectproper - a change in the liftingproperties of a wing at low flightaltitudes - was discovered byfliers.

At the outset of aviation, thefliers perceived a sharp increasein the lift and sudden overpres-sure under the wings, as theymade to land. A dynamic aircushion occurred between thewing and airfield surface. This ledto a loss of aircraft stability, anincrease in the landing distanceand, in a number of cases, air

accidents and crashes. This detri-mental phenomenon for aviationwas used by R.E. Alekseev toincrease the speed and improvethe operational effectiveness ofships.

After World War II severalcountries built small experimentalekranoplan craft (weighing up to5 tons) on the order of theirnavies. However, they did notmanage to build large vessels.

2.

The SM-8 mobile

ekranoplan model

3.

A sea-going passen-

ger ekranoplan

R.E. Alekseev,Designer GeneralThe Central DesignBureau on Hydrofoils

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AA014

The development of an aircraft,which could operate on theboundary between two media -the air and sea - raised a lot ofspecific problems, which couldonly be solved by conducting awhole range of theoretical andexperimental studies, design,research and development workand full-scale tests. Apparentlyfor this reason the Western firmsphased out such work, when thestate stopped financing the pro-ject. The Grumman's missile car-rier, anti-submarine ground-effect ship RAM1, landing shipRAM2 and others suffered such afate. However, right at this time(1960s-1980s) prototypes oflarge combat wing-in-ground-effect machines (rather than lightexperimental vessels) were beingdeveloped, built and tested in theUSSR. Naturally, this work wascarried out in secrecy.Apparently, owing to a lack ofinformation some foreign publi-

cations suggested that this workwas carried out by two designbureaus: the G.M. Beriev aviationbureau headed by R.L. Bartini inTaganrog and the Central Ship-Building Design Bureau led byR.E. Alekseev in Gorki.

Strictly speaking, the craftproduced in Taganrog are notwing-in-ground-effect machines.R.L. Bartini proposed use of theground effect for improving thetake-off and landing characteris-tics of aircraft. In his work hetried to implement the idea of acontact-free take-off and land-ing. According to this concept,two type VVA-14 anti-submarineaircraft (vertical take-off amphib-ian aircraft) were built. One ofthem is now exhibited in the AirForce Museum located in Moninonear Moscow. After the death ofR.L. Bartini, this work was dis-continued.

The R.E. Alekseev CentralDesign Bureau managed to real-

ize the ideas, which were notimplemented by foreign special-ists. At considerable financial andtechnical risk, they produced effi-cient machines; moreover, theyproduced them en masse. Thiswork began in the early 1960s,when thorough studies on theaerodynamic qualities of theekranoplan craft were completed.R.E. Alekseev reached the funda-mental and important conclusionthat the future lies with largeekranoplan craft. Since 1961 theCentral Design Bureau has start-ed building and testing self-pro-pelled piloted models CM-1, CM-2 and others. At that time thework was carried out on theorders of the Navy in severaldirections: the creation of anattack ship, an anti-submarineekranoplan craft and landingship. After testing the self-pro-pelled models and making surethat the operating qualities of alarge ekranoplan craft should be

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AA014

better, R.E. Alekseev decided totake a risky and desperate step,i.e. to change immediately from a3-5-ton piloted model to the con-struction of a 500-ton mock-upship (KM).

Such a machine was built in1963 at the "Volga" factory,which belonged to the CentralDesign Bureau. It was a verylarge craft with a take-off weightof 544 tons. The craft was testedat the Caspian Sea, near the cityof Caspiysk. The tests lasted sev-eral years. In the West it wascalled the "Caspian monster".The craft was 92 m long, 22 mhigh and had a span of 37 m. Thefront pylon carried eight turbojetbooster (lift) engines, each had athrust of 98 kN. The fin mountedtwo identical cruising engines.

During the first test flight R.E.Alekseev stood, as usual, at thecontrol wheel. The craft flew forabout 50 minutes at a height of 3-4 meters. Everything went fine.However, it transpired that thehull strength was insufficient andthat the hull should be reinforced.Subsequently, this craft madeflights at a speed of 400 to 450km/h in adverse weather condi-tions. Unfortunately, during oneof the test flights in 1980, thecraft crashed owing to pilot error

and sank.However, the experience

accumulated during the develop-ment of the "monster" wasexploited for manufacturing thenew machines. Consequently, in1972, a landing craft designated"Orlyonok" (or "Dragon") wasbuilt. It had a flight weight of 120tons, a design load lifting capaci-ty of up to 20 tons, a length of 58m and speed of up to 350 km/h."Orlyonok" had two booster tur-bofan engines, each with a thrustof 98 kN, arranged in the bow,and one cruising turbofan engine(11,300 kW), arranged on the fin.

The development of this craftconstitutes an interesting and lit-tle known page in the machin-ery's history. In Autumn 1972,the first flying prototype of"Orlyonok" was brought forunderway trials to one of Volga'sbranches not far from NizhniNovgorod (at that time Gorki). Itwas impossible to hide such agiant. Therefore a legend wasinvented for the local residents,whereby a crashed airplane hadbeen transported to the airfield.After successful river tests werecompleted, "Orlyonok" was takenapart and shipped to the CaspianSea, where it was reassembled toresume tests at sea. Here the

ekranoplan craft indicated verygood results. It accelerated andattained its optimum height of 2m within 1.5 min, its 90° turnradius made up only 50 m.

It was clearly the most updat-ed mass produced ekranoplancraft, which would solve first of alllanding problems. The survivabil-ity of this machine surpassed allexpectations. One incident pro-vided conclusive evidence of thisassertion. During tests in 1975the machine landed on a rockybank. The pilot started the boost-er engines, the craft glided offonto water, took off and safelyreturned to the base. The crafthull was damaged during landing,but this remained unnoticed.Subsequent tests were made atrough sea. During take-off fromwater surface the craft's stern,empennage and sustainer brokeaway after impact on wave crest.Taken by surprise, the pilotsthrottled back the nose engines.R.E. Alekseev, who stood in thepilot cabin, kept his head andtook control. He placed the noseengines in cruising mode andbrought the planing craft toshore. The passengers and crew(about 40 people) were fortunateto escape.

So military specialists and

4.

The "Lun" ekra-

noplan in the open

sea

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AA014

The craft was tested at theCaspian Sea, near the city ofCaspiysk. The tests lasted severalyears, in the West it was calledthe "Caspian monster". The craftwas 92 m long, 22 m high and hada span of 37 m.

6



AA014

designers witnessed theunprecedented survivability ofthis craft (just imagine what hap-pens when the tail of an aircraftor ship stern breaks off). The hullof three "Orlyonok" type craft wasmade of less friable material.These machines entered servicewith the Navy. All in all 120 trans-port-and-landing craft of the"Orlyonok" were scheduled forconstruction. However, theseplans were not realized.

The first ship in the series ofmissile-carrying ekranoplan craftof the "Lun" type was launched in1987. It weighed 400 tons. Thesecond such ship was also meantas a missile carrier, but the con-version process underway at thattime, introduced some changes.Consequently, this ship is nowbeing completed as a rescuecraft. Now, when the situationhas sharply changed, the design-ers are developing commercialekranoplan craft on the basis ofthe existing "Orlyonok" and"Lun". They will create passen-ger, cargo, rescue and researchships. One such craft, calledMAGE (naval arctic geological

prospecting ekranoplan craft), isactually an "Orlyonok" type craft,which features, as well as typicalchanges (weaponry and landinggear are removed), a low-speedpropellant with a propeller,mounted in the stern. Specialequipment mounted abovehinged flaps makes it possible totake soil samples, perform seis-mo-acoustic, magnetometric andgravimetric surveillance opera-tions.

In cooperation with theUkrainian "Antonov" aviationresearch and production com-plex, unique aviation-marine res-cue system project has beendeveloped. A rescue version ofthe "Orlyonok" type craft isplaced on the "back" of the giantAN-225 aircraft. The parent air-craft delivers the ground-effectmachine to the place of the disas-ter, the latter takes off and landson water near the vessel in dis-tress. Thanks to excellent seago-ing qualities and great opera-tional range, such a rescue craftcan function at any point on theWorld Ocean, including arcticregions, as it can land on ice,

too. Now ekranoplan craft havebeen developed for over 60years. Past experience, theresults of R.E. Alekseev's work,the extent and intensity of mod-ern studies in this field give us areason to hope that soon theekranoplan craft will be generallyrecognized.

