Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled gun caliber. Anti-aircraft self-propelled gun "Shilka"

In connection with the adoption of the 2K22 Tunguska anti-aircraft gun-missile system in 1982, the serial construction of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns was stopped. By this time, the troops had similar equipment of several modifications, the newest of which was the ZSU-23-4M3. According to available data, over time, most of the Shiloks remaining in the army were upgraded to the M3 state and continued to serve in this form until they were decommissioned.

The ZSU-23-4M3 modernization project was created back in the late seventies, which had a corresponding impact on the achieved characteristics. The emergence of the new Tunguska complex, in turn, led to a complete stop in the development of the Shilka project. However, after some time, new options for modernizing old anti-aircraft self-propelled guns appeared. Since the late nineties, work began on modernizing this technology through the use of new equipment. Two new projects make it possible to significantly increase the combat potential of outdated equipment and extend their service life.

ZSU-23-4M4

In the second half of the nineties, the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant proposed an original concept for the development of obsolete systems of the Shilka family. Due to some design modifications and the installation of new equipment, it was planned to significantly improve the characteristics of combat vehicles, ensuring the possibility of their use in modern armed conflicts. In addition, updating the on-board equipment of self-propelled guns made it possible to increase their maintainability through the use of modern elemental base.

The new project for the modernization of anti-aircraft self-propelled guns received a designation corresponding to the previously used nomenclature - ZSU-23-4M4 or "Shilka-M4". The main part of the work on the creation of this project was undertaken by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. He had to develop an updated complex of radio-electronic equipment, as well as master its production. In addition, the Belarusian enterprise Minotor-Service was involved in the project, which was supposed to modernize the base chassis and its units.

As part of the modernization under the ZSU-23-4M4 project, the existing equipment is deprived of most of the existing equipment, instead of which it is proposed to install new ones. In particular, instead of an analog computing device, it is proposed to use a digital computing system. In addition, a new fire control system is used. There were also some other improvements to the project. The use of new equipment made it possible to significantly improve the characteristics of the combat vehicle, as well as reduce the volumes required for its deployment. Thus, the radar and instrument complex of the old "Shilok" was located in seven cabinets. In the M4 project, only five cabinets are allocated for this equipment.

During modernization, the Shilka-M4 self-propelled gun retains the basic principles of combat operation. Like previous vehicles in the family, the new ZSU-23-4M4 must monitor the situation and attack targets using a radar fire control system. The target detection radar antenna is still located in the rear of the tower.

It is proposed to include equipment for receiving external target designation and issuing data via a telecode channel into the on-board electronics. This equipment ensures joint operation with the “Assembly” battery command post, which expands the combat capabilities of both an individual combat vehicle and the entire formation. For example, it is possible to simultaneously fire at one target with five self-propelled guns.

Another important innovation of the ZSU-23-4M4 project is a training device for radar station operators, with the help of which personnel can be trained without the use of third-party tools.

All modifications used are designed to increase the combat effectiveness of individual vehicles and batteries. The ability to communicate with a battery command post and receive third-party target designation makes it possible to integrate anti-aircraft self-propelled guns into the overall structure of military air defense and, as a result, expand the information field of the air situation. The updated digital equipment of the combat vehicle has higher performance compared to the electronics of previous models, which reduces operating time and also allows for faster data processing and attack execution.

Unlike its predecessors, the Shilka-M4 can operate in difficult jamming environments and can also effectively detect targets flying at low altitudes. Also, the automation of the complex independently takes into account meteorological conditions, wear of gun barrels and other factors affecting the flight path of projectiles.

The modernized combat vehicle has several new operating modes. First of all, it is necessary to note the possibility of automated operation of an anti-aircraft installation under the control of a higher command post. In the training mode for radar operators, the automation is capable of simulating work in difficult conditions. In this case, information about several (no more than five) targets is displayed on the screens. It is also possible to simulate passive and active interference.

