Since the beginning of the fifties, our country has been developing several tactical missile systems capable of using weapons with special warheads. Within the framework of the first projects, certain successes were achieved, but it was necessary to continue the development of existing systems in order to improve their main characteristics. By the end of the fifties, one of the main results of the work was the appearance of the 2K6 "Luna" complex.
Preliminary work on a promising missile system with improved characteristics began in 1953. The new project was carried out by specialists from NII-1 (now the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering) under the leadership of N. P. Mazurov, who already had some experience in creating tactical missile systems. In a promising project, it was planned to use the existing experience, as well as some new ideas. With their help, it was supposed to increase the main characteristics, primarily the firing range. In parallel with NII-1, the creators of nuclear weapons studied new problems. Their research showed that at the current level of technology, it is possible to create a tactical nuclear warhead that will fit into a missile body with a diameter of no more than 415 mm.
In 1956, in accordance with the decree of the Council of the Minister of the USSR, a full-fledged development of a new project began. The promising missile system was designated 2K6 Luna. In the very near future, it was required to design a new system, and then submit prototypes of various components of the complex. Thanks to the extensive use of existing products and existing experience, the project was developed and protected by May 1957.
Complex 2K6 "Moon" in the army. Photo Russianarms.ru
As part of a promising missile system, it was proposed to use a set of various products and components. The main vehicle of the Luna complex was to be the S-125A Pion self-propelled launcher. Later she received the additional designation 2P16. The use of the S-124A self-propelled loader was also proposed. These two vehicles were to be built on the basis of the tracked chassis of the PT-76 light amphibious tank and differ in the composition of special equipment. Also, together with tracked armored vehicles, several types of wheeled vehicles were to be operated: transporters, cranes, etc.
The development of a self-propelled launcher and a transport-loading vehicle was entrusted to TsNII-58. As a basis for this technique, it was proposed to use the chassis of the PT-76 tank. It was a tracked armored vehicle with light anti-bullet and anti-fragmentation armor, built according to the classic layout. In connection with the tactical role of the base tank, the chassis was equipped not only with a tracked propeller, but also with aft water cannons for moving through the water. During the restructuring for new projects, the chassis was supposed to receive a set of necessary units.
The aft compartment of the chassis housed a V-6 diesel engine with a capacity of 240 hp. With the help of a mechanical transmission, the torque could be transmitted to the drive wheels of the tracks or to the water jet propellers. The chassis included six road wheels on each side. An individual torsion bar suspension was used. The power plant and chassis allowed the amphibious tank to reach speeds of up to 44 km / h on land and up to 10 km / h on water. In the role of a self-propelled launcher, the tracked chassis was slightly less mobile, which was associated with the need to reduce the negative impacts on the rocket being transported.
Scheme of the 2P16 launcher. Figure Shirokorad A. B. "Domestic mortars and rocket artillery"
During the conversion according to the new project, the existing chassis was deprived of the original fighting compartment, in the place of which some new units were placed, including the seats of some crew members. The 2P16 launcher could carry a crew of five people who operated it. The bulk of the new units were mounted on the roof and aft hull sheet. So, on the inclined frontal sheet were hinged mountings for the support device of the launcher, and at the stern there were jacks to hold the machine in the desired position during firing.
The design of the C-125A launcher was based on ideas previously used in the 2K1 Mars project. A turntable was placed on the chase of the roof, reaching the aft part of the hull. In the aft part there were supports for the hinged installation of the launch guide, and in the front there were vertical guidance drives. The launcher drives allowed guidance within a horizontal sector with a width of 10 °. The maximum elevation angle was 60 °.
A swinging guide for the rocket was installed on the turntable. It was made in the form of a main beam with a length of 7, 71 m, connected with additional side restraints. To connect the three beams of the launch rail, parts of a complex shape were used, with the help of which the free passage of the rocket stabilizers was ensured. A similar design of the guide, as in the case of the Mars complex, gave the launcher a characteristic appearance.
