In 1960, the P-15 anti-ship cruise missile was adopted by the Soviet Navy, which became the main strike weapon of the boats of several projects. Soon after, work began to improve such weapons, which led to the emergence of several new missiles and complexes. So, for the coastal missile forces and artillery, a mobile complex "Rubezh" was created, armed with the latest modification of the P-15 rocket.
By the early seventies, the coastal forces of the USSR Navy were armed with two mobile missile systems with anti-ship missiles. These were the Sopka systems with the S-2 missile and the Redut complex with the P-35B missile. The complex based on the C-2 projectile (a modified version of the KS-1 Kometa aircraft) was already considered obsolete. The newer "Redoubt" also did not fully suit the military. Due to the large size of the rocket on a self-propelled chassis, it was possible to place only one launcher without any additional equipment, which required the introduction of a separate control machine into the complex. In new projects of mobile missile systems, it was required to solve this problem and place both missiles with launching systems and a target search radar station, control equipment, etc. on a single chassis.
The development of a new rocket for a promising complex was considered inappropriate. The new system should have been built on the basis of one of the existing products of the latest models. Requirements for the placement of all elements of the missile system on one machine led to the need to use relatively light and small-sized missiles. The product P-15M "Termit", developed in the mid-sixties, met these requirements most fully.
Launch of the P-15M missile by the Rubezh complex. Photo Wikimedoa Commons
The new project of the coastal missile system received the symbol "Rubezh". Subsequently, the complex received the GRAU 4K51 index. The development of the system was entrusted to the Machine-Building Design Bureau (MKB) "Raduga", which was previously a branch of OKB-155. In addition, some related enterprises were involved in the work. In particular, the Moscow Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau was responsible for the development of the new launcher, and the Minsk Automobile Plant was supposed to provide the base chassis.
The main element of the promising Rubezh missile system was to be the existing P-15M cruise missile. This product was a deep modernization of the P-15 base rocket and differed from it in higher characteristics, which were achieved with the help of minor design modifications and changes in the composition of the equipment. In particular, with the help of these changes, it was possible to increase the maximum firing range from 40 to 80 km. Some other components of the project have also been redesigned.
The P-15M rocket had an elongated circular fuselage with an ogival head fairing and a tapered tail section. She received a mid-trapezoidal wing of a large sweep, equipped with a folding system. In the transport position, the wing consoles went down and thereby reduced the dimensions of the product. After leaving the launch container, the automation was supposed to open the wing and fix it in this position. In the tail section of the fuselage, the tail unit was located in the form of one keel and two stabilizers installed with a large negative V. The tail surfaces had a trapezoidal shape and a large sweep of the leading edge. The plumage was fixed rigidly and did not have the ability to fold.
For control during the flight, the P-15M rocket had to use a set of rudders placed on planes. On the wing, ailerons were provided for roll control, altitude control was carried out using rudders on the stabilizer, and there was a rudder on the keel. All available rudders allowed the rocket to maneuver, maintaining the required course or aiming at the target.
The power plant of the Termit rocket consisted of two main blocks. For the initial acceleration, exit from the launcher and climb, a solid-fuel SPRD-192 starting engine with a thrust of 29 tons was proposed. It was made in the form of a cylindrical block with a nozzle in the tail section and mountings for mounting on the rocket fuselage. After running out of fuel, the starting engine had to be reset. Further flight was carried out using a cruise power plant.
The P-15M had an S2.722 sustainer liquid-propellant rocket engine running on TG-02 fuel (samin) and an AK-20K oxidizer based on nitric acid. The engine had two modes of operation, accelerating and maintaining speed, intended for use at different stages of flight. The task of the engine was to accelerate the rocket to a speed of 320 m / s and maintain such flight parameters until it hit the target.