In order to significantly improve combat characteristics, the updated ZSU-23-4M4 self-propelled gun receives guided missile weapons. In the rear part of the tower it is proposed to mount two Strelets launchers with mounts for four transport and launch containers of Igla missiles. The launchers have their own vertical guidance drives. Azimuth guidance is carried out by rotating the entire tower. The original elements of the ground equipment of the Igla complex are not used. Their functions related to target search and fire control are performed by the existing radio-electronic equipment of the anti-aircraft self-propelled gun.

The ZSU-23-4M4 “Shilka-M4” project involves only the modernization of existing equipment, since the combat vehicles of the “Shilka” family have long been out of production. At the same time, however, the project provides for some measures aimed at extending the service life of the equipment. Thus, during the production of a promising anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, it is planned to carry out a major overhaul of all components and assemblies that cannot be replaced with new ones. In addition, outdated equipment units, etc. dismantled and new ones installed in their place. All this allows you to significantly extend the life of the machine, ensuring its further operation.

During the upgrade to the “M4” state, no major alterations to the basic design are made, due to which the updated self-propelled gun maintains the dimensions and weight at the level of the base model. In addition, the same mobility characteristics are maintained.

New electronic equipment allows the Shilka-M4 to detect a target and track it at ranges of up to 10 km. When integrating a combat vehicle into a military air defense system, this parameter increases significantly. When working together with a battery command post and third-party detection means, the range at which the target is detected increases to 34 km.

During the modernization, the ZSU-23-4M4 retains the old artillery armament in the form of a quad 2A7M assault rifle of 23 mm caliber. These guns can be aimed in any direction in azimuth with an elevation angle from -4° to +85°. With an initial projectile speed of 950-970 m/s, effective shooting is possible at a distance of up to 2-2.5 km. Height reach – 1.5 km. Ammunition - 2000 shells for all four guns. With the existing characteristics, the machine guns can be used to attack air targets moving at speeds of up to 500 m/s.

When using 9M39 Igla guided missiles, the maximum range of hitting targets increases to 5-5.2 km, height - to 3-3.5 km. The maximum speed of the target hit, depending on the angle, reaches 360-400 m/s. The target is hit using a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The tower's two launchers house four containers with 9M39 missiles. According to some reports, four more missiles can be transported inside the vehicle and attached to launchers after the ammunition ready for use has been used up.

ZSU-23-4M5

Simultaneously with the Shilka-M4 project, a modernization option was proposed under the designation ZSU-23-4M5. Like the previous project, it was created within the framework of cooperation between enterprises of the two states. At the same time, due to the different composition of the special equipment, the Minsk NPO Peleng was involved in the development of the M5 self-propelled gun. It was to develop and supply some new equipment for use as part of the fire control system.

The ZSU-23-4M5 modernization project is based on the same ideas as the ZSU-23-4M4, but receives a number of new equipment. Both combat vehicles have the same fire control systems, weapons, etc. The only difference between the Shilka-M5 is the presence of an optical-location channel as part of the fire control system. Due to this, a certain expansion of the combat capabilities of the self-propelled gun is ensured, since the optical-location system is capable of ensuring combat operation even in conditions of strong interference interfering with the radar station.

The Shilka-M5 project proposes to equip the self-propelled gun with an additional television sight and a laser rangefinder. This equipment is integrated with other on-board systems, thanks to which the crew has at its disposal a complex of optical and radar equipment that complement each other.

The proposed optical location systems allow you to monitor the situation, find targets and take them for escort at any time of the day without serious restrictions due to weather conditions and other factors. In addition, the performance and overall effectiveness of the TV visor is enhanced by the parallel use of radar. As a result, a television sight with a range finder and a radar station, duplicating each other, increase the likelihood of tracking a target with further shelling using cannon or missile weapons.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns ZSU-23-4M4 and ZSU-23-4M5 have the same dimensions and mobility characteristics. There are also no differences in the characteristics of the range and height of the targets hit, their speed, etc. Thus, the only serious difference between the two combat vehicles is the composition of the fire control systems. In the case of the M5 project, a universal complex with a radar and optical channel is proposed, which in a number of situations can provide greater combat effectiveness in comparison with the equipment of the M4 vehicle.