Launcher with a rocket. Photo Defendingrussia.ru
The 2P16 self-propelled launcher was supposed to have a combat weight within 18 tons. Later, thanks to some modifications, this parameter was repeatedly changed downward. An armored vehicle without a rocket weighed no more than 15.08 tons. The artillery unit and ammunition, depending on its modification, had no more than 5.55 tons of vehicle weight. With a 240-horsepower engine, the launcher could reach speeds of up to 40 km / h on the highway. At the same time, the transportation of the rocket was allowed. To avoid damage to the rocket, the speed on rough terrain should not exceed 16-18 km / h.
The C-124A charging vehicle, instead of a launcher, was supposed to receive funds for transporting two missiles of the "Luna" complex and a crane for reloading them onto the launcher. Maximum unification on the chassis made it possible to operate simultaneously armored vehicles of two types for different purposes without any problems. In addition, the joint work of the TZM and the launcher was supposed to ensure the combat use of missile weapons.
For use by the 2K6 "Luna" complex, two types of unguided ballistic missiles were developed - 3R9 and 3R10. They had the maximum possible unification, differing in the type of combat units and, as a result, in their purpose. Both missiles had a cylindrical body with a diameter of 415 mm, inside which a two-chamber solid-propellant engine of the 3Zh6 type was placed. As in previous projects, the engine had two separate chambers placed one after the other inside the housing. The head chamber of the engine received a set of nozzles located with an inclination and diverting gases to the sides of the body, as well as untwisting the rocket, and the tail chamber had a traditional nozzle apparatus giving a thrust vector parallel to the axis of the product. Two chambers were loaded with solid propellant charges with a total weight of 840 kg. Such a supply of fuel was enough for 4, 3 from work.
Launcher and transport-loading vehicle. Photo Militaryrussia.ru
On the rear of the hull were placed four trapezoidal stabilizers. To maintain the rotation of the rocket in flight, the stabilizers were installed at an angle and could spin the product under the pressure of the incoming flow. The span of the stabilizer is 1 m.
The 3P9 missile received a high-explosive caliber warhead. An explosive charge was placed inside the case with a diameter of 410 mm with a conical nose fairing. The total weight of such a warhead was 358 kg. The length of the 3P9 product was 9.1 m, the starting weight was 2175 kg. A missile with a high-explosive warhead, distinguished by a relatively low weight, had a high maximum speed, which had a positive effect on the firing range. With the help of the 3P9 rocket, it was possible to hit targets at ranges from 12 to 44.5 km. The circular probable deviation reached 2 km.
For the 3R10 missile, a special 3N14 warhead was developed with a 901A4 charge created in KB-11. Due to the restrictions imposed by a nuclear warhead, the warhead had an increased maximum diameter and a different shape. In a body with a conical fairing and a tail in the form of a truncated cone, having a maximum diameter of 540 mm, a 10 kt warhead was placed. The mass of the 3H14 product was 503 kg. Due to the large over-caliber warhead, the length of the 3P10 rocket reached 10.6 m, the launch weight was 2.29 tons. For use with a missile equipped with a special warhead, a special electrically heated cover was developed to maintain the required storage conditions for the warhead.
Installation of a rocket using a truck crane. Photo Militaryrussia.ru
The increase in mass in comparison with a non-nuclear product negatively affected the main characteristics. On the 2 km long active section, the 3R10 rocket picked up speed, allowing it to hit targets at ranges of no more than 32 km. The minimum firing range was 10 km. The accuracy parameters of both missiles were similar, but in the case of the nuclear 3P10, the high CEP was partially offset by the increased power of the warhead.
The missiles did not have control systems, which is why their targeting was carried out using a launcher. Due to the impossibility of changing the parameters of the engine, the firing range was regulated by the elevation angle of the guide. It took no more than 7 minutes to deploy the launcher after arriving at the firing position.
