Combat use of the shilka. Temperamental "Shilka"
In the first two decades after its appearance, aviation became a formidable fighting force. Naturally, means immediately began to appear to counteract its destructive onslaught. Even the simplest airplanes from the First World War could inflict significant damage on the opposing forces. Then there was Spain, Abyssinia and many other conflicts that took place with the use of aircraft that bombed often defenseless positions or peaceful villages without meeting resistance. However, massive opposition to aviation began in 1939, when World War II broke out. became a separate type of weapon. Most often, the main problem for ground forces was represented by enemy attack aircraft operating at low altitudes and delivering precise bombing strikes. This situation has not fundamentally changed over the past seven decades.
Historical background of the Shilka concept
Already in the late twenties of the 20th century, many arms manufacturers, anticipating growing demand, began developing rapid-fire artillery systems designed primarily to combat air targets. As a result, samples of small-caliber guns appeared on turret stands, equipped with circular rotating mechanisms. Examples include the German FlaK anti-aircraft guns (short for Flugzeugabwehrkanone), adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1934. During the war that began five years later, they were repeatedly modernized and produced in huge quantities. The Oerlikons, developed in Switzerland (1927) and used by all belligerents of World War II, became very famous. The systems have shown high effectiveness in defeating attack aircraft forced to operate at low altitude. The caliber of these rapid-fire guns was usually 20 mm with different cartridge lengths (the initial speed, and therefore the range, depends on the volume of the explosive in the cartridge case). An increase in the rate of fire was achieved by using multi-barrel systems. This is how the general concept was formed, according to which the Soviet anti-aircraft self-propelled gun “Shilka” was subsequently created.
Why do we need a self-propelled rapid-firing anti-aircraft gun?
In the 50s, rocket technology appeared, including anti-aircraft. Strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, which previously felt quite confident in foreign skies, suddenly lost their inaccessibility. Of course, the development of aviation followed the path of increasing the ceiling and speed, but it became unsafe for ordinary attack aircraft to appear above enemy positions. True, they had one reliable way to avoid being hit by an air defense missile, and it was to approach the target at an extremely low altitude. At the end of the 60s, the anti-aircraft artillery of the USSR was not ready to repel attacks from enemy aircraft flying along a flat trajectory at high speed. The reaction time turned out to be extremely short; a person, even with the fastest “boxing” reflexes, could not physically have time to open fire, much less hit a target flashing in the sky in a matter of seconds. Automation and reliable detection systems were required. In 1957, a secret resolution of the Council of Ministers initiated the start of work on the creation of rapid-fire self-propelled guns. They also came up with a name: the Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. All that was left to do was to design and manufacture it.
What kind of ZSU should it be?
The requirements for the new technology included many points, among which were many unique to our gunsmiths. Here are some of them:
The Shilka anti-aircraft gun must have a built-in radar to detect hostile aircraft.
Caliber - 23 mm. It is, of course, small, but the practice of previous military operations has shown that with a high rate of fire, an explosive fragmentation charge can easily cause damage sufficient to neutralize the combat effectiveness of the attacking vehicle.
The system must contain an automatic device that develops an algorithm for tracking a target during firing under different conditions, including on the move. Considering the element base of the mid-20th century, the task is not simple.
The Shilka installation must be self-propelled, capable of moving over rough terrain no worse than any tank.
Cannons
Since Stalin's times, the artillery of the USSR was the best in the world, so there were no questions regarding everything related to the “barrels”. All that remained was to choose the best option for the loading mechanism (the belt one was recognized as the best). AZP-23 23-mm Amur caliber automatic cannon with an impressive “performance” of 3400 rounds/min. needed forced liquid cooling (antifreeze or water), but it was worth it. Any target within a radius of 200 m to 2.5 km had little chance of surviving if caught in the crosshairs. The trunks were equipped with a stabilization system; their position was controlled by hydraulic drives. There were four guns.
Where to put the radar antenna?
ZSU-23 "Shilka" is structurally made according to the classical design with a fighting compartment, aft power plant, rear transmission and a movable turret. Some problems arose with the placement of the radar antenna. It was irrational to place it between the barrels; metal parts could become a screen for emitted and received signals. The lateral position threatened mechanical destruction of the “plate” from the vibrations that occur during shooting. In addition, in conditions of strong electronic counteraction (jamming), a manual control option was provided with aiming through the gunner's sight, and the design of the emitter could block the view. As a result, the antenna was folded and placed above the power compartment at the stern.
Motor and chassis
Borrowed from the PT-76 light tank. It includes six road wheels on each side. The shock absorbers are torsion bar, the tracks are equipped with rubber bushings-seals to protect against premature wear.
Uprated engine (V6P), 280 hp. s., with ejection Five-speed transmission, provides a range from 30 km/h (on difficult terrain) to 50 km/h (on the highway). Cruising range without refueling is up to 450 km/h with fully filled tanks.
The ZU-23 installation is equipped with a perfect air filtration system, including a labyrinthine system of partitions, as well as additional screening of exhaust gas pollution.
The total weight of the vehicle is 21 tons, including the turret - more than 8 tons.
Devices
The electronic equipment that is equipped with the Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled gun is combined into a single RPK-2M fire control system. The radio instrument complex includes a radar (1RL33M2, assembled on a lamp element base), (at the time the sample was created it was called a computing device), a radio interference protection system, and a backup optical sight.
