Radar complex for reconnaissance and fire control "Zoo. Advanced ground reconnaissance systems and means From the Arctic to the tropics

More recently, in the 5th motorized rifle brigade near Moscow, they began to master complex intelligence management and communications (KRUS) "Sagittarius". The complex is produced at the domestic enterprise "Radioavionika". The tested individual complex is a kind of mobile type computer. Almost any device is connected to it.

When creating a network from the data of individual complexes, the unit commander's computer will display the necessary information about subordinates, as well as information about the enemy coming from them. To do this, an ordinary soldier needs to press just a couple of buttons and the coordinates of his location or the location of the enemy will appear on the commander's computer.

The unit commander will be able to easily combine the received data with an electronic map of the area, or with a photograph of a given area received from a satellite. First, military intelligence officers will receive and master such complexes. According to the designers, the Sagittarius complex is practically a mobile personal CIUS.

The company "Radioavionika" at one time presented KRUS "Sagittarius" as a means of solving a wide range of tasks for information support. The Sagittarius complex provides:
- combat control;
- identification of detected objects and calculation of their coordinates;
- target designation;
- development of data for the effective use of personal weapons and means for close combat;

The Sagittarius complex is interfaced with all Soviet and Russian reconnaissance equipment. In addition, the complex interacts with goniometers, radars, target designation, aiming devices and UAVs.

The complex was put into service in 2007 and is supplied in series. It goes primarily to ground reconnaissance units. The first samples of the complex, after passing through various field and combat tests, are sent for revision. Our scouts, having experience in operating foreign analogues of FELIN, IdZ-ES and Normans, asked the developers to improve the existing sample of the Sagittarius complex.

Firstly, the base of the first samples was made on the basis of elements of the 2000s. The designers were sympathetic to the request of the military and the modernized KRUS "Sagittarius" is being tested. After successful tests, the ground units began to be massively provided with the complex. More than one thousand units of the Sagittarius complex have already entered the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

The general designer of the Radioavionika enterprise A. Kaplin, speaking about the Sagittarius complex, noted that the first KRUS samples were somewhat inconvenient for the soldiers - they had a fairly decent weight of 5.4 kilograms, interfered with the soldier when passing the assault strip, covered access to pouches and a medical kit.

Now, after the modernization, the complex began to weigh 2.4 kilograms, received smaller overall characteristics, and large blocks are attached so as not to interfere with other tasks. At the moment, there are no significant comments on the use of the Sagittarius complex from the military personnel of the ground units, where the complexes are mainly received.

KRUS "Sagittarius" can have several levels of configuration. The simplest configuration option is intended for military personnel of departments, up to the commander of the department. The next level of configuration is intended for the platoon commander; the package includes a powerful computer system with a multifunctional type console. The third, most complete level of equipment, is for the unit commander - battalion commander, brigade commander.

The range of interaction of the complex as part of the department is about 1.5 kilometers, but any of the individual Sagittarius complexes works as a repeater, which significantly increases the range and information control of a given area. In addition to voice messages, built-in standard commands can be transmitted over the radio, the recipient can watch or listen to them after receiving.

This innovation was introduced specifically to ensure that the scouts do not get distracted from the task, do not lose visual control. KRUS "Sagittarius" incorporates an autonomous navigation module, which is provided with an inertial system. It makes it possible for a soldier to know exactly his coordinates, even if he has left the satellite navigation coverage area. Switching between navigation systems occurs in the complex automatically.

The complex can be equipped with a helmet-mounted display subsystem for producing fire from cover. For example, when interacting with thermal imager "Shahin", information from it is sent to the indicator of a serviceman, which allows, without leaving the shelter, to conduct accurate and aimed fire.

There is also an identification subsystem of the "friend or foe" type in the complex. The range of the subsystem depends on the characteristics of the associated sighting devices. The subsystem sends a request to an unidentified object, and if the object is “own”, then the serviceman will hear a sound notification in the earpiece. If, after sending the request, the subsystem is “silent”, then the object is defined by the “Sagittarius” complex as “foreign”.

According to the general designer Alexander Kaplin, the new equipment was checked during the landing, the soldiers ran with it along the air assault strip, made their way through the thicket and even climbed Elbrus. According to the test results, the complex was seriously modified. Only after he received a positive conclusion from the military, "Sagittarius" was included in the state defense order. "Several thousand kits have already been delivered to the troops," Kaplin told Interfax-AVN.

First of all, they are equipped with peacekeeping units, intelligence officers and paratroopers. For example, this fall, the 15th brigade of "blue helmets" from the Samara region received more than 250 such sets. A few months earlier, they entered the peacekeeping battalion of the Eastern Military District. The new equipment is also being mastered by Siberian scouts and representatives of other types and branches of the military.

