Exactly 60 years ago, on February 3, 1965, the 2K11 "Krug" self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system was adopted by the Soviet Army. It became the world's first self-propelled SAM system and was equipped with a missile of original design.
"Krug" became a breakthrough in the field of air defense. Before its creation, such systems were either stationary or could be transported, but were not suitable for rapid deployment.
The mobility of the "Krug" complex became one of its key advantages. All the main elements of the system, including launchers, radar detection station and control facilities, were located on tracked chassis, which made it possible to quickly change position depending on the situation on the battlefield.
The complex included a target detection station, a missile guidance station, a target designation receiving cabin and launchers with powerful 3M8 anti-aircraft guided missiles. Each missile weighed more than two tons and could carry a warhead weighing 150 kg, which, even with an inaccurate hit, guaranteed the destruction of the target.
The complex was capable of engaging aerial targets at altitudes from 3 to 23.5 km and at a range of up to 45 km, which made it possible to effectively combat strategic bombers and tactical aircraft.
The "Krug-A" modification, adopted in 1967, was already able to shoot down targets at an altitude of 250 m, and the minimum interception range was 9 km instead of 11 for its predecessor. The "Krug-M" version increased the range of target engagement thanks to the modernized missile, and the "Krug-M1", adopted in 1974, could shoot down aircraft at an altitude of only 150 m and 6 km from the launcher.
60 years after its adoption, the 2K11 "Krug" complex still remains one of the symbols of the advanced achievements of the Soviet defense industry. It not only made a significant contribution to ensuring the security of the USSR, but also became the basis for the development of subsequent generations of air defense systems.
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