The followers of R.E. Alekseevare doing a great deal to achievethis goal. Nowadays the best spe-cialists in the design bureau haveunited to form the "Technologiesand Transport" joint stock com-pany, which plans to producecommercial ekranoplan craft. InMay 1993, the "Technologies andTransport" company, working incooperation with the St.Petersburg State Naval TechnicalUniversity, prepared and held thefirst international conference onekranoplan craft. Its results anddecisions make us right to facethe future with optimism andhope that in the near future pas-senger and cargo ekranoplancraft will become as common atsea as conventional ships nowa-days. (

5.

The KM ekranoplan -

the Caspian sea

monster

6.

The "Lun" ekranoplan

armed with a Moskit

missile system

7.

The SM-1 mobile

ekranoplan model

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AA015

he Yak-141 fight-er was designedby the Yakovlevdesign bureau asa follow-up ver-sion of the verticaltake-off and land-ing Yak-36 andthe production-type Yak-38. Ad e m o n s t r a t i o nfilm on this fight-er, shown at the39th Paris Air

Show caused a real sensation.The aircraft surpassed all currentWestern VTOL aircraft counter-parts. Demonstration flights at

the Farnborough Air Show con-solidated this vehicle's fame.

The Yak-141 is a single-seat,multi-purpose aircraft designedto intercept air targets, performaerobatic dogfights and defeatground and sea-borne targets.This unique flying vehicle incor-porates the properties of a super-sonic fighter and vertical take-offaircraft.

In the West the Yak-141 waschristened "Freestyle", after itsperformance. The aircraft hov-ered, swayed gently like a pendu-lum in pitch and roll, moved finforemost. The wonderful handlingqualities of the aircraft are deter-

mined by the airframe's aerody-namics and the designer's know-how.

The Yak-141's fuselage has atwin-boom configuration. Thebooms project far beyond thenozzle section of the main cruiseengine. Consequently, the verti-cal and horizontal stabilizersmounted on them seem to stretchbeyond the visual boundary of thebody.

The powerplant is providedwith an electronic control system.The combined powerplantincludes two RD-41 lift engineswith a thrust of 4,100 kgf eachand one lift-cruise R-79 enginewith a thrust of 15,500 kgf, whichenables the aircraft to performhorizontal take-offs with a maxi-T

1.

The Yak-141

fighter

S U P E R S O N I C F I G H T E R

T A K E S O F FV E R T I C A L L Y

$ P y o t r R o m a n o v $

In the West the Yak-141 was christened "Freestyle",after its performance. The aircraft hovered, swayedgently like a pendulum in pitch and roll, moved finforemost.

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AA015

mum take-off weight of 19,500kg.

The rotating nozzle of the lift-cruise engine is unique in design.The know-how is based onprocess technology and uniquenozzle design, as well the elec-tronic control system of the com-bined powerplant.

The pilot is seated in thecockpit in a K-36 LV ejection seatdesigned by the Severin Zvezda("The Star") bureau. In case of anin-flight emergency, ejection isguaranteed in zero-zero condi-tions (at zero altitude and zerospeed). Such an emergencyoccurred during the Yak-141testing. When landing on deck,the aircraft fell from a height of13 m and caught fire. The pilotsuccessfully bailed out, landingnot far from the ship. Such emer-gencies are not planned,although accident simulation isnecessary to develop the requi-site accident prevention system.Practical tests have fully con-firmed calculations.

The total ordnance payload ofYak-141 amounts to 2,600 kgand is suspended on four under-wing pylons. Weaponry variantsare formed according to the tar-get type and can be divided intothree major groups: "air-to-air","air-to-sea", "air-to-ground".

The first group includes thearmament variant with R-77 guid-ed missiles. This is a highlymaneuverable short-range guid-ed missile (the equivalent of theAmerican AIM-120 AMRAAM) fit-ted with an active radar guidancesystem. Designed by the Vympeldesign bureau, it can hit any air-borne target. The aircraft designstipulates use of R-73 short-range and R-27 medium-rangemissiles and modifications to thelatter (the corresponding Westerndesignations are AA-11 Archerand AA-10 Alamo).

The anti-ship variant group isfitted with X-31A or X-35 missiles.Designed by the Raduga bureau,they can defeat targets underintensive radar countermeasures.In addition, the X-35 (the adoptedWestern designation is the AS-17) can be applied in stealthoperations.

Depending on the waveheight, it can "steal up" to a tar-get at minimum altitudes (3-5 m),thereby complicating consider-ably its interception by a ship'santi-missile system. The missilecarries a 145-kg high explosivewarhead with high-power explo-sives.

The variety of armament usedto attack ground targets is excep-tionally wide. They embrace theX-25 guided missiles (the adopt-ed Western designation is AS-10)fitted with high-explosive war-heads, the X-31P anti-radar mis-sile capable of destroying alltypes of existing radars, aerialbombs, mines, unguided rocketsand externally mounted guns.Built-in armament includes one33-mm cannon with a load of 120projectiles.

The aiming system of the Yak-141 comprises an airborne digitalcomputer connected to the radar,fire control system, a helmet-mounted target designation sys-tem and a laser TV guidance sys-tem. All the target data and flightinformation are shown on thewindshield display and a multi-purpose indicator.

The flight navigation systemallows one to determine the pre-sent position of the Yak-141 inflight using both the ground(ship)-based radio engineeringand the satellite navigation sys-tems.

The airborne flight navigationsystem includes the distance andtrajectory aircraft control sys-tems, an autonomous navigation

computer and many otherdevices.

Compared with conventionaltake-off aircraft, the Yak-141enjoys certain advantages, whichenable it to take off directly fromthe taxiway shelters which pro-vide in turn for a simultaneoustake-off and employment of alarge group of fighters. The VTOLaircraft's advantages mean thatthe Yak-141 can function ondamaged airfields: the demandfor such an ability was confirmedduring the Gulf War. It also pro-vides an opportunity to stationthis type of aircraft on naval craftand other ships, which lack flightdecks.

The VTOL Harrier is the Britishequivalent of the Russian fighter.

2.The pilot's sta-

tion

3.

The tail unit

4,5.

Air intakes of the

lift-cruise engine

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AA015

In terms of its rate of climb, theYak-141 leads its counterpart byalmost 10 seconds during climbto an altitude of 1.2 km. Oneshould recall that the Yak-141sets the record in warm weatherwhen fully loaded, i.e. under con-ditions which are less favorablefor the engines.

In actual fact, the aircraft,designed by the Yakovlev bureau,has already set more than adozen world records in its aircraftclass. All the records have beenapproved by the FAI.

Owing to financial difficulties,the Yak-141 has still not beenadopted by the Russian Air Force.However, the Yakovlev designbureau is devising new ways ofupgrading the fighter. Researchis primarily focused on increasingthe thrust of the lift-cruiseengine, perfecting the airframedesign and reducing radar con-spicuousness. All these improve-ments should increase consider-ably combat range, the loiteringtime, the payload weight andother parameters. In addition,researchers seek to enhance theaircraft's operational efficiency

by expanding the list of weaponsand updating fire control sys-tems.

According to the Yakovlevdesign bureau, a number ofcountries have displayed an inter-est in the Yak-141 and a desire toacquire it, with other countriesproposing cooperation in the air-craft manufacture, including

companies from India and China,Argentina and the UnitedKingdom.

On the basis of the Yak-141aircraft one can create a highlysurvivable flexible mobile defensesystem. It can boost the combatpotential of the side on the defen-sive, in the event of a surprisemassive enemy strike. (

6.

