I fired and forgot the rifle. Russian anti-tank guided missile systems (ptrk-ptur) - evolution of development
Anti-tank missile systems (ATGM) are one of the most dynamically developing segments of the global arms market. First of all, this is due to the general trend towards maximizing the structural protection of all types of armored fighting vehicles in modern armies of the world.
The armed forces of many countries are moving on a large scale from second-generation ATGMs (guided in semi-automatic mode) to third-generation systems that implement the fire-and-forget principle. In the latter case, the operator only needs to aim and shoot, then leave the position. As a result, the market for the most modern anti-tank weapons was actually divided between American and Israeli manufacturers. The achievements of the Russian military-industrial complex (DIC) in this area are represented on the world market almost only by the Kornet generation 2+ ATGM with a laser guidance system developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau (KBP). We still don't have a third generation.
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Photo: Zachary A. Gardner |
The basis for the commercial success of the Kornet ATGM is the efficiency-cost ratio compared to complexes armed with missiles with a thermal imaging homing head (GOS), that is, in fact, firing with expensive thermal imagers. The second factor is the good range of the system - 5.5 kilometers. On the other hand, the Kornet, like other domestic anti-tank systems, is constantly criticized for its insufficient capabilities to overcome the dynamic armor of modern foreign main battle tanks.
Nevertheless, Kornet-E has become the most popular domestic ATGM exported. Its shipments were purchased by 16 countries, including Algeria, India, Syria, Greece, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. The latest deep modification – “Kornet-EM” – with a firing range of 10 kilometers is capable of “working” against both ground and air targets, primarily against unmanned vehicles and combat helicopters.
In addition to armor-piercing missiles with a cumulative warhead (WU), the ammunition load includes universal ones with high-explosive ones. However, foreign countries quickly lost interest in such “air-ground” versatility. This happened, for example, with the ADATS (Air Defense Anti-Tank System) complex developed by the Swiss company Oerlikon Contraves AG and the American company Martin Marietta. It was adopted only by the armies of Canada and Thailand. The USA, having made a large order, eventually abandoned it. Last year, the Canadians also removed ADATS from service.
Another KBP development also has good export performance - the second generation Metis-M complexes with a range of 1.5 kilometers and Metis-M1 (two kilometers) with a semi-automatic wire guidance system.
At one time, the management of the KBP, despite, as officially announced, the successful completion of development work on anti-tank guided missiles operating according to the “fire-and-forget” scheme, refused to implement this concept in the Kornet complex in order to achieve the longest ranges shooting compared to Western counterparts, using the “see-shoot” principle and a laser beam control system. The emphasis was placed on creating a combined system of anti-tank weapons that would implement both of these principles - “fire and forget” and “see and shoot” - with an emphasis on the relative cheapness of anti-tank systems. It was planned to organize anti-tank defense with three complexes of different standard equipment. To do this, in the support zone - from the front edge of the defense to a depth of 15 kilometers towards the enemy - it was planned to place light portable ATGMs with a firing range of up to 2.5 kilometers, self-propelled and portable ATGMs with a range of up to 5.5, and a self-propelled long-range ATGM "Hermes" on BMP-3 chassis with a range of up to 15 kilometers.
The control system of the promising multi-purpose complex "Hermes" is combined. During the initial phase of the flight, the missile of the version under discussion with a range of 15–20 kilometers is controlled by an inertial system. At the final stage - laser semi-active homing of the missile to the target by laser radiation reflected from it, as well as infrared or radar. The complex was developed in three versions: ground, sea and aviation. At the moment, only the latest version, Hermes-A, is officially in development of the KBP. In the future, it is possible that Hermes will equip the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems (ZRPK) developed by the same KBP.
Tula also developed the third generation ATGM "Autonomia" with an infrared homing system of type IIR (Imagine Infra-Red), which was never brought to the level of mass production.
The latest development of the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM) - a modernized version of the second-generation self-propelled ATGM "Sturm" ("Sturm-SM") with the multifunctional "Attack" missile (range - six kilometers) - recently completed state tests. For round-the-clock target detection, the new complex was equipped with a surveillance and targeting system with television and thermal imaging channels. During the civil war in Libya, the self-propelled anti-tank systems of Kolomna development "Chrysanthemum-S" (range - six kilometers), using a combined guidance system - automatic radar in the millimeter range with missile guidance in the radio beam and semi-automatic with aiming a missile at a laser beam.
Main competitor
It is worth noting that the Western trend for self-propelled armored ATGMs is decommissioning and lack of demand. There is still no serial infantry (portable, transportable and self-propelled) ATGM with an IIR infrared guidance system and memory of the target contour, implementing the “fire-and-forget” principle, in the Russian arsenal. And there is serious doubt about the ability and desire of the Russian Ministry of Defense to purchase such expensive systems.
Production exclusively for export is no longer dominant for the Russian defense industry, as it was in previous times. Foreign armies continue to re-equip themselves to this standard. Almost all tenders for the purchase of anti-tank systems come down to competition between the American Javelin ATGM and the Israeli Spike. Nevertheless, there are still many foreign customers who cannot purchase Western systems solely for political reasons.
ADATS |
The main portable ATGM in the US Army is the FGM-148 Javelin, jointly produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, adopted in 1996, with a firing range of 2.5 kilometers. This is the world's first serial ATGM with an infrared homing system of type IIR, implementing the “fire and forget” principle. The missile is capable of hitting an armored target both in a straight line and from above. The “soft start” system allows you to shoot from enclosed spaces. The disadvantage of the complex is its high price. The export version costs 125 thousand dollars (80 thousand for its military) and 40 thousand for one missile. Another disadvantage is design flaws that affect combat use. It takes about 30 seconds to lock on a target, which is very expensive in real combat conditions. A target maneuvering on the battlefield can “lose its sights.” Such a failure often leads to an error in remembering the target outline. American soldiers have repeatedly complained about the extreme inconvenience of carrying the complex.
Nevertheless, in Western armies the introduction of ATGMs with a type IIR guidance system has long been the main focus. However, the Ratheyon corporation continues mass production of the “old” second-generation TOW ATGM with an increased firing range of up to 4.5 kilometers and guidance by wire or radio link. Missiles with tandem and high-explosive warheads, as well as warheads of the “shock core” type. The latter are equipped with inertial-guided missiles of the FGM-172 Predator SRAW short-range ATGM, which has been in service with the US Marine Corps since 2003, with a range of up to 600 meters.