The complex includes a commander's personal computer, a satellite communications radio station, a VHF radio station, a rangefinder and goniometer, a Fara-VR portable short-range reconnaissance radar, unified information transmission equipment, as well as individual and group navigation systems operating on GLONASS and GPS data. In addition, "Sagittarius" is equipped with a "friend or foe" identification system. It can be interfaced with all domestic means of reconnaissance and target designation, radars, aiming devices and drones.

All this together makes the complex a fairly versatile assistant to tactical commanders. It is no coincidence that it was included in the new combat equipment "Warrior" and completely linked with other subsystems of this ammunition. The main task of "Sagittarius" is to prepare information for the effective conduct of combat by a company, platoon, squad and individual servicemen. At the command of a person, the complex identifies enemy objects, determines their coordinates, performs target designation and prepares data for firing.

If, for example, we are talking about a squad of soldiers, then the Sagittarius will provide communication and interaction between them at a distance of up to 1.5 kilometers. And an autonomous positioning module with an inertial system will help the fighter determine their coordinates even outside the coverage area of ​​​​satellite navigation. If necessary, "Sagittarius" also works as a repeater, significantly increasing the range of signals passing through secure communication channels.

The Sagittarius personal computer is included in the combat equipment of each squad, platoon or company commander. One of its functions is to display the tactical situation against the background of a digital map of the area. The computer generates commands that are sent to subordinates in the form of voiced "messages". It can also transfer images and videos.

According to Kaplin, thanks to "Sagittarius" the commander sees a complex picture, on the basis of which he either makes a decision himself, or transmits information to senior commanders using shortwave or satellite radio stations. As for the privates, they are equipped with multifunctional information devices built into the so-called "smart" unloading vests.

And one more important detail. Experts say that our "Sagittarius" in terms of basic indicators is not inferior to the French "Owl" and the German "Gladius". But it costs much less. In addition, due to the open architecture of devices, this complex has a good resource for modernization.

Czechoslovak passive electronic intelligence stations

Station KRTP-86 "Tamara" in the transport position in the Leshany Museum © Ivan Motlik

Station KRTP-91 "Tamara" in combat position © Miroslav Gyurosi

Model of the station complex "Flora" © Miroslav Gyurosi

Russian station KRTP-86 "Tamara" on combat duty on the slope of Akhun near the city of Sochi © German Vlasov (Climbing Mount Akhun. German Vlasov's PHOTO COLLECTION)

Modern electronic intelligence complex "Vera-E" in combat position © Miroslav Gyurosi

Workplaces for operators of the complex "Vera-E" © Miroslav Gyurosi

Radar stations or radars in common parlance are usually designed for reconnaissance of airspace, detection of land and sea targets. At present, radars are often equipped with passive radio reconnaissance equipment, which pose a serious threat to a potential enemy. The covert operation of such systems is almost imperceptible to conventional devices that can detect electromagnetic radiation from radar detection, tracking and firing systems. The basic principle of operation of a radar as an active system is to emit electromagnetic energy and receive its reflection from objects in the air, on land or at sea. The received reflected signal is further processed and analyzed, which allows determining the speed, location and other important parameters of the target. A serious drawback of the radar is its principle of operation. By emitting electromagnetic waves, the radar detects its combat position. Despite intensive work in search of methods for hiding radar signatures, there has been little progress in this area. On the other hand, the potential of electronic intelligence and other passive systems for collecting information for detecting targets is inexhaustible for many years to come.

Scientists from the former Soviet bloc, well aware of the pros and cons of radar, have been engaged in the field of passive radio intelligence for many years, but, however, without much success. Nevertheless, at the end of the 50s in the former Czechoslovakia, a major breakthrough was made in such developments, the main principle of which was later called TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival). Its essence lies in the measurement by three receivers, which are at some distance from each other, the time difference in radiation emitted by an air, ground or sea target. On the basis of which it is possible to "passively", i.e. without irradiating the target, determine its location. This principle was protected by patent law - closed patent No. 773 registered to Vlastimil Pech on 11/13/1961, and closed patents No. 830, 852 and 859, issued to Vladimir Zarybnicky (March-June 1962). It is important that, in accordance with this method, receiving stations can be located on the same line, in contrast to the method, which is based on the principle of triangulation. A description of the TDOA method is available on the ERA website.

The TDOA method was studied and further developed in Czechoslovak research institutes. In 1963, the first prototype was created to test the technology of this idea, on the basis of which a serial model PRP-1 "Kopac" (Presny Radiotechnicky Patrac, Precise radio technical detector) appeared. The system consisted of four cabs mounted on semi-trailers towed by Praga medium duty trucks. The deployment time of the PRP-1 "Kopac" was several days. The system used analog signal processing complexes, waveguides and coaxial technologies. The reconnaissance complex PRP-1 "Kopac" was able to detect radars operating in the L, S and X wavelength bands, airborne transponders and transponders of the TACAN navigation system. The complex was capable of tracking from one to six targets. In the armed forces of the former Czechoslovakia, the PRP-1 "Kopac" was used until 1979.