To ensure the combat operation of tactical missile systems 2K6 "Luna", a mobile repair and technical base PRTB-1 "Step" was developed. This base included several vehicles with various equipment that could carry missiles and warheads, as well as carry out their assembly in the field. The development of the Steppe project began in SKB-211 at the Barrikady plant in the spring of 1958. The following year, the project reached the prototype stage. Initially, the "Step" complex was proposed for use with the 2K1 "Mars" missile system, but the limited release of the latter led to the fact that the mobile base began to work with "Luna" missiles.
Missile transporter 2U663U. Figure Shirokorad A. B. "Domestic mortars and rocket artillery"
In the spring of 1957, the development of the main elements of a promising missile system was completed. In May, the Council of Ministers issued a decree on the construction of experimental equipment and its subsequent tests. The following year, several enterprises involved in the Luna project presented new products of various types for testing. In 58, tests of new missiles and field tests of the latest technology began. The main checks were carried out at the Kapustin Yar test site.
In the fall of 1958, the composition of the equipment that is part of the missile system was revised. During a visit to the landfill, the first persons of the state received an order to refuse further work on the transport-loading machine. High-ranking officials considered this sample redundant and leading to an unacceptable rise in the cost of the complex. In the spring of the 59th, a technical assignment appeared for the development of a 2U663 transport vehicle. It was a ZIL-157V tractor with a semi-trailer equipped with mounts for transporting two 3P9 or 3P10 missiles. The 8T137L semi-trailer was also created, which did not pass the tests due to insufficient strength. In the early sixties, an improved version of the transporter appeared with the designation 2U663U.
In accordance with the new instructions, the maintenance of the launchers was planned to be carried out using auxiliary equipment based on wheeled trucks. It was proposed to bring the missiles to the position for reloading using semi-trailers, transporters, and the reloading was to be carried out by a truck crane. With some problems and disadvantages, this approach to the operation of the missile system made it possible to save on the production of full-fledged TPM on a tracked chassis.
Mobile missile-technical base PRTB-1 "Step" at work. Photo Militaryrussia.ru
In the late fifties, an attempt was made to develop new self-propelled launchers based on existing wheeled chassis. So, in the Br-226 project, it was proposed to mount the launcher on a four-axle ZIL-134 amphibious vehicle or on a similar ZIL-135 chassis. Both versions of the launcher, designated 2P21, were of some interest, but did not leave the testing stage. They appeared too late for the customer to consider them an acceptable replacement for the original tracked vehicle. The development of the second version of the wheeled launcher was discontinued due to the appearance of the Luna-M project.
During 1958, industry and military specialists carried out all the necessary tests of new technology and missiles. Checks at the Kapustin Yar landfill revealed a list of necessary improvements. In particular, there were complaints about the combat weight of the 2P16 vehicles. By the time of the start of mass production, the weight of this equipment with the rocket was reduced to 17, 25-17, 4 tons. After all the modifications, the rocket complex again needed some checks, including in conditions close to real ones.
At the beginning of 1959, an order was issued to send several tactical missile systems 2K1 "Mars" and 2K6 "Luna" to the Aginsky training ground of the Trans-Baikal Military District. During such checks, self-propelled vehicles of two types showed their capabilities on the existing routes, and also carried out missile launches. The Luna complex used up six rockets, proving the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and at low temperatures. At the same time, according to the test results, a new list of requirements for the modernization of equipment and missiles appeared.
Experienced self-propelled launcher Br-226. Photo Shirokorad A. B. "Domestic mortars and rocket artillery"
In the spring and summer of the same year, the modified 3P9 and 3P10 missiles were tested, which were distinguished by increased accuracy and greater reliability. In addition, in parallel, the refinement of self-propelled equipment used as part of the missile system was carried out. By the end of the year, the Luna complex had reached an acceptable state, which led to a new order from the customer, this time on the production of serial equipment.
In the last days of December 1959, the USSR Council of Ministers issued a decree on the start of mass production of the equipment of the new complex. By mid-January next year, the Barricades plant was supposed to present the first five sets of equipment. This technique was planned to be sent to state tests. Within the specified period, the industry provided the required number of self-propelled launchers, transport vehicles, truck cranes, etc.