The complex provides the ability to detect a target (at a distance of up to 20 km), automatically track it (up to 15 km), change the carrier frequency of pulses in the event of interference (wobulation), and calculate fire parameters to achieve a high probability of projectile hits. The system can operate in five modes, including remembering the coordinates of an object, determining its angle rings, and firing at ground targets.
External communication is carried out via the R-123M radio station, internal communication is carried out via the TPU-4 intercom.
Venerable age and experience of use
The Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled gun was put into service more than half a century ago. Despite such a venerable age for anti-aircraft weapons, four dozen states still have them in the arsenal of their armed forces. The Israeli army, which in 1973 experienced the devastating effect of four barrels of this self-propelled gun on its aircraft, continues to use sixty copies captured from Egypt, plus additional ones purchased later. In addition to the republics that formerly made up the USSR, Soviet anti-aircraft guns are ready to use many in Asia and the Arab world in the event of war. Some of them have experience in the combat use of these air defense systems, having fought in both the Middle East and Vietnam (and by no means against weak opponents). They are also present in the armies of former countries, and in considerable numbers. And what is characteristic: nowhere and no one calls the ZU-23 an antique or any other nickname characterizing an outdated weapon.
Modernizations and prospects
Yes, the good old “Shilka” is no longer young. The anti-aircraft gun has undergone several modernizations aimed at improving performance and increasing reliability. She learned to distinguish her planes from others, began to act faster, and the electronics received new units based on a modern element base. The last “upgrade” took place in the nineties, at which time, apparently, the modernization potential of this system was exhausted. The Shilkas are being replaced by the Tunguskas and other SZUs, which have much more serious capabilities. A modern combat helicopter can hit a ZU-23 from a distance beyond its reach. What can you do, progress...
GP " The Arsenal plant carried out a deep modernization of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, introducing certain design changes and significantly improving the capabilities of the Soviet design of the last century.
The Ukrainian modernization of the Shilka was named ZSU-23-4М-A. In the new installation, the 1RL33M radar was replaced with a multifunctional radar with a digital antenna array (DAR) "Rokach-AS", a new optical-location system and missile channel were installed, the computing device was replaced with a digital computing system, new combat weapon control algorithms were integrated , other components and blocks have been replaced, and it is planned to replace the gas turbine unit with a more economical power unit.
The key update from the entire list is the developed GP “ Plant "Arsenal" radar with CAR "Rokach-AS". It is capable of operating in all-round viewing, search and auto tracking modes. The radar confidently detects and tracks even UAVs with an effective scattering surface of about 0.01 square meters at distances of up to 7 km. The new radar significantly exceeds the capabilities of its predecessor. So, if the scanning sector of the old radar was 15 degrees, and during tracking the width of the directional pattern was 1 degree, then in the new radar the space is scanned simultaneously in a sector of 18 degrees both in azimuth and elevation. This feature made it possible to solve an important problem that was associated with the functioning of the previous standard radar - a long time for searching and detecting targets both by target designation and in autonomous mode.
The new radar with CAR is capable of quickly detecting targets both independently and according to external target designation data. In addition, it allows you to simultaneously track several targets that are within the radiation pattern, and in the event of shelling of one target, almost instantly move on to preparing to fire at the next one.
If previously the 1RL33M radar occupied the entire perimeter of the tower inside the Shilka, now this small device is placed on top in a container. The new free volume in the middle of the vehicle not only creates comfortable conditions for the crew, but also allows the installation of additional equipment, for example, a crew life support system.
Experimental tests carried out by the enterprise at the Chernigov test site showed that the radar’s capabilities for tracking targets (including small ones) are very high.
From the history of the issue:
"Shilka" is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which is designed to cover troops and objects of the Ground Forces from air strikes, destroying air and ground (surface) targets from a short stop and on the move. In Soviet times, it increased the effectiveness of the air defense units of the Ground Forces, where it was part of regimental units. Its ability to effectively hit targets with a quad automatic 23-mm cannon, moving along with units in combat formations, as well as reliability and ease of operation, became the main advantages of the installation when performing combat missions. Over a period of more than half a century of operation in conflict zones and in the territories of 39 countries around the world where the installation was put into service, it has proven itself quite successfully. Despite its advanced age, “Shilka” still remains in combat service, including in Ukraine.
ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” is a real legend among self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (ZSU), and its long military life deserves exceptional respect. This ZSU is an example of a rational attitude towards military equipment that has already been taken out of production, but is still able to perform the tasks assigned to it.
Despite the fact that serial production of the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”, named after the river, the left tributary of the Amur, was discontinued back in 1982, modernizations of this installation continue to appear today not only in Russia, but also in other countries - Poland, Ukraine, and the ZSU itself is still in service with the Russian ground forces.
ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” (GRAU index 2A6) is a Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designed for direct cover of ground forces, destruction of various low-flying air targets (helicopters, airplanes, UAVs, cruise missiles), as well as ground (surface) targets such as fire from a standing position, as well as when shooting from short stops or on the move. The development of the complex was carried out by the famous Instrument Design Bureau from the city of Tula, and the production of UMZ was carried out by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, which today is part of the Almaz-Antey VKO Concern. The company is currently modernizing the ZSU-23-4 Shilka. In the Soviet Union, this ZSU was part of the regimental-level air defense units of the ground forces. Serial production of the installation, which was armed with a quad automatic 23-mm cannon with a rate of fire of 3,400 rounds per minute, began in 1964 and continued until 1982. In total, about 6.5 thousand SPAAGs of this type were assembled during this time.