Air-to-air missiles suspended on

underwing pylons

TECHNICAL DATA

Maximum flight speed, km/h:-at sea level-at H=11,000 mService ceiling, mService range:-at vertical take-off, w/o load, kmat sea levelat H=10,000-12,000 m-at 120 m run with 1-ton loadat sea levelat H=10,000-12,000 mCombat radius at 120 m run with 2-ton loadLoitering time at a range of 100 km, minMaximum payload, kg:-at vertical take-off-at 120 m short runTake-off weight, kg:-at vertical take-off-at 120 m short runMaximum fuel load, kg:in internal tanksin external tankMaximum g-loading with 50% fuel reserve

Yak-141M 1,250 1,600 15,000

1,100 2,400

1,100 2,400 900 120

1,000 4,200

15,800 21,500

6,000 1,750 7

Yak-141 1,250 1,800 15,000

650 1,400

1,010 2,100 690 90

1,000 2,600

15,800 19,500

4,400 1,750 7

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C O N V E R S I O N P R O G R A M S


AA016

or many yearsLazurit, the CentralDesign Bureau,has been helpingestablish anddevelop the coun-try's modern sub-marine fleet. Thiswork began in1953, when theyexecuted an orderto thoroughlymodernize a con-ventional subma-

rine. The bureau specialists carriedout the task successfully and werecommissioned to design a largeocean-going diesel-engine subma-rine with improved sea-going quali-ties. And they were successful. The"hand" of the bureau is noted forvery genuine, daring and simpletechnical solutions.

The bureau was one of the firstin the country to design cruise mis-sile submarines. Its specialists per-formed tests on the use of non-tra-ditional electric power sources onsubmarines. The bureau specialistsoffered the simplest and most com-pact nuclear power and propulsionsystems. Lazurit was also one of thefirst to use titanium alloys for sub-marine hulls. By virtue of their char-

acteristics the combat submarinesdesigned here are in no way inferi-or to the best foreign counterpartsand stand for high reliability.

In view of the defence industryconversion programs the bureauspecialists ruled out from the verystart the idea of a complete restruc-turing of the enterprise. Instead,they tried to find ways to exploit tothe maximum accumulated scientif-ic potential and available designsrelating to the national economy.Furthermore, the bureau alreadyhas some experience in designingso-called dual purpose articles,which could be used with equalease to serve the interests of theNavy, national economy and sci-ence. Back in the early 1960s, the

bureau started developing searchand rescue means to render aid tosubmarines in distress. The staffhad to solve a number of technicaland technological problems. Thiswork culminated in the constructionof a unique special rescue subma-rine.

It was equipped with naviga-tional and sonar equipment, capa-ble of detecting quickly an under-water object in distress and guidingthere special deep-water rescueequipment, carried on board thesubmarine. Each piece of self-con-tained equipment can link up withthe vessel in distress and take hercrew on board. The submarine hasall the requisite essentials to rendervictims emergency medical aid,including the performance ofdecompression for dozens of peo-ple at one time.

This submarine can search forand pick up various sunken objects,including explosives. Consequently,it is a unique vessel, which canclean up the sea-bed. Currently noother country has at its disposalsuch a ship capable of operating atall depths, with strong hulls. Thecreation of the rescue submarine isone of the most outstandingachievements of our domesticdesigners.

The world ocean's depths arehard to reach and, consequently,are an understudied part of theearth. To get to know them well,

F

S U B M A R I N E R S F R O M

NIZHNI NOVGOROD$ V a s s i l i Y e m e l y a n o v $

The bureau was one of the first in the country todesign cruise missile submarines. Its specialists per-formed tests on the use of non-traditional electricpower sources on submarines. The bureau specialistsoffered the simplest and most compact nuclear powerand propulsion systems.

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AA016

one must develop special technicalresources comparable in terms ofcomplexity with spacecraft. Thanksto Lazurit's scientific potential thisproblem can be solved on a practi-cal scale. A whole set of uniquedeep-water equipment has alreadybeen developed here. It can beused to carry out large-scale scien-tific explorations of ocean depths.

Today Lazurit offers manneddeep-water special-purpose equip-ment to any interested domesticand foreign organizations. One ofthem, Bester, has a titanium-alloyhull. It is provided with manipula-tors and special viewing instru-ments, which enable it to carry outvarious jobs at depths of hundredsof meters. This apparatus is mostsuitable for use by oceanographers,ichthyologists and sea prospectors.It can also be used to service vari-ous sea-bed communication lines.The Bester is manned by a crew ofthree, the operational range is 20miles.

Underwater equipment,designed in the bureau, for diversboasts high technological qualities.It can be used to search for, locateand investigate various objects atdepths of up to 500 m, send diversfrom the carrier ship, ensure theirextravehicular activity on the sea-bed and supply them with gas res-piration mixture, electric power forheating purposes and hydraulicpower for divers' instruments.

The bureau staff created aunique submersible vessel, whichserves as an underwater equipmentcarrier. It presents a system con-taining several mutually associatedcomponents mounted on an unusu-

al vessel. It combines the featuresof a surface ship, submarine, andfloating dry dock. It can perform itsfunctions underwater at depths ofup to 100 m for long periods oftime. A wide range of operations atdepths of up to 1000 m is providedvia onboard underwater equipmentand diver's gear. In addition, thevessel has displacement severaltimes as low as similar surfaceships and is cheaper.

Lazurit specialists are noted for

their complex approach to the solu-tion of various problems, broadthinking and vision. These qualitieswere displayed in full measure dur-ing the development of a project onthe exploitation of Russia's Arcticshelf gas and oil deposits.

Another example concerns theprojected deep-water submarine

1.Complex model2.The "Lazurit" rescueboat3,4.The Ocean Shuttledeep-water researchsubmarine

Complex for underwater operations on sea oil and gas fields

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement,m3Length, mBeam, mDepth, mDraught, mSpeed, knotsCruising range,milesEndurance,daysCrew, men

1,200-1,700

61-76 12 5 2.5-3.0 11-12

1,000

30 21

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AA016

named Ocean Shuttle, devised withthe help of the ECS CanadianGroup of firms. The submarine isintended for scientific research inthe Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, onthe Bahamas, on the western coastof North America, in the MexicanGulf, but chiefly in the Arctic.

Based on long-term experiencein the development of equipment,the bureau's specialists offered aversion of this submarine with non-magnetic titanium hull. It will be fit-ted with up-to-date scientificonboard equipment. The latter willcomprise two remotely controlleddevices, a manned submersiblediver's system operating at atmos-pheric pressure, outboard manipu-lators. The submarine can carry

research equipment with a volumeof up to 100 m3 and weight of up to60 tons, accommodated inside thehull and externally.

The design of the OceanShuttle makes it possible to installappropriate interchangeable equip-ment within a short period of time.Consequently, it can perform awide range of underwater opera-tions. A small manned deep-waterdevice with a submersion depth ofup to 6,000 m will be provided onboard to transport researchers tothe place of operation and changethe crews of technical underwatermodules and laboratories.

One of submarine's powerplantversions stipulates the use of 100%environmentally clean electrochem-

ical hydrogen-oxygen generators,which displayed good performanceon the rescue submarine and spaceshuttle Buran. In this case, under-water expeditions can last as longas 30 days. It is also possible toequip the submarine with a Sterlingtype engine, closed-loop dieselengine or nuclear powerplant. It is

5-7

A working underwa-

ter craft

In view of the unique potentialof the Ocean Shuttle, the Lazuritspecialists believe that it isexpedient to work out this pro-ject as an international under-taking under the UNESCO aegis.In this case, it could constitutea valuable element of a globalenvironmental protection pro-ject.

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AA016

assumed that in such a way an idealself-contained underwater labora-tory will be created, which will pro-vide scientists with all the neces-sary conditions for good work andrecreation.

The results of an enquiry car-ried out by American specialistsamong potential users of theunderwater rescue means revealthat the potential construction ofsuch facilities is widely supportedby scientists all over the world.

In view of the unique potentialof the Ocean Shuttle, the Lazuritspecialists believe that it is expedi-ent to work out this project as aninternational undertaking under theUNESCO aegis. In this case, itcould constitute a valuable elementof a global environmental protec-tion project. It would consequentlybe possible to assess the worldocean's resources, man's activitiesin inclement Arctic and Antarctic cli-mates, and check out the sound-ness of many technical ideas. Inaddition, what is important, the lab-oratory's creation will mark anexample of friendly cooperationbetween the scientists of variouscountries united by a humane ideaof disarmament and defence indus-try conversion.