European way
Back in the mid-70s of the twentieth century, France, Great Britain and Germany embarked on a joint program to create a third-generation ATGM TRIGAT with an infrared seeker of type IIR. R&D was carried out by Euromissile Dynamics Group. It was planned that the universal TRIGAT in short, medium and long range versions would replace all anti-tank systems in service with these countries. But despite the fact that the system entered the testing stage in the second half of the 90s, the project eventually collapsed because its participants decided to stop funding.
Only Germany continued to develop the system in the helicopter version of LR-TRIGAT with long-range missiles (up to six kilometers). The Germans ordered almost 700 of these missiles (under the name Pars 3 LR) from the European concern MBDA to arm Tiger combat helicopters, but other customers of these helicopters refused these missiles.
MBDA continues production of the popular second-generation MILAN portable ATGM (in service in 44 countries) in the MILAN-2T/3 and MILANADT-ER versions with a firing range of three kilometers and a very powerful tandem warhead. MBDA also continues production of the second generation NOT complex (purchased by 25 countries), the latest modification is NOT-3 with a firing range of 4.3 kilometers. The French army continues to purchase the Eryx lightweight man-portable anti-tank system with a range of 600 meters.
The Thales group and the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics have developed the RB-57 NLAW lightweight short-range ATGM (600 meters) with an inertial guidance system. The Swedes continue to produce the portable ATGM RBS-56 BILL (range - two kilometers), which at one time became the world's first anti-tank missile system capable of hitting a target from above. The Italian OTO Melara was never able to promote to the market, developed back in the 80s, the MAF complex with a range of three kilometers and a laser guidance system.
High demand for second-generation complexes remains not only due to their mass distribution and low price. The fact is that the latest modifications of many second-generation ATGMs are not only comparable in armor penetration level, but also superior to the next generation systems. A huge role is also played by the trend of arming anti-tank missiles with cheaper high-explosive and thermobaric warheads to destroy bunkers and various types of fortifications, for use in urban battles.
Israeli version
Israel remains the main competitor of the United States in the market for portable and transportable ATGMs. The most successful was the Spike family (Rafael company) - medium (2.5 kilometers), long (four) range and heavy long-range version Dandy (eight kilometers), which is also used to arm UAVs. The weight of the Spike-ER (Dandy) missile in the container is 33 kilograms, the launcher is 55, the standard installation for four missiles is 187.
Spike |
All modifications of Spike missiles are equipped with an IIR type infrared homing system, which for four and eight kilometer variants is supplemented by a fiber-optic cable control system. This significantly increases the tactical and technical characteristics of the Spike compared to the Javelin. The principle of combining IR seeker and control via fiber-optic cable is fully implemented only in the Japanese ATGM Type 96 MPMS (Multi-Purpose Missile System). Similar developments in other countries were discontinued due to the high cost of the system.
Spike has been supplied to the Israeli army since 1998. To produce the complex for European customers, in 2000 Rafael created the EuroSpike consortium in Germany together with German companies, including Rheinmetall. Licensed production has been launched in Poland, Spain and Singapore.
It is in service in Israel and is offered for export at the MAPATS ATGM (range - five kilometers), developed by Israel Military Industries based on the American TOW. Israel Aeronautics Industries Corporation has developed a unique long-range (up to 26 kilometers) self-propelled anti-tank system Nimrod with a laser guidance system.
Second generation replicas
The main Chinese ATGM remains a highly modernized copy of the most popular Soviet anti-tank system “Malyutka” - HJ-73 with a semi-automatic guidance system.
The Chinese also copied the American TOW system, creating a second-generation transportable ATGM HJ-8 with a firing range of three kilometers (the later modification HJ-8E already has a range of four). Pakistan produces it under license under the name Baktar Shikan.
TOW (Toophan-1 and Toophan-2) is also successfully copied in Iran. Based on the latter option, the Tondar ATGM with a laser guidance system was created. The Iranians also made a copy of another old American Dragon complex (Saege). A copy of the Soviet “Malyutka” called Raad is being produced (one of the modifications with a tandem warhead). Since the 90s of the 20th century, the Russian complex “Konkurs” (Towsan-1) has been produced under license.
The Indians did the most original thing by adapting the Franco-German MILAN 2 missile to the Konkurs launcher. Both products are produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited under license. India is also developing a third generation Nag ATGM with an IIR type infrared guidance system, but without much success.
Anti-tank guided missile systems (ATGMs) are the most common and sought-after type of precision weapons at present. Appearing at the end of World War II, this weapon soon became one of the most effective means of destroying tanks and other types of armored vehicles.
Modern ATGMs are complex universal defensive-assault systems, which are no longer exclusively a means of destroying tanks. Today, these weapons are used to solve a wide range of tasks, including combating enemy firing points, their fortifications, manpower and even low-flying air targets. Thanks to their versatility and high mobility, anti-tank guided systems have now become one of the main means of fire support for infantry units both in offensive and defensive situations.
ATGMs are one of the most dynamically developing segments of the global arms market; these weapons are produced in huge quantities. For example, more than 700 thousand units of the American TOW ATGM of various modifications were produced.
One of the most advanced Russian models of such weapons is the Kornet anti-tank guided complex.
Anti-tank generations
The Germans were the first to develop anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) back in the middle of World War II. By 1945, the Ruhrstahl company managed to produce several hundred units of the Rotkappchen (“Little Red Riding Hood”) ATGM.
After the end of the war, these weapons fell into the hands of the Allies; they became the basis for the development of their own anti-tank systems. In the 50s, French engineers managed to create two successful missile systems: SS-10 and SS-11.
Only a few years later, Soviet designers began developing anti-tank missiles, but already one of the first examples of Soviet ATGMs became an undoubted world bestseller. The Malyutka missile system turned out to be very simple and very effective. In the Arab-Israeli war, with its help, up to 800 armored vehicles were destroyed in a few weeks (Soviet data).
All of the above ATGMs belonged to first-generation weapons; the missile was controlled by wire, its flight speed was low, and its armor penetration was low. But the worst thing was something else: the operator had to control the rocket throughout its flight, which placed high demands on his qualifications.
In the second generation of ATGMs, this problem was partially solved: the complexes received semi-automatic guidance, and the missile's flight speed was significantly increased. The operator of these anti-tank missile systems simply had to point the weapon at the target, fire a shot, and keep the object in the crosshairs until the missile hit. Its control was taken over by a computer that was part of the missile complex.
The second generation of these weapons includes the Soviet ATGMs “Fagot”, “Konkurs”, “Metis”, the American TOW and Dragon, the European Milan complex and many others. Today, the overwhelming majority of samples of these weapons, which are in service with various armies of the world, belong to the second generation.
Since the beginning of the 80s, the development of the next, third generation ATGM began in different countries. The Americans have made the most progress in this direction.