Almost none of the military conflicts of the second half of the 20th century could have happened without the use of this combat vehicle. The Shilka took part in battles in Vietnam, where it was quite a serious threat to American pilots. It was actively used in the Arab-Israeli wars, the civil war in Angola, the Libyan-Egyptian conflict, the Iran-Iraq and Ethiopian-Somali wars, in combat operations in the Balkans and the Persian Gulf. The USSR widely used ZSU data during the war in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, “Shilkas” were used not as air defense systems, but as infantry support combat vehicles, bringing real terror to the spooks. For the colossal combat power of four twin automatic cannons with an enormous rate of fire, the Afghan Mujahideen nicknamed “Shilka” - “shaitan-arba” - the devil’s cart. In the absence of a real threat from the air, the installation was used to fire at various ground targets, including lightly armored ones; at a distance of up to 2-2.5 km, it could easily suppress any enemy fortifications with fire.
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"
At the same time, “Shilka” remains in demand in the 21st century. This ZSU is actively used in the military conflict in Syria. Here it is also used as a fire support vehicle, which covers the actions of attacking infantry units and tanks. With dense fire from rapid-fire cannons, the installation destroys enemy machine gunners, snipers and grenade launchers. This installation is especially effective when conducting combat operations in dense urban areas. The elevation angle of automatic 23-mm guns is 85 degrees, which makes it easy to suppress militant positions located even on the upper floors of buildings. According to military experts, not a single large-scale army operation has recently been carried out in Syria without the participation of the ZSU-23-4.
The quadruple automatic 23-mm cannon, with its high rate of fire and high initial projectile speed, is capable of creating a real “sea” of fire. Therefore, even a tank that comes under its fire can be taken out of battle, losing almost all attachments and surveillance devices. Although the modern anti-aircraft missile and missile and gun air defense systems at the disposal of the Russian Ground Forces are superior to the Shilka in their parameters and characteristics, the main advantage of the ZSU remains the possibility of its use on the front line in direct contact with enemy troops. The presence of anti-fragmentation and bulletproof armor helps.
Until now, the ZSU-23-4 installation is in service with dozens of countries around the world, being an inexpensive, but at the same time universal means for solving various combat missions. At the same time, the appearance on the scene of new means of air attack and the increasing pace of modern combat made the process of modernizing the installation necessary. The number of "Shiloks" used in different armies of the world still numbers in the hundreds. Moreover, despite their already quite honorable age, there is often no alternative to them. Especially taking into account the fact that not every state can afford to purchase new self-propelled guns. Under these conditions, the task of modernizing a veteran machine only becomes more urgent.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"
Specialists and military experts believe that one of the best options for modernizing and “modernizing” this combat vehicle is the Russian version of the ZSU-23-4M4 “Shilka-M4”. This option for upgrading the installation was repeatedly demonstrated at exhibitions both in Nizhny Tagil and in the Patriot Park near Moscow. The firing and driving capabilities of the Shilka-M4 self-propelled gun were also demonstrated within the framework of the International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2018" at the Alabino training ground. According to the developers, the capabilities of the modernized Shilka for air defense of ground forces units in all types of combat operations and air defense of stationary objects have increased significantly.
ZSU-23-4M4 is a modernized version of the installation with a new radar FCS (fire control system) and the ability to install the Strelets air defense system. The update of the control system is accompanied by the replacement of the existing radar with a newly created station of the same frequency range on a solid-state element base with an improved set of characteristics. The Strelets air defense system is designed to provide automated remote single, sequential launch of Igla-type missile defense systems from a variety of land-, sea- or air-based carriers. When two or more Strelets combat modules are installed on a carrier, it becomes possible to carry out salvo launches of two missiles at one target, which significantly increases the chances of hitting it. The placement of this complex actually turns the Shilka into a real anti-aircraft missile and gun installation.
Also included in the battery of the complex is a PPRU - a mobile reconnaissance and control point "Assembly M1" as a command post (CP) and a telecode communication channel for exchanging information between the command post and the ZSU. On board the modernized machine, the analogue computing device was replaced with a modern digital computing system (DCS), and a digital tracking system was installed. The modernization also affected the tracked chassis. The modernization of the chassis is aimed at improving the maneuverability and controllability of the self-propelled unit, as well as reducing the labor intensity of its operation and maintenance. The radio station and the active night vision device are also changing, replaced by a passive one. The modernized version is also equipped with an automated monitoring system for the performance of radio-electronic equipment and an air conditioner, which improves the working conditions of the crew, which is especially necessary in operating conditions in hot climates. The number of self-propelled gun crew remained unchanged - 4 people.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"
Having received new hardware and equipment as part of the modernization, the Shilka-M4 retained its main and proven weapon over the years - a quad 23-mm automatic cannon 2A7M, which can be easily aimed in any direction in azimuth with declination/elevation angles from -4 to + 85 degrees. Effective firing from this artillery mount is possible at a distance of up to 2-2.5 kilometers with an initial projectile speed of 950-970 m/s. The height reach of the installation is 1.5 kilometers. This artillery mount can be effectively used to fire at flying targets moving at speeds of up to 500 m/s. At the same time, when using anti-aircraft guided missiles “Igla” of the “Strelets” air defense system (the combat vehicle has 4 such missiles), the range of hitting targets increases to 5 kilometers, the height – to 3.5 kilometers.
