In the seventies, the development of remote mining rockets for multiple launch rocket systems began in our country. Over time, missiles of this kind entered the range of ammunition for all domestic MLRS. So, for use with combat vehicles 9K57 "Uragan" created three versions of 220-mm shells for remote mining with a different payload.
On the basis of cassette
From the very beginning, a 220-mm 9M27K rocket equipped with a 9N128K cluster warhead was proposed for the Uragan MLRS. Such ammunition carried 30 fragmentation warheads. Later, on its basis, a 9M27K1 rocket was developed with a 9N516 warhead, equipped with new submunitions. Further development of cluster shells for the "Hurricane" led to the emergence of remote mining missiles.
The first samples of this kind were created by the beginning of the eighties. Over the next few years, three shells with different "content" and different purpose went into the series. At the same time, the design and main characteristics of the new products differed minimally.
By their design, mining shells are minimally different from other ammunition for the "Hurricane". In fact, we are talking about installing a new warhead on an existing body with a rocket engine. The spacer tube responsible for triggering the warhead was also borrowed from existing missiles.
Projectile 9M27K2 "Incubator"
In 1980, the 9M27K2 rocket, equipped with a 9N128K2 cluster warhead and a TM-120 tube, entered service with the Soviet army. The length of such a projectile is less than 5, 18 m, the starting weight is 270 kg. The payload warhead weighs 89.5 kg. In terms of its firing range, the Incubator did not differ from other Hurricane shells and made it possible to deliver mines to a range of 10 to 35 km.
The payload of the 9M27K2 product is 24 PTM-1 anti-tank mines. The mines were placed in three tiers of eight in each. The mines were held in place by casings and diaphragms. The release of ammunition from the hull was carried out by a pyro cartridge and an oncoming air stream.
The PTM-1 anti-tank mine has a length of 337 mm and is made in a body close to a triangular cross-section. Weight - 1.6 kg, including 1.1 kg of explosive. The mine is equipped with an MVDM type fuse with a liquid target sensor. The detonation is carried out with pressure on the body of the mine with an effort of at least 120 kg. Undermining the main charge damages the running gear of the hitting car. The fuse is on a combat platoon within 1-2 minutes after being ejected from the rocket; the self-liquidator is triggered after 3 hours of being on the ground.
When firing a full salvo of 16 shells at the maximum range, one MLRS "Uragan" sows mines in an area of 900x900 m - 81 hectares. 384 mines are thrown onto it, due to which a field of sufficient density is created. With a minimum firing range, the size of the site is reduced to 400x600 m (24 ha), while the density of mining increases.
Projectile 9M27K3 "Incubator"
In the same period, the 9M27K3 rocket was created and adopted, designed to counter enemy infantry. It was equipped with a 9N128K3 head with a TM-120 tube. In terms of its dimensions and weight, the rocket is similar to another version of the "Incubator". The head parts of the two types also do not differ in size and weight.
Inside the 9N128K3 head part, 12 KPFM-1M cassettes are placed in three tiers longitudinally; there is an expelling charge next to them. Each cassette contains 26 PFM-1S antipersonnel mines. In total, the rocket carries 312 minutes. On the descending part of the trajectory, the projectile must drop the cassettes, after which they open up and scatter their contents over the terrain.
Mine PFM-1S is the simplest anti-personnel ammunition of the minimum size. The diameter of the product does not exceed 120 mm, its weight is only 80 g. 40 g of explosive are placed inside a light plastic case. The push action fuse is on a combat platoon within 1-10 minutes after the release. A self-liquidator is provided, which is triggered 1-40 hours after the platoon.
When firing at the maximum range in a salvo of 16 9M27K3 shells, the mines are scattered along an ellipse with an area of up to 150 hectares. The average distance between individual mines does not exceed 10 m. Several volleys may be needed to create a denser minefield.
Projectile 9М59 "Nebula"
In 1989, the 9M59 rocket, designed for anti-tank mining of the terrain, was adopted. The main element of this product is a 9N524 type cassette warhead, connected to a standard missile unit and a standard tube. Despite the change in the payload, the dimensions of the rocket assembly and basic flight characteristics remained the same.
Inside the 9N524 product, nine PTM-3 anti-tank mines are placed - in three tiers of three units each. The mines are dropped by a squib and carried out on the descending part of the trajectory.
The PTM-3 product is made in the form of an oblong box-shaped device 330 mm long and weighing 4.9 kg. A rectangular charge weighing 1.8 kg is used, the side surfaces of which, together with the punches of the body, form cumulative recesses. Undermining is performed by a VT-06 magnetic fuse and is designed to hit the track or the bottom of the target. The transition to the firing position takes 1 minute, the operating time is no more than 24 hours.
16 shells "Nebula" deliver 144 PTM-3 mines to a given area. The area of their fall has an area of up to 250 hectares. The average distance between adjacent fallen mines is approx. 50 m. Thus, it may be necessary for several salvos to create a minefield of sufficient density.
Advantages and disadvantages
Mining rockets for the Uragan MLRS were created taking into account the experience of creating and testing similar weapons for the Grad systems. 122-mm shells confirmed the fundamental possibility of creating and using mining rockets, but showed insufficient performance. The payload of the 122mm missiles was lower than desired due to hull size and launch weight limitations.
The 220 mm projectile has a larger internal volume available to accommodate payloads such as anti-tank or anti-personnel mines. These opportunities were also used due to the increased carrying capacity of the rocket. As a result, three types of 220-mm mining projectiles with increased efficiency were created. However, such shells for the "Hurricane" are inferior in basic parameters to the 300-mm ammunition of the MLRS "Smerch".
Due to the shells of remote mining MLRS "Uragan" acquires an additional function and can help engineering units in the organization of mine-explosive obstacles. At the same time, the installation of mines in the injection is carried out at a great distance, which can be useful in some situations.
At the same time, logistical or organizational difficulties are possible. Placing mines requires the supply of appropriate ammunition in addition to other rockets. The organization of mining may not always be appropriate. If the enemy is within the reach of the Hurricanes, high-explosive charges or fragmentation submunitions can be much more useful than mines.
Nevertheless, the rockets for the "Hurricane" mining entered service and went to the arsenals. Similar products were also created for the Smerch MLRS. Thanks to these developments, the Soviet and Russian armies received new opportunities in the field of mining, providing themselves with certain advantages over a potential enemy.