A few words should be said about the concept of creating a new weapon. This is important, because the approaches of Soviet and Western designers were very different.
In the West, they began to develop anti-tank missile systems that operate on the “fire and forget” principle. The operator’s task is to point the missile at the target, wait for it to be captured by the missile homing head (GOS), fire and quickly leave the launch site. The smart rocket will do the rest itself.
An example of an ATGM that operates on this principle is the American Javelin complex. The missile of this complex is equipped with a thermal homing head, which reacts to the heat generated by the power plant of a tank or other armored vehicle. There is one more advantage that ATGMs of this design have: they can hit tanks in the upper, most unprotected projection.
However, in addition to undeniable advantages, such systems also have serious disadvantages. The main one is the high cost of the rocket. In addition, a missile with an infrared seeker cannot hit an enemy bunker or firing point, the range of use of such a complex is limited, and the operation of a missile with such a seeker is not very reliable. It is only capable of hitting armored vehicles with the engine running, which have a good thermal contrast with the surrounding terrain.
In the USSR they took a slightly different path; it is usually described with the slogan: “I see and shoot.” It is on this principle that the newest Russian ATGM “Kornet” operates.
After the shot, the missile is aimed at the target and kept on its trajectory using a laser beam. In this case, the missile's photodetector is facing the launcher, which ensures high noise immunity of the Kornet missile system. In addition, this ATGM is equipped with a thermal imaging sight, which allows it to fire at any time of the day.
This method of guidance seems anachronistic compared to foreign third-generation ATGMs, but it has a number of significant advantages.
Description of the complex
Already in the mid-80s, it became clear that the second generation Konkurs ATGM, despite numerous upgrades, no longer meets modern requirements. First of all, this concerned noise immunity and armor penetration.
In 1988, the Tula Instrument Design Bureau began development of the new Kornet ATGM; this complex was first demonstrated to the general public in 1994.
"Cornet" was developed as a universal fire weapon for ground forces.
The Kornet ATGM is capable of not only coping with the latest models of dynamic protection of armored vehicles, but even attacking low-flying air targets. In addition to the cumulative warhead (WU), the missile can also be equipped with a high-explosive thermobaric part, which is perfect for destroying enemy firing points and manpower.
The Kornet complex consists of the following components:
- launcher: it can be portable or installed on various media;
- guided missile (ATGM) with different flight ranges and different types of warheads.
The portable modification of the “Kornet” consists of a 9P163M-1 launcher, which is a tripod, a 1P45M-1 sight-guidance device and a trigger mechanism.
The height of the launcher can be adjusted, which allows you to fire from different positions: lying down, sitting, from cover.
A thermal imaging sight can be installed on the ATGM; it consists of an optical-electronic unit, control devices and a cooling system.
The launcher weighs 25 kilograms and can be easily installed on any mobile carrier.
The Kornet ATGM attacks the frontal projection of armored vehicles using a semi-automatic guidance system and a laser beam. The operator's task is to detect a target, point the sight at it, fire a shot and keep the target in sight until it is hit.
The Kornet complex is reliably protected from active and passive interference; protection is achieved by directing the missile's photodetector towards the launcher.
The anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), which is part of the Kornet complex, is made according to the “duck” design. The drop-down rudders are located in the front part of the rocket, where their drive is also located, as well as the leading charge of the tandem cumulative warhead.
An engine with two nozzles is located in the middle part of the rocket, behind which is the main charge of the cumulative warhead. At the rear of the rocket is a control system, including a laser receiver. There are also four folding wings located at the rear.
The ATGM along with the expelling charge is placed in a disposable sealed plastic container.
There is a modification of this complex - the Kornet-D ATGM, which provides armor penetration up to 1300 mm and a firing range of up to 10 km.
Advantages of the Kornet ATGM
Many experts (especially foreign ones) do not consider the Kornet a third-generation complex, since it does not implement the principle of missile homing at a target. However, this weapon has many advantages not only over outdated second-generation ATGMs, but also over the latest Javelin-type systems. Here are the main ones:
- versatility: “Cornet” can be used both against armored vehicles and against enemy firing points and field fortifications;
- convenience of shooting from unprepared positions from different positions: “prone”, “from the knee”, “in a trench”;
Possibility of use at any time of the day; - high noise immunity;
- the ability to use a wide range of media;
- salvo firing of two missiles;
- long firing range (up to 10 km);
- high armor penetration of the missile, which allows the ATGM to successfully fight almost all types of modern tanks.
The main advantage of the Kornet ATGM is its cost, which is approximately three times lower than that of missiles with a homing head.
Combat use of the complex
The first serious conflict in which the Kornet complex was used was the war in Lebanon in 2006. The Hezbollah group actively used this ATGM, which practically thwarted the offensive of the Israeli army. According to the Israelis, during the fighting, 46 Merkava tanks were damaged. Although, not all of them were shot down from the Kornet. Hezbollah received these ATGMs through Syria.
According to Islamists, Israel's losses were actually much greater.
In 2011, Hezbollah used a Kornet to target an Israeli school bus.
During the civil war in Syria, many units of these weapons from looted government arsenals fell into the hands of both the moderate opposition and ISIS units (an organization banned in the Russian Federation).
A large number of American-made armored vehicles in service with the Iraqi army were hit by the Kornet ATGM. There is documentary evidence of the destruction of one American Abrams tank.
During Operation Protective Edge, most of the anti-tank missiles fired at Israeli tanks were various modifications of the Kornet. All of them were intercepted by the Trophy active tank defense. The Israelis took several complexes as trophies.
In Yemen, the Houthis have very successfully used this anti-tank system against Saudi Arabian armored vehicles.
Specifications
Full-time combat crew, people. | 2 |
Weight of PU 9P163M-1, kg | 25 |
Time to transfer from traveling to combat position, min. | less than 1 |
Ready to launch, after target detection, with | 01.Feb |
Combat rate of fire, rds/min | 02.Mar |
Launcher reloading time, s | 30 |
Control system | semi-automatic, by laser beam |
Rocket caliber, mm | 152 |
TPK length, mm | 1210 |
Maximum wing span of the rocket, mm | 460 |
Maas missiles in TPK, kg | 29 |
Rocket mass, kg | 26 |
Warhead weight, kg | 7 |
Explosive mass, kg | 04.Jun |
Warhead type | tandem cumulative |
Maximum armor penetration (meeting angle 900) of homogeneous steel armor, beyond NDZ, mm | 1200 |
Penetration of concrete monolith, mm | 3000 |
Propulsion type | Solid propellant rocket engine |
Marching speed | subsonic |
Maximum firing range during the day, m | 5500 |
Maximum firing range at night, m | 3500 |
Minimum firing range, m | 100 |
Video about ATGM Cornet
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In articles about anti-tank missile systems (ATGMs), the expressions “first generation”, third generation”, “fire and forget”, “see and shoot” are often found. I will briefly try to explain what, in fact, we are talking about...
