On June 24, along with other samples, a column of modern and advanced air defense weapons marched along Red Square along with other samples. One of the novelties, first demonstrated at the Victory Parade, this year was the Pantsir-SM anti-aircraft missile-gun system. Previously, this type of equipment was demonstrated only in the conditions of the exhibition, and since the previous show, the configuration of the air defense missile system has changed significantly.
Deep modernization
The basic ZRPK "Pantsir-S1" was put into service at the end of the 2000s, and almost immediately began work on its deep modernization. The result of this in a few years was the emergence of the Pantsir-SM project. The completion of the design was reported back in 2016. In the near future, the start of tests was expected, after which the new equipment could enter service. In addition, the public was waiting to be shown a promising model.
At that time, the finished ZRPK "Pantsir-SM" was shown only in closed expositions. The open "premiere" took place at the Army-2019 forum. The complex stood in an open area in a "deployed" position, imitating combat work. Also, some characteristics were revealed - mainly defining superiority over the original "Shell".
After the "Army-2019" tests continued. The new show took place on June 24, 2020 during the parade on Red Square. The air defense column included two Pantsir-SM, as well as other vehicles of this family. It is curious that the modernized air defense missile systems were demonstrated in a new configuration - their armament composition was different from that shown earlier.
Replacing components
Back in 2016, the main features of the modernization project were announced. As part of the ROC "Pantsir-SM" it was proposed to replace a number of components of the air defense missile system to obtain an increase in tactical and technical characteristics. As it became known later, almost all the key components of the complex were replaced - from the chassis to the anti-aircraft guided missile.
Pantsir-SM is being built on the new four-axle chassis K-53958 "Tornado" developed by the Kama Automobile Plant. The machine is equipped with a 450 hp diesel engine, an automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive chassis. Carrying capacity - 22 tons, maximum speed - 90 km / h. The anti-aircraft complex uses a chassis with an armored cabin. The three-seater capsule accommodates the crew's workplaces and protects it from rifle bullets and shrapnel. Measures are provided to protect the crew and units from explosive devices.
Anti-aircraft complex units are mounted on the vehicle frame. In general, their architecture has remained the same, but some have changed contours. In particular, the aft casing was reduced, which is why the base of the rotary weapon module remained open. The module itself has also been changed taking into account the use of new devices and nodes. Unlike its predecessor, there are no jacks, and the combat vehicle works directly on wheels.
In the aft part of the weapons module, the antenna of the target detection radar station is preserved. In the stowed position, it folds, in the combat position - it goes into a vertical position. Pantsir-SM uses a new detection radar with improved performance. The declared detection range is up to 75 km. It differs from the previous product in shape and layout. So, on the original "Pantsir-C1" radar 1PC1-1E was used with a two-sided antenna; there is only one blade on the new modification.
The 1PC2-E tracking and guidance radar, located in the frontal part of the weapons module, between the guns, was also replaced. The station with a phased array is used again, but its characteristics are increased. With its help, "Pantsir-SM" can work on targets at ranges up to 40 km and altitudes up to 15 km. Externally, the new antenna can be distinguished by its rectangular shape.
An optoelectronic station is still used to track targets and control fire. In this case, it is possible to replace components in order to improve the main characteristics. The viewing range of the new ECO is unknown.
During the modernization, Pantsir-SM retained a pair of 2A38M double-barreled 30-mm automatic cannons. They give a total rate of fire of up to 5 thousand rds / min. and are capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 4 km.
Saved two launchers for missiles, and in the field of missile weapons there are the most interesting innovations. Apparently, "Pantsir-SM" retains compatibility with short-range missiles (up to 20 km) 57E6E. A new missile defense system with a firing range of up to 40 km has also been developed. Other characteristics, design features and even the index of such a rocket are unknown. As before, the complex can carry up to 12 missiles in the TPK.
At the parade, air defense missile systems with an incomplete ammunition load of "large" missiles were demonstrated - on two installations there were only five such products. In the upper outer position, two new TPKs were installed with four small-sized missiles each. Such containers contain a promising compact missile defense system designed to destroy small targets at ranges of up to 20 km. Previously, such a weapon was reported, but the open display took place only now.
Superiority factors
It is obvious that the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system has significant advantages over the basic Pantsir-S1. They are provided with more efficient electronics and new weapons. In addition, due to these improvements, the updated complex will be able to more easily and cheaper to solve combat missions characteristic of recent conflicts.
An obvious advantage is an increase in the detection range and destruction of targets by a "large" missile. Pantsir-SM remains in the class of short-range anti-aircraft systems, but its area of responsibility is significantly increasing. It will be much more difficult to break through object air defense using such an air defense missile system. In case of a breakthrough, the complex retains cannons capable of "completing" targets at minimum distances.
The conflicts of recent years have been characterized by the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles, incl. massive. The defeat of such targets with a "large" rocket is impractical, and the cannon has a limited range. For this reason, a new missile of reduced dimensions and cost has been developed for "Pantsir-SM". The presence of eight (or more) "small" missiles will allow the complex to reflect attacks with greater efficiency and at a reasonable cost. At the same time, the new "small" rocket in terms of basic flight data is similar to the old "big" 57E6E.
The importance and necessity of such weapons is confirmed by the events of recent years. Terrorists have repeatedly tried to attack Khmeimim using light UAVs with a combat load. The Russian Pantsiri-C1 intercepted almost all such targets, despite the complexity of this process. It is obvious that Pantsir-SM will also cope with such tasks, and at a lower cost.
From parade to service
At last year's exhibition, only one ZRPK "Pantsir-SM" was shown. Two cars took part in the recent parade. So far, we are talking only about prototypes or pre-production copies. The work on the project continues, but will be completed in the very near future.
About a year ago, the Ministry of Defense announced that work on the new project would continue until 2021. Other details are not yet available, but it can be assumed that soon after the end of the R&D, a contract for serial equipment will appear, and then ready-made samples will begin to enter the troops and supplement the existing ones.
Thus, the Pantsir family of interspecific anti-aircraft missile-gun systems continues to develop, and this process is yielding new positive results. Several land-based variants of the complex on different chassis have been developed and put into production - for export and for special conditions. A ship version has been created for the fleet.
At the same time, only the adaptation of the same units for different carriers has been carried out, without more serious changes. Now, a deep modernization is being carried out, aimed at improving the main characteristics and mastering new functions. In the coming years, the army will receive such equipment and begin to master it, with understandable positive consequences for defense.
