Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) - a weapon designed primarily to combat enemy armored vehicles. It can also be used to hit fortified points, shooting at low-flying targets and for other tasks.
General information
Guided missiles are an essential part of an anti-tank missile system (ATGM), which also includes an anti-tank missile launcher and guidance systems. The so-called solid fuel is used as an energy source, and the warhead (warhead) is most often equipped with a cumulative charge.
As modern tanks began to be equipped with composite armor and active dynamic defense systems, new anti-tank missiles are also evolving. The single cumulative warhead was replaced by tandem ammunition. As a rule, these are two cumulative charges located one after another. When they explode, two cumulative jets are formed sequentially , which have more effective armor penetration. If a single charge "flashes" up to 600 mm of homogeneous armor, then tandem ones - 1200 mm or more. Moreover, the elements of dynamic protection “extinguish” only the first stream, and the second does not lose its destructive ability.
ATGMs can also be equipped with a thermobaric warhead, creating the effect of a volumetric explosion. When triggered, aerosol explosives are sprayed in the form of a cloud, which are then detonated, covering a considerable area with the fire zone.
These types of ammunition include ATGM “Cornet” (RF), “Milan” (France-Germany), “Javelin” (USA), “Spike” (Israel) and others.
Creation Background
Despite the widespread use of hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPGs) in World War II, they could not fully provide anti-tank defense of the infantry. It turned out to be impossible to increase the range of the RPG, since due to the relatively slow speed of the ammunition of this type, their range and accuracy did not meet the requirements of effectiveness in combating armored vehicles at a distance of more than 500 meters. The infantry units required an effective anti-tank weapon capable of hitting tanks over long distances. To solve the problem of accurate long-range shooting, an anti-tank guided missile was created.
History of creation
The first research on the development of high-precision missile ammunition began in the 40s of the twentieth century. The Germans made a real breakthrough in the development of the latest types of weapons, creating in 1943 the world's first ATGM X-7 Rotkaeppchen (translated as "Little Red Riding Hood"). With this model, the history of anti-tank anti-tank weapons begins.
A BMW company proposed the creation of Rotkaeppchen to the Wehrmacht command in 1941, however, a favorable situation on the fronts for Germany caused the refusal. However, already in 1943, the creation of such a rocket still had to begin. The work was led by Dr. M. Kramer, who developed a series of aircraft missiles under the general designation “X” for the German Ministry of Aviation.
Characteristics of the X-7 Rotkaeppchen
In fact, the X-7 anti-tank missile can be considered as a continuation of the X series, because it used the basic design solutions of this type of missile. The case had a length of 790 mm, a diameter of 140 mm. The tail unit of the rocket was a stabilizer and two keels mounted on an arc-shaped rod for the exit of the control planes from the zone of incandescent gases of a solid fuel (powder) engine. Both keels were made in the form of washers with deflected plates (trim tabs), which were used as elevators or ATGM rudders.
The weapon for its time was revolutionary. To ensure the stability of the rocket in flight, it rotated along its longitudinal axis at a speed of two revolutions per second. Using a special delay unit, control signals were applied to the control plane (trim tabs) only when they were in the desired position. In the rear part there was a power plant in the form of a WASAG dual-mode engine. The cumulative warhead overcome 200 mm armor.
The control system included a stabilization unit, a switch, steering wheel drives, command and receiving units, as well as two cable reels. The control system worked according to the method, which today is referred to as the "three-point method."
First generation ATGM
After the war, the victorious countries used the German achievements for their own production of ATGMs. Weapons of this type were recognized as very promising for the fight against armored vehicles at the forefront, and from the mid-1950s the first models replenished the arsenals of the countries of the world.
First-generation ATGMs successfully proved themselves in military conflicts of the 50-70s. Since there is no documentary evidence of the use of the German Red Riding Hood in the hostilities (although about 300 of them were fired), the French model Nord SS.10 became the first guided missile used in real combat (Egypt, 1956). There, during the Six Day War of 1967 between the Arab countries and Israel, the Soviet anti-tank missiles "Baby", supplied by the USSR of the Egyptian army, proved their effectiveness.
ATGM application: attack
The weapons of the first generation require careful preparation of the shooter. When aiming the warhead and subsequent remote control, the same principle of three points is used:
- crosshair of the vizier;
- rocket on the trajectory;
- target hit.
Having fired, the operator through the optical sight must simultaneously monitor the reticle, the projectile tracer and the moving target, and manually produce control commands. They are transmitted aboard the rocket along wires that follow it. Their use imposes restrictions on the speed of anti-tank systems: 150-200 m / s.