As the name suggests, ATGMs are designed to primarily engage armored targets. Although they are also used for other objects. Up to an individual infantryman, if there is a lot of money. ATGMs are capable of quite effectively fighting low-flying air targets, such as helicopters.
Photo from Rosinform.ru
Anti-tank missile systems are classified as precision weapons. That is, to a weapon, I quote, “with a probability of hitting the target higher than 0.5.” A little better than when tossing a coin heads and tails)))
The development of anti-tank systems was carried out back in Nazi Germany. Mass production and delivery of anti-tank missile systems to the troops in NATO countries and the USSR was launched already in the late 1950s. And these were...
First generation ATGM
Anti-tank guided missiles of the first generation complexes are controlled at “three points”:
(1) the operator's eye or sight when shooting at a distance of more than a kilometer.
(2) rocket
(3) goal
That is, the operator had to combine these three points manually, controlling the rocket, usually by wire. Until the very moment of hitting the target. Control using various types of joysticks, control handles, joysticks and more. For example, this “joystick” on the 9S415 control device of the Soviet Malyutka-2 ATGM
Needless to say, this required long-term training of operators, their iron nerves and good coordination even in a state of fatigue and in the heat of battle. The requirements for operator candidates were among the highest.
Also, the first generation complexes had disadvantages in the form of low flight speed of missiles, the presence of a large “dead zone” in the initial part of the trajectory - 300-500 m (17-25% of the entire firing range). Attempts to solve all these problems have led to the emergence...
Second generation ATGM
Anti-tank guided missiles of the second generation complexes are controlled at “two points”:
(1) Visor
(2) Purpose
The operator’s task is to keep the sight mark on the target; everything else is up to the automatic control system located on the launcher.
The control equipment, with the help of a coordinator, determines the position of the missile relative to the line of sight of the target and keeps it there, transmitting commands to the missile via wires or radio. The position is determined by the radiation of an infrared lamp/xenon lamp/tracer located at the rear of the missile and directed back towards the launcher.
A special case is such second-generation complexes as the Scandinavian “Bill” or the American “Tou-2” with the BGM-71F missile, which hit the target from above on the flyby:
The control equipment on the installation “guides” the rocket not along the line of sight, but several meters above it. When a missile flies over a tank, the target sensor (for example, on the Bill - magnetic + laser altimeter) gives a command to sequentially detonate two charges placed at an angle to the missile axis
Second-generation systems also include ATGMs that use missiles with a semi-active laser homing head (GOS)
The operator is also forced to hold the mark on the target until it is hit. The device illuminates the target with coded laser radiation, the missile flies towards the reflected signal, like a moth to the light (or like a fly to a smell, as you like).
Among the disadvantages of this method is that the crew of the armored vehicle is practically notified that fire is being fired at them, and the equipment of the optical-electronic protection systems can have time to cover the vehicle with an aerosol (smoke) curtain at the command of the laser irradiation warning sensors.
In addition, such missiles are relatively expensive, since the control equipment is located on the missile, and not on the launcher.
Complexes with laser beam control have similar problems. Although they are considered the most noise-resistant of the second generation ATGMs
Their main difference is that the movement of the missile is controlled using a laser emitter, the beam of which is oriented towards the target at the tail of the attacking missile. Accordingly, the laser radiation receiver is located at the rear of the rocket and is aimed at the launcher, which significantly increases noise immunity.
In order not to notify their victims in advance, some ATGM systems can raise the missile above the line of sight and lower it in front of the target, taking into account the range to the target received from the rangefinder. Which is shown in the second picture. But don’t be confused, in this case the missile hits not from above, but from the front/side/stern.
I will limit myself to the concept for dummies, invented by the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM), of a “laser path”, on which the rocket actually supports itself. In this case, the operator is still forced to accompany the target until it is destroyed. However, scientists tried to make their life easier by creating
Generation II+ ATGM
They are not much different from their older brothers. In them, it is possible to track targets not manually, but automatically, using ASC, target tracking equipment. In this case, the operator can only mark the target, and start searching for a new one and defeating it, as was done on the Russian Kornet-D
Such complexes are very close in their capabilities to third-generation complexes. The term " I see, I shoot"However, with everything else, generation II+ complexes have not gotten rid of their main shortcomings. First of all, dangers for the complex and the operator/crew, since the control device must still be in direct visibility of the target until it is hit. Well, in -secondly, associated with the same low fire performance - the ability to hit a maximum of targets in a minimum time.
Designed to solve these problems
Third generation ATGM
Anti-tank guided missiles of third-generation complexes do not require the participation of an operator or launch equipment in flight and therefore belong to the " fire and forget"
The operator's task when using such ATGMs is to detect the target. ensure its capture by the missile control equipment and launch. After which, without waiting to hit the target, either leave the position or prepare to hit a new one. A missile guided by an infrared or radar seeker will fly on its own.
Third-generation anti-tank missile systems are constantly being improved, especially in terms of the capabilities of on-board equipment to capture targets, and the moment is not far off when they will appear
Fourth generation ATGM
Anti-tank guided missiles of fourth-generation systems will not require operator participation at all.
All you need to do is launch a missile into the target area. There, artificial intelligence will detect the target, identify it, independently make a decision to kill and carry it out.
In the long term, the equipment of a “swarm” of missiles will rank detected targets by importance and hit them starting from the “first on the list.” At the same time, preventing two or more ATGMs from being directed at one target, as well as redirecting them to more important ones in the event that they were not fired upon due to a failure or the destruction of the previous missile.
For various reasons, we do not have third-generation complexes ready for delivery to the troops or for sale abroad. This is why we lose money and markets. For example, Indian. Israel is now the world leader in this area.
At the same time, second- and second-plus generation systems remain in demand, especially in local wars. First of all, due to the relative cheapness of missiles and reliability.
The Second World War was a catalyst for both the development of tanks and anti-tank weapons. An important achievement was the widespread introduction and use of anti-tank weapons using reactive and dynamo-reactive principles of throwing a projectile (grenade) with a cumulative warhead (CCU). This made it possible to saturate infantry units with light and effective short-range weapons.
However, all these means had a common fundamental drawback - they did not allow effective combat against tanks at distances of more than 500-700 m. The experience of the last war revealed the need to create means that would allow fighting tanks at long ranges. Only guided missiles with CCB could solve this problem.