From January to March 1960, promising systems were tested at several test sites in the Moscow and Leningrad regions. Some polygons were used as a track for checks, while others were involved in shooting. During the tests, the equipment covered about 3 thousand km. Also, 73 missiles of two types were fired. According to the results of state tests, the 2K6 Luna tactical missile system was adopted by the missile forces and artillery.
Preparation of the Luna complex for launching a rocket during an exercise. Photo Russianarms.ru
Until the end of 1960, the Barricades plant produced 80 2P16 self-propelled launchers. It was also planned to produce hundreds of 2U663 transport vehicles, but only 33 were built. Production of the Luna complexes continued until mid-1964. During this time, according to various sources, from 200 to 450 launchers and a certain amount of auxiliary equipment were built. Deliveries to combat units of the ground forces began in 1961. Missile battalions consisting of two batteries were formed especially for the operation of the Luna complexes in tank and motorized rifle divisions. Each such battery had two 2P16 "Tulip" vehicles, one 2U663 transporter and one truck crane.
In October, the 61st missile unit from the Carpathian Military District took part in an exercise on Novaya Zemlya, during which five 3P10 missiles were fired, including one with a special warhead. During these exercises, the 2K6 "Luna" complex was used together with the mobile repair and technical base PRTB-1 "Step".
In the fall of 1962, 12 Luna complexes with an ammunition load of 60 missiles and a number of special warheads were delivered to Cuba. Later, apparently, this technique was transferred to the army of a friendly state, which continued its operation. There is information about the revision of launchers and missiles. The exact nature of these modifications is unknown, but the surviving samples have some notable differences from the original Soviet-made systems. As for the special combat units, they were removed from Cuba after the end of the Cuban missile crisis.
Museum sample of the 2P16 machine. Photo Russianarms.ru
Shortly after the Cuban events, the first official public demonstration of the Luna complex took place. During the parade on Red Square on November 7, several samples of the 2P16 launcher with mock missiles were shown. In the future, this technique has repeatedly participated in parades.
After fulfilling the order of its own armed forces, the defense industry began producing the 2K6 Luna complexes in the interests of foreign armies. In the sixties and seventies, a number of such equipment was transferred to a number of friendly states: the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Romania and the DPRK. In the case of North Korea, there was a delivery of 9 launchers with the necessary auxiliary equipment and missiles with conventional warheads. In Europe, complexes with missiles of both compatible types were deployed, but special warheads were not transferred to the local military and were kept in storage facilities of Soviet bases.
Soon after the adoption of the "Luna" complex, its modernization started. Three years later, the improved 9K52 Luna-M system was adopted. The development of rocketry, the emergence of new complexes and the assimilation of promising technologies led to the fact that over time the Luna system in its original configuration ceased to meet the existing requirements. In 1982, it was decided to remove this complex from service. The operation of such equipment in foreign armies continued later, but also, over time, basically stopped. According to some reports, now the 2K6 Luna complexes remain in service only in North Korea.
Self-propelled launcher, modified by Cuban experts, in a museum in Havana. Photo Militaryrussia.ru
After being decommissioned and decommissioned, most of the Luna vehicles were disposed of. Nevertheless, in several domestic and foreign museums there are exhibits in the form of 2P16 machines or models of 3P9 and 3P10 missiles. Of particular interest is the exhibit at the Museum of Military Equipment in Havana (Cuba). Previously, it was operated by Cuban troops, and also underwent some refinement by local specialists. After the resource was exhausted, this car went to the eternal parking lot in the museum.
The 2K6 "Luna" with the 2P16 "Tulip" launcher, as well as the 3R9 and 3R10 missiles, became the first domestic tactical missile system that reached full-scale serial production and mass operation in the army. The appearance of such equipment with sufficiently high characteristics in the required quantities made it possible to carry out a full-fledged deployment with a noticeable effect on the strike potential of the troops. The Luna project made it possible to solve the existing problems, as well as create a groundwork for the further development of missile weapons. These or those ideas embedded in it were subsequently used in the creation of new tactical missile systems.