Lazurit's developments in theso called purely peaceful sphereare equally interesting. Theyinclude a KAMAZ truck-based fullyautonomous mobile baromedicalcomplex. During its developmentdesigners had to study a widespectrum of medical and biologicalproblems. Their experience made itpossible to work out and launch theproduction of a batch of medicalpressure chambers. The bureauspecialists are ready to developnew samples of medical equipmentin the future.

Lazurit also offers a projectedautonomous excursion submarine.It will travel at a depth of 50 m (inprinciple the submersion depth can

be increased to 600 m). The pas-senger compartment, which resem-bles an international airliner,accommodates 48 passengers.Large clear windows provide apanoramic view. The submarine'spowerplant consists of a high-speed diesel engine and a storagebattery. The provision of a dieselengine makes the vesselautonomous. Therefore, it candeliver independently passengersto the selected underwater area.The storage battery ensures a 12-hour underwater cruise. The sub-marine meets all the requirementsof the Lloyd international classifica-tion company imposed on ships of asimilar class, in terms of their safeoperation. Additional positive buoy-ancy tanks keep her afloat for anunlimited period of time, therebyincreasing their reliability.

The bureau specialists alsodesigned a deep-water craft for 16passengers (submersion depth ofup to 600 m) and an excursion-typeunderwater craft for a cruising liner.A two-seat excursion craft is alsoworth mentioning. It is simple inoperation and control and suitablefor fast towing. The deck houseoffers a 360° view.

Another unusual project con-cerns an underwater restaurant.

All the afore-mentioned develop-ments can be real-ized in a short time.The requisite docu-ments are available,as are enterpriseswith appropriateproduction equip-ment. The plansnow all depend oncustomers.

Lazurit is alsobranching out intothe design of equip-ment for the foodand processingindustries.

Currently Lazurit can designcombat submarines, deep-waterrescue equipment, underwaterresearch vessels, systems forextracting national resources on thesea-shelf, and equipment for thefood and processing industries. Thebureau guarantees potential cus-tomers high-quality products and isready to enter into any form ofcooperation with firms in Russiaand abroad. (

8.

A chart showing the

use of a submersible

underwater technical

vessel carrying

underwater rescue

craft

9.

A deep-water

research craft

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AA017

hese "wild boars" (in Russian"vepr") are not from the vastforests of Russia: instead, theyhave emerged from the gatewayof a small agricultural machineryrepair plant in Bronnitsy, nearMoscow. It began producingoriginal wheeled tractors forRussia's farmers a year ago. Thedesigners of this peaceful agri-cultural machine chose to calltheir creation after a strong wildbeast for good reason. For theTVK-AGRO 1,4 Vepr wheeled util-ity tractor is a "domesticated" rel-ative of Army combat vehicles. Itowes its manufacture to the con-version program.

The Russian TVK Companyand the Chair of Tracked Vehiclesof the N. Bauman Moscow StateTechnical University solved theproblem of using military equip-ment subject to destruction underinternational treaties, as well asreleased defence capacities.They developed the Vepr tractor.

It is easy to raise such problems.However, serious scientificpotential and considerabledesigns available, not to mentionelementary engineering courageis needed to solve them. It mightbe helpful to note briefly that ittook only 75 days to pass fromthe machine's concept to theactual assembled prototype. Infact, the newly-born vehiclepassed a two-months' trial ses-sion at a specialized field test sta-tion and was highly appraisedduring trials at farms.

The tractor assembly conceptchosen by the Chair laboratorydesigners was based on chil-dren's meccano, comprisingimmediately available parts andunits of wheeled APCs and com-bat vehicles. The audacity of thisunprecedented approach causedan uproar in official tractor designcircles. However, the gifted dilet-tantes managed to do somethingbeyond the comprehension of

theory-burdened experts. Forexample, they combined a low-speed tractor Diesel engine andAPC's transmission without modi-fying the clutch. The designincludes a car gearbox and atransfer case installed to suit highspeed movement, whereas thepowerful APC final drives areused to ensure the tractor's"plowing" speed range. In view ofan engine power of only 44 kW(60 h.p.), the tractor has beenofficially classified as a tractionclass 1,4 vehicle. Extreme trac-tion values were test-registeredon a 3 t dynamometer hook. Plantpersonnel use the Vepr to pullsix-ton machine tools betweenplant's shops.

Owing to the tractor's syn-chronized gearbox, gears can beshifted easily and rapidly evenduring the performance of vari-ous agricultural operations, whichis impossible with other similarvehicles. Owing to the hydraulicservo steering and hydraulicbrakes the machine is equallyexcellent on a road at 40 km/hand in cross-country driving.Although far from comprehen-sive, the list of design featuresnot available with conventionaltractor vehicles could be supple-mented with the tire pressurecontrol system, which has alwaysconstituted the forte of militarycross-country vehicles (this,actually, makes the Vepr as capa-ble of cross-country operationsas a caterpillar tractor). Farmers,testing the Vepr at their farms,did not face a single problemeither with the plowing of water-logged plains or work in floodedautumn season fields.

The reserve of Vepr's load-carrying capacity is high enoughto consider the vehicle as apromising carrier for a variety ofspecial configurations, includingpipe-layer, crane or bulldozer.

"WILD BOARS"COME ONTO

T H E F I E L D S$ V e n i a m i n O l s h a n s k y $

The Russian TVK Company and the Chair of TrackedVehicles of N. Bauman Moscow State TechnicalUniversity solved the problem of using military equip-ment subject to destruction under internationaltreaties, as well as released defence capacities.They developed the Vepr tractor.

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AA017

The tractor also inherited a highdegree of unit and system relia-bility from its military "parents".The design strength of some ofthe elements, based on the sur-vivability of the combat vehicle'sparts may even seem excessive.However, this would hardly con-stitute a drawback for a rural con-sumer, who utilizes the vehicle inadverse conditions. Moreover,Vepr's high-technology featuresdo not increase the cost, as thevehicle is essentially assembledfrom scrap metal intended forremelting.

The designers' significantachievements include quasi 80%use of parts and units removedfrom the disassembled materiel,when practically everything,excluding the armored hull andold engines, is used. For exam-ple, even the hydrojet reductiongear found its place in the trac-tor's power take-off shaft drive. Asingle armored personnel carriermakes it possible to assemblealmost two civilian vehicles.

In actual fact, the Vepr was alucky find for the BronnitsyMaintenance Plant at a time whenthe plant's business was stagnat-ing owing to a lack of orderscaused by a dramatic rise inmaintenance costs. Workers pintheir hopes on enterprise privati-

zation to produce these relativelysimple-to-assemble tractors andbelieve in their lucky choice.Producers also cooperated close-ly. The Rybinsk Motor-BuildingWorks - engine suppliers - dis-plays interest in the vehicle. TheKurgan Wheeled Tractor Works,which produced currentlydestroyed APCs, considers theVepr production a possible way tore-organize released capacitiesto produce component units. TheBronnitsy Plant believes that Vepris the guarantor of their furtherdevelopment, independent ofsupplies of destroyed materiel.

Looking into the future, if theVepr vehicle lives up to its name,it is expected to act as a pioneerin forests: the powerful, highlymaneuverable machine withground clearance adjustable overa wide range suited perfectlyforestry operations. An appropri-ate tractor modification contracthas already been awarded. (

1.

"Vepr" tractor in the shop

2.

An armored personnel carrier

4x4 44 kW 4,350 2,300

1,220-1,520270-480

3.8

3.1 6.2 20.0 40.1

8 2

3,000 44 kW (60 h.p.)