The first anti-tank missile systems (ATGMs) appeared in the 50s. Almost immediately, a classification appeared - light (portable), with a firing range of up to 2-2.5 km, and heavy (installed on armored vehicles, helicopters and other mobile platforms) with a firing range of 4-6 km. It should be noted right away that this division is very arbitrary. Most light systems can be installed on vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles.
An example would be the domestic anti-tank missile system "Malyutka" or the French-West German "Milan". At the same time, almost all heavy systems can be transported and used from portable launchers (PU) by a crew of 3-4 people. For example, the Swedes have created a portable launcher even for the American Hellfire ATGM, which was originally created to arm the Apache helicopter and weighs about 45 kg. However, for most heavy ATGMs, use from portable launchers is rather a rare exception, so in this review we will consider only those systems that are actually used in this embodiment.
ATGM "Malyutka"
All ATGMs are usually divided into generations, determined by the technical solutions used in them, primarily by the principle of operation of the guidance systems.
A distinctive feature of the so-called 1st generation ATGM is the use of a manual (three-point) guidance method. Its essence is as follows. The gunner must simultaneously keep the target and the missile in the field of view of the sight, trying to “put” the missile on the target using the control stick. Deviations of the control stick are converted by a special computer into commands for the corresponding deflection of the rocket's controls (most often these are aerodynamic rudders). Commands to the rocket are transmitted via a wire, which unwinds from a special reel during flight. This scheme makes it possible to extremely simplify both the onboard missile equipment and the launch device, but it significantly complicates the gunner’s work and sharply limits the missile’s flight speed (no more than 150-180 m/s). In addition, in the initial phase, until the gunner catches the missile in the field of view of the sight, it makes a “slide” and is virtually uncontrollable. This leads to the presence of a fairly large “dead zone”, reaching 200-400 m.
The greatest successes in the development of this generation of ATGMs were achieved by French specialists who developed the Entak ATGM in the 50s. It was in service with almost all NATO countries, including the United States. The domestic anti-tank missile system "Malyutka" also belongs to the same generation, and has also become widely used. At the end of the 60s, the Swingfire ATGM was created in Great Britain, which also had a portable version. Its feature was the use of an improved three-point method - speed control. Usually, as long as the control stick is deflected in one direction or another, the rocket's rudders are correspondingly deflected, and it continues to turn. In speed control, as soon as the stick deflection stops, the rocket also stops turning and goes in a new direction. When the control stick is returned to the neutral position, the missile returns to the line of sight.
This guidance method somewhat simplifies the gunner’s work, but it did not become widespread, since by the end of the 60s the semi-automatic, or two-point, guidance method, which became the main characteristic feature of the 2nd generation ATGM, began to be widely used.
The main innovation in this method was that the gunner must monitor only the target, constantly keeping the crosshair of the sight on it, and the missile is tracked along the angular deviation from the sight line using a special device (goniometer). Monitoring is carried out either by the running rocket propulsion engine, or by special emitters - a tracer or a xenon source of short-wave infrared radiation. The computing device converts the angular mismatch between the missile and the line of sight into commands that are transmitted to the missile via wire.
Although this guidance method significantly simplifies the gunner’s work, sharply increasing the probability of hitting the target, the use of a wired communication line does not significantly increase the speed of the missile (it is usually subsonic), which requires tracking the target for quite a long time. In combat conditions, this sharply reduces the survivability of ATGMs. To solve this problem it was necessary to get rid of the wired communication line between the missile and the launcher. It should be noted that the first wireless communication lines between the launcher and the missile appeared in heavy anti-tank systems (American "Shilleila", domestic "Sturm"), since it was precisely when firing at long distances (4-6 km), and even from mobile carriers ( armored vehicles, helicopters), the disadvantages associated with the low flight speed of the missile become especially noticeable. As for portable ATGMs, when firing at a range of up to 3 - 3.5 km, the need for constant target tracking for 13-15 seconds. This is more than compensated for by the simplicity and low cost of a wired communication line. Therefore, almost all mass-produced models of such ATGMs used a wired communication line until the end of the 90s.
Anti-tank complex "Sturm-S"
These include the domestic ATGMs "Fagot", "Konkurs", "Metis", the American "Dragon" and "Toy", the Western European "Milan", the Chinese "Red Arrow-8".
Local conflicts of the 70-80s, having shown the high combat effectiveness of ATGMs, revealed the need to further increase their armor penetration, which led to the use of more powerful warheads of larger diameter. The fuses were placed on special pins to detonate the warhead at the optimal distance from the armor, so that at the point of contact with the armor the cumulative jet was in focus.
It was also necessary to give the ATGM the ability to use at night and in poor visibility conditions (smoke, dust, etc.). This problem was solved in NATO countries in the 80s, when thermal imaging sights for ATGMs were developed.
At the same time, the replacement of analog computers with digital ones began, which not only sharply increased reliability, but also made it possible to improve noise immunity by introducing an additional missile tracking channel through a thermal imaging sight operating in the long-wavelength IR range (8-14 microns). Unfortunately, the domestic industry is far behind the West in this matter - practically usable thermal imaging sights appeared only in the 90s, but to this day there are few of them in the army due to a chronic lack of financial resources.
Another problem for developers was the emergence of means for creating optical interference such as the domestic “Curtains” (MIDAS
- Great Britain, Pomals Violin - Israel). To increase noise immunity, in addition to two-channel missile tracking, it was necessary to introduce a pulsed radiation source with coding into one of the channels. The appearance of active (dynamic) armor in the early 80s posed new challenges for ATGM developers. The next modernized ATGM variants received tandem warheads. There has been a tendency to use new explosives (explosives), significantly superior even to octogen, and heavy metals (tantalum, molybdenum) for lining the CBC. The idea arose of hitting tanks not in the forehead, but in the roof of the hull and turret, where the thickness of the armor is much thinner. This solution was first used in the Swedish Bill RBS-56 ATGM, which was put into service in 1991. Its fundamental difference from all previously created ATGMs was that the cumulative warhead is directed at an angle of 30 degrees down from the missile axis and is detonated by a proximity fuse when flying over the target.
ATGM "Bill" RBS-56
Currently, the Bill-2 modification is still being produced, albeit in small batches. This ATGM includes a missile in a container and a launcher with daytime and thermal imaging sights.
It differs from the base model by the presence of two downward-facing cumulative warheads and an improved digital control system. Increased tracking accuracy is ensured by installing a gyroscopic sensor on the launcher, which tracks the gunner’s movements when firing. The installation angles of the warhead are chosen so that when detonated, the cumulative jets hit the same point on the armor.
