The Russian army is armed with mobile anti-aircraft missile and gun systems "Pantsir". They are designed for air defense of military and administrative-industrial facilities from aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and high-precision weapons, as well as to strengthen air defense groups when repelling massive strikes by any means of air attack.
Common modifications
One of the most common is the multi-channel short-range SAM/gun system "Pantsir-S1", capable of firing at four targets simultaneously. It is distinguished by its short reaction time, the presence of combined missile and gun armament, the ability to destroy aerial targets in motion and conduct reconnaissance.
The uniqueness of "Pantsirs" is in the combination of missile and gun armament. It creates a continuous kill zone at an altitude of up to 15 km and at a range of up to 20 km.
The anti-aircraft guided supersonic missile is highly maneuverable, with a flight speed of 1300 m/s. A special feature is the bi-caliber design, the mass of the warhead is 16 kg. All modifications of "Pantsirs" are equipped with 12 missiles in transport and launch containers.
The gun armament consists of four 30-mm automatic high-rate-of-fire 2A38M guns, considered the best in the world in their class. The total rate of fire is 5,000 rounds per minute, the ammunition load is 1,400 rounds.
The first ones fly at supersonic speed and explode in the path of the target, forming a cloud of damaging elements. The target, whether it is an aircraft or a missile, crashes into it, increasing the damaging effect.
The modular principle allows the complex to be placed on different chassis: tracked, wheeled, on railway platforms, ships or lattice towers.
Main characteristics of the Pantsir-S1 SAM/gun system, using the example of hitting an aircraft with an effective scattering area of 2 m² and a flight speed of 300 m/s:
- Missile armament in range — 1200-20000 m, in height — 15-15000 m
- Gun armament in range — 200-4000 m, in height — 0-3000 m
- Number of targets fired at simultaneously — 4
- Maximum speed of targets hit — 1000 m/s
There is also a modified version of the "Pantsir-S1M". It differs from its predecessor in improved characteristics for hitting aerial targets.
Main characteristics of the "Pantsir-S1M", using the example of hitting an aircraft with an effective scattering area of 2.5 m² and a flight speed of 300 m/s:
- Missile armament in range — 1200-30000 m, in height — 15-18000 m
- Gun armament in range — 200-4000 m, in height — up to 3000 m
- Number of targets fired at simultaneously — 4
- Maximum speed of targets hit — 1000 m/s
In August 2024, the High-Precision Systems holding presented the latest version of the system, called the Pantsir-SMD-E, whose main purpose is to protect industrial and administrative facilities from raids by unmanned aerial vehicles.
The complex is capable of carrying up to 48 short-range missiles or 12 standard missiles, providing a high level of protection. For the SAM/gun system "Pantsir-SMD-E", the TKB-1055 anti-aircraft guided missile was previously developed. It features reduced weight, dimensions and flight characteristics. The missile is designed to intercept small-sized aerial targets, such as drones. Its range is 7 km, the altitude of destruction is up to 5 km.
How it scans the sky
The detection and tracking range of a target with an RCS of 2 m² is up to 36 km.
The automation of the complex not only clearly sees aerial targets, but also instantly classifies them: state affiliation, type and flight parameters. The system offers the operator the optimal weapon for destruction. The time required for the Pantsir to open fire from the moment the object is detected is 4 seconds.
For this, the complex has three radars. The first, optical, is equipped with a thermal imager, so it is able to work at night. The second monitors the situation within the Pantsir's range - 36 km. The third is designed to track captured targets and guide missiles at them. The radars operate in the millimeter and centimeter ranges, so they can see even targets made using stealth technology.
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