Over the past several years, the Russian industry has been developing the promising S-500 Prometey anti-aircraft missile system. So far, not too much is known about him, and the bulk of the data is generally not subject to disclosure. Nevertheless, there were regular reports about the S-500, with the help of which you can draw a certain picture.
Timing issue
According to various sources, the first research work on the further development of air defense systems for object air defense began in the middle of the last decade. By the beginning of the tenth years, the enterprises from the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern were ready to start development work. The next few years were spent on design.
In 2013, officials talked about the start of testing individual components of the air defense system. At that time, it was planned that the S-500 will enter service with the Russian army at the beginning of the second half of the decade. Later, the terms were revised with a shift to the right. Now the messages featured the beginning of the service of the complexes in the twenties.
In 2017, officials repeatedly touched upon the S-500 topic. Then it was mentioned that a prototype of the complex would be built by 2020. After that, it is expected to be put into service. Already in 2017, it was reported about the start of the preparation of calculations, which will have to work with new complexes.
At the end of June, the management of Rostec announced the start of production of Prometheus. The first batches of such products will be supplied to the Russian army. In the future, it is possible to bring the complex to the international market.
In early October, the media reported on tests of individual components of the S-500 in Syria. However, the Ministry of Defense soon denied this information. The S-500 was not tested at the Syrian bases due to the lack of the need for such checks.
Thus, from open reports it follows that in 2020 the first full S-500 complex will be tested. After all the necessary procedures have been completed, the delivery of serial equipment to the troops is expected. The real results of such rearmament will fully manifest themselves by the middle of the next decade.
Characteristics question
In the context of the characteristics and combat capabilities of the S-500 complex, various opinions, forecasts and assessments are expressed. In addition, various indexes and other data appeared in the open press. Some of the available information allows one to draw a rough picture, while others do not fit well or even contradict each other. Nevertheless, the general capabilities and approximate tactical and technical characteristics of the air defense system are already clear.
It is believed that the S-500 air defense system from the point of view of ideology will be a development of the existing S-400. It will become a versatile vehicle capable of intercepting aerodynamic and ballistic targets over a wide range of ranges and altitudes. Probably, in terms of the main tabular characteristics, the Prometheus will surpass the S-400, but what the difference in parameters will be is unclear.
The S-500 will have to include several radars for different purposes, a command post and launchers with several types of missiles. The complex can be made mobile - all of its facilities will be built on a wheeled chassis of high cross-country ability. It is possible to introduce new solutions aimed at increasing the speed of deployment. The air defense missile system must prepare for work as soon as possible after arriving at the position.
As in the existing anti-aircraft systems, the destruction of targets of different types at different ranges should be carried out using specialized missiles with optimal characteristics. The complex will be able to simultaneously attack and hit several targets, but the number of target channels has not yet been named.
The range of the complex (probably for aerodynamic purposes) can reach 500-600 km. Thus, the S-500 will complement the existing S-400 with lower performance. Altitude for aerodynamic targets - up to 30-35 km, i.e. in all flight ranges of modern and advanced aviation. Together with other air defense systems, the newest S-500 will be able to create an echeloned air defense system capable of detecting and hitting any aircraft and aircraft weapons long before approaching the covered objects.
Like its predecessors, "Prometheus" must hit the warheads of ballistic missiles. Earlier, some reports mentioned the possibility of hitting a ballistic target at a speed of up to 7 km / s, which is equivalent to an intercontinental missile warhead. The firing range for such targets, according to various estimates, can reach 500-600 km. Target height - up to 200 km. More conservative estimates are also known, according to which the S-500 will be able to fight only with medium-range missiles.
Messages about the outstanding altitude of the new missiles provoke the emergence of bold assumptions. Foreign media have expressed concerns about the possibility of using the S-500 as an anti-satellite weapon. If such assumptions are true, the Russian army will have a unique means of defense at its disposal.
Initially, the S-500 is created as a land-based anti-aircraft complex on a car chassis. Several years ago, there were suggestions about the possible development of a naval version of this air defense system. Any details of a technical nature remain unknown. Perhaps the ship-based Prometheus will become a modern replacement for the older S-300F, designed for new-built ships.
Potential issue
The promising S-500 Prometey air defense system will have to become one of the elements of the country's overall air defense system, complementing the existing S-400 complexes and the S-300P family. The joint operation of several air defense systems with different characteristics and capabilities will create an advanced echeloned air defense system capable of intercepting various targets at long ranges and altitudes with a high probability.
It should be noted that the existing Russian air defense facility already has such capabilities. The introduction of the S-500 air defense system will expand them by increasing the range and height of detection and destruction of targets. In addition, the range of targets hit will increase - an effective fight against medium and short-range ballistic missiles, hypersonic aircraft, etc. is expected. It is also possible to combat spacecraft in low orbits.
In light of the minimal official data and many rumors, the Prometheus air defense missile system looks extremely interesting. It seems that the Russian industry has managed to create a unique anti-aircraft complex with the broadest capabilities. It is able to provide protection of the covered area from a wide range of threats, and it combines the qualities of several systems of different classes. We are talking, at least, about air and missile defense. Some estimates and rumors also allow us to speak about the presence of anti-space capabilities.
In the current military-political situation in the world, there are serious risks associated with strike aircraft, ASP and ballistic missiles of third countries. The existing air defense system of Russia is able to deal with the bulk of such threats, but some of them remain dangerous. The appearance of "Prometheus", most likely, will reduce such risks and protect the country from a possible attack.
At the same time, the high expected characteristics of the new Russian S-500 air defense system should be a cause for concern for foreign creators of weapons and equipment. The emergence and widespread introduction of the S-500 can significantly reduce the potential of their development - and, it seems, this affects not only the aviation and missile industries, but also the space industry.
Information question
For obvious reasons, the bulk of information on the S-500 Prometheus is still classified and not subject to disclosure. Officials disclose only a few details and do not do it too often. As a result, the press and the expert community are forced to make predictions and try to guess the real potential of the new development.
Such forecasts are often overly audacious and may not reflect the actual state of affairs, which remains unknown. However, in the near future - in connection with the appearance of real technology - we should expect the publication of new data. Official information about the S-500 may be less daring than some forecasts, but at the same time surpass other estimates. However, it is obvious that in any case, the real data on "Prometheus" will arouse great interest from specialists and the public, and will also become a new reason for pride in domestic scientists and designers.