Each warhead has two fuses - magnetic and optical. The missile is tracked via a laser emitter installed in the tail, and a conventional wired communication line is used to transmit commands on board the missile.
The digital control system provides three options for using the rocket, selected before launch using a special switch:
- against armored targets (main) - the missile flies 1 m above the line of sight, magnetic and optical fuses are turned on; - against bunkers, shelters - the missile flies along the line of sight, magnetic and optical fuses are disabled. Detonation is carried out by a contact fuse;
- against weakly protected targets - the missile flies as in the main mode, but only the optical fuse is turned on.
The press noted that although this ATGM showed very high performance in tests, the high price limits the possibilities of its use in other countries. In particular, it is for this reason that the United States refused to use it as an interim model designed to replace the Dragon ATGM until the development of the Javelin ATGM was completed.
American soldier fires an FGM-148 Javelin
A unique example of evolutionary development, which has made it possible to maintain them at the level of modern requirements for almost three decades, are the American ATGM "Toy" and the Western European "Milan".
Prototypes of the Toy ATGM appeared in 1969. The missile had a cumulative warhead, solid-fuel launch and sustainer engines, on-board control equipment, as well as a xenon light source in the bottom part. Based on the test results, it was improved: the launch range was increased by 25% (up to 3750 m) by lengthening the wire on the reel and increasing the marching speed, and in 1970 it was put into service as part of the complex under the designation BGM-71A.
BGM-71 TOW, Afghanistan
In 1981, a new modification, “Improved Toy” (BGM-71C), was adopted. Its main difference was the installation of a contact fuse on a pin that extends after launch. This ensured that the warhead was detonated at the optimal distance from the armor and, in combination with the use of a new explosive, made it possible to significantly increase armor penetration.
The result of a much deeper modernization was the Tou-2 version (BGM-71D), which was put into service in 1986.
Its main difference was the increase in the caliber of the warhead from 127 mm to 152 mm, which made it possible to increase its weight and armor penetration. The AN/TAS-4 thermal imaging sight was introduced into the ground-based launcher, and the analog computer was replaced by a digital one. This made it possible to introduce missile tracking in sections of the infrared range and dramatically increase noise immunity.
In 1989, the Tou-2 A missile was introduced into the complex, having a tandem warhead equipped with a more powerful explosive (LX-14 - an alloy of octogen with estene), and a tantalum lining of the warhead. This ensured an increase in armor penetration to 900 mm.
In 1996, the Tou-2B appeared, which was fundamentally different from all previous ones in the presence of two vertically positioned warheads and was intended to hit a target from above. Moreover, it was noted that modification B was not intended to replace, but to complement modification A.
The Toy complex is in service in 41 countries. Various modifications are (or were) produced under license in the UK, Japan, Egypt, Switzerland and Pakistan. The complex is transported by a crew of 4 people.
Another example of evolutionary development is the Milan light ATGM, created in 1972. The complex includes a launcher and a missile in a container.
In the early 80s, an improved modification "Milan-2" appeared, which had higher armor penetration due to a new warhead with a diameter increased from 103 to 115 mm with a retractable pin, as well as a MIRA thermal imaging sight.
Bundeswehr MILAN equipped with ADGUS system
Soon a modification with a tandem CBCh appeared - "Milan-2T", and in 1996 - "Milan-Z", which has a missile tracking system in two infrared bands and a new generation thermal imaging sight. The Milan ATGM is in service in 46 countries and is produced under license in the UK, Italy and India. The complex is transported by a crew of 2 people.
Wired control systems will be effectively used for a long time in short-range ATGMs, which, in fact, are the “successors” of heavy anti-tank grenade launchers. These include the domestic "Metis" and the American "Dragon", which in the 70s replaced, respectively, the 73-mm SPG-9 in the Soviet Army and the 90-mm M67 in the American. The Dragon ATGM used a very original control scheme using pulsed disposable micromotors located at the center of mass of the rocket. It did not provide any special advantages for ATGMs, but was later very suitable for missiles designed to destroy high-speed maneuverable targets in the air and space.
With a short firing range (700-1000 m), the flight to the target takes only 4-5 seconds. even at a very moderate speed, at the same time, the wired system remains the simplest and cheapest. Therefore, control systems for missiles of this type remain very conservative.
An example is the rather successful French-Canadian ATGM "Erique", which was put into service in 1994. This complex was created to replace the French anti-tank grenade launcher "Apilas", the armor penetration of which was no longer sufficient by the end of the 80s.
In addition to France and Canada, this complex is also in service in Malaysia, Norway and Brazil, and in Turkey it will be produced under license. The complex consists of a missile in a launch container and a reusable launch device with an aiming device. A feature of the complex is the so-called “soft” launch, which sharply reduces noise and other unmasking signs when fired and allows the use of anti-tank systems from shelters, but at the same time sharply reduces the initial speed of the missile (only 17 m/sec). This practically eliminates control using aerodynamic rudders, so a gas-jet system was used to deflect the nozzles of the main engine located in the center of the rocket.
The missile is equipped with a tandem warhead with a diameter of 137 mm. For shooting at night and in poor visibility conditions, the Mirabell thermal imaging sight, weighing 3.7 kg, can be installed.
However, the laser beam guidance method made it possible to radically solve the problem of increasing noise immunity and speed. The rapid development of optical and electronic technology in the 90s led to the widespread introduction of this guidance method into light ATGMs. Typical representatives of these are the domestic Kornet and the TRIGAT MR, created by a consortium of Western European firms.
The domestic ATGM "Kornet" was developed in two versions - light and heavy. Although the latter is intended primarily for use from armored vehicles, it can also be used in a portable version.
ATGM "Kornet-E"
The missile has a tandem warhead and provides the highest armor penetration of all domestic models - 1200 mm. In addition, there is a rocket with a thermobaric (volumetric detonating) warhead, the TNT equivalent of which reaches 10 kg.
The missile has aerodynamic rudders and its general layout is very similar to the Reflex ATGM previously created in the late 80s by the same developer (KBP, Tula), launched from the barrel of a 125-mm tank gun.
It should be noted that the missile uses the technology of air-dynamic drive of the rudders (ADPR) developed by KBP, which has already been very effectively used on the Metis-M ATGM and a number of other domestic guided missiles.
The heavy version, which entered service with the Russian army, is also exported to a number of countries. The light version has slightly less armor penetration (up to 1000 mm), but weighs significantly less. It is equipped with a soft start system.
The TRIGAT MR ATGM is being created by the UK, Germany and France to replace the Milan ATGM. The missile is expected to enter service in 2002.
Unlike its predecessor, the complex uses a laser beam guidance system. Other differences are the “soft” launch and the use of gas-jet rudders along the entire flight path.
