The Strela-2 installation was the first portable anti-aircraft missile system to be adopted by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. In the indexation of GRAU MANPADS is designated 9K32. In the United States classification is known as SA-7 Grail.
"Arrow-2": the history of creation
In 1962, the implementation of a secret military project began in the city of Kolomna. His goal was to create a powerful shock portable system, capable of hitting air and ground targets at short distances. At that time, the Strela-2 MANPADS became the ideal solution to the problem.
Nevertheless, the installation’s first baptism of fire was not as successful as expected. After the damage, many aircraft still returned to their airfields. The reason was that in the SAM, the explosion power was insufficient for serious damage, especially if it hit the tail. As a result, it was decided to make a point-wise modernization of the installation. So in 1968, Strela-2M (MANPADS with codification 9K32M) was born.
The modification allowed to hit targets moving through the air at a speed of up to 950 km / h. The tests were successfully completed at the Donguz test site in 1970. Immediately after this, MANPADS was put into service, and a few years later export versions replenished the shock stocks of more than 60 countries.
Appointment
This MANPADS is an extremely effective means of air defense both on the march and on the field. A portable installation is capable of hitting helicopters and aircraft even at extremely low altitudes. One of the main advantages of the Strela-2 MANPADS is its relatively light weight and small dimensions, which allows it to be easily transported by one person. Thanks to this, the installation can be used in such difficult locations as a swamp, forest and mountains.
9K32 and its modification are intended for the defense of motorized rifle battalions. Protection is provided by covering command and strong points from low-flying enemy targets, including cruise missiles. The launch of the projectile is carried out after the aerial object when it is visually detected by the shooter. Volley is possible from a standing position, from a trench, from a knee, from moving armored vehicles.
Due to its mobility and effectiveness, MANPADS have long been considered the main personal tactical and strike weapons of the Soviet army.
Arrow-2: composition
The original and modified installations consisted of three identical parts: a 9M32 series self-guided missile system, a starting mechanism and a power source. MANPADS "Strela-2" was considered the fastest personal anti-aircraft weapon in the world. After 1.5 s after the trigger is pulled, the rocket launches. After a few seconds, the shell hit the target at a distance of 4 kilometers. In the case of a miss, the charge self-destructed 17 seconds after launch.
Installation "Strela-2M" - MANPADS with improved characteristics of capture and destruction of the target. After modernization, the GOS and projectile launch processes were automated. This made it easier for the anti-aircraft gunner to capture a fast-flying object. The selection of target detection under natural interference has also been improved. In the course of modernization, it became possible to destroy objects on a collision course. In addition, the area of destruction of jet aircraft was increased.
The main component of the new installation was the thermal seeker, which was distinguished by noise immunity. Thanks to him, MANPADS is able to capture the target even in cumulus clouds up to 3 points. However, the complex was still defenseless against the thermal traps of aircraft.
The performance characteristics
The range of destruction of objects is limited to 3.4 km, when the modification with the letter "M" allows you to attack targets at a distance of 800 to 4200 m. As for the maximum permissible projectile height, it lies in the range up to 2300 m.
Free speed varies from 430 to 500 m / s. Defeat of targets in pursuit is carried out with an average speed of 240 m / s, towards - up to 150 m / s.
The missile is represented by type 9M32 or its modification. Caliber - 72 mm. Projectile length - 1.44 meters with a weight of 9.5 kg. The mass of the complex itself is about 5 kg.
To prepare for the launch, an experienced anti-aircraft gunner will need only 10 seconds.
"Arrow-3": history and purpose
The new model of the Soviet MANPADS "Strela" hit the masses in the mid-70s. The installation is known for its 9K34 codification and US classification - SA-14 Gremlin. The basis of the modification was the new 9M36 series rocket, which was equipped with a special infrared capture head and phase-modulated scanning along a spiral amplitude. This provided resistance to natural and radio interference.
MANPADS "Strela-3" differed in flight speed and speed of maneuverability of the rocket. Also, during modernization, a noise-resistant cooling system was introduced in the GOS. That is, now the capture of the target could be carried out even in stormy weather. This fact has developed the production of the model to numerous export orders.
The development of 9K34 started back in the early 70s, but for a long time the installation did not pass all the tests. In May 1973, MANPADS finally showed its best side, and a few months later it was adopted.
In the late 70s, the complex was exported. MANPADS were repeatedly delivered in large quantities to countries such as Angola, Vietnam, El Salvador, Jordan, India, North Korea, Iraq, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, Peru, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. In Europe, the installation was on the balance of Hungary, East Germany, Finland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia. The only country except the USSR, which had a license for the production of weapons, was Poland.
Arrow-3: composition
The portable installation includes: 9P58 series launcher, 9M36 missile launcher, 1RL247 ground interrogator, 9C13 passive direction finder and R-147 radio station.
The main striking force of the Strela-3M MANPADS and the original model is the 9M36 missile. It is made according to the “Duck” scheme and is a combination of 4 fastened compartments: motor, combat, steering and head. The control of the projectile is achieved by rotating at a speed of 20 rpm./s when converting a three-dimensional signal from the thermal sensor of the seeker. It is worth noting that the aerodynamic rudders are located in the same plane. When starting, the feather stabilizers open, breaking away from the nozzles of the pipe.
On the installation case there is an electronic unit, a fuse, a telephone, a plug, a contact group and a trigger. Aiming at the target is carried out by a gyroscope and a radio station, then the direction finder processes the data.
The performance characteristics
In the new model of the complex with the previous version, only indicators of the preparation time for volley and self-destruction, and also the 72nd caliber, are similar. Otherwise, the third MANPADS "Strela" characteristics are much better. The length of the rocket was reduced to 1.25 m with a weight of 10 kg. On the other hand, the mass of the complex itself increased due to new components and amounted to more than 6 kg.
Arrow-3 is capable of hitting objects at a distance of 500 to 4, 500 meters. Possible vertical flight altitude varies up to 3 km. The charge flight speed after it is 310 m / s, towards the target - 230 m / s. Thanks to the new improved model, the anti-aircraft gunner was able to hit even a fighter aircraft. The probability of destroying such a target with one missile is estimated at 33%.