0.5-2.5

TRACTION CLASS 1,4 WHEELED FOLDING-FRAME UTILITY TRACTOR

Wheel arrangementTraction power (min.)Length, mmWheel base, mmTrack, mmGround clearance, mmMinimum turning radius, mDesign speed values:minimum working speed, km/hminimum traveling speed, km/hmaximum working speed, km/hmaximum traveling speed, km/hNumber of gears:forwardreverseRunning weight, kgDiesel engine powerMean specific ground pressure,kg/cm2

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FROM THE HISTORY OF RUSSIAN WEAPONS


AA018

ollowing theadvent of torpe-does, designerstried to adaptthem for use inthe air force andproposed thelaunch of glidingtorpedoes, pro-vided with smallwings, from air-craft. After sepa-ration from the

aircraft, the torpedo would glideto the target.

In the early 1930s, SolomonF. Valk, a design engineer withthe Mine Research Commissionof the Naval ResearchCommittee, used this principle asa basis for his gliding torpedo(GT) project. He proposed guid-ing the torpedo to a target byinfrared rays. Valk contended thatsuch a guided torpedo could notbe detected by enemy sounddetectors owing to its noiselessflight and would not be intercept-ed by enemy aircraft owing to itssmall size.

Work on the project began in1933 at the Scientific NavalCommunication Institute, atLaboratory No. 22, set up spe-cially for this purpose. By mid-1933 it became clear that simul-taneous development of the GTproper and its teleautomatics wasa very complicated process.Consequently, design work onthe guidance system was trans-ferred to another laboratory spe-cializing in infrared techniques,while laboratory No. 22 continuedresearch on the GT proper and itsequipment.

To check the configurationand design data of enginelesstorpedoes, 1:10 scale and 1:4scale models were built. In 19331:4 scale models were launched

from an altitude of 1,100 m overa distance of 10 to 11 km. In1934 the industry was commis-sioned to produce test specimensof the gliding torpedo as well asautopilot stabilizers. The labora-tory tests confirmed the reliabilityof the autopilot. To develop spe-cial gliding torpedoes for useagainst ships and coastal bases,an agreement was signed in 1935with the Special Design Bureau ofthe Technical InventionDepartment.

The following types of flyingtorpedoes were developed:

- engineless gliding torpe-does covering a flight range of 30to 50 km - DPT (long-range glid-ing torpedo), code name "Wolf";

- flying torpedoes equippedwith an engine (conventional pro-peller or rocket engine) with aflight range of 100 to 200 km -LTDD (long-range flying torpe-do);

- engineless gliding torpe-does in a rigid tow - BMP (towedmine glider), code name "Wildboar".

Based on the results of theexperimental work, the industryreceived an order in 1935 tomanufacture the gliding torpedoand auxiliary equipment.

The Special Design Bureau of

F1.

A carrier aircraft

with gliding torpe-

does suspended

under the wings

G L I D I N G T O R P E D O E S$ G e n n a d y P e t r o v $

After dropping the explosivecharge, the pilot would lead theglider 4 to 6 miles aside andland it on water. Then, thewings would be detached andthe glider transformed into aboat. If one recalls the self-sac-rifice spirit cultivated at thattime, one can presume thatsuch pilots might becomekamikaze.

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AA018

Leningrad Factory No. 23 wasauthorized to issue a pilot batchof gliding torpedoes and theResearch Institute No. 10received an order to manufacturethe guidance system (code name"Quant"). In 1935 Factory No. 23produced the first four glidingtorpedoes called PSN-1 (special-purpose glider) with the followingspecifications: span 8,000 mm,height 2,020 mm, structural mass970 kg, payload 1,000 kg.

In terms of 1934 strengthstandards the glider was a thirdcategory military aircraft, with aload factor of A-10. In Augusttests were carried out inLeningrad on towing gliding tor-pedoes without any release fromthe R-5 plane. To perform full-scale flight tests on the glidingtorpedo, two aircraft, types TB-3and M-17, were allotted as par-ent aircraft, which carried specialracks under each wing. An exper-imental base for the gliding tor-pedoes was established nearNovgorod. The nearby lake waschosen as the site for holdingtowing tests: here gliding torpe-does were towed by P-6 type air-craft on water and at low alti-tudes.

These were indeed the firsttests in our country. It would alsoseem that no such experimentson the towing and take-off of agliding torpedo from a water sur-face, carrying a load of 75 kg persq. meter of the lifting area, werecarried out elsewhere in theworld.

The first experimental take-off and flight of TB-3 type carrieraircraft, carrying a gliding torpe-do with dummy bombs, suspend-ed from the right-hand wing, washeld on August 30, 1935.

It is worth mentioning herethat as pilot specimens the glid-ing torpedoes included a cabinfor the pilot, who monitored the

automatic control equipment dur-ing the tests. He did not interferewith the operation of the autopilotand other mechanisms unless hehad to. After developing atelemetering guidance system,the production of pilotless glidingtorpedoes was planned. Curiouslyenough, in some publications youcome across the term "human-torpedo", in active use in 1936.This version of the gliding torpe-do was intended for visual guid-ance on a large-size target (bat-tleship or coastal base). Afterdropping the explosive charge,the pilot would lead the glider 4to 6 miles aside and land it onwater. Then, the wings would bedetached and the glider trans-formed into a boat. Using theoutboard engine, the pilot would

recede from the hit target. If onerecalls the self-sacrifice spiritcultivated at that time, one canpresume that such pilots mightbecome kamikaze.

The chronicle of gliding tor-pedo tests went as follows. OnJuly 28, 1936 a test flight of theglider was held. It carried adummy with a 250 kg mass(mass-similar mockup of theFAB-250 bomb). Take-off, flight,release and water landing opera-tions on lake Ilmen were prac-ticed. On August 1, 1936 a testflight of the glider carrying a 550kg load (a high-explosive bomb)was performed. On August 2,1936 the glider made a flight car-rying a 1,000 kg load (a high-explosive bomb provided with astabilizer). After its release from

2.

A PSN-2 type gliding

torpedo

3.

A gliding torpedo and

FAB-500 bomb

dummy suspended

under the airplane

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FROM THE HISTORY OF RUSSIAN WEAPONS


AA018

the carrier, the glider dropped abomb diving at a speed of 340 to350 km/h. By August 10, 1936 allthe tests had been completedand the first four gliding torpe-does became operational.Carrying different loads, the glid-er covered 27 km on average.

It should be said that severalversions were suggested involv-ing return of the glider to the car-rier aircraft. In this case, the glid-er was provided with an engineand was thereby transformed intoa suspended torpedo-carryingaircraft.

In 1937-1938 the NavalForces Department planned tomanufacture a small batch ofgliding torpedoes to try out flightballistics during experimentallaunches from the carrier aircraft.

By the beginning of 1938 the

experimental factory of ResearchInstitute No. 12 had made 138torpedo launches. Flight dataobtained during tests confirmedthe possibility of torpedo launch-es at speeds of up to 270 to 320km/h, with permissible designspeed of the gliders equalling 360km/h. A number of parameters

were checked, including behaviorof the gliding torpedo at bankedturns, leveling-off and release oftorpedoes or other combat pro-jectiles, and automatic waterlanding. The suspension systemand equipment responsible forlaunching torpedoes from thecarrier aircraft operated trouble-

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AA018

free, apart from several cases,caused by errors committed bythe technical personnel.

In August 1938, a number oftest flights were performedinvolving automatic water land-ings. Torpedoes were guided byan infrared beam. For this pur-pose, the type TB-3 aircraft wasequipped with a special travers-ing frame, holding three infraredilluminators. This system wasnamed "Quant".

During the testing of the glid-ing torpedo, prototype factoryNo. 23 already received a techni-cal assignment to produce a ser-vice torpedo. The type TB-3 air-

craft was to be equipped withnew special racks as a carrier air-craft for the PSN-2 service glid-ing torpedoes.

Basic tests of both servicetorpedoes PSN-2 and trainingtorpedoes PSN-1 were plannedfor 1940. The PSN-1 torpedoeswould reduce dispersion ellipsesand make launches for firingaccuracy. Batch production ofservice gliding torpedoes wasalso scheduled for 1940: a deci-sion was taken to establish a cen-ter to train specialists on servic-ing these torpedoes and usingthem in troops. Factory No. 23prepared batch production of

service torpedoes. At the sametime attempts were made toimprove the design characteris-tics of gliding torpedoes. "Flyingwing" type torpedo designs wereprepared in two versions: a pilot-ed training fully-automatic andpilotless fully-automatic torpe-does. By the beginning of 1940 adesign of a pilotless flying torpe-do with a flight range of 100 kmand over and a flight speed up to700 km/h for the type DB-3 air-craft had been prepared.