The standard ammunition load of the Shilka-M4 self-propelled gun consists of 2000 23-mm rounds and 4 Igla missiles. When operating in a unified air defense system, the maximum detection range of air targets can reach 34 kilometers. The maximum range of target tracking by radio channel is 10 kilometers, the minimum is 200 meters. The minimum altitude for tracking air targets by radio channel is 20 meters. The consumption of shells per shot down air target is estimated at 300-600 rounds. The probability of hitting an air target in one flight using 300 rounds is estimated at 0.5.
Unlike its predecessors, the Shilka-M4 modification is able to operate in difficult jamming conditions, and also effectively detect air targets flying at low altitudes. The automation of the updated anti-aircraft complex independently makes adjustments for wear of gun barrels and meteorological conditions, and also takes into account other factors affecting the flight path of projectiles and, as a result, shooting accuracy. Simultaneously with the Shilka-M4 modernization option, there is also a ZSU-23-4M5 upgrade option, which is distinguished by the presence of an optical-location channel as part of the control system, capable of guaranteeing the combat operation of the ZSU in conditions of strong interference that interfere with the operation of its radar. The Shilka-M5 modernization project also proposed equipping the combat vehicle with a laser rangefinder and an additional television sight. The modernization of the legendary Shilka ZSU currently being carried out provides the complex with a second life and the opportunity to remain in service with the Russian army and the armies of other countries for a long period of time.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"
At the end of the 50s. After the Soviet Army adopted high-precision anti-aircraft missiles, foreign aviation specialists urgently had to develop new tactics. Pilots were asked to fly at extremely low altitudes to avoid detection by new air defense systems. During this period, the standard air defense system for the troops was the ZSU-57-2, but it could not cope with the new task, so it was urgently necessary to develop a more modern self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Such a car appeared in 1964. It was.
ZSU-23-4 Shilka is designed for direct cover of ground forces, destruction of air targets at ranges up to 2500 meters and altitudes up to 1500 meters, flying at speeds up to 450 m/s, as well as ground (surface) targets at ranges up to 2000 meters from a standstill , from a short stop and on the move.
The welded body of the TM-575 tracked vehicle is divided into three control compartments in the bow, a combat compartment in the middle and a power compartment in the stern. Between them there were partitions that served as the front and rear supports of the tower. The tower is a welded structure with a ring diameter of 1840 mm. It is attached to the frame by the front frontal plates, on the left and right walls of which the upper and lower gun cradles are attached. When the swinging part of the gun is given an elevation angle, the embrasure of the frame is partially covered by a movable shield, the roller of which slides along the guide of the lower cradle.
On the right side plate there are three hatches, one, with a bolted cover, is used for mounting turret equipment, the other two are closed with a visor and are air inlets for ventilation of units and superchargers of the PAZ system. A casing is welded to the outside of the left side of the turret, designed to remove steam from the gun barrel cooling system. There are two hatches in the rear turret for servicing equipment.
The turret is equipped with a 23-mm quad gun AZP-23 "Amur" with a rate of fire of 11 rounds per second each. It, together with the turret, was assigned the index 2A10, the gun's submachine guns - 2A7, and the power drives - 2E2. The automatic operation of the gun is based on the removal of powder gases through a side hole in the barrel wall. The barrel consists of a pipe, cooling system casings, a gas chamber and a flame arrester. The valve is wedge, with the wedge lowering down. The length of the machine gun with a flame arrester is 2610 mm, the length of the barrel with a flame arrester is 2050 mm (without a flame arrester - 1880 mm). The length of the threaded part is 1730 mm. The weight of one machine gun is 85 kg, the weight of the entire artillery unit is 4964 kg. It can fire with all four guns, or with a pair or any of the four. The gun barrels and the antenna of the radar-instrument complex are completely stabilized, thanks to which the installation can fire effectively while moving.
The cartridges are fed from the side, chambering is direct, directly from the link with the cartridge skewed. Right-hand machines have right-hand tape feed, left-hand ones - left-hand feed. The tape is fed into the receiving windows of the machines from the cartridge box. For this purpose, the energy of powder gases is used, driving the feed mechanism through the bolt frame, and partly the recoil energy of the machine guns. The gun is equipped with two boxes of 1000 rounds of ammunition (of which the upper machine gun has 480, and the lower machine has 520 rounds) and a pneumatic reloading system for cocking the moving parts of the machine guns in preparation for firing and reloading in case of misfires.
Two machines are mounted on each cradle. Two cradles (upper and lower) are mounted on the frame, one above the other, at a distance of 320 mm from each other in a horizontal position, the lower one is extended forward in relation to the upper one by 320 mm. The parallelism of the trunks is ensured by a parallelogram rod connecting both cradles.
