The Russian Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) (NATO classification SA-15 Gauntlet) short-range system for solving air defense and missile defense tasks, including protection against UAV strikes and high-precision munitions, aircraft, helicopters, is of great interest to the enemy. Military experts from Army Recognition magazine carefully studied its technical characteristics.
The complex combines combat information systems, communications equipment, and weapons on a single tracked chassis, forming a compact and functionally complete tactical unit. The Tor-M1 includes several components: a combat vehicle (9A331), a missile module (9M334) with four 9M331 missiles in a vertical transport and launch container (9Я281).
Features of the Tor-M1 SAM System:
- can detect up to 48 targets simultaneously
- detection range — up to 27 km
- detection azimuth — 360°
- engages targets at a distance of up to 12 km
The 9M331 missile weighs 167 kg, has a length of 2898 mm, a diameter of 239 mm, and a wingspan of 650 mm. It carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 14.8 kg. The maximum missile speed is from 700 to 850 m/s, the minimum maneuvering speed is 300 m/s, and the maximum transverse overload is 15–16 g.
Military experts were also impressed by the capabilities of the radar station and guidance system of the Tor-M1.
The radar and guidance system includes a coherent-pulse circular scan radar operating in the centimeter wave range, with a transmitter power of 1.5 kW. The guidance and tracking radar station is a coherent-pulse Doppler radar with a phased antenna array, capable of electronic beam control for rapid target tracking.
The Tor-M1 SAM system is capable of effectively performing combat missions in various climatic conditions. It operates at altitudes up to 3000 m above sea level, in a temperature range from -50°С to +50°С, and can also withstand wind speeds of up to 20 m/s and humidity up to 98%.