The next, second, generation of passive electronic intelligence systems, which was really, fully functioning, was named "Ramona". Initially, the system was developed under the code PRP-2 by Tesla (Pardubice) since 1967. In 1980-81, it was put into service and received a new index KRTP-81 (Komplet Radiotechnickeho Pruzkumu - Radio Intelligence Complex). Later, the system was upgraded, which received the designation KRTP-81M "Ramona-M". The complex was intended for reconnaissance at a strategic level. "Ramona" consisted of three 25 m masts topped with a bulky dome covering antennas, microwave parts and mid-frequency preamplifiers and radio relay transmitters to ensure the exchange of information between the base station and neighboring ones. The KRTP-81 complex is capable of detecting air, ground or sea targets emitting electromagnetic energy in the range of 0.8 - 18 GHz. Compared with the PRP-1 "Kopac" complex, the new "Ramona" and its modification "Ramona-M" were much more effective and capable of tracking up to 20 targets in a semi-automatic mode in a sector of 100 degrees relative to the central station of the complex.

In total, 17 pieces were produced in Czechoslovakia. "Ramons", 14 pcs. upgraded "Ramona-M" stations and one training station. Of this number, 14 KRTP-81 "Ramona" stations and 10 KRTP-81M "Ramona-M" stations were delivered to the USSR, one KRTP-81 station was sold to the GDR, one "Ramona", two "Ramona-M" and one training the complex was delivered to Syria, and, finally, one "Ramona" and two "Ramona-M" were in service in Czechoslovakia.

Ramona stations, despite their high performance, remained very difficult to operate, cumbersome and required from 4 to 12 hours to deploy. One system was placed on 13 Tatra T-138 heavy trucks.

In the NATO classification, the "Ramona" / "Ramona-M" stations received the designation "Soft Ball".

After many years of development and operation of the stations of the first generations PRP-1 and KRTP-81, it became clear that the customer needed a truly mobile system with much higher target detection characteristics. Plus, at this point, a new elemental base has appeared. All this made it possible to start the implementation in 1981-1983 of a new project, which was given the next female name "Tamara". In contrast to the Soviet geographical principle of naming their own air defense systems, the Warsaw Pact countries, especially Poland and Czechoslovakia, used female names as designations for radar stations. The new Tamara electronic intelligence system entered testing at the end of 1983. In total, three variants of this system were provided. Tests of the mobile reconnaissance station took place from September 1984 to the end of 1985. Military tests of the station under the designation KRTP-86 were carried out in the summer of 1987, and on October 10, 1987, the state tests of the system passed.

Station "Tamara" can be used for both strategic and tactical reconnaissance. "Tamara" is capable of detecting radars, radar emitters, Friend or Foe transmitters, TACAN navigation systems, DME rangefinders, JTIDS tactical information exchange systems, as well as active jammers operating in the 0.82-18 GHz band. During testing, the new system detected a target of the F-16 type at a range of 400 km, CF-18A -355 km, F-15 - 365. Older F-4 fighters were detected at around 395 km, F-104 - 425 km.

Station passive electronic intelligence KRTP-86 "Tamara" in early 1989 was adopted by the Czechoslovak People's Army. The main variant of the system was mobile. The self-propelled "Tamara" consists of 8 pieces of equipment placed on the Tatra T-815 automobile chassis. It consists of three RS-AJ/M receivers, one hardware cabin of the RS-KB receiving complex, a hardware cabin for signal processing RS-KM, and the ZZP-5 command module with information display systems can be additionally deployed.

The RS-AJ/M receiver is a cylindrical antenna mounted on a telescopic lifting device mounted on a Tatra T-815 chassis with an 8x8 wheel formula. The chassis was modified by installing four hydraulic jacks for leveling the antenna-mast device, and a bulldozer knife was hung in front of the driver's cab to prepare a combat position. The antenna-mast device can rise to a height of 8.5 m or in the range from 12.5 to 25 m. The cylindrical shape of the AMU fairing contains the necessary antennas and receivers, microwave transmitters for information exchange between the components of the complex. The raised antenna is capable of withstanding wind speeds of no more than 50 m/s, and the station can operate with a wind speed of no more than 30 m/s. At the combat position, the RS-AJ / M receiving devices are placed at a distance from each other from 10 to 35 km.