The gun's ammunition load includes 23-mm BZT and OFZT shells. Armor-piercing BZT shells weighing 190 g do not have a fuse or explosive, but only contain an incendiary substance for tracing. OFZT fragmentation shells weighing 188.5 g have an MG-25 head fuse. The propellant charge for both projectiles is the same - 77 g of 5/7 TsFP grade gunpowder. Cartridge weight 450 g. Steel sleeve, disposable. The ballistic data of both projectiles are the same - initial speed 980 m/s, table ceiling 1500 m, table range 2000 m. OFZT projectiles are equipped with self-liquidating devices with an action time of 5-11 s, the machine is fed by a belt, with a capacity of 50 rounds. The belt alternates four OFZT cartridges - one BZT cartridge, etc.
Guidance and stabilization of the AZP-23 gun is carried out by 2E2 power guidance drives. The 2E2 system used a URS (Jenny coupling) for horizontal guidance - URS No. 5, and for vertical guidance - URS No. 2.5. Both operate from a common DSO-20 electric motor with a power of 6 kW.
Depending on external conditions and the state of the equipment, firing at anti-aircraft targets is carried out in four modes. The first (main) mode is the auto-tracking mode, angular coordinates and range are determined by the radar, which automatically tracks the target along them, providing data to the computing device (analog computer) for generating pre-emptive coordinates. Fire is opened upon the “Data available” signal on the counting device. The RPK automatically generates full pointing angles, taking into account the pitching and yaw of the self-propelled gun and sends them to the guidance drives, and the latter automatically point the gun at the lead point. Firing is carried out by the commander or search operator - gunner.
The second mode - angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range - from the radar. The angular current coordinates of the target enter the calculating device from the sighting device, which is aimed automatically by the search operator - the gunner, and the range values come from the radar. Thus, the radar operates in radio range finder mode. This mode is auxiliary and is used in the presence of interference that causes malfunctions in the operation of the antenna guidance system along the angular coordinates, or, in the event of a malfunction in the auto-tracking channel, along the angular coordinates of the radar. Otherwise, the complex works the same as in auto tracking mode.
The third mode - proactive coordinates are generated based on the “remembered” values of the current coordinates X, Y. H and the components of the target’s velocity, based on the hypothesis of uniform rectilinear motion of the target in any plane. The mode is used when there is a threat of losing a radar target during automatic tracking due to interference or malfunctions.
The fourth mode is shooting using a backup sight, aiming is carried out in semi-automatic mode. The lead is introduced by the search operator - the gunner along the angle rings of the backup sight. This mode is used when the radar, computer and stabilization systems fail.
The radar-instrument complex is designed to control the fire of the AZP-23 cannon and is located in the instrument compartment of the tower. It consists of a radar station, a computing device, blocks and elements of stabilization systems for the line of sight and line of fire, and a sighting device. The radar station is designed to detect low-flying high-speed targets and accurately determine the coordinates of the selected target, which can be done in two modes: a) angular coordinates and range are tracked automatically, b) angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and range - from the radar.
The radar operates in the 1-1.5 cm wavelength range. The choice of range is due to a number of reasons. Such stations have antennas with small weight and dimensions. Radars in the 1-1.5 cm wavelength range are less susceptible to deliberate enemy interference, since the ability to operate in a wide frequency band allows, by using broadband frequency modulation and signal coding, to increase noise immunity and the processing speed of received information. By increasing the Doppler frequency shifts of reflected signals arising from moving and maneuvering targets, their recognition and classification is ensured. In addition, this range is less loaded with other radio equipment. Radars operating in this range make it possible to detect air targets developed using stealth technology. According to foreign press information, during Operation Desert Storm, an Iraqi ZSU-23-4 Shilka shot down an American F-117A aircraft built using this technology.
The disadvantage of radar is its relatively short range, usually not exceeding 10-20 km and depending on the state of the atmosphere, primarily on the intensity of precipitation - rain or sleet. To protect against passive interference, the ZSU-23-4 Shilka radar uses a coherent-pulse method of target selection, i.e., constant signals from terrain objects and passive interference are not taken into account, and signals from moving circuits are sent to the RPK. The radar is controlled by the search operator and the range operator.
The ZSU-23-4 Shilka is equipped with an 8D6 diesel engine, which was given the designation B-6R by the manufacturer for installation on the GM-575. On machines manufactured since 1969, the V-6R-1 engine was installed, which had minor design changes. The V-6R engine is a six-cylinder, four-stroke, compressorless, liquid-cooled diesel engine that develops a maximum power of 206 kW at 2000 rpm. The working volume of the cylinders is 19.1 liters, the compression ratio is 15.0.
The GM-575 tracked chassis is equipped with two welded aluminum alloy fuel tanks: a front one with a capacity of 405 liters and a rear one with a capacity of 110 liters. The first is located in a separate compartment of the bow of the hull.
In the rear part of the hull there is a mechanical power transmission, with a stepwise change in gear ratios. The main clutch is multi-disc, dry friction. The main clutch control drive is mechanical, from the pedal at the driver's seat. The gearbox is a mechanical three-way, five-speed, with synchronizers in 2.3 4th and 5th gears. The rotation mechanisms are planetary, two-stage, with locking clutches. Final drives are single-stage with spur gears.