A P-15M rocket being loaded onto a missile boat. Photo Rbase.new-factoria.ru
The onboard missile control system included an APR-25 autopilot, a RV-MB radio altimeter, an inertial navigation system, and a seeker of one of two types. The basic modification of the rocket received an active radar seeker of the DS-M type. The second version of the weapon was equipped with a thermal seeker "Snegir-M". The control systems provided an independent missile exit to the target area, followed by the study of the water area and the search for a target for an attack. In the final section, they, using the seeker, provided the guidance of the missile to the target.
The P-15M rocket had a total length of 6, 65 m, a body with a diameter of 0, 76 m and a wing span (in flight position) of 2, 4 m. The launch weight of the rocket with an accelerator reached 2573 kg. In the central part of the fuselage there was a place for the installation of a HEAT warhead 4G51M weighing 513 kg or lighter special ammunition with a capacity of 15 kt.
Using a radar altimeter, the Termit rocket had to fly at altitudes of no more than 250 m, while the recommended altitudes were in the range of 50-100 m. The cruising speed on the cruising leg of the flight was 320 m / s. The fuel supply was enough for a flight at a distance of up to 80 km. The detection of a target of the "destroyer" type by a radar homing head was carried out at a range of up to 35-40 km. The characteristics of the thermal GOS were several times lower.
To use the existing missile, the coastal forces required a self-propelled launcher and a set of appropriate equipment. Through the efforts of several organizations involved in the Rubezh project, the 3P51 combat vehicle was created. When designing it, all the basic requirements for the promising complex were taken into account, regarding the set of equipment on the base chassis.
The MAZ-543 four-axle special chassis was chosen as the basis for the 3P51 self-propelled launcher. Such a machine, equipped with a 525 hp engine, had a carrying capacity of more than 20 tons and could be used as a basis for various military and auxiliary equipment. An important feature of the chosen chassis was the presence of a large cargo area to accommodate the necessary equipment, which was proposed to be used in the new project.
Schematic of a self-propelled launcher 3P51. Figure Shirokorad A. B. "Weapons of the Russian Navy"
Directly behind the cab of the base machine on the cargo area of the 3P51 machine, the operator's cab was located, made in the form of a KUNG-type van. Inside the cockpit, there were blocks of electronic equipment for searching for targets, processing data and controlling the missile. In addition, in the roof niche of the cab van, a place was provided for laying a lifting mast with an antenna for detection radar 3TS51 "Harpoon". In preparation for combat work, the mast had to occupy a vertical position and raise the antenna to a height of 7.3 m, ensuring the operation of the station. It should be noted that the cockpit equipment of the "Rubezh" complex was a slightly redesigned fire control equipment borrowed from the 205U missile boats. Probably, this particular feature of the project led to the fact that the concept of a self-propelled launcher with its own radar and control devices received the unofficial name "boat on wheels."
New KT-161 launchers have been developed specifically for the Rubezh missile system. They were pentagonal containers with sliding lids. Inside such a container, there were short "zero" rails for installing missiles. In addition, connectors were provided for connecting the on-board equipment of the rocket with the control devices of the launcher. The KT-161 container had a length of 7 m and a width of 1, 8 m. It was possible to reduce the diameter of the launcher thanks to the use of automatic wing deployment, which made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the rocket in the transport position.
In the rear of the base chassis, it was proposed to install a lifting and turning device with attachments for two KT-161 launch containers. In the stowed position, both containers were to be placed along the chassis, with the front cover back. In preparation for firing, the automatics ensured the rotation of the launcher at an angle of 110 ° to the right or left of the initial position and the lifting of the container by 20 ° with the subsequent opening of the covers. After that, a start command could follow.
The self-propelled launcher 3P51 is capable of carrying two P-15M missiles and a crew of six. The combat weight of such a vehicle slightly exceeds 40 tons. The length of the vehicle in the stowed position is 14.2 m, the width is no more than 3 m, the height is 4.05 m. Depending on the modification of the base chassis, the launcher is capable of reaching speeds of up to 60-65 on the highway. km / h. The power reserve reaches 630 km. After arriving at the combat position, the crew of the vehicle must carry out work on the deployment of the complex, which takes no more than 5 minutes.