The general public first learned about new modernization projects for the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” in 1999. At the MAKS exhibition in Zhukovsky, the Shilka-M4 prototype, which was being tested at that time, was shown. Subsequently, this car was repeatedly demonstrated at other exhibitions. In addition, over time, the Shilka-M5 prototype joined the prototype of the M4 project vehicle.

Two new projects are of great interest to potential customers, since they make it possible to update the equipment available to the troops at minimal cost, significantly increasing its characteristics. At the same time, the very interesting appearance of a combat vehicle consists of several main components. First of all, this is the maximum possible use of original components with minimal modification. During modernization according to new projects, the Shilka in its basic configuration must undergo repairs and also retain the main structural elements, including weapons.

Increased performance is achieved through a complete redesign of on-board radio-electronic systems with the replacement of outdated analog equipment with modern digital equipment. As a result, new operating modes emerge, including the possibility of effective use in complex interference environments. Finally, the projects involve the introduction of some completely new equipment into the equipment of the combat vehicle. These are launchers for guided missiles in both new projects, as well as an optical-location system in the ZSU-23-4M5 project.

The proposed projects for the modernization of Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled guns are of particular interest to many countries that still have similar equipment in their arsenal. Not all of these states have the opportunity to write off their existing ZSU-23-4 and replace them with newer equipment. The proposals of the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, the Minotor-Service company and the NPO Peleng, in turn, make it possible to seriously update the fleet of equipment without the large costs associated with purchasing completely new machines.

However, as far as we know, the ZSU-23-4M4 and ZSU-23-4M5 projects have not yet gone beyond the demonstration of prototypes at exhibitions. Despite all the efforts of the developers, no one has yet expressed a desire to upgrade their equipment to the Shilka-M4 or Shilka-M5 modifications. This technique currently exists only in the form of a few prototypes. When contracts for such modernization of anti-aircraft self-propelled guns will appear is not yet completely clear. Perhaps the active development of combat aviation and airborne weapons, observed in recent years, will become an incentive for some states. However, it cannot be ruled out that two interesting projects will not become the subject of contracts for equipment modernization.

Based on materials from sites:
http://bastion-karpenko.narod.ru/
http://vooruzenie.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://armor.kiev.ua/

He learned about the fact that he had to go to war at the medical commission. The doctors, smiling, said: “We are selecting you guys for export.” There was no particular fear - I wanted to test myself. Then there was training in Uzbekistan, where the father-commanders trained recruits to crew for the Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled guns. Seeing this vehicle for the first time, Private Ivan Chuchkin experienced a feeling of delight - sitting behind the armor and operating guns is much better than serving in the infantry and crawling through the mountains...

ZSU-23-4 accompanies the convoy, 1985 (photo from the author’s collection)

Three months of training flew by quickly. Afghanistan. The Kandahar airfield greeted them with a bustle of combat: planes took off and landed, cars scurried about, military personnel hurried about their business. They thought that they would immediately go into battle, but no shots were heard, and the feeling of anxiety that had washed over them disappeared. In February 1986, I ended up in an anti-aircraft missile battery of the 70th Kandahar Motorized Rifle Brigade,” Ivan recalls. “The “spirits” did not have aviation, but still four Shilkas and Strela-10 anti-aircraft systems guarded the sky over the airfield around the clock. Unidentified targets were detected several times. They were probably Pakistani planes. True, they did not demonstrate hostile intentions. It’s clear why - in addition to “Strel” and “Shilok”, the Kandaharians also had more powerful “Osa” complexes.

We didn’t have to stay in Kandahar for long - we were sent to serve at an outpost twenty kilometers from the city. When we were driving there, I was struck by the large amount of equipment rusting by the side of the road. I didn’t count specifically, but it was possible to estimate by eye that the “spirits” destroyed several hundred cars of various brands, tanks and armored personnel carriers here. My first thought: “Lord, where have I ended up?” Soon a baptism of fire took place. When it got dark, the Afghans began shelling. I was next to Shilka. This vehicle did not have a special night sight; we had to use a regular optical one. He immediately fired 400 shells at the place where the shooting was coming from. Almost immediately the infantry entered the battle and the tank began shooting. Having received theirs, the “spirits” shut up.