The chassis of the machine consists of two drive wheels, two guide wheels with a track tensioning mechanism, two track chains and twelve support wheels. The drive wheels are welded, with removable rims, rear-mounted. Single guide wheels with metal arches. The support rollers are welded, single, with rubberized rims. The caterpillar chain is metal, with lantern engagement, with closed hinges, made of 93 steel tracks connected to each other by steel pins. Track width 362 mm, track pitch 128 mm.
The vehicle's suspension is independent, asymmetrical torsion bar, with hydraulic shock absorbers on the first front, fifth left and sixth right road wheels; spring stops on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth left track rollers and the first, third, fourth and sixth right track rollers.
The power supply system is designed to power all ZSU-23-4 consumers with direct current voltages of 55 V and 27.5 V. and alternating current voltage 220 V, frequency 400 Hz.
The ZSU-23-4 Shilka is equipped with a short-wave frequency-modulated telephone transceiver radio station R-123. Its range of action in moderately rough terrain with the noise suppressor turned off and no interference is up to 23 km, and with the noise suppressor turned on - up to 13 km. For internal communications, a tank intercom P-124 for 4 subscribers is used.
ZSU-23-4 Shilka is equipped with TNA-2 navigation equipment. Its arithmetic mean error in generating coordinates as a percentage of the distance traveled is no more than 1%. When the ZSU is moving, the operating time of the equipment without reorientation is 3-3.5 hours.
The crew is protected from radioactive dust by cleaning the air and creating excess pressure in the fighting compartment and control compartment. For this purpose, a central supercharger with inertial air segmentation is used.
Shilka went into serial production of the ZSU-23-4 in 1964. That year it was planned to produce 40 vehicles, but this was not possible. However, mass production of the ZSU-23-4 was later launched. During the 60s, their average annual production was about 300 cars.
ZSU-23-4 Shilka began to enter service with the troops in 1965 and by the beginning of the 70s they completely replaced the ZSU-57-2. Initially, the statewide tank regiment had a “Shilok” division, which consisted of two batteries of four vehicles each. At the end of the 60s, it often happened that in a division one battery had a ZSU-23-4 and one battery had a ZSU-57-2. Later, motorized rifle and tank regiments received a standard anti-aircraft battery, consisting of two platoons. One platoon had four Shilka self-propelled air defense systems, and the other had four Strela-1 self-propelled air defense systems (later Strela-10 air defense systems).
Operation of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka showed that the RPK-2 works well under conditions of passive interference. We practically did not actively interfere with the Shilka during our exercises, since there were no radio countermeasures at its operating frequencies, at least in the 70s. Significant shortcomings of the PKK were also revealed, which often needed reconfiguration. Instability of the electrical parameters of the circuits was noted. The RPK could take the target for auto tracking no closer than 7-8 km from the ZSU. At shorter distances, this was difficult to do due to the high angular velocity of the target. When switching from detection mode to auto-tracking mode, the target was sometimes lost.
In the second half of the 60s, the ZSU-23-4 self-propelled gun underwent two small modernizations, the main purpose of which was to increase the reliability of various components and assemblies, primarily the RPK. The vehicles of the first modernization received the index ZSU-23-4V, and the second - ZSU-23-4V1. The main tactical and technical characteristics of self-propelled guns remained unchanged.
In October 1967, a resolution of the Council of Ministers was issued on a more serious modernization of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka. Its most important part was the redesign of the 2A7 assault rifles and the 2A10 gun in order to increase the reliability and stability of the complex, increase the survivability of gun parts and reduce maintenance time. During the modernization process, the pneumatic charging of the 2A7 assault rifles was replaced by pyrocharging, which made it possible to exclude an unreliably operating compressor and a number of other components from the design. The welded coolant drain pipe was replaced with a flexible pipeline - this increased the barrel life from 3500 to 4500 shots. In 1973, the modernized ZSU-23-4M was accepted for service along with the 2A7M assault rifle and the 2A10M cannon. ZSU-23-4M received the designation "Biryusa", but in the army units it was still called "Shilka".
After the next modernization, the anti-aircraft self-propelled gun will receive the index ZSU-23-4M3 (3 - interrogator). For the first time, “friend or foe” identification equipment was installed on it. Later, during repairs, all ZSU-23-4M were brought to the level of ZSU-23-4M3. Production of the ZSU-23-4M3 ceased in 1982.
There are different points of view on the effectiveness of the Shilka in the fight against air targets. Thus, during the 1973 war, Shilki accounted for about 10% of all Israeli aircraft losses (the rest were distributed between air defense systems and fighter aircraft). However, the pilots taken prisoner showed that the Shilkas literally created a sea of fire and the pilots instinctively left the ZSU fire zone and fell into the range of the air defense missile system. During Operation Desert Storm, pilots of the multinational forces tried not to operate unnecessarily at altitudes below 1300 m, fearing the fire of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka.
In Afghanistan, this ZSU fully realized the ability to fire at ground targets in the mountains. Moreover, a special “Afghan version” appeared - as it was no longer needed, the radio instrument complex was dismantled, due to which it was possible to increase the ammunition load from 2000 to 4000 rounds. A night sight was also installed on the vehicle.
"Shilkas" were widely exported to the Warsaw Pact countries, the Middle East and other regions. They took an active part in the Arab-Israeli wars, the Iraqi-Iranian war (on both sides), and the Gulf War in 1991.