However, these plans werenot implemented owing to theinterference of the Second WorldWar. (

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T O P S E C R E T


AA019

or the uninitiatedthe underwaterwar remainsshrouded under aseal of secrecy.Information in themass media doesnot reveal thereal scope anddramatic natureof frogmen'sactivities. Theydate back toancient times

when Mediterranean pirates -splendid divers - swam stealthilyto a galley or merchant ship,climbed a deck and annihilatedthe crew. Later on the vesselscommanders began seek the helpof such divers.

At the international defenceexhibition IDEX-93, held in thecapital of the United ArabEmirates Abu Dhabi, Russia dis-played a wide range of up-to-dateweapons systems and ammuni-tion. Both specialists and visitorsto this exhibition showed interestin formerly "closed" special-pur-pose items, in particular, devicesto combat frogmen. They includean SPP-1 underwater pistol, APSsubmachine gun, a DP-64 anti-saboteur system, MRG-1 multi-tube rocket grenade launcher.

The SPP-1 underwater pistoland APS submachine gun weredeveloped in the early 1970s bydesigners from the CentralResearch Institute of PreciseMachine Building, one of theleading scientific centers onresearch, development and test-ing of small arms (up to 30 mmcaliber), sporting rifles, variousappliances and ammunition, indi-vidual protection means and out-fit for special troops. Theseunderwater weapons are nowmanufactured in small batches atthe state-owned enterprise Tula

Small Arms Factory, classified as"special items". It is intended fordiver saboteurs protecting sur-face and underwater installations.According to Alexander V.Khinikadze, Director of theCentral Research Institute forprecise machine building, diversusing these underwater weaponsin their missions, praised theirhigh efficiency in destroyingunderwater targets, reliability andease of handling. Equipped withthese unique weapons, Sovietdivers ensured the safety of theships of the Presidents of the two

superpowers, USSR and USA,Gorbachev and Bush off theMalta coast in December, 1989.

In terms of design the SPP-1underwater pistol is really unique.It has four smooth bore barrels,secured in pairs to form an inte-gral block. The pistol is equippedwith a self-loading trigger mecha-nism, consequently, you canopen fire virtually straight away.The SPP-1 weighs 0.95 kg and is244 mm long, 25 mm wide and138 mm high. The front sight isrigidly fixed at the muzzle end.Shots are fired in turn from each

F

1.

A frogman

F I G H T I N G A G A I N S T

"SEA DEVILS"$ S e r g e i S a m o i l y u k $

However, prior to the scientific revolution anextremely limited range of "services" were offered.Dexterity and strength, the volume of lungs, simplegadgets for man-to-man fighting were gradually over-shadowed by new achievements in science and tech-nology.

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AA019

barrel. When this happens, thefiring hammer turns each timethrough 90° clockwise. The muz-zle velocity of the bullet in the airis 250 m/s. The SPP-1 is loadedwith four 4.5 mm SPS cartridgesheld together by a clip. Duringloading the barrel block opens,partially extracting the clip. Thecomplete pistol includes ten car-tridge clips, an artificial leatherholster, an appliance for loadingthe clips, a waist strap and threemetal containers for loaded clips.

In particular, such character-istics as consistency and range offire of the foreign pistol are noton a par with those of the Russianmodel.

The APS underwater subma-chine gun is unique. It isdesigned as a standard weaponfor divers and can also be mount-ed on their vehicles. Loaded, thesubmachine gun weighs 3.4 kg,without cartridges and magazine2.46 kg. It is small even com-pared with standard automaticcombined arms weapons: it is614 mm long, 65 mm wide and187 mm high. The sub-machinegun depends for its operation onthe energy of powder gasesdrawn off from the barrel to thepiston, secured in the breechcarrier, after the bullet's tailpasses the barrel port. During

fire, some of gases escapethrough the side hole in the bar-rel wall into the gas chamber,thereby pulling back the pistonand, consequently, the breechcarrier with the breechblock. Thebreechblock is locked by turningit to right so that the breechblocklugs engage with the receiverstops.

The submachine gun may fireshort bursts (3-5 shots), longbursts (10 shots) or in singles.The muzzle velocity of the bulletis 365 m/s. The 5.66 mm MPScartridges are fed from a box-shaped magazine, accommodat-ing 26 cartridges. In the frontpart of the magazine receivercomprises spring catches, whichprevent the overturning of car-tridges with raised bullets. A plateplaced inside the magazine, sep-arates two rows of cartridges andprevents any crossover of bullets,when the latter move upward andemerge in the chamber.

The barrel has a smooth bore.Its diameter is 5.66 mm. Thereceiver is provided with a cut-offplate. It adjusts the supply of car-tridges into the breech chamber.When the upper cartridge ischambered, the cut-off plateblocks the path for the next car-tridge. The trigger mechanismwith a rear sear is made in the

form of a detachable unit, held inthe receiver by the safety lockand fire selector. For ease ofhandling, the submachine gun isprovided with a butt stock, whichcan be pulled inside the receiver.The butt stock is made of two

2.

APS underwater submachine gun

3.

SPP-1 underwater pistol

4.

DP-64 anti-saboteur system

5.

MRG-1 multi-tube rocket grenade launcher

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF APS UNDERWATER SUBMACHINE GUN

Caliber, mmKilling range, m:at a depth of 5 mat a depth of 20 mat a depth of 40 mCapacity of magazine, cartridges

5.66

30 20 11 26

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SPP-1 UNDERWATER PISTOL

Caliber, mmKilling range, m:at a depth of 5 mat a depth of 20 mat a depth of 40 mCapacity of magazine, cartridges

4.5

17 11 6 4

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DP-64 ANTI-SABOTEUR SYSTEM

Caliber, mmWeight of grenade, kgOperating temperature range, °C

45 0.65 ±50

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T O P S E C R E T


AA019

steel rods. Each underwater sub-machine gun is provided with twomagazines and accessories.

To fire the SPP-1 underwaterpistol and APS submachine gun,the specialists of the aforemen-tioned institute developed andtested in various conditions, bothunderwater and on the ground,special cartridges provided withan elongated bullet. The latter isa steel rod: the ogive is terminat-ed with a blunt end. When movingunderwater, the bullet's flight isstabilized by a surrounding cavi-tation air hole. In the air the bul-let's flight is not stabilized.

The SPP-1 pistol fires a 4.5-mm SPS cartridge weighing 21 gand 145 mm long. The APS sub-machine gun employs a 5.66 mmMPS cartridge weighing 26 g and150 mm long. At maximumranges in underwater firing, thisweapon inflicts lethal damage ona diver wearing a water suit withthermal porolone jacket and pen-etrates organic glass 5 mm thick.

One should also point out thatdivers can be trained in underwa-ter firing with a pistol and subma-chine gun on land. For this pur-pose, smooth-bore barrels arereplaced by rifled weapons andstandard 5.45 cartridges.

Another unique weapon is theDP-64 anti-saboteur systemdeveloped in 1989 by specialistsof the state scientific and produc-tion enterprise Bazalt. According

to Anatoly S. Obukhov, DesignerGeneral and Director of thisenterprise, during the develop-ment of this weapon the staff hadto solve the following problems:effective annihilation of diversand maximum ease of operation.These problems were successful-ly solved and in 1990 the DP-64became operational. Now thestate enterprise Bazalt issues thissystem in small batches.