The end of the 90s was also marked by the appearance of the long-awaited 3rd generation ATGMs, operating on the “fire and forget” principle. The first production model of this type was the American Javelin ATGM, which was put into service in 1998. The complex consists of a missile in a container and an aiming device with a thermal imaging sight.
The missile is equipped with a thermal imaging homing head, in the focal plane of which there is an IR sensor (representing a 64x64 matrix of sensitive elements based on cadmium telluride), operating in the far IR range (8-14 microns).
To launch, the shooter just needs to point the aiming device at the target, while the electronic image of the target and the surrounding background is “rewritten” into the seeker, and the missile is ready for launch. After launch, the missile is completely autonomous, and the shooter can immediately leave the position. Since the complex provides a “soft” launch, shooting can be carried out from shelters.
The missile has two modes of attacking a target - from a “hill” (armored targets) and straight (bunkers, shelters, etc.). In the first case, the missile rises to a height of 150 m after launch and then dives onto the target, hitting the thinner upper armor. However, the price of a shot from such a nanomiracle reaches eighty thousand dollars, depending on the warhead.
It is interesting to note that a similar Nag ATGM was developed and used in India. As for the prospects for the development of this type of weapon in the coming years, the following trends can be noted.
Apparently, there will not be a complete transition of ATGMs of this class to the use of “fire and forget” guidance, and laser beam guidance systems will continue to be used for quite a long time. This is explained primarily by economic considerations - ATGMs with such systems are significantly (according to some sources, 2-3 times) cheaper than those built on the homing principle. In addition, homing systems can only be used against objects that contrast with the background of the surrounding terrain, and this is not typical for all targets on the battlefield. Another argument against the use of thermal imaging seekers is the fact that it takes some time (at least 5 seconds) to “rewrite” the target image from a thermal imaging sight into the seeker, during which a modern laser-guided missile will have time to fly 2 - 2.5 km.
For short-range ATGMs (up to 1 km), a conventional wired control system will be quite competitive in the coming years.
As for the method of hitting the target (head-on or from above), they both will develop, not excluding, but complementing each other.
A mandatory requirement is to ensure a “soft” start and, as a consequence, to use control by changing the engine thrust vector.
The recent introduction of active tank protection systems designed to destroy ATGMs along the flight path will have a significant impact on the development of ATGMs. For the first time in the world, such a system, called "Arena", was created by domestic developers. It is already installed on new domestic tanks.
Anti-tank missile systems (ATGM) are one of the most dynamically developing segments of the global arms market. First of all, this is due to the general trend towards maximizing the structural protection of all types of armored fighting vehicles in modern armies of the world. The armed forces of many countries are moving on a large scale from second-generation ATGMs (guided in semi-automatic mode) to third-generation systems that implement the fire-and-forget principle. In the latter case, the operator only needs to aim and shoot, then leave the position.
As a result, the market for the most modern anti-tank weapons was actually divided between American and Israeli manufacturers. The achievements of the Russian military-industrial complex (DIC) in this area are represented on the world market almost only by the Kornet generation 2+ ATGM with a laser guidance system developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau (KBP). We still don't have a third generation.
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The basis for the commercial success of the Kornet ATGM is the efficiency-cost ratio compared to complexes armed with missiles with a thermal imaging homing head (GOS), that is, in fact, firing with expensive thermal imagers. The second factor is the good range of the system - 5.5 km. On the other hand, the Kornet, like other domestic anti-tank systems, is constantly criticized for its insufficient capabilities to overcome the dynamic armor of modern foreign main battle tanks.
ATGM "Hermes-A"
Nevertheless, Kornet-E has become the most popular domestic ATGM exported. Its shipments were purchased by 16 countries, including Algeria, India, Syria, Greece, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. The latest deep modification, with a firing range of 10 kilometers, is capable of “working” against both ground and air targets, primarily against unmanned vehicles and combat helicopters.
ATGM "Kornet-D"/"Kornet-EM"
In addition to armor-piercing missiles with a cumulative warhead (WU), the ammunition load includes universal ones with high-explosive ones. However, foreign countries quickly lost interest in such “air-ground” versatility. This happened, for example, with the ADATS (Air Defense Anti-Tank System) complex developed by the Swiss company Oerlikon Contraves AG and the American company Martin Marietta. It was adopted only by the armies of Canada and Thailand. The USA, having made a large order, eventually abandoned it. Last year, the Canadians also removed ADATS from service.
ATGM "Metis-M1"
Another KBP development also has good export performance - the second generation complexes with a range of 1.5 kilometers and Metis-M1 (2 kilometers) with a semi-automatic wire guidance system.
At one time, the management of the KBP, despite, as officially announced, the successful completion of development work on anti-tank guided missiles operating according to the “fire-and-forget” scheme, refused to implement this concept in the Kornet complex in order to achieve the longest ranges shooting compared to Western counterparts, using the “see-shoot” principle and a laser beam control system. The emphasis was placed on creating a combined system of anti-tank weapons that would implement both of these principles - “fire and forget” and “see and shoot” - with an emphasis on the relative cheapness of anti-tank systems.
ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S"
It was planned to organize anti-tank defense with three complexes of different standard equipment. To do this, in the support zone - from the front edge of the defense to a depth of 15 kilometers towards the enemy - it was planned to place light portable ATGMs with a firing range of up to 2.5 kilometers, self-propelled and portable ATGMs with a range of up to 5.5, and a self-propelled long-range ATGM "Hermes" on BMP-3 chassis with a range of up to 15 kilometers.
The control system of the promising multi-purpose complex "Hermes" is combined. During the initial phase of the flight, the missile of the version under discussion with a range of 15–20 kilometers is controlled by an inertial system. At the final stage - laser semi-active homing of the missile to the target by laser radiation reflected from it, as well as infrared or radar. The complex was developed in three versions: ground, sea and aviation.
At the moment, only the latest version, Hermes-A, is officially in development of the KBP. In the future, it is possible to equip Hermes with anti-aircraft missile and gun systems developed by the same KBP. Tula also developed the third generation ATGM "Autonomia" with an infrared homing system of type IIR (Imagine Infra-Red), which was never brought to the level of mass production.
ATGM "Sturm-SM"
The latest development of the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM) - a modernized version of the second-generation self-propelled ATGM "Sturm" ("Sturm-SM") with the multifunctional "Attack" missile (range - six kilometers) - recently completed state tests. For round-the-clock target detection, the new complex was equipped with a surveillance and targeting system with television and thermal imaging channels.
During the civil war in Libya, self-propelled ATGMs developed by Kolomna (range - six kilometers), using a combined guidance system - automatic radar in the millimeter range with missile guidance in a radio beam and semi-automatic with missile guidance in a laser beam - received a baptism of fire (albeit in rebel groups) .