Serial production of "Shilok" was completed in 1983. Currently, self-propelled guns of this type are in service in Afghanistan. Algeria, Angola. Bulgaria. Hungary, Vietnam, Egypt, Israel, India, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Congo, North Korea. Cuba, Laos, Libya, Nigeria, Peru, Poland. Russia, Syria, Somalia and Ethiopia.
Combat weight, t 19.0
Classic layout diagram
Crew, people 4
Case length, mm 6535
Case width, mm 3125
Height, mm 2500
Ground clearance, mm 400
Armor type rolled steel bulletproof (9-15mm)
Armament
Caliber and brand of gun 4? 23-mm AZP-23 "Amur"
Gun type rifled automatic
Barrel length, caliber 82
Gun ammunition 2000
Angles VN, degrees. ?4…+85
Optical sights, RPK-2 radar
Engine type in-line
6-cylinder diesel liquid cooled
Engine power, l. With. 280
Highway speed, km/h 50
Speed over rough terrain, km/h 25-30
Cruising range on the highway, km 450
Cruising range over rough terrain, km 300
Specific power, l. s./t 14.7
Suspension type: individual torsion bar
Climbability, degrees. 30
Wall to be overcome, m 0.7
Ditch to be overcome, m 2.5
Fordability, m 1.0
The Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled gun is designed to destroy low-flying targets at a range of up to 2500 m and an altitude of 1500 m, as well as ground targets at a range of up to 2000 m.
The armament consists of a four-barreled automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23-4 with liquid cooling and a radio instrument complex (RPK). The gun is aimed using a hydraulic drive, as well as manually (ground targets). Ammunition capacity: 2000 shells. Rate of fire 3400 rounds per minute. Ammunition: BZT - armor-piercing incendiary, tracer; OFZT - high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, tracer and OFZ - high-explosive fragmentation incendiary. Typical belt equipment: three OFZT, one BZT.
The RPK includes a radar station RLS-33, a computing device (SRP), a sighting device and a stabilization system. Radar detection range is up to 20 km.
Communication means: radio station R-123.
Base: GM-575 (produced by the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant, now ZAO Metrovagonmash). Engine: diesel, single-row, six-cylinder, 260 hp. Fuel capacity - 400 l. Transmission - mechanical. Special power supply: gas turbine engine, generator, on-board network converter. Output voltages: DC 27V, 54V and AC 220V 400Hz.
The installation crew is 4 people: commander, search operator, range operator and driver.
In the 60-70s. Anti-aircraft defense of motorized infantry and tank regiments was provided by ZRABatr (anti-aircraft missile artillery battery) consisting of a platoon of four "Shilok" and a platoon of four "Strel-1" (hereinafter "Strel-10"), covering the dead zones of the divisional air defense system "Kub" ("Wasp").
Since the 80s, the SME and TP has included an anti-aircraft division consisting of the Shilok (Tungusok) battery, the Strela-10 battery and the Igla MANPADS battery on an infantry fighting vehicle (armored personnel carrier).
ZSU-23-4 is capable of detecting and tracking low-flying aircraft at an effective range of up to 2500 meters. The installation is capable of firing on the move thanks to the presence of an artillery installation stabilization system and radar.
ZSU-23-4 can be transported by An-22 and Il-76.
Analyzing the results of the 1973 war in the Middle East, foreign military observers noted that in the first three days of fighting, Syrian missilemen destroyed about 100 Israeli aircraft. In their opinion, this was explained by the fact that the dense fire of the automatic Soviet-made ZSU-23-4 forced the Israeli pilots to withdraw from low altitudes to where the anti-aircraft missiles were operating.
The appearance in the 50s of anti-aircraft missile systems capable of hitting air targets at medium and high altitudes led to the fact that attack and bomber aircraft pilots mastered a new tactical technique - approaching ground targets from low, up to 300 m, and extremely low altitudes . The crews of the missile and anti-aircraft guns simply did not have time to hit a high-speed aircraft attacking within 15-30 seconds. A new technique was needed - mobile, fast-acting, with a high degree of automation, capable of firing from a standstill and on the move. Soviet designers also began working on such anti-aircraft guns, but they immediately encountered a number of serious problems, since they had never done anything like this before.
First of all, this concerned the layout. It was initially planned to place the relatively light but bulky electronic equipment inside the body of the self-propelled gun, but for a number of reasons, primarily because of the long waveguides of the radar station, this option was rejected. Then they decided to mount weapons, equipment and crew seats in a large, closed turret. True, the tactical and technical specifications allowed us to limit ourselves to a semi-closed vehicle, but the roof was needed to protect the radio electronics from moisture and dust.
The 37- and 57-mm guns then in service did not suit the designers due to the cassette loading mechanism (hence the low rate of fire) and the large mass, which required powerful power drives. Another thing is the 23-mm automatic cannon with belt feeding, which, by the way, made it possible to do without a loader. And the relatively small power of its fragmentation projectile was fully compensated by the significant weight of a second salvo - this method has long been used in fighter aircraft.