The anti-saboteur system is a45-mm man-portable grenadelauncher, which fires FG-45 HEand SG-45 signal grenades. TheDP-64 is issued for coastal guardunits, military and civilian ships,small boats and vessels. The sys-tem annihilates divers at a rangeof up to 400 m and a depth of upto 40 m. The portable anti-sabo-teur grenade launcher has twovertically arranged barrels. Itsweight does not exceed 10 kg.The grenade launcher isequipped with a trigger mecha-nism. The sight, provided with amechanical level, allows bothdirect and round-the-cover fire.Shots are fired in turn from eachbarrel. In this case, the breech-block is opened and fire-readygrenades FG-45 or SG-45 areplaced in each barrel. The HEgrenade destroys the target. Priorto fire the mechanical fuzearranged in the nose portion ofthe FG-45, is set for operatingdepth. The explosive charge is

detonated, once the preset depthhas been reached. The saboteuris annihilated by a powerfulacoustic wave, rather than after-effects of the explosion (frag-ments, balls, etc.). The destruc-tion radius is approximately 14meters.

To designate the location ofthe detected diver, a SG-45 sig-nal grenade equipped with amechanical contact fuze is used.The fuze ignites extraction chargeand pyrotechnic composition ofthe flare. The flare rises to thesurface, illuminating the sur-rounding area with a bright lightfor 50 seconds. The signal andHE grenades have the samedimensions and weight.

In addition to these devices,surface ships, small boats, auxil-iary vessels and coastal installa-tions may be equipped with aMRG-1 multi-tube rocketgrenade launcher to protect themagainst diver saboteurs. Thegrenade launcher is mass pro-duced by the Kovrov state enter-prise V.A. Degtyarev factory. TheMRG-1 grenade launcher hasseven 55 mm tubes. It may fireRG-55M rocket grenades both insingles and salvoes. The fire iscontrolled remotely. The diversmay be annihilated at a rangefrom 50 to 500 m. The operatingdepth of the grenade is 15 or 30m. (

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AA020

l e x a n d e rS e r g e y e v i c hPavlov (37) isdefinitely a mostunusual person.If only for the factthat, contrary tothe presentRussian fashion,he does notlament his fateand complainabout difficulties.

"Difficulties? Everyone has them,for goodness sake!" he exclaims.A crank? Perhaps, a little bit. Butas experts in social psychologysay, it's cranks that make theworld go round.

Pavlov's claim to fame is thathe has brought out in remoteYakutsk, where he lives andworks, a reference manual enti-tled "The Soviet Navy. 1990-1991." And not only printed it athis own expense, but collectedand systematized a vast amountof material. And that's not alleither. You may not know that theEnglish artist, historian and writerFrederick Jane (1865-1916),preparing the first edition of whatlater became his world-famousreference work "All the WorldFighting Ships" in 1897, did mostof the drawings, for the bookhimself. Alexander went even fur-ther, not only sketching projec-tions of submarines, but alsotypesetting, making up andstitching the book himself.

Many of the photographs ofSoviet ships and vessels are orig-inal. Some were taken by Pavlovhimself. Others were sent to himby collectors interested in thesubject from various parts of theformer Soviet Union.

Alexander has never actuallyserved in the navy himself. But asa shipbuilding engineer at theLena Amalgamated River

Shipping Line he is closely con-nected with ships, of course.

For those interested in thehistory of the Russian fleet, whichwill soon be celebrating its ter-centenary, Pavlov's book is a realdelight. Nothing like it came outduring the Soviet period. It sumsup, as it were, the whole historyof the Soviet Navy. For that navyno longer exists today.

Of course, Pavlov's book istypographically not on the samelevel as "Jane's Fighting Ships",the "Guide to the Soviet Fleet" bythe American Norman Polmar orthe German "Weyers". Specialistswill probably also find inaccura-cies, which, however, areexplained by the "confidential"nature of the subject. But never-theless it is quite unique.

Alexander is now preparing anew edition, which is called "TheNavy of Russia and the CIS,1991-1992." It differs consider-ably from the first edition in for-mat (it will be twice the size) andcontent. The illustrative materialhas been greatly expanded byadding exclusive photographsand sketches. The real numbersare quoted of designs for sub-marines and surface vessels,their performance data are ampli-fied, the technical numbers of a

number of submarines are pro-

vided, as well as the location oftheir bases.

The compiler of the Russian"Jane" has now begun work on anew reference book to cover theships of the Soviet and Russiannavy from 1946 to 1996 which hehopes to bring out in 1996, just intime for the tercentenary of theRussian fleet. This means acolossal amount of work, butAlexander is not afraid of that.

"I get help from enthusiastsall over the former Soviet Union,"he says. "They send money, pho-tographic material, informationand sometimes suggestions. Ishould like to say a big thank-youto them all." (

A

ALEXANDER PAVLOV

CHALLENGES"JANE'S"

$ A l e x a n d e r M o z g o v o y $

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AA021

UFAThe Association has well adjusted systems of pro-ductional organization, management and marketing.Jointly with dozens of scientific research institutesand higher educational institutions, research anddevelopment work is being carried out. This is doneto meet all sorts of customer's demand.

Vladimir M. Parashchenko, aged 57, Director General of the UFA ENGINE

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION Joint Stock Company, graduated from the State

Aviation Technical University. He is an engineer by training. Vladimir

Parashchenko began his career in 1952 as a worker. Now he is Candidate of

Technical Sciences, the author of two scientific inventions and a number

research works. Vladimir M. Parashchenko has five honored state awards

and a special award of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Vladimir M.

Parashchenko is member of the Board of Directors of Aircraft Engine-

Building Enterprises, the AVIAPROM Russian League, Commercial UFA-

BANK, the NAUKA Scientific Industrial Association, the SOYUZ Foreign

Economic Insurance Association and other companies.

ENGINE INDUSTRIAASSOCIATION

J O I N T S T O C K C O M P A N Y

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AA021

he IndustrialAssociation wasfounded in 1925as an enterpriseproducing aircraftengines. InFebruary 1993,the enterprisewas reorganizedinto the JointStock Company"UFA EngineI n d u s t r i a lA s s o c i a t i o n "

(UMPO) with all rights of the suc-cessor reserved. During the yearsof its existence, the Associationproduced engines for 40 types ofaircraft, including SU-22, SU-25,SU-27, MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27.For more than 40 years UMPOhas been producing transmissionunits for helicopters Ka-26, Ka-27, Ka-32, Mi-6, Mi-10, Mi-26.

Since 1967, the Associationhas been producing engines fortwo automobile plants: AZLK inMoscow, and IZHMACH inIzhevsk. It has produced about2.5 million one-cylinder 4-strokepetrol engines with output of 3.7KWt, and it still continues produc-ing them.

In the last three years theenterprise has brought new typesof products: the "Rus" multifunc-tional snow-mobile (rover), the

"Ural" motor unit, the "1Y61" uni-versal high-precision screw cut-ting lathe with a complete set ofaccessories and cutting tools, the"Tropic" electrical heater, stain-less steel table sets and sou-venirs.

The production complexincludes:

- metallurgical process withall updated methods of producinghigh quality blanks;

- welding process, with con-structions of various alloys weld-ed by 20 methods via diffusion,resistance, electron and laserbeam in shielded gases with highlevel of mechanization;

- a whole complex of labora-tory equipment, permitting tocarry out complete chemical,phase and structural analyses ofmaterials, their mechanical prop-erties, heat resistance, fatiguestrength and corrosion resis-tance. This modern productionand technological complex makeit possible for the UMPO JointStock Company to hold its repu-tation as a leading manufacturerof aircraft engines. The companyhas its own aerodrome and spe-cial departments dealing with thetransportation by rail, water androad;

- a hundred of transfer,assembly, testing and conveyer

lines, more than 700 N/Cmachine tools, dozens of produc-tion robots and robot applied sys-tems, modern stock of PC andother advanced equipment;

- design and technologicaldepartments, shops where toolsand technological fixtures aredeveloped, special plants andmachines, means of mechaniza-tion, advanced processes arebeing developed. The Associationhas well adjusted systems of pro-ductional organization, manage-ment and marketing.

Jointly with dozens of scien-tific research institutes and high-er educational institutions,research and development workis being carried out.

This is done to meet all sortsof customer's demand.

The invaluable asset of thecompany is our highly qualifiedpersonnel: managers, designers,technologists, workers.

The company is fully aware

T

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AA021

that only improvement of serialproducts and creation of newproducts in demand can meet therequirements of constantly devel-oping market.