The stationary version "Tamara" consists of three antenna modules installed in special containers with dimensions of 3.5x3.5x3 m on 25-meter masts. During the period 1994-1995. this version of the complex was offered at international exhibitions by the Czech company HTT-Tesla Pardubice under the designation "Flora".

The detection range of the Tamara radio intelligence station is 450 km and is limited only by the radio horizon. The system is capable of tracking up to 72 targets in the 100-degree sector almost in real time. Relative to the central station. "Tamara" is in mass production and is constantly being upgraded by including new subsystems and updating information processing algorithms. The updated complex received the designation KRTP-91, its field of view increased to 120 degrees. The Tesla company, located in the city of Pardubice, built 23 Tamara electronic intelligence systems, of which 15 were delivered to the USSR, 1 complex to the GDR, and Czechoslovakia adopted 4 complexes. In 1991, the US managed to get one modernized "Tamara" (KRTP-91) through Oman. Two systems have not yet found their buyer. Self-propelled versions of the "Tamara" received the designation in the NATO classification "Trash Bin".

One of the Tamars acquired by the Soviet Union was discovered in November 2005 on the slope of Mount Akhun, not far from Sochi. In appearance, this is an early version of the Tamara complex - KRTP-86.

After the division of Czechoslovakia into two independent states (the Czech Republic and Slovakia), the development of electronic intelligence equipment continued in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the experience gained during the creation of the Kopac, Ramona and Tamara complexes, the fourth generation of passive radar equipment appeared, which was given the next female name Vera. The development of the new complex was carried out by the company "ERA" (the assignee of the company HTT-Tesla), which, after its readiness, began to offer for export deliveries under the designation "Vera-E".

The purpose of the "Vera-E" system did not differ from its predecessors. However, modern technologies and a new element base have made it possible to reduce the size and weight of individual elements, which have increased the system's mobility. The frequency range in which the station can detect radiation from air and ground targets is 1-18 GHz and can be further extended to a range from 0.1-1 GHz to 18-40 GHz. The "Vera-E" station can detect the radiation of secondary transponders of airborne radars and transmitters of the state recognition system (1090 MHz - 5 MHz), TACAN navigation systems and DME rangefinders (1025-1150 MHz). The viewing sector "Vera-E" has increased to 120 degrees, and at the request of the customer it can be circular. The maximum target detection range is 450 km. Simultaneous system "Vera-E" can accompany up to 200 targets. Information update rate from 1 to 5 sec. The antenna module is a cylinder 2 m high, 0.9 m in diameter and weighs 300 kg. A two-way microwave radio link connects the antenna module to the hardware module. In addition, ERA is promoting other versions of this system, including the Vera-P3D and Vera-ASCS civilian complexes.

In January 2004, the Czech arms export company Omnipol received two export licenses from the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade for the supply of six Vera-E complexes to China for a total of $58 million. As soon as the first Chinese contract worth $23 million became known, the US government immediately protested to the Czech Republic. The Czech press widely covered an alleged letter from US Secretary of State Colin Powell to his Czech counterpart Kiril Svoboda regarding the sale of Vera-E stations to China, as well as Colin Powell's personal appeal to Czech Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla, in which the US Secretary of State asked to cancel the contract with China. Ultimately, after such pressure, on May 19, 2004, the Czech government canceled the licenses for the export of Vera-E complexes to China, which Omnipol notified a little later.

Currently, there is only one electronic intelligence station "Vera-E" in the Czech Republic. In November 2004, its assembly was completed, and in December of this year it was adopted by the Czech Army. Based "Vera-E" in the 53rd Center for electronic intelligence and electronic warfare in Plana, not far from Czech Budovice. The new radio intelligence unit headquartered in Opava will be operational in 2006 and will be created on the basis of the existing radio intelligence units in České Budovice and the electronic warfare platoon in Opava.

Having dissuaded the Czech Republic from selling the "Vera-E" station to China, the United States themselves acquired one set of "Vera-E" for their own needs in late 2004 or early 2005. As practice shows, Americans buy military equipment in single copies only to study it and find ways to counteract its capabilities. The contract value, including service maintenance and staff training, was $10 million.

In the summer of 2005, the Czech Republic sold another "Vera-E" station to Estonia for $4 million. Delivery should be made soon.

During this period, there were reports that China was not abandoning its attempts to acquire Vera-E complexes. According to the information of the Prague weekly "Euro", during the visit of the Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubk to Beijing, the Chinese side again raised the issue of purchasing "Vera-E", and the solution of this issue was associated with the provision of favorable conditions for Czech contracts in the PRC. In addition to China, Malaysia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Vietnam also show increased interest in Vera-E.

The press claims that a certain number of Tamara electronic intelligence stations were delivered to Yugoslavia, which made it possible to shoot down the F-117 stealth aircraft during the US aggression against this country. However, there are no reliable facts of such a delivery, and