Main competitor
It is worth noting that the Western trend for self-propelled armored ATGMs is decommissioning and lack of demand. There is still no serial infantry (portable, transportable and self-propelled) ATGM with an IIR infrared guidance system and memory of the target contour, implementing the “fire-and-forget” principle, in the Russian arsenal. And there is serious doubt about the ability and desire of the Russian Ministry of Defense to purchase such expensive systems.
ATGM ADATS
Production exclusively for export is no longer dominant for the Russian defense industry, as it was in previous times. Foreign armies continue to re-equip themselves to this standard. Almost all tenders for the purchase of anti-tank systems come down to competition between the American and Israeli Spike. Nevertheless, there are still many foreign customers who cannot purchase Western systems solely for political reasons.
ATGMFGM-148 Javelin
The main portable ATGM in the US Army is the FGM-148 Javelin, jointly produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, adopted in 1996, with a firing range of 2.5 kilometers. This is the world's first serial ATGM with an infrared homing system of type IIR, implementing the “fire and forget” principle. The missile is capable of hitting an armored target both in a straight line and from above. The “soft start” system allows you to shoot from enclosed spaces. The disadvantage of the complex is its high price. The export version costs 125 thousand dollars (80 thousand for its military) and 40 thousand for one missile.
Another disadvantage is design flaws that affect combat use. It takes about 30 seconds to lock on a target, which is very expensive in real combat conditions. A target maneuvering on the battlefield can “lose its sights.” Such a failure often leads to an error in remembering the target outline. American soldiers have repeatedly complained about the extreme inconvenience of carrying the complex.
ATGM BGM-71 TOW
However, in Western armies, the introduction of ATGMs with a type IIR guidance system has long been the main focus. However, the Ratheyon corporation continues mass production of the “old” one with a firing range increased to 4.5 kilometers and guidance via wires or radio links. Missiles with tandem and high-explosive warheads, as well as warheads of the “shock core” type. The latter are equipped with inertial-guided missiles of the FGM-172 Predator SRAW short-range ATGM, which has been in service with the US Marine Corps since 2003, with a range of up to 600 meters.
European way
Back in the mid-70s of the twentieth century, France, Great Britain and Germany embarked on a joint program to create a third-generation ATGM TRIGAT with an infrared seeker of type IIR. R&D was carried out by Euromissile Dynamics Group. It was planned that the universal TRIGAT in short, medium and long range versions would replace all anti-tank systems in service with these countries. But despite the fact that the system entered the testing stage in the second half of the 90s, the project eventually collapsed because its participants decided to stop funding.
Only Germany continued to develop the system in the helicopter version of LR-TRIGAT with long-range missiles (up to six kilometers). The Germans ordered almost 700 of these missiles (under the name Pars 3 LR) from the European concern MBDA to arm Tiger combat helicopters, but other customers of these helicopters refused these missiles.
MBDA continues production of the popular second-generation MILAN portable ATGM (in service in 44 countries) in the MILAN-2T/3 and MILANADT-ER versions with a firing range of three kilometers and a very powerful tandem warhead. MBDA also continues production of the second generation NOT complex (purchased by 25 countries), the latest modification is NOT-3 with a firing range of 4.3 kilometers. The French army continues to purchase the Eryx lightweight man-portable anti-tank system with a range of 600 meters.
The Thales group and the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics have developed the RB-57 NLAW lightweight short-range ATGM (600 meters) with an inertial guidance system. The Swedes continue to produce the portable ATGM RBS-56 BILL (range - two kilometers), which at one time became the world's first anti-tank missile system capable of hitting a target from above. The Italian OTO Melara was never able to promote to the market, developed back in the 80s, the MAF complex with a range of three kilometers and a laser guidance system.
High demand for second-generation complexes remains not only due to their mass distribution and low price. The fact is that the latest modifications of many second-generation ATGMs are not only comparable in armor penetration level, but also superior to the next generation systems. A huge role is also played by the trend of arming anti-tank missiles with cheaper high-explosive and thermobaric warheads to destroy bunkers and various types of fortifications, for use in urban battles.
Israeli version
Israel remains the main competitor of the United States in the market for portable and transportable ATGMs. The most successful was the family (Rafael company) - medium (2.5 kilometers), long (four) range and heavy long-range version Dandy (eight kilometers), which is also used to arm UAVs. The weight of the Spike-ER (Dandy) missile in the container is 33 kilograms, the launcher is 55, the standard installation for four missiles is 187.
ATGMMAPATS
All modifications of Spike missiles are equipped with an IIR type infrared homing system, which for four and eight kilometer variants is supplemented by a fiber-optic cable control system. This significantly increases the tactical and technical characteristics of the Spike compared to the Javelin. The principle of combining IR seeker and control via fiber-optic cable is fully implemented only in the Japanese ATGM Type 96 MPMS (Multi-Purpose Missile System). Similar developments in other countries were discontinued due to the high cost of the system.
ATGMNimrod-SR
Spike has been supplied to the Israeli army since 1998. To produce the complex for European customers, in 2000 Rafael created the EuroSpike consortium in Germany together with German companies, including Rheinmetall. Licensed production has been launched in Poland, Spain and Singapore.
ATGMSpike
It is in service in Israel and is offered for export at the MAPATS ATGM (range - five kilometers), developed by Israel Military Industries based on the American TOW. Israel Aeronautics Industries Corporation has developed a unique long-range (up to 26 kilometers) self-propelled anti-tank system Nimrod with a laser guidance system.
Second generation replicas
The main Chinese ATGM remains a highly modernized copy of the most popular Soviet anti-tank system “Malyutka” - HJ-73 with a semi-automatic guidance system.
The Chinese also copied the American TOW system, creating a second-generation transportable ATGM HJ-8 with a firing range of 3 kilometers (the later modification HJ-8E already has a range of four). Pakistan produces it under license under the name Baktar Shikan.
TOW (Toophan-1 and Toophan-2) is also successfully copied in Iran. Based on the latter option, the Tondar ATGM with a laser guidance system was created. The Iranians also made a copy of another old American Dragon complex (Saege). A copy of the Soviet “Malyutka” called Raad is being produced (one of the modifications with a tandem warhead). Since the 90s of the 20th century, the Russian complex “Konkurs” (Towsan-1) has been produced under license.
The Indians did the most original thing by adapting the Franco-German MILAN 2 missile to the Konkurs launcher. Both products are produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited under license. India is also developing a third generation Nag ATGM with an IIR type infrared guidance system, but without much success.