Presently there are beingdeveloped 2 basic aircraftengines to be used in seven typesof aircraft, as well as gas genera-tor for gas pumping units.

The produce of the

Association is used in 35 coun-tries of the world.

In 1993, the Association hasbeen granted the internationalaward for the Best Trade Nameby the Trade Leaders' Club,Madrid.

UMPO ENSURES NOTONLY ITS OWN PROS-PERITY, IT ENSURESSUCCESS TO ITS PART-NERS!

UFA ENGINE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONJoint Stock Company

4 Bogorodskaya St., Ufa 450039, RussiaPhone: (3472) 387-544 (Marketing Department)

Fax: (3472) 383-654.Telex: 214143 "ALBUS"Teletype: 162340 "Riza"

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F I R S T L I N E


AA022

Dear readers of MILITARY PARADE magazine:

The appearance of such a publication would have been impossible even a few years ago. In the former USSR a dense curtainof secrecy covered everything connected with military-technical matters. The changes which have taken place in recent years inthe world and in Russia have broken down the barriers. And this is undoubtedly a positive phenomenon, for openness in the mili-tary sphere strengthens trust and, conconsequently, international security.

It is no secret that in our country a considerable intellectual and scientific-technical potential is concentrated in the military-industrial sphere. The nation's most talented scientists, engineers and workers are employed in this sphere. It possesses a pow-erful production base which, in many areas, is on a par with Western counterparts. We intend to retain this potential, through con-version, diversification of production, redirecting it to primarily civilian produce.

This path, as experience shows, is not an easy one. Conversion requires immense capital investment. Yet Russia does not atpresent possess the necessary funds. This is why it would appear rational, while reducing the overall volume of defence produc-tion, to leave part of the capacity not only for manufacturing military produce for the needs of the Russian Armed Forces, but alsofor export to other countries.

I am fully aware that the armaments trade is a highly specific form of business and is often subject to criticism. But, firstly,other countries by no means show restraint in this sphere. Western companies have not been slow in moving into the markets whichRussia has left. Secondly, Russia possesses sufficiently competitive produce, which will find buyers, making it possible to earn thefunds for conversion and retain the highly qualified personnel in her industry turned onto peaceful rails.

All this, however, does not mean that we shall sell anything to anyone we like. In liberalizing the export of armaments, theRussian government intends to keep strict control over the geography of supplies and the nomenclature of systems and complex-es offered to foreign buyers.

I am confident that, by finding out from MILITARY PARADE magazine about the produce and possibilities of the Russian mili-tary-industrial complex, foreign readers will acquire new potential partners. So I greet this enterprise by the League of DefenceEnterprises and the Association of Investors in the conversion of Russia's defence complex, and also the American Zigzag VentureGroup company.

Victor Chernomyrdin

Chairman of the Council of Ministers - Government of the Russian Federation

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F I R S T L I N E


AA023

Yury AntipovChairman of the BoardDirector General MILITARY PARADE, Ltd.

THE publication of MILITARY PARADE maga-

zine is no ordinary event. First and foremost, it isconfirmation of the introduction of new informa-tion technologies into various spheres of our life.It is also a serious prerequisite for preserving thejobs and high creative potential of the defencecomplex.

Apart from its main task, reporting on theachievements and advertising the produce of themilitary-industrial complex, the magazine intendsto describe new technologies, publish sugges-tions for seeking partners for joint business pro-jects and interested investors.The participation of leading organizers anddesigners from the military-industrial complex inthe work of the MILITARY PARADE Military-Industrial Council is a guarantee of the high leveland authenticity of our material. The magazinewill pay due attention to the problems defenceenterprises are facing to produce high-quality,competitive consumer goods and services.Experts in the main branches of Russian weapon-ry industry will contribute to the magazine's suc-cess. Their skill and experience will eventuallypermit it to win a worthy place on the world mar-ket.The magazine's board hopes that the publicationof the first issue will bring about the readers'suggestions on its structure and content. We alsohope that companies wishing to cooperate withus will help set up an efficient distribution net-work for the magazine. We shall be happy tonegotiate with all those who realize the impor-tance of the support for scientific-technologicaland production potential of the military-industrialcomplex in Russia.We also invite arms specialists and producers inthe countries of the Commonwealth ofIndependent States to make use of the opportu-nities offered by our magazine to join our effortsfor promotion on world markets and restorationof broken lies.

Victor BondarenkoPresident MILITARY PARADE, Ltd.

IT will come as no surprise that the publication

of this magazine, like many other new ventures inRussia, caused a great deal of sweat and blood.But those are the rules. The difficulties have in noway dampened our enthusiasm, particularly asthe venture is undoubtedly a worthy one.

The real question is why such a publication wasnot launched earlier. After all, the defence com-plex of the USSR possessed enormous produc-tion and research potential that seemed to callfor a publication that would reflect its interest anddemonstrate its endless possibilities. Of course,the curtain of total secrecy ruled this out.However, in my mind, this explanation does notreflect the real reason why the information aboutthe military-industrial complex was kept "undercover". The continuous and constantly increasingstate orders for weaponry and military technolo-gy, which was financed by the people of thisimmense power, simply made the publication of amagazine like MILITARY PARADE unrealistic.There are many publications similar to MILITARYPARADE in the West that are highly recognizedand respected in this field. The desire of defenceexperts from Russia and other CIS countries toappear in publication is quite logical. Publicationsabout the military- industrial complex of the for-mer USSR appear quite often in specialized inter-national magazines. But we must not forget thatall these publications are very closely connectedwith Western arms manufacturers, whose inter-ests they reflect and protect, first and foremost.And it would be extremely naive to imagine thatthey will change their position in future. The"fashion for things Russian", like any fashion, isshort-lived. However, our magazine has as itslong-term objective, the task of highlighting (andI am not afraid to use this word) the achieve-ments of the Russian military-industrial complexand of supporting the scientists and producers inthis sphere. The magazine is registered and pub-lished in Russia. MILITARY PARADE will be themouthpiece of the military-industrial complex ofRussia and other CIS countries.The magazine's publisher, MILITARY PARADE,Ltd., will also publish booklets and referenceworks on military-technical and conversion sub-jects. We have made a start. Let's work together!

Eugene ShashkovEditor-in-Chief MILITARY PARADE magazine

IT must be confessed that the military-industri-

al complex of the former USSR has been given atough time by journalists. The fraternity of writershas not spared its critical arrows aimed at thedefence industry, depicting it as a "monster"devouring the nation's resources.

But time puts everything in its place. It has nowbeen realized that the "sins" of this complex werenot the cause, but the result of the system underwhich we lived, and of the harsh confrontation ofEast and West during the "Cold War" in the inter-national arena. Now the sifting of the wheat fromthe chaff is taking place.Speaking recently in Tula at a meeting of headsof administrations of regions and territories of theRussian Federation to discuss the situation in thedefence industry and conversion problems,President Boris Yeltsin stated that even under thepresent, extremely complicated conditions thecountry managed to preserve the powerfulresearch potential of the military-industrial com-plex, and that the proportion of allocations forresearch and design projects in the defence bud-get would be nearly doubled. He also announcedthat in the coming months the Government woulddraw up a five-year program setting out the mostimportant lines of activity for enterprises in themilitary-industrial complex, including those relat-ed to export of arms. Boris Yeltsin highlightedthat one of the major tasks is to become firmlyestablished on the world arms market.Enterprises must have the means to develop theirown production and conversion, for which theprocedure of distributing hard-currency earningsshould be changed.MILITARY PARADE magazine, the first Russianpublication of its kind, aims at promoting theundertakings in the country's defence, military-technical, conversion and foreign trade policywhich President of Russia outlined in his speech.As editor-in-chief, I should like to express myprofound gratitude to the Government of theRussian Federation, and the ministries, depart-ments, organizations and enterprises that haveassisted with the publication of our magazine.Russia's military-industrial complex is alive andactive for the good of our country and its people.We are with you and invite you to cooperate withus.

Military Parade 1

Documents

infra red channel

released defence capacities

smooth bore barrels

united arab emirates

appointed chief designer

central research institute

pro ductional organization

displaying high accuracy