The ZSU barrel could also be useful for physical exercises, 1985 (photo from the author’s collection)

In addition to this outpost, Ivan had to fight in other areas. For example, a fuel and lubricants outpost. Its name was simply deciphered: fuels and lubricants. Indeed, the facility was located next to a fuel depot: before the war, the entire fuel supply of the city of Kandahar was located here. This is how the writer Alexander Prokhanov described this place in the story “Kandahar Outpost”:

“Huge silver tanks shimmered in the sun. The fuel and lubricants warehouse was built by the Americans, but since the beginning of the war all the tanks were shot through multiple times. The outpost during on-air negotiations had the call sign “Alpha”. In common parlance, the drivers of military vehicles, the battalion soldiers guarding the road, and everyone who served in Kandahar had the name “geseem.” It had a reputation as one of the most belligerent - a zone of continuous bloody struggle.” What were the army outposts like? It was, as a rule, a small patch on a hill, which made it possible to control a section of the surrounding area, including the Kandahar highway, along which columns with fuel, ammunition, and food for the garrison stationed there walked. Typically, the outpost housed a platoon of infantry and reinforcement forces: a tank, a Shilka, and a mortar. The outposts were located along the entire route approximately two kilometers from each other. Previously, on the site of the fuel and lubricants outpost there was a post of government troops. One night, the “spirits” attacked him and completely cut him out; they knocked out a tank with a grenade launcher, which was still at the outpost when Ivan arrived, reminding everyone what can happen if you lose vigilance.

Life here was monotonous, but not boring. There were mortar attacks at night, and snipers during the day. In addition, convoys of cars walked at intervals of two or three days, or even more often. And the fuel and lubricants personnel did everything to secure their passage. Up to 40 loaded KamAZ trucks regularly departed for Kandahar, where, in addition to other aircraft, SU-25 attack aircraft were based at the airfield. However, about 30 cars made it there. Therefore, the airbase was constantly lacking fuel and ammunition.

Kandahar outpost for fuel and lubricants, 1986. Ural brought barrels of fuel. Tank T-62M and PRP-4 are in position. The arrow marks the location of Ivan Chuchkin's ZSU. In the lower left corner is a damaged Afghan T-54 tank. (photo from the author’s collection)

The favorite targets of the Afghans were “nalivniki” - vehicles with fuel (most often KamAZ trucks with three barrels on a semi-trailer). The Dushman grenade launcher hit the middle barrel, and when it caught fire, it ignited the others. To keep the convoy from stopping, experienced drivers tried to move the burning car to the side of the road. The slightest slowdown and other flaming “liquids” may appear on the road. One day, a desperate driver drove a KamAZ truck engulfed in flames that looked like a giant torch for almost a kilometer before he managed to successfully park the car on the side of the road. Fate spared the brave man - he did not burn out in the cabin of his tractor. Sometimes, because there was a novice at the wheel or the car's engine stopped, the truck would block the convoy's path. An order was transmitted over the radio, and the surviving vehicles stopped at a safe distance. At this time, artillery and aviation attacked the identified firing points. Ivan’s self-propelled gun contributed its share of fire suppression to ambushes. The anti-aircraft gunners had a lot of fun when they were asked to finish off a burning car so that the fuel leaking from the damaged tanks would burn out faster. No less than fuel and lubricants, Ivan remembers another outpost - “Island”. The “spirits” very often opened fire on this outpost. One day the commander of the outpost died. A mine that flew in from somewhere hit him with a shrapnel. Another mine flew into the open hatch of a T-62 tank standing in position. It’s good that there was no one in the combat vehicle at that time. The tank exploded a couple of minutes later. The tower flew off about seven meters, metal parts tumbling in the air. The explosion killed a company technician. Several more soldiers were injured. Outpost "Island" has become a cursed place. Here Ivan served for seven months. All this time, the guys were fired at five to six times a day.

