Our country has long gained fame "forge weapons."However, as you can still relate to the state, which created the famous AK-47 survivor tank T-54 and other masterpieces?Therefore it is not surprising that the new complex "Carapace-1" already several years in a row experiencing a growing interest from foreign customers.
basic historical information
the first time the concept of new weapons was introduced relatively recently, in early 1994.Just a year after the demonstration layout at the show in Zhukovsky was demonstrated a working prototype of this technology.And many experts have almost unanimously agreed that "Carapace-1" is a real breakthrough in the field of ground air defense.
history of this type of weapons in many phenomenal.Development of a new ZRPK Tula Design Bureau was ordered back in 1990, before the collapse of the Soviet Union.Initially, the work was top secret, conducted under the code name "Roman".It was assumed that the new technology will be designed to effectively protect systems S-300 and the main air defense radar stations in the vast country's borders.
Subsequently, from such a narrow specialization refused, after which the complex has been transferred as the ground forces, he was extremely necessary for reliable protection of columns of military hardware on the march, advance the destruction of certain types of armament potential enemy.At the same time, and it has been ordered for the Navy version (it was created, effectively operated today).Much of the success of the complex due to the fact that it was created based on the famous 2K22 "Tunguska".
should be noted that initially the military equipment (the photo is in the material) proved to be far from the best side.In trials it was found out that you can not hit a target at a distance of even a few kilometers, that is extremely unsatisfactory radar systems to cope with its functions.In addition, the military have been numerous complaints related to the low reliability of many systems installation.
Saviors UAE
Surely it is not necessary to recall what those years the prevailing situation in the country.With the money for the defense industry was so bad that the program "Roman" was completely folded, additional research was not conducted.But it is understood that such a technique is needed, and quickly.How do we get the money?
Oddly enough, but the situation is corrected, "sworn friends" from the UAE.They entered into an incredibly profitable investment contract.And this despite the fact that the normal air defense missile-gun system existed at that time only in the dreams of developers!Whatever it was, but the money was used for its intended purpose: the development of technology continued to speedily in progress were eliminated, many deficiencies and candid technical failures.
Then it was suggested that it would be nice to create a complex and crawler.For this purpose, we are using all the same "Tunguska".Moreover, the Arabs have expressed the wish that the wheel based on the German version of the MAN.This is due to the fact that with this company have signed a lot of contracts, so to spare parts for such equipment will not be problems.
However, the treaty is very opposed American allies of the Arabs.Net business: over 40% of the arms market in the UAE today belongs to the companies of the state, and they are very not like to lose money because of more successful competitors.
In 2006, several sets of similar design were sold to Syria.There is evidence that some of them at the time the Syrian government sent to Iran, but Tehran hotly denies any hint of it.
main differences from other systems
Unlike other similar systems, which are in service of national army, this technique was originally mounted on the chassis-terrain 8x8.This makes it possible to use the "armor" in places where such complexes on their own will not be able to get at all.How could achieve such outstanding performance?
for this as the basis of selected car "Ural-5323.4", which set the engine KAMAZ-7406.The engine has undergone some modernization, as a result of which its capacity was increased to 260 horsepower.Why do designers have used a wheeled chassis, although it is well known that the cross-track vehicles are much higher?It's simple: because the main purpose of «shell-1" - protection technology columns on the march and a cover rear, these systems need a lot.
In these circumstances, it would be strange to make expensive equipment.And the fact that the crawler tractor to this category and belong, no doubt, no one calls.In addition, this technique consumes abyss of fuel, which again is unacceptable for the complex, which is to follow the progress of your columns followed his art.
main features of «shell»
Of course, it is possible to count hands-advertising producer, but "Carapace-1" can really "down to earth" of any aircraft or helicopter, ballistic missile or aerial bombs with a "smart" guidance,who are armed with a potential enemy.Since this complex is also designed to eliminate ground targets, it makes it a truly universal type of weapons.
Who was the designer of the complex?
Again, however pretentious it may sound, such a combination of an anti-aircraft gun and has no more weapons, no similar complex in the world.The founder of this technique is an outstanding domestic designers Arkady Shipunov.He reiterated that the military equipment of the Russian army is one of the most advanced in the world.
For what purpose was created "armor"?
The main objective of this type of weapons is to protect both military and civilian facilities from air attacks at the forefront of defense.What is the difference between the Russian military equipment from their foreign counterparts?Its main distinguishing quality is the ability to conduct rapid fire on the move.It is not difficult to imagine what prospects it opens: when accompanied by a convoy of armored vehicles in the military do not need to stop to repel sudden attacks from the air or the ground.
main weapons complex
What features ZRPK «shell-1"?Oh, it is a set of weapons grudging respect even from NATO military experts.
main weapons complex is a dozen missile missiles 57E6, which in layout and its appearance much similar with the same shots 9M311 «Tunguska".The main shell is bikalibernoy missiles (ie, it is constructed of two stages).The power plant is located in the second stage, which is separated during the flight: this decision allowed for greater speed.
