Developed by specialists from the KB Mashinostroyeniya, the Soviet man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) "Igla" is one of the most common in the world. It is a cheap, portable, and deadly weapon, writes the Western publication Interesting Engineering.
Created during the Cold War, the Igla MANPADS has undergone numerous modernizations. The complex is equipped with a thermal homing head, which makes it a serious threat to helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and drones.
The complex includes:
- 9M39 missile in a 9P39 launch tube;
- 9B238 ground power source;
- 9P516-1 launch mechanism
- 1L15-1 portable electronic tablet
Characteristics of the Igla MANPADS:
- Range — up to 5000 m
- Altitude of targets hit — 3500 m
- Deployment time — no more than 13 s
- Reaction time — 5 s
- SAM flight speed — 570 m/s
- Warhead type — high-explosive fragmentation
Read more on the topic:
New S-350 Vityaz and S-400 Triumf SAM systems enter the Russian army
Rostec will launch mass production of new IGLA line cartridges for rifled and smooth-bore weapons