The Kandahar 70th separate motorized rifle brigade, in which Ivan served, carried out raids to the Pakistani border from time to time. True, the effectiveness of these operations was low. Here is how eyewitness Special Forces Major Sergei Krylov describes one of these sorties in the magazine “Soldier of Fortune”: “I was always shocked by the monotony with which the 70th Brigade prepared for the next military action. It always started with drill reviews, repeated up to five times in two days. A column of military equipment and vehicles of rear units pulled out. All this was clearly visible to the “spirits” from the nearest mountain, and it was not difficult to calculate the moment the operation began. By the time the brigade was driven into the “green zone” of Kandahar, the Mujahideen had mined roads, organized ambushes, and withdrawn the main personnel to safe zones. During a raid on the Pakistani border in 1986, the brigade lost 20 units of military equipment to mines alone. The same number of vehicles were lost while moving to their deployment sites.”

"Shilka" in position at the Kandahar airfield. 1986 (photo from the author’s collection)

Despite the fact that Ivan often found himself in the thick of it, he was lucky. The injuries he received were not serious. Once, after a mortar attack, the Shilka’s gun jammed. He climbed out of the hatch, began to figure it out - and then there was another explosion. The shrapnel slightly grazed my stomach. A little to the side and the injury would have been more serious. I received the second fragment while on duty at the post. They were shot at from a grenade launcher - at first I didn’t feel anything, only my hand became sticky for some reason. He brought it to his eyes and saw blood. The doctor who examined the hand did not perform surgery. He promised that the fragment would not interfere. “I’m afraid we’ll pick your hand,” said the surgeon, “and in the local heat an inflammatory process will begin.” What Ivan suffered the most was not from the Mujahideen. Once I walked past a Soviet tank standing on a hill. At that moment, the combat vehicle fired a shot literally a few meters from his head. The sound wave hit his eardrums so hard that he lost his hearing for a whole week. The consequences of the concussion—headaches—still plague me to this day.

After serving for eight months in Afghanistan, Ivan Chuchkin became the commander of an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun. He still has a high opinion of his car and admires its firepower. They had a special Afghan version, with the radio equipment dismantled and the ammunition load increased to 4 thousand shells. In repelling Dushman attacks, it turned out to be more effective than the T-62 tank. While the tank, with its relatively low rate of fire, was just trying to cover the target, Ivan’s crew was already bringing down a sea of ​​fire on the enemy. True, the self-propelled gun’s two-hundred-eighty-horsepower diesel engine constantly overheated. In the summer, when the temperature was high, we had to make stops after several kilometers of the journey. The guys even brought with them a special barrel, with water from which they cooled the boiling radiator. The gas turbine engine of the power supply system was practically not used. The turret and barrels were worked “by hand”.

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" during the Kandahar operation in 1986. The combat vehicle covered the brigade command post. (photo from the author’s collection)

Not only the equipment, but also the crew themselves suffered from high temperatures. The temperature inside the car rose to 60 degrees. People were forced to stay there in their underpants. Small-caliber guns required very careful maintenance and often failed. Once, during shooting, one of the barrels came off the car and flew many meters away. It's good that it didn't hurt anyone. The anti-aircraft self-propelled guns of the Kandahar brigade looked quite boring in appearance. They were painted in a standard dark green color; there were no special identification marks on the armor, not even numbers.

Unfortunately, in Afghanistan, soldiers sometimes died as a result of accidents. During one of his speeches to the personnel, the brigade commander of the 70th Kandahar Brigade noted that in 1986 the brigade lost about 100 people during combat operations, and 86 people as a result of accidents. “Hazing” also made its contribution to the bloody count of the Afghan war. One young tank soldier was tired of fulfilling the whims of three “grandfathers” - members of his crew. He shot his offenders. Another time, the “grandfathers” sent two recently arrived soldiers to pick up grapes. They were captured by dushmans. The guys were killed, their corpses were mutilated.