In addition to the self-propelled launcher, the "Rubezh" complex included a transport vehicle designed for the delivery of missiles and maintenance of other systems. Cranes on a truck chassis must be used to transfer missiles from a transport vehicle to a launcher. If it was necessary to control relatively large water areas with the "Rubezh" complex, additional surveillance radars of various types could work, complementing the existing 3TS51 "Harpoon" system.
The launcher is in a firing position (there are no missiles). Photo Wikimedia Commons
The composition of the equipment of the 3P51 machine ensured the execution of all basic operations solely by means of calculation without the need to attract third-party funds and complexes. Having moved into position and deployed the complex, the calculation had to use the "Harpoon" radar to track the covered water area. When a potentially dangerous object was detected, state identification equipment should be used and a decision should be made to carry out an attack. It was also possible to use third-party target designation.
With the help of the Harpoon radar and the available fire control devices, the operators of the complex had to calculate the flight program for the autopilot and enter it into the rocket's memory. Then it was necessary to give the command to launch one or both of the missiles placed on the launcher. At the same time, it was proposed to use a missile, the homing head of which most corresponded to the current tactical situation and could provide effective target destruction.
Having received the command to start, the P-15M rocket was supposed to include the starting and sustainer engines. The task of the launch was the initial acceleration of the product with the withdrawal from the launcher and ascent to a low altitude. After that, he separated, and the flight continued with the help of the main engine. The starting section of the flight should have been carried out in the accelerating mode of the main engine, and after reaching a speed of 320 m / s, the rocket switched to the mode of maintaining speed.
The first half of the flight, up to a pre-calculated point, was carried out using an autopilot and an inertial navigation system. After reaching the target area, the rocket was supposed to include a homing head and search for a target. At the same time, an active radar seeker of the DS-M type could find targets of the "destroyer" type at distances of up to 35-40 km, and the infrared "Snegir-M" coped with this task only at a distance of 10-12 km. The final leg of the flight followed the commands of the seeker. On the entire route, the rocket was supposed to use a radio altimeter, with the help of which the flight altitude set by the operator was maintained. Low-altitude flight made it possible to increase the likelihood of a successful breakthrough of the enemy's defense.
To increase the effectiveness of the attack, the autopilot of the rocket at a certain distance from the target had to perform a "slide" in order to hit the enemy ship from above. With such a hit, the cumulative high-explosive warhead was supposed to inflict the maximum possible damage. To significantly increase the impact on the target and objects at a certain distance from it, it was proposed to use a special warhead with a capacity of 15 kt.
Loading the rocket into the launcher. Photo Warships.ru
The preliminary design of the 4K51 "Rubezh" complex was prepared by the end of 1970. The following year, he was defended, which made it possible to begin the development of design documentation. By the middle of the decade, a new type of coastal missile system was ready for testing. In 1974, the 1267th separate coastal missile division was formed specifically for test firing as part of the Black Sea Fleet. Soon, the personnel of the compound began to master the new material part and prepare to participate in the tests.
At the end of 1974 (according to other sources, at the beginning of 1975), the first tests of the "Rubezh" complex with drop missile launches took place at one of the training grounds of the Black Sea Fleet. After four such tests, full-fledged checks began with the launch of serial P-15M missiles. Until 1977, 19 test launches were carried out, some of which ended in the successful defeat of training targets. Based on the test results, the new coastal complex was recommended for adoption.
On October 22, 1978, the Council of Ministers of the USSR decided to adopt the Rubezh complex into service with coastal missile forces and naval artillery. By this time, the industry was ready to start mass production of new systems and supply them to the customer. Soon thereafter, the troops began to develop new complexes.
