A minefield is the most effective way to defend your position against enemy attacks. Of course, this is not an absolute deterrent, but in many cases it is expedient and effective. But in order to circumvent such fields, it is first necessary to neutralize them, and special systems, such as the “Serpent Gorynych” (weapons), help in this. What is it - a reliable tool in which it is worth investing money, or an unnecessary device?
A bit of history
Note that the first modern mine clearance systems were created by the British in 1912. Moreover, initially this weapon fought not with mines, but with barbed wire. For their explosion, a 5 m long tube was used, which was charged with 27 kg of pyroxylin. Ammunition slipped under the fence and detonated. Due to its long form, the ammunition was called a torpedo.
In the USSR, the first means of clearance appeared during the war, and it was an elongated U3 charge: it was a pipe 2 m long and 7 cm in diameter, into which a little more than 5 kg of TNT could be placed. The essence of his action was that a tank with a trawl pulled out charges for clearance, after which they were blown up. Despite the effectiveness of such a system, it had many shortcomings. First of all, mine clearance was quick, and it took a lot of time to prepare it.
UR-67
"Serpent Gorynych" - a weapon based on UR-67. This demining system was used to combat anti-tank mines. True, the first version was not the most perfect, and the UR-67 was replaced by the UR-77 Meteorite, which is still considered the main machine of this type in the Russian army. While maintaining the basic design features of the system and its principle of operation, it began to be equipped with new ammunition. At the heart of the extended charge 77 are detonating cables longer than 10 m, which are connected into a single cord with union nuts.
Why "Serpent Gorynych"?
The weapon, the photo of which speaks of its menacing, received this name for a reason. This is due to a powerful and scary sight: first, the deafening roar of a rocket engine is heard , after which a short rocket flies up into the sky, and something white stretches behind it. After uncoupling, the rocket flies forward, and a long “sausage” falls to the ground, after which a severe explosion shakes the ground.
How the design has changed ...
It is noteworthy, when creating the model, the designers suggested abandoning the basic tracked vehicle. This type of mine system was designated UR-83P, it was transported by truck, and then collected directly on the battlefield, in a tank trench.
The tank installation had a lightweight frame, but the system was not widespread, since it was much weaker in efficiency. In wartime, the "Serpent Gorynych" (a weapon that is still considered one of the most reliable in the world) was an excellent assistant in overcoming minefields. At least there was an opportunity to save the lives of sappers and miners.
What are the features?
"Serpent Gorynych" - a weapon that is constantly being improved. So, the chassis of the model is based on the design of the MT-LB tractor. The features of the new model include:
- A special tower cap protects the launch guide for exhaust rockets and cord drawers. This is an important innovation, because armored ammunition boxes consist of more than 1,500 tons of explosives. Before starting, the bronekolpak rises to the desired angle, then only three buttons are triggered: starting the solid fuel engine, undermining the charge, dropping the brake cable.
- Recharging the installation takes about 40 minutes.
- Explosive cord can be laid by crane or manually.
- "Serpent Gorynych" - a weapon that can even be launched from the water.
For the first time, this installation was used in battle in 1973 - at this time weapons were delivered to Egypt. Subsequently, the models participated in almost all the military operations of the USSR and Russia.
How does it work?
The UR-77 is a self-propelled light-armored mine clearance system that can make passages of 6 meters wide in minefields that are “crammed” with anti-tank anti-track mines and mines with a pin target sensor. Experts note that the system easily and reliably copes with the demolition of high-explosive anti-personnel mines (similar to American M14) in a strip up to 14 m wide.
One of the most reliable means of demining today is the “Serpent Gorynych” system (weapons). How to use it? Mines explode due to the fact that their own fuses are triggered by the shock wave. It, in turn, is formed during the explosion of an elongated mine clearance charge. The installation itself includes two elements - the base machine in the form of a modified chassis and a tower installation consisting of launch guides for two missiles and two compartments for the detonating cable sections.
