Strange sensations are caused by this, calmly wading through the forest, not particularly bothering in choosing a route. A sort of calm and unhurried creation of the Soviet military-industrial complex. And when you think about how many years "Tochka" has been in service, you get the same feelings when you look at the old AK-47, such, with worn bluing, gray-haired, but no less deadly.
And here it is about the same. "Tochka" has been in service since 1975, a modernized version of "Tochka U" - since 1989. Its main difference is its long range, up to 120 km, and firing accuracy. The complex is armed with a 9M79 missile, which has the execution of 9M79F, 9M79K, etc., depending on the type of warhead. The warhead can be nuclear AA-60, high-explosive 9N123F, cassette 9N123K and others. The cassette warhead contains a cassette with fifty fragmentation submunitions. And there are 9N123G and 9N123G2-1, special warheads capable of carrying from 50 to 60 kg in 65 of their cassettes such cute things as the R-33 and R-55 Soman.
The rocket engine is solid-propellant single-mode. The missile warhead is non-detachable. The missile is controlled along its entire trajectory, which ensures high hitting accuracy. The rocket is launched from an inclined guide, and after launch, the rocket makes a turn towards the target. The direction of arrival of the launcher to the target for the "Point" is + -15 degrees, which, when intersecting the trajectory, reduces the likelihood of determining the launch point. In the final section of the trajectory, the rocket turns and dives vertically to the target. To achieve the maximum area of destruction, an air blast of the warhead over the target is provided.
The main combat vehicles of the complex (launcher 9P129M-1 and transport-loading vehicle 9T218-1) are mounted on wheeled chassis 5921 and 5922. Both chassis are equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine 5D20B-300. All chassis are driven wheels, tires with adjustable air pressure.
For movement on water, propeller-type water-jet propulsion pumps are provided. On the water, the chassis is controlled by the dampers of the water cannons and channels built into the hull. Both cars are capable of driving on and off roads of all categories. No topogeodetic and engineering preparation of launching positions and meteorological support is required during missile launches. The launcher equipment itself solves all the tasks of linking the launch point, calculating the flight mission and aiming the rocket.
If necessary, 15-20 minutes after the end of the march and arrival at the position, the rocket can start to the target, and after another 1.5 minutes the launcher is already able to leave this point in order to eliminate the likelihood of its defeat by a retaliatory strike. During aiming, on alert, as well as during most operations of the launch cycle, the rocket is in a horizontal position, and its rise begins only 15 seconds before the start. This ensures high secrecy of the preparation of the strike from the enemy's tracking means.
Transport and loading machine. In its pressurized compartment, two missiles, completely ready for launch, can be stored and transported across the combat area. The special equipment of the machine, including a hydraulic drive, a jib crane and some other systems, allows the launcher to be loaded within about 19 minutes. This operation can be performed on any unprepared engineering site, the dimensions of which allow placing a launcher and a transport-loading vehicle side by side.
Much of what was created in the USSR is simple and tasteful. Therefore, apparently, it is still in service.
However, times are changing, and they are changing in some way not for the better. In terms of the general state of affairs around our borders. And, according to the available information, the end will be put in the career of these combat vehicles. In the very near future, the 448th brigade will receive Iskander.
"Iskander" is the same creation of the Soviet and Russian genius Sergei Pavlovich Invincible, like "Point U". Only its predecessor was different, Oka OTRK, destroyed by Gorbachev's betrayal.
27 years of service "Tochki" are gradually coming to an end. But to say that the complex is outdated, the language does not turn.