The optimal composition of the formations armed with the "Rubezh" was determined as follows. Four launchers with transport vehicles and truck cranes were combined into a rocket battery. Batteries, depending on tactical necessity, could be reduced to battalions and regiments. An important feature of the new complex, which greatly facilitated its operation, was the full autonomy of the 3P51 combat vehicles. The same chassis housed detection equipment, a control cabin, and cruise missiles. Thanks to this, self-propelled launchers could solve the assigned tasks on their own, without the need for additional detection means. Nevertheless, the reinforcement of the batteries with additional radars was not ruled out.
To increase the combat effectiveness of coastal complexes, it was proposed to form ammunition from missiles with different guidance systems. One of the missiles loaded into the launcher was supposed to have an active radar seeker, the second - a thermal one. Thanks to this, the calculation was able to choose the most effective means of hitting the target found, or to increase the likelihood of hitting it by simultaneously launching missiles with different guidance methods, including when the enemy uses jamming.
In the early eighties, the Rubezh complex was modernized, which resulted in the appearance of the 3P51M self-propelled launcher. Its main difference from the base 3P51 was the chassis of the new model. This time, the MAZ-543M four-axle chassis was used, which differed from the previous vehicle in its increased characteristics. Other elements of the missile system were left without major innovations, which made it possible to maintain their characteristics at the same level.
Launcher 3P51 in firing position: the radar antenna is raised, the missile container is open. Photo Rbase.new-factoria.ru
Coastal missile systems "Rubezh" of both modifications were supplied to all fleets of the USSR Navy. In total, several dozen launchers and a significant number of missiles for them were built and delivered. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the available complexes were divided between the coastal forces of Russia and Ukraine. The systems of the Baltic Fleet were not divided between the newly formed states, since they were brought to Russian territory on time. According to available data, the Russian fleet currently has at least 16 3P51 vehicles, which are operated by four separate missile units in all fleets.
It is known that the Rubezh complex was initially considered as a potential product for sale to friendly countries. After completing the main deliveries in the interests of its own fleet, Soviet industry began the production of export complexes. These systems were sent to friendly states in the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. Among others, similar equipment was ordered by the GDR, Romania, Algeria, Syria, Yemen, Libya, etc. In some countries, Soviet-made "Frontiers" have already been removed from service, while in others they are still in use.
The long-term operation of such systems can be hampered by the lack of the necessary cruise missiles. The assembly of P-15M products continued until 1989, after which they were discontinued in favor of newer and more advanced missiles. Thus, at present, all operators of the Rubezh complexes and other systems using missiles of the P-15 family are gradually consuming the last similar products, which, moreover, are nearing the end of their storage periods.
The coastal missile system "Rubezh" had both pluses and minuses. The positive features of this system are visible when comparing it with its predecessors. So, from the complexes "Sopka" and "Redut" the new "Rubezh" differed in a significantly smaller amount of funds: it consisted only of a launching installation and several auxiliary vehicles. Also a big plus was the use of a launcher with two containers, which gave corresponding advantages over existing systems.
Naturally, there were some drawbacks. One of the main ones is the relatively short firing range. According to this parameter, the P-15M rocket, which appeared in the mid-sixties, was noticeably inferior to the newer systems that were put into service simultaneously with the Rubezh complex. In addition, over time, certain problems appeared with resistance to interference used by the enemy. Despite the high characteristics at the time of its appearance, the Termit rocket has become obsolete over several decades of operation and has lost all its advantages.
Coastal missile systems 4K51 "Rubezh" are still in service with several countries. These systems are used to protect maritime borders and can still perform assigned combat missions. Nevertheless, their characteristics no longer fully meet the requirements of the time, the material part is aging physically, and the number of missiles suitable for use is constantly decreasing. In the foreseeable future, such complexes can be decommissioned and finally replaced with newer analogs. However, over several decades of service, the "Rubezh" complexes have become an important element of coastal defense and deservedly take their place in the history of domestic missile weapons.
