The domestic Vityaz air defense system is a medium-range anti-aircraft missile system used for air defense. Weapons of the S-350 50 P6A series were developed by the designers of the well-known concern Almaz-Antey. The creation of military equipment began in 2007 under the leadership of the chief engineer Ilya Isakov. Planned adoption of the complex into service - 2012. Until 2020, the Russian Ministry of Defense intends to purchase at least 38 sets. For this purpose, machine-building plants are being built (in Kirov and Nizhny Novgorod). Factories are focused on the production of rocket systems and radar devices of the latest generation. Consider the features and parameters of this strategic object, which is also exported.
general information
SAM "Vityaz" began to be developed in a pilot version in the early 90s of the last century. It was first mentioned by the manufacturer Almaz as one of the exhibits at the Max 2001 air show. The basis was used KamAZ chassis. The new weapon was supposed to replace the obsolete analogue of the S-300 series. Designers successfully coped with the task
An improved domestic anti-aircraft missile system is aimed at creating a multi-level defense, which allows to protect the air and space of the state. This will prevent attacks from drones, manned aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles. In addition, it can hit low-flying objects. SAM "Vityaz S 350-2017" will be part of the defense aerospace sector with a certain limitation of tactical capabilities against missiles. The equipment is slightly smaller than the S-400 analogue, however, it is considered a highly mobile military equipment and uses the same charges, 9M96E2 brand. The effectiveness of this tool has been tested on numerous tests both in Russia and abroad.
Features
In addition to the Vityaz air defense system, the defense complex of the aerospace direction will include the S-400, S-500, S-300E systems and a short-range device called the βShellβ.
In the design of the anti-aircraft missile system under consideration, developments were made according to the export version of the KM-SAM type. It was also designed in the Almaz-Antey bureau, oriented to the South Korean market. The active development phase began after the company won an international tender from American and French competitors. They have also been active in developing air defense equipment for Seoul.
Financing of the work performed was carried out by the customer, which allowed to continue work on the project in the optimal mode. At that time, most defense complex plants in the domestic market survived solely through export orders. Cooperation with the Koreans made it possible not only to continue work on the creation of a new complex, but also to gain valuable experience in terms of mastering modern technologies. This is largely due to the fact that South Korea did not limit the access of Russian designers to the foreign base of elements, actively helping to master it. This helped in many ways to create a similar design with a multi-purpose profile.
Presentation and appointment
The first prototype of the Vityaz S 350E air defense system, the characteristics of which are presented below, was publicly demonstrated at the Obukhov plant in St. Petersburg. (06/19/2013). From this moment, the weapon was released from the veil of secrecy. Serial production of an anti-aircraft missile system is carried out at the ABO Almaz-Antey concern in the North-West region. The main manufacturers are the state plant in Obukhov and the radio equipment factory.
The new installation is capable of operating in a self-propelled mode, aggregating with a stationary multifunctional radar. In addition, an electronic scanning of space and a command post based on the main chassis are provided. The Vityaz S 350 air defense system is designed to protect social, industrial, administrative and military territories from massive strikes carried out by various types of air attack weapons. The system is able to repel an attack in a circular sector from various attacks, including a small and increased range of missile flight. The autonomous operation of the complex allows it to participate in the air defense groups, with control from higher command posts. The combat configuration of equipment is carried out absolutely automatically, while the full-time crew is only responsible for the work and control of the guns during combat operations.
TTX SAM "Vityaz"
Modern models of the anti-aircraft complex under consideration are mounted on the BAZ-69092-012 chassis. The following are the performance characteristics of this military equipment:
- The power plant is a 470 horsepower diesel engine.
- The curb weight is 15.8 tons.
- Payload - 14.2 tons.
- Gross weight after installation - up to 30 tons.
- The maximum elevation angle is 30 degrees.
- Fording in depth - 1700 mm.
- The defeat of aerodynamic / ballistic targets at the same time - 16/12.
- The synchronous amount of induced antiaircraft guided charges is 32.
- The parameters of the affected area for maximum range and altitude (aerodynamic targets) - 60/30 km.
- Similar characteristics for ballistic type targets - 30/25 km.
- The period of bringing the vehicle into combat condition on the march is no more than 5 minutes.
- The crew of combat crew - 3 people.
Launch installation 50P6E
SAM "Vityaz" is equipped with a launcher, which is intended for transportation, storage, launch of anti-aircraft charges and automatic preparation before a working start. It plays a crucial role in the functionality of the entire machine.
Nominal parameters of the warhead:
- The number of missiles on the launcher is 12.
- The interval between the launches of anti-aircraft ammunition at a minimum of 2 seconds.
- Charging and discharging - 30 minutes.
- The maximum distance to the combat control point is 2 kilometers.
- The number of anti-aircraft guided missiles at the launcher is 12.
Multipurpose radar type 50N6E
SAM (S 350E "Vityaz") is equipped with a multifunctional radar locator. It works both in a circular and in a sector mode. This element is the main information device of this type of military equipment. The combat participation of the device is fully automatic, does not require operator participation, is controlled remotely from a command control point.
Parameters:
- The largest number of targets followed in the route location range is 100.
- The number of observed targets in the exact mode (to the maximum) is 8.
- The maximum number of guided anti-aircraft missiles with control is 16.
- The speed indicator of the antenna revolution in azimuth is 40 rotations per minute.
- The maximum distance to the point of combat adjustment is 2 kilometers.
Combat control point
This element of the Vityaz air defense system series is designed to control multifunctional radars and launch stations. PBU provides aggregation with parallel S-350 air defense systems and the main command post.
Specifications:
- The total number of trails followed is 200.
- The maximum distance from the point of combat control to the neighboring complex is 15 km.
- The distance to the superior command department (to the maximum) is 30 km.
Guided missiles 9M96E / 9M96E2
The anti-aircraft guided charges of the S-350 Vityaz air defense system, the characteristics of which are given above, are modern new-generation missiles that incorporate the best characteristics used in modern rocket science. The element is an alloy of the highest possible category used in scientific research, non-traditional projects, and other design solutions. At the same time, various achievements in material engineering and innovative technological solutions are used. Between each other, the S 350 Vityaz air defense missiles are distinguished by propulsion units, ultimate flight range, height-carrying capacity and overall dimensions.

Thanks to the introduction of new ideas and the use of an improved engine, the charges in question surpass the French analogue of Aster. In fact, missiles are solid-fuel single-stage elements that are unified by the composition of on-board devices and other equipment, differ only in the size of the engine units. High performance is achieved through a combination of inertial and command guidance. At the same time, there is an effect of increased maneuverability, which allows you to configure the homing system at the meeting point with the intended purpose. Warheads are equipped with intellectual filling, which makes it possible to ensure maximum efficiency in the defeat of aerodynamic and ballistic counterparts of air and space attack.
Nuances of creating ammunition
For any Vityaz air defense missiles in Syria, elements with a "cold" vertical launch were used. For this, before the start of the mid-flight engine, warheads are ejected from the working storage to a height of 30 meters, after which they are deployed towards the target by means of a gas-dynamic mechanism.
This decision made it possible to reduce the minimum distance of the alleged interception. In addition, the system provides excellent charge maneuverability and increases missile overload by 20 units. The ammunition in question is focused on confrontation with various air targets and space forces of the enemy. The complex is equipped with a warhead weighing 24 kg and small-sized equipment, its mass is 4 times less than the ZUR-48N6, and the general characteristics are practically in no way inferior to this charge.
Instead of the standard equipment of the 48N6 type with one launch rocket, the new complex allows you to place on the launch device a packet charge of four TPKs compatible with 9M96E2 SAM. Aiming the ammunition on the target is carried out using an inertial correction system and radio correction with radar seeker at the final point of flight.
The joint control system guarantees a high level of aiming, increases the channels of "air defense systems with 350 Vityaz" missiles and hitting targets, and also reduces the dependence of charge flight on external influences. In addition, such a design does not need additional illumination and location when following the intended target.
The system "SAM S 350 Vityaz" provides the ability to use "advanced" partially active elements that are able to independently calculate the target in angular coordinates. The 9M100 short-range missile charge is equipped with an infrared homing warhead, which allows the target to be captured immediately after the launch of the rocket. It not only destroys air targets, but also destroys their warhead.
Characteristics of anti-aircraft guided missiles 9M96E2
Below are the combat parameters of the charge in question:
- Starting weight - 420 kg.
- The average flight speed is about 1000 meters per second.
- Head configuration - active radar modification with homing.
- Type of interference - inertial with radio correction.
- The form of the warhead is a high-explosive fragmentation variant.
- The mass of the main charge is 24 kg.
Modifications and performance characteristics of used missiles
The following are the main tactical and technical characteristics that the missiles have for the considered anti-aircraft missile system:
- Aerodynamics scheme - a supporting body with aerodynamic control (9M100) / duck with rotating wings (9M96) / analogue with a movable wing assembly (9M96E2).
- Motor mechanisms - controlled vector solid propellant solid propellants / standard solid propellant solid propellants.
- Guidance and control - inertial system with radar / GOS.
- Type of control - aerodynamics plus engine thrust vector and trellised rudders or gas-dynamic control.
- Length - 2500/4750/5650 mm.
- Wingspan - 480 mm.
- Diameter - 125/240 mm.
- Weight - 70/333/420 kg.
- Range of defeat - from 10 to 40 km.
- The speed limit is 1000 meters per second.
- A variety of warhead - contact or high-explosive fragmentation fuse.
- The load of the transverse type - 20 units at an altitude of 3 thousand meters and 60 - near the ground.
Finally
The Fakel Design Bureau began work on a new anti-aircraft system of the 9M96 type back in the 80s of the last century. The missile flight range was provided for at least 50 kilometers. The S 350 Vityaz air defense system, the characteristics of which were discussed above, could easily maneuver in the presence of significant overloads, as well as launch charges with a lateral displacement design, which made it possible to ensure high accuracy of target destruction. An additional effect was guaranteed by automatic homing warheads. At the same time, it was planned to operate these complexes in the air-to-air format. Air defense systems "Vityaz" (the characteristics confirm this) were smaller in size, but not inferior in effectiveness. They used 9M100 missiles. The main task assigned to the designers at that time was the creation of unified charges, which made it possible to strengthen not only the internal defense, but also sold well for export to other countries.