If a wire breaks in the heat of battle with fragments, the projectile becomes uncontrollable. The low flight speed allowed the armored vehicles to perform evasion maneuvers (if the distance allowed), and the calculation, forced to control the trajectory of the warhead, was vulnerable. However, the probability of hitting is very high - 60-70%.
Second Generation: Launch of ATGMs
Real weapons from the first generation are distinguished by semi-automatic guidance of the missile at the target. That is, the intermediate task was removed from the operator - to monitor the trajectory of the projectile. His job is to keep the aiming mark on the target, and the “smart equipment” built into the rocket itself sends corrective commands. The system operates on the principle of two points.
Also, in some second-generation ATGMs, a new guidance system is used - the transmission of commands along the laser beam. This significantly increases the launch range and allows the use of missiles with a higher flight speed.
The second generation ATGM is managed in various ways:
- by wire (Milan, ERYX);
- on a protected radio line with duplicating frequencies ("Chrysanthemum");
- on a laser beam ("Cornet", TRIGAT, "Dehlavia").
The two-point mode made it possible to increase the probability of hitting up to 95%, however, in systems with wired control, the limit of the warhead speed remained.
Third generation
A number of countries have switched to the production of third-generation ATGMs, the main principle of which is the “shot and forget” motto. It’s enough for the operator to aim and launch the ammunition, and the “smart” rocket with the infrared infrared homing head will aim at the selected object. Such a system significantly increases the maneuverability and survival of the calculation, and, therefore, affects the effectiveness of the battle.
In fact, these complexes are produced and sold only by the USA and Israel. American Javelin (FGM-148 Javelin), Predator, Israeli Spike are the most advanced portable ATGMs. Information about weapons indicates that in front of them defenseless most tank models. These systems are not only independently aimed at armored vehicles, but also hit it in the most vulnerable part - the upper hemisphere.
Advantages and disadvantages
The principle of "shot-forgot" increases the rate of fire and, accordingly, the mobility of the calculation. Weapon performance also improves. The probability of hitting a third-generation ATGM target is theoretically 90%. In practice, it is possible for the enemy to use optical-electronic suppression systems, which reduces the effectiveness of the homing missile. In addition, a significant increase in the cost of on-board guidance equipment and equipping the missile with an infrared homing head led to a high cost of the shot. Therefore, at present, only a few countries have adopted the third generation ATGM.
Russian flagship
Russia is represented by the Cornet ATGM on the world arms market. Thanks to laser control, it belongs to the “2+” generation (there are no third-generation systems in the Russian Federation). The complex has worthy characteristics regarding the price / effectiveness ratio. If serious justifications are required to use the expensive Javelins, the Kornets, as they say, are not a pity - they can be used more often in any battle modes. The firing range is quite high: 5.5-10 km. The system can be used in portable mode, as well as installed on equipment.
There are several modifications:
- ATGM "Kornet-D" - an improved system with a range of 10 km and armor penetration for dynamic protection of 1300 mm.
- Kornet-EM is the last deep modernization, capable of shooting down air targets, primarily helicopters and drones.
- Kornet-T and Kornet-T1 are self-propelled launchers.
- “Cornet-E” - export option (ATGM “Cornet E”).
The weapons of Tula specialists, although highly quoted, are still criticized for their lack of effectiveness against the composite and dynamic armor of modern NATO unit tanks.
Characteristics of modern ATGMs
The main challenge facing the latest guided missiles is to hit any tank, regardless of the type of armor. In recent years, there has been a mini-arms race when tank builders and the creators of ATGM compete. Weapons are becoming more destructive and armor more durable.
Given the widespread use of combined defense in combination with dynamic, modern anti-tank missiles are also equipped with additional devices that increase the likelihood of hitting targets. For example, head rockets are equipped with special tips that provide for the detonation of cumulative ammunition at an optimal distance, ensuring the formation of an ideal cumulative stream.
Typical was the use of missiles with tandem warheads for piercing the armor of tanks with dynamic and combined protection. Also, to expand the scope of anti-tank systems for them, rockets with thermobaric warheads are manufactured. In the 3rd generation anti-tank complexes, warheads are used that rise to a great height when approaching the target and attack it, diving into the tower roof and hull, where there is less armor protection.
To use anti-tank systems in enclosed spaces, soft start systems (Eryx) are used - missiles are equipped with starting engines that throw it at low speed. After moving away from the operator (launch module) by a certain distance, the main engine is turned on, which accelerates the projectile.
Output
Anti-tank systems are effective systems to combat armored vehicles. They can be transported manually, installed on armored personnel carriers and aircraft, as well as on civil vehicles. The 2nd generation ATGMs are being replaced by more advanced homing missiles stuffed with artificial intelligence.