In the opening segment of the missile has an extremely high speeds.Generally, ZRPK «shell-1" may be aiming to destroy the target at a distance of 12 kilometers.As for the elimination of air targets, they can overtake the rocket at an altitude of up to eight kilometers.The head part contains a set of damaging elements in the form of a rod, a total mass of 20 kg.
to maneuver in the air using an air-dynamic wheel.It is reported that the complex can at the same time leads to the three air targets, maintain and (if necessary) to destroy them.
Armament
As for artillery weapons ZRPK «shell-1", then it is no less impressive.It is based on two 30-mm cannon 2A72.As in many other cases, the instruments selected Single-barrel.For these two types of shells are made: armor-piercing and high-explosive (including incendiary type), and the supply of shots made on selective basis, two cartridge belts simultaneously.Like other Russian military equipment, all elements of the system have increased reliability and maintainability, they rarely fail.
design of the main combat unit
main module is located on the roof of the carrier chassis.It consists of the following weapons: first containers SAM launchers are located in two blocks of six missiles each.They are mounted on the side of artillery weapons.There is a radar that is intended for the detection and management of purpose, and a separate system for missile guidance.Of course, it equipped with anti-aircraft missile system quality FCS (fire control system).
workspace body mounted on the chassis, there are also (which is logical) jobs for operators of the complex, which are responsible for its maintenance and support.
Complaints from developer
According to the developers, this anti-missile system has a completely unique opportunity to fire from all available weapons systems on board, and in several directions at once."Armor" can promptly detect and eliminate warplanes and helicopters before they use their own systems on-board weapons and guided missiles of various classes.Not ruled out shooting on light armored vehicles and accumulations of manpower enemy.
The main advantages of the fire control system
Since ZRPK "armor" should provide effective protection, and rears its own military equipment in any condition, its fire control system is characterized by high resistance to various interferences.Such high performance was achieved by combining the optical-electronic and radar systems into a single "conglomerate", working in the infrared, decimeter and centimeter, centimeter and millimeter ranges.
In standard mode, the radar ZRPK "armor" may at any time give a salvo of two missiles at the system detects a target.It should be particularly noted that tracking equipment is not only characterized by outstanding reliability, but also can simultaneously track just two dozen goals.Precision guidance target of 0.4 degrees in azimuth.In the corner, the figure is 0.7 degrees.If we talk about the accuracy of conventional metric units, the minimum target detection range of only 50 meters.
system can optionally fully automatic, not only to detect the target, but also provide comprehensive information on its performance and speed.In addition, stand-alone mode, as this military equipment (which has a photo in the article) can choose the most appropriate type of situation, weapons and self-assign the desired mode of fire.
Some innovations
It should be emphasized that in 2005 the Tula craftsmen have spent considerable efforts to improve the complex, resulting in this military equipment of the Russian army has become even more reliable and perfect.In the field of on-board electronic systems it was carried out serious work so that the modern "armor" is largely a fundamentally different technology.
Today missile troops, equipment which is constantly being upgraded, have new "armor".Their distinguishing feature is the automatic distribution function: if multiple units are combined into a battery, one of the machines will automatically become the commander.Her main computer analyzes the data and then sends them to their "subordinates".
Made it possible for effective and rapid detection and destruction of identified targets.Command Center is capable of automatically distributed not only between the target machines in the battery, but to do it as efficiently as possible.Simply put, the orders for opening fire issued to that machine, which is located in the most effective and beneficial tactical position.
«designer»
This military rocketry some experts called "designers", in which they are absolutely right.The fact that "armor" is built on the block diagram, the part at any time can be replaced with a more appropriate situation samples.It is easy to imagine how such flexibility can be useful in real combat conditions.Assume that the control unit has got a splinter if we were talking about old technology, it would have to wait for the repair team.
In the case of "armor" the crew can replace the damaged module independently, without spending too much time.Thus, «shell 1 ', which has a picture in the paper can be as soon as possible to return to a state of full combat readiness.
course, block design is very good in terms of further modification.From now on there is no need to transfer the entire complex repair company: the block that has expired, it can be replaced by an updated model directly in the field.Everything is done in the shortest possible time, and in most cases this operation can be overcome only by a single crew.
Like other Russian weapons and military equipment, "armor" is armed with not only our country but also in many countries of the Middle East.It should be noted that every year interest in the development of potential buyers only increases.Currently, the test passes polar modification of "armor", which is designed to protect the Russian Arctic bases.