Another danger in Afghanistan was the threat of various infectious diseases - typhoid fever, cholera. Many who served there suffered from hepatitis. Ivan himself felt his illness already in the train carriage that was taking him home. I was discharged from the hospital just before the New Year, 1988. Thus began a peaceful life for him.

FROM THE DOSSIER OF “COURAGE”: ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”

Serial modifications of "Shilka":
ZSU-23-4, entered service in 1962. It was armed with a quadruple 23-mm AZP-23 “Amur” cannon (2A7 assault rifles).
ZSU-23-4V, a modernized vehicle with increased reliability of some components and assemblies, the ventilation system casing is located on the right side of the hull.
ZSU-23-4V1, the reliability of the radio instrument complex has been increased, the ventilation system casings are located on the cheekbones of the turret.
ZSU-23-4M Biryusa, put into service in 1972. It had modernized 2A7M assault rifles and flexible coolant supply tubes.
ZSU-23-4 (“Afghan” version), early 1980s. Due to the dismantling of the RPK, the ammunition load was increased to 4000 rounds, and a night sight was installed.
ZSU-23-4MZ (“with interrogator”), early 1980s. A “friend or foe” identification system has been installed.

ZSU-23-4 was in service with Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Vietnam, Egypt, India, Israel (captured), Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, North Korea, Cuba, Mozambique, Poland, Peru, Syria.

Main performance characteristics

We are smoothly moving from the ZSU-57-2 to the great (and I’m not afraid of this word at all) successor. “Shaitan-arbe” - “Shilke”.

We can talk endlessly about this complex, but one short phrase is enough: “In service since 1965.” And enough, in general.

... The history of its creation has been replicated in such a way that it is unrealistic to add anything new or piquant, but speaking about the “Shilka”, one cannot help but note several facts that simply fit the “Shilka” into our military history.

So, the 60s of the last century. Jet aircraft have ceased to be a miracle, representing a completely serious strike force. With completely different speeds and maneuvering capabilities. Helicopters also mounted a propeller and were considered not only as a vehicle, but also as a quite decent weapons platform.

And most importantly, helicopters began to try to catch up with the planes of World War II, and the planes completely overtook their predecessors.

And something had to be done about all this. Especially at the army level, “in the fields.”

Yes, anti-aircraft missile systems appeared. Still stationary. The thing is promising, but in the future. But the main load was still borne by anti-aircraft guns of all sizes and calibers.

We have already talked about the ZSU-57-2 and the difficulties that installation calculations encountered when working on low-flying fast targets. Anti-aircraft systems ZU-23, ZP-37, ZSU-57 could hit high-speed targets by accident. The projectiles of the installations, impact action, without a fuse, had to hit the target itself to be guaranteed destruction. I cannot judge how high the probability of a direct hit was.

Things were somewhat better with batteries of S-60 anti-aircraft guns, the guidance of which could be carried out automatically according to the data of the RPK-1 radio instrument complex.

But in general, there was no longer talk of any accurate anti-aircraft fire. Anti-aircraft guns could put a barrier in front of the plane, force the pilot to drop bombs or launch missiles with less accuracy.

"Shilka" was a breakthrough in the field of hitting flying targets at low altitudes. Plus mobility, which has already been appreciated by the ZSU-57-2. But the main thing is accuracy.

General designer Nikolai Aleksandrovich Astrov managed to create an incomparable machine that performed well in combat conditions. And more than once.

Small amphibious tanks T-38 and T-40, tracked armored tractor T-20 "Komsomolets", light tanks T-30, T-60, T-70, self-propelled gun SU-76M. And other, less known or not included in the series models.

What is the ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”?

Perhaps we should start with the purpose.

"Shilka" is intended to protect combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway trains from enemy air attacks at altitudes from 100 to 1500 meters, at ranges from 200 to 2500 meters at target speeds of up to 450 m/s. The Shilka can fire from a standstill and on the move, and is equipped with equipment that provides autonomous circular and sector search for targets, their tracking, and the development of gun pointing angles.

The armament of the complex consists of a 23-mm quad automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23 "Amur" and a power drive system designed for guidance.

The second component of the complex is the RPK-2M radar and instrument complex. Its purpose is also clear. Fire guidance and control.

