To date, several versions of the Kornet-EM self-propelled anti-tank missile systems have been developed based on different chassis and launchers. In the near future, two variants of such a machine will be tested at once, after which they will be able to enter service. This time, armored cars of the Typhoon family became the base for the self-propelled ATGM.
New for 2018
A new version of equipping the K53949 Typhoon-K armored car and placing the Kornet-EM ATGM was first shown to the public a year and a half ago at the Army-2018 exhibition. A serial armored car was demonstrated on the site, in the fighting compartment of which two retractable automated launchers (APU) were placed.
It should be noted that the armored car and the installation were already well known to specialists and amateurs of technology, but they were demonstrated for the first time in the form of a single complex. This pattern naturally attracted attention. The authors of the project noted the positive aspects of the new self-propelled ATGM and assessed its commercial prospects.
"Typhoon-K" with retractable units has recently become the topic of news again. On January 3, Izvestia published new data on the progress of this project. As it turned out, the new development is approaching acceptance into service, and in the near future it will be able to affect the combat capability of the troops.
It is reported that at the end of last year, the Instrument Design Bureau (Tula), which developed Kornet-EM, ordered acceptance tests of a self-propelled ATGM based on Typhoon-K. During these events, the self-propelled vehicle was to fire using a wide range of guided missiles.
New samples
According to Izvestia, missiles with a maximum flight range of 10 km are used in tests together with others. In addition, a new version of the missile with a high-explosive warhead and an even greater range is being tested. Such a missile has not yet entered service, but its adoption will dramatically increase the combat capabilities of the ATGM.
Also "Izvestia" reports the appearance of a new version of the armored vehicle with missiles. This self-propelled ATGM is intended for the airborne troops, which affected the choice of the base chassis. This modification of the Kornet-EM is based on the K4386 Typhoon-VDV armored car. It is expected that such an ATGM will give the Airborne Forces new capabilities. With its help, units will be able to effectively deal with enemy tanks, and some of the ammunition can be used for high-precision fire support of a different kind. The technical appearance of the new self-propelled ATGM has not yet been specified.
Platforms for "Cornet"
The well-known variant of equipping Typhoon-K with Kornet-EM missiles provides for the use of two retractable APUs. These installations are not new and have already found application in several projects of self-propelled anti-tank systems. Universal APUs can be mounted on different chassis, which simplifies the creation of a self-propelled complex with specified characteristics of mobility and protection.
The first to appear and was shown to the public was a version of the Kornet ATGM based on the Tiger armored car. In the aft compartment of such a machine, they found a place for two retractable APUs with four missiles each. An operator's console and a stowage with 8 missiles were placed inside the car. The resulting sample is notable for good mobility, has the required protection and can realize all the advantages of the Kornet ATGM of the corresponding versions.
To date, the "Tiger" with missiles has been put into service. This technique is supplied to the troops and is used in various activities. In addition, armored cars regularly participate in parades.
In 2018, for the first time, another version of the installation of the Korneta-EM quadruple APU was shown - based on the K53949 armored car. In terms of layout and basic capabilities, such a self-propelled ATGM does not differ from a vehicle based on the "Tiger". It also carries two launchers with eight missiles ready for launch. The operator and ammunition were placed inside.
According to the latest news, the Typhoon-K with the Kornet is still being tested. Upon their completion, the issue of acceptance into service will be decided. It can be assumed that such an ATGM has a high chance of getting into the army. This outcome will be facilitated by a newer chassis with higher protection characteristics.
It is now known about the development of an ATGM based on the K4386. This sample has not yet been shown, but knowing about other projects, you can imagine the general features of its appearance. Apparently, the aft compartment of the hull is again allocated for a fighting compartment with two APUs with missiles and places for placing ammunition. The dimensions of the Typhoon-VDV allow the use of two launchers at once.
ATGM based on K4386 is only preparing for testing. However, the future prospects of this machine are already clear. It is being developed specifically for the Airborne Forces on the basis of a specialized armored car. As a result of this project, the airborne forces will be able to receive modern multi-purpose missile weapons on a successful platform.
New and old rockets
According to the latest reports, a new missile with an increased firing range has been created for the Kornet-EM ATGM. Thus, the anti-tank complex turns into a multipurpose tool for attacking various targets.
Let us recall that the Kornet missiles of the first modifications, such as the 9M133 or 9M133M, had a firing range of no more than 5-5.5 km. On their basis, ammunition with high-explosive warheads was created. The most advanced anti-tank weapon in the family at the moment is the 9M133M-2 product with a range of 8 km. The 9M133FM-3 rocket delivers a high-explosive warhead to a range of 10 km. Now it is reported about a new product with similar equipment and higher flight characteristics. The index of this item is unknown.
All this means that the Kornet-EM ATGM on any chassis - Tiger or Typhoon of two types - can fight a wide range of targets within a radius of several kilometers. Tanks are hit from a distance of 5-8 km, and other targets - up to 10 km when using available missiles. The promising "unnamed" missile will increase the area of responsibility of the self-propelled ATGM and correspondingly increase the strike capabilities of the troops.
Intermediate results
Right now, we can observe how the development of the ATGM of the Kornet family and the Typhoon armored vehicles is being carried out, and how these two lines intersect with very interesting results. The first result of this kind has already been tested, and the second will go to the test site in the near future.
The new technology with special capabilities is of great interest to our army, and is likely to be put into service soon. In addition, it may interest foreign customers. ATGMs of the Kornet family are in certain demand in the international market, and new versions of the system can also become the subject of contracts.
However, all this is still a matter of the distant future. At the moment, defense enterprises and the army need to test two promising self-propelled anti-tank systems and a new extended-range missile. Based on the test results, conclusions will be drawn and, probably, new supply contracts will be signed. Only after that the complexes based on the "Tiger" will receive an addition in the form of modern samples.