Choosing a location for the radar antenna caused a lot of trouble. After all, when installing the barrels before firing in advance, a mismatch occurs between the line of the shot and the electrical axis of the locator, which is why they, the barrels, can become an obstacle to the radio beam. At first they thought of installing the guns in pairs on the sides of the turret, with the antenna and optical sight in front. However, spaced artillery systems would increase the moment of inertia of the rotating turret, and if one failed, asymmetric loads on the drives would arise. In addition, the antenna mirror would block the gunner's observation of the front hemisphere. Therefore, a place was allocated for the trunks in the center of the installation, and the antenna was placed in front and to the side of them. However, when fired at the firing range, the muzzle wave destroyed it.
In the final version, the antenna was mounted at the stern, on a high bracket (in the stowed position, its mirror was placed above the roof of the power compartment), and the barrels were mounted in front, in two tiers, between which boxes with ammunition were placed.
The manufactured turrets were tested on running mock-ups made on the basis of the SU-85, which was supposed to be used as a chassis for the future vehicle, removing the standard gun and reducing the armor. We managed to save 4 tons, and the weight of the fully equipped tower exceeded 8 tons! The PT-76 was more suitable, but a major modification of the hull was required to install a heavy and complex shoulder strap with a diameter of 2700 mm under the turret. It would be better to create a special building. This is what they did - the turret was supported by a T-54 chase, lowered below the upper edge of the sides and resting on a light box frame, which provided strength to the thin-armored hull. Its lower cylindrical part is successfully located in the fender niches.
The overall layout was classic - the control compartment is in front, the combat compartment is behind it, and the engine and transmission compartment is in the stern. To increase the specific power of the forced V-6R engine, an ejection cooling system was used. It consumed only 2.2-2.5% of its power (versus 10-12% for a fan). The air intake for the engine was equipped with a labyrinthine system of partitions, where large dust particles got stuck, then the air passed through a tunnel along the side and entered the main filter with ejection suction of the remaining dust by exhaust gases. The torque from the engine was transmitted to the drive wheels through the guitar, the main clutch, a five-speed gearbox with synchronizers, planetary turning mechanisms and final drives. The chassis with six single-row road wheels on board was borrowed from the PT-76; smooth movement was ensured by a torsion bar suspension with large strokes and powerful shock absorbers on the first, fifth left and sixth right nodes. The service life of the tracks was increased by sealing the ends of the hinges with rubber bushings so that abrasive particles would not fall on the rubbing parts. The fuel supply was in internal tanks: one in the power compartment, the other to the right of the driver.
When marching along a good road, the power supply station was powered by the main engine; on heavy soils and a stationary position, the gas turbine DT-4 with a power of 80 hp was automatically turned on. s., which, although it absorbed a lot of fuel, gave a load a minute after switching on. Mobility and maneuverability equal to that of tanks allowed the combat vehicle to cover troops on the march - effective fire was carried out thanks to a system for stabilizing the line of fire and sighting.
Options:
- ZSU-23-4M4
- ZSU-23-4R Rosomaha - Polish modernization version
- "Donets" - Ukrainian version of modernization
The radar complex provided automatic search, detection and destruction of air targets at altitudes of 100-1500 m. When operating in combined mode, when the range is set by the locator and the angular coordinates by the optical sight, shooting is carried out at aircraft flying at ultra-low altitudes. If they interfere or launch missiles that are homing based on radar radiation, the station is turned off and the gunner takes aim using the sighting device.
After extensive testing, the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was put into service. During the production process it was modernized several times. In particular, the air supply system of the radio instrument complex has undergone significant changes. Since cooling it (and therefore, for reliable operation) required a constant flow of especially clean air, an air intake with an effective cleaning system was installed in the front part of the case. At the same time, we increased the ventilation performance of the fighting compartment.
The possibility of replacing the quad 23-mm installation with a 30-mm gear cannon with a rotating block of barrels was considered, which would dramatically increase the density of fire. However, this artillery system, created for the fleet, turned out to be too finicky for land conditions.
In addition, comparative tests of various anti-aircraft guns have shown that even with standard weapons, the Shilka is not inferior to a battery of four 57-mm cannons of the S-60 complex, which includes 12 units of military equipment with a crew of 57 soldiers and officers.
Specifications:
- Combat weight, t: 21
- Layout scheme: classic
- Crew, people: 4
- Years of production 1964-1982
- Years of operation: since 1965
- Number issued, pcs.: about 6500
- Case length, mm: 6495
- Case width, mm: 3075
- Height, mm: 2644-3764
- Base, mm: 3828
- Track, mm: 2500
- Ground clearance, mm: 400
- Armor type: rolled steel bulletproof (9-15 mm)
- Gun caliber and brand: 4 × 23 mm AZP-23 “Amur”
- Gun type: rifled small-caliber automatic guns
- Barrel length, calibers: 82
- Gun ammunition: 2000
- HV angles, degrees: −4...+85°
- GN angles, degrees: 360°
- Firing range, km: 0.2-2.5
- Sights: optical sight, RPK-2 radar
- Engine type: V-6R
- Engine power, l. p.: 280
- Highway speed, km/h: 50
- Speed over rough terrain, km/h: up to 30
- Cruising range on the highway, km: 450
- Cruising range over rough terrain, km: 300
- Specific power, l. s./t: 14.7
- Suspension type: individual torsion bar
- Climbability, degrees: 30°
- Wall to be overcome, m: 0.7
- Ditch to be overcome, m: 2.5
- Fordability, m: 1.0