At the core is the Carnation howitzer
"Serpent Gorynych" is a mine-clearing weapon that, thanks to its unique characteristics, has remained popular for more than a dozen years. As equipment, a self-propelled howitzer 21 “Carnation” was used, which has a classic tower design. Its body is created on the basis of sheets of steel, is distinguished by tightness and the ability to overcome water barriers. There are three departments in the building: power, control and combat.
On the roof there is a welded tower, the fighting compartment of which is equipped with a rotating basket. The tower is equipped with a gun and a place for the crew. On the right side there is a loader seat, stacking under the liner, and on the left side there is a gunner’s seat and sights. The main weapon is the howitzer, which works on the basis of 122 mm ammunition. The work of the howitzer is based on high-explosive shells of various types, which are often supplemented by contact fuses. The maximum firing range is 15.2 km.
Ammunition system "Serpent Gorynych"
Weapons The principle of action has the following: the use of a certain ammunition is assumed. It includes two elongated clearance charges that have solid propellant towing missiles. One charge is designed for one pass, that is, an installation using one ammunition can do two passes at once, 93 m long and 6 m wide. The installation itself can be located during shelter operations both in a shelter and in an open area. Charges start with a short stop. Charges can also be launched from the water when it is necessary to clear minefields along the coastline.
The main thing is setup
Powerful and modern "Serpent Gorynych" weapon. The principle of operation of the entire mine clearance system is as follows:
- UR-77 makes a passage and extends to the minefield, while it can stand at a distance of 200-500 m.
- The distance to the border of the minefield is determined by the commander, who raises the tower installation at a certain elevation angle, and then sends a command to start the charge.
- The rocket leaves the guide and flies along a certain trajectory, while pulling with it a flexible cable connected with an explosive.
- A missile with a charge moves away to a length, which is determined by the length of the brake cable - it is attached to the bow of the car.
- The charge falls on the minefield, and the rocket powder engine is cut off.
- The machine is fed back by the driver to equalize the charge in a straight line.
- The brake cable is being shot back.
- The full cycle time for a passage takes a maximum of 5 minutes
- After the first cycle is completed, the second charge starts.
- Recharging the machine takes about 40 minutes.
To carry out this procedure, the machine should go to a predetermined location. The recharge time of the calculation forces with attached sapper compartment 30-40 minutes.
What are the prospects?
The “Serpent Gorynych” (UR-77 weapon), which was also called the “Meteorite” in the war, was again transferred to the arsenal of the Russian Federation in 2014, though in a new form. The updated installation was developed by the Balashikha Research Institute and the designers of the Rubtsovsky Machine-Building Plant. The base of the BMP-3 combat vehicle was used as the chassis for this model . The launcher is additionally equipped with elongated clearance charges.
"Serpent Gorynych" - a weapon in Russia, which is popular due to the reasonable design and technical characteristics. With their help, you can make passages in a minefield several tens of meters wide at any distance. Updated charges can destroy any type of mine. The charge of this installation is a rocket to which a long cable is attached: explosives are located on it. When the cable falls to the ground, explosives detonate and detonate mines within a radius of several meters. Thus, a safe passage is created, along which infantry can pass, military equipment can pass.
As noted by experts who tested this system, clearance charges detonate part of the min. And devices that are protected from undermining are thrown out of the cleared passage. In any case, in combat conditions, this installation will be more effective.
Features of the updated system
It is planned that the UR-07M model, which will replace the Zmey Gorynych installation, will easily cope with the clearance of the coastal strip. With its help, it will be possible to make passages of sufficient width in the coastal line of the sea at a depth of up to five meters. The passages will be done gradually - by launching groups of ammunition from a carrier that moves along the shore, after which they will be blown up in the alignment of the passage. It is noted that the rolling of the ship will not affect the accuracy of the supply of ammunition, as this will be compensated by automatic fire control based on a computer. Designers focus on the fact that the “Serpent Gorynych” as a mine-clearing weapon still requires re-grading both the design and the technical parameters in order to meet modern requirements. That is why it was decided to improve the old system by introducing modern technologies into it.
As an addition to the system, there is a hook-and-loop installation “Garter” URP-01, which allows you to make passages in anti-tank minefields. The charges are launched both from towing equipment, without requiring the crew to leave the vehicle, or autonomously - on the ground or from the trench.