This particular vehicle was modernized in the late 80s, judging by the commander’s triplex and night sight.

An important aspect: “Shilka” can work with both a radar and a conventional optical sighting device.

The locator provides search, detection, automatic tracking of a target, and determines its coordinates. But in the mid-70s, the Americans invented and began arming aircraft with missiles that could find a radar beam using a radar beam and hit it. This is where simplicity comes in handy.

The third component. The GM-575 chassis, on which everything is actually mounted.

The Shilka crew consists of four people: a self-propelled gun commander, a search and gunner operator, a range operator and a driver.

The driver is the most thieves member of the crew. It is in simply stunning luxury compared to others.

The rest are in the tower, where not only is it cramped and, like in a normal tank, there is something to hit your head on, but also (it seemed to us) it can easily and naturally apply an electric shock. Very cramped.

Positions of the range operator and gunner-operator. Top view in hover.

Locator screen

Analog electronics... You look in awe. Apparently, the operator determined the range using the round screen of the oscilloscope... Uh...

“Shilka” received its baptism of fire during the so-called “War of Attrition” of 1967-70 between Israel and Egypt as part of the Egyptian air defense. And after that, the complex was responsible for another two dozen local wars and conflicts. Mainly in the Middle East.

But “Shilka” received special recognition in Afghanistan. And the honorary nickname “Shaitan-arba” among the Mujahideen. The best way to calm down an ambush organized in the mountains is to use the Shilka. A long burst of four barrels and a subsequent shower of high-explosive shells at the intended positions is the best remedy that saved more than one hundred lives of our soldiers.

By the way, the fuse went off quite normally when it hit an adobe wall. And trying to hide behind the duvals of villages usually did not lead to anything good for dushmans...

Considering that the Afghan partisans did not have aviation, the Shilka fully realized its potential for firing at ground targets in the mountains.

Moreover, a special “Afghan version” was created: a radio device complex was removed, which was completely unnecessary in those conditions. Thanks to it, the ammunition load was increased from 2000 to 4000 rounds and a night sight was installed.

By the end of our troops' stay in the DRA, columns accompanied by Shilka were rarely attacked. This is also a recognition.

It can also be considered recognition that the Shilka is still in service in our army. More than 30 years. Yes, this is far from the same car that began its career in Egypt. “Shilka” has undergone (successfully) more than one deep modernization, and one of these modernizations even received its own name, ZSU-23-4M “Biryusa”.

39 countries, and not only our “faithful friends,” purchased these machines from the Soviet Union.

And today the Russian army also has Shilki in service. But these are completely different machines, which are worth a separate story.

Short description

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. The radar detection range is up to 20 km.

Communications: radio station R-123.

Base: GM-575 (manufactured 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.

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.

ZSU 23-4 "Shilka" took an active part in most military conflicts in the Middle East and other regions of the world.

At the turn of the 21st century, Russia used the Shilka during combat operations in the Chechen Republic to combat manpower and lightly armored equipment of the separatists.

Technical characteristics of ZSU-23-4

Combat weight
Armament	4x23 mm water cooling gun AZP-23
Maximum firing range
Minimum firing range
Maximum firing height
Minimum firing height

The 23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft self-propelled gun was developed in the 1960s to replace the 57 mm ZSU-57-2. Although the 23-mm ZSU 23-4 cannon has a shorter firing range compared to it, it is much more effective thanks to the radar fire control system and high rate of fire.
The chassis of the 23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled gun is very similar to the chassis of the SA-6 Gainful SAM missile launchers; it also uses some components and assemblies of the PT-76 amphibious light tank. The body of the unit is completely welded, the armor thickness is 10 and 15 mm in the frontal part, which provides only bulletproof and anti-fragmentation protection. The driver's position is located in front on the left, the turret is located in the center of the hull, the engine and transmission are located at the rear. The suspension is torsion bar type and consists of 6 rubber-coated road rollers. A gas turbine mounted at the rear of the hull powers the turret and other installation systems when the engine is switched off.