Tanks. This main firepower of modern armies was first used in the distant past, during the First World War, during the battle for the Somme. Since then, tanks have evolved every new year, and now represent real killing machines. But they are not as strong as they seem. In the event of a threat, Russia's anti-tank weapons will be able to repulse the enemy worthy and in a matter of seconds disable the enemy’s equipment.
The main types of weapons
The history of the development of anti-tank weapons dates back to the Great Patriotic War. It was then that hand grenades and anti-tank rifles were first used. Since then, the weapon has undergone many transformations, completely new models of equipment have been identified, which can be divided into three main categories:
- Self-propelled anti-tank missile systems.
- Man-portable anti-tank missile systems.
- Anti-tank artillery.
Do not forget that the modern anti-tank weapons of Russia include rocket-propelled grenade launchers, which are used by infantry.
Self-propelled guns
Self-propelled anti-tank weapons consist of two modules - the means of destruction of an enemy tank and a mobile complex. The latter is often combat vehicles, tracked chassis.
And the first on our list is the Sturm-S anti-tank missile system (ATGM). Its basis is the 9P149 combat vehicle, the chassis of which was borrowed from MT-LB - a light-armored multi-purpose transporter. The armament is represented by guided missiles "Storm" and "Attack". Both can be equipped with a cumulative or high-explosive striking element, and the “Attack” also has a rod system for hitting air targets.
This anti-tank weapon of Russia has a unique targeting system. First, the projectile flies in an arc, and when approaching the target, it aligns and hits it. This allows you to fire at the enemy, regardless of visibility conditions, soil stability and weather conditions. The range of destruction of weapons is from 400 to 8 thousand meters, the spread is less than one degree.
"Competition" and "Chrysanthemum"
Self-propelled ATGM "Competition" is based on a military reconnaissance vehicle. Its main purpose is the movement, guidance and launch of 9M111-2 or 9M113 projectile strikes. The machine can engage targets both moving (at speeds up to 60 km / h) and standing (by bunkers). Aiming and direct launch of missiles is possible from prepared and unprepared firing positions. Moreover, the Russian anti-tank weapon Competition can swim and hit targets while overcoming a water obstacle. However, to destroy tanks from land it is necessary to deploy guns. Preparation time is up to 25 seconds. The target hit range is from 70 to 4,000 meters.
ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S" is the most modern defensive means. The machine is capable of firing only from a place, however, it is one of the few complexes whose missiles fly at supersonic speed, and targeting is possible at any time of the day in any weather conditions.
This is the latest anti-tank weapon in Russia has an exceptional feature. "Chrysanthemum-S" can fire at once for two purposes, thanks to independent guidance systems. The damage range is from 400 to 6000 meters.
Portable guns
Portable ATGMs are characterized by the absence of a mobile platform, transported by affordable means. Some of these models, such as the "Competition", are part of self-propelled guns.
The first one I want to note is the Metis portable anti-tank weapon of Russia. This is a folding machine on which the 9P151
missile launcher and semi-automatic targeting means are "strung", which simplifies the preparation of soldiers for firing. Fire can be fired at moving and standing targets at a distance of up to 2 km. To hit targets in the dark, Metis is equipped with additional equipment.
"Cornet"
A completely new anti-tank weapon is the Kornet anti-tank system. Developed on the basis of the Reflex tank weapons, it has an enviable advantage over it - the laser guidance beam. Thanks to this, the gun can hit ground and air targets that move at a speed of up to 250 m / s. At the same time, the ceiling height in case of aircraft damage can be up to 9 km, and the distance to the target is even more - 10 km.
Presented Russian anti-tank weapons "Cornet" can fire at ground targets from a distance of up to 4,500 meters during the day and 3.5 km at night. Deployment time - less than 5 seconds, the rate of fire varies from 2 to 3 rounds per minute.
Artillery
The MT-12 100 mm anti-tank gun is the only representative of the artillery class on our list. It was created on the basis of the T-12 gun. In fact, this is the same means of firing, only installed on a new carriage. Transportation is carried out in a towed way.
Destruction of targets can be carried out at a distance of over 8 km by four types of charges - cumulative, armor-piercing, high-explosive and guided missiles "Kastet". A feature of the MT-12 is its versatility (the gun is capable of hitting equipment, firing points, manpower) and rate of fire. Shots can be fired up to 6 times per minute.
Do not limit yourself to this list, because the anti-tank weapons of the Russian army include various modifications and additional equipment.