In the seventies, NATO countries became the owners of several modernized anti-ship high-speed missiles, made with the use of modern technology. Equipped with homing heads, capable of flying at a low altitude above the surface of the water, these installations posed a serious threat to enemy ships. In order to successfully resist NATO's high-speed missiles, Soviet designers made the Kortik anti-aircraft missile and artillery system.
Who was involved in the design of ZRAK?
Design work on the rocket-artillery complex "Dagger" began in the late 1970s. Designed in KBP in the city of Tula. Serial production of the Kortik complex was carried out by workers of the Tula Engineering Plant. The radar system was manufactured at a radio engineering enterprise in Serpukhov, and military equipment was manufactured at the F.V. Lukin Research Institute of Physical Problems. The Kortik anti-aircraft missile and artillery system (GRAU 3M87), also known as the Kashtan air defense system (export name), entered service in 1989.
Destination
The plans of Soviet designers was to replace obsolete anti-aircraft systems with the new anti-aircraft complex "Dagger". To do this, it was necessary to eliminate the problems inherent in old naval air defense systems. In order for the Dagger to successfully withstand NATO's high-speed missiles, it must have:
- improved capabilities in the field of target detection and tracking, including high-speed;
- increased ammunition;
- accelerated recharge;
- increased probability of hitting a target.
Working process
During the design, Soviet designers decided not to limit themselves to the creation of a purely artillery or purely anti-aircraft missile system. In their opinion, the new weapons should have the best qualities of these two defense systems in the complex. The Tula designers at one time had already assembled a similar system, known as the ground-based ZRAK “Tunguska”. "Dagger" - anti - aircraft missile and artillery complex - was designed taking into account existing developments from the "Tunguska". Assembling a new ZRAK, the designers used ready-made units. Some of them were completely, unchanged, transferred to the Dirk. The missile system nonetheless contains most of the elements that had to be redesigned.
Feature of the structure of the new ZRAK
The Kortik anti-aircraft missile and artillery system can be equipped with one or two command modules containing a radar station and a digital control system. For a small ship, one combat module with missiles and guns is intended, and for a large destroyer or cruiser, several, with a whole set of different anti-aircraft weapons. If necessary, combat modules (3C87) can be installed on any part of the deck. One module, without ammunition, weighs 9 thousand 500 kg, with ammunition - 12 thousand kg. For its installation, a special rotary platform has been developed, which allows for horizontal aiming of weapons. The upper part of the module is equipped with radar and optoelectronic stations, which are responsible for aiming at the target. The side surfaces of the platform have become a place for the placement of guns and missiles.
Armament
ZRAK "Dagger" is equipped with:
- 9M311-1 anti-aircraft guided two-stage solid-fuel missiles with fragmentation-rod warheads and non-contact target sensors.
- Two six-barreled anti-aircraft guns AO-18K, 30 mm caliber, capable of aimed fire at a distance of 2 -4 km.
- Command module that performs target detection, distribution and issuing instructions for combat modules.
- One or six combat modules. They accept target designations coming from command modules, perform automatic target tracking and fire using both rocket and artillery weapons.
- A special system responsible for the storage and reloading of naval weapons. This system is a container in which the combat modules are raised and placed in the cellar.
In order to protect the missiles from powder gases, there are special cylindrical casings on the gun trunks. In ZRAK "Dagger" uses auger-free projectile delivery. The complex is fully automated.
The performance characteristics
- ZRAK "Dagger" is designed to hit a target in two zones:
Missiles:
1) 1 km 500 m - 8 km;
2) 5 km - 3 km 500 m.
Artillery:
1) 500 m - 4 km;
2) 5 m - 3 km.
- The rate of fire of the ZRAK in one minute is 10 thousand shots.
- Reaction time 8 sec.
- The accuracy of the radar guidance channel within two to three meters.
- "Dagger" is characterized by a high probability of defeat: 94-99%.
Who is using the complex?
The carriers of ZRAK "Dagger" were:
- Heavy nuclear missile cruisers "Peter the Great" and "Admiral Nakhimov."
- Heavy aircraft carrier cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov".
- The guard ship "Stereguschiy".
Also ZRAK “Kortik” is used by the patrol ships “Undaunted” and “Yaroslav the Wise”, as well as by the frigate “Talvar”.
Export version of the anti-aircraft complex
In the 90s, the ZAPK “Chestnut” appeared, which is practically no different from its basic version - “Dagger”. The only difference is that the Kortik complex is used only by the Russian Navy, and the Kashtan air defense system is intended specifically for export. The buyers of this version of the anti-aircraft complex were the Indian military. The Indian Navy uses frigates of the project 1135.6. One frigate and one command module are attached to such a frigate. During 2003-2013, ten such ships of Project 1135.6 were sold to India, with the Kashtan SPRAK installed on them.
Conclusion
ZRAK “Kortik” is used by the Russian Navy to protect ships and stationary objects from anti-ship high-frequency missiles of the enemy. This ZRAK is very effective for shooting at small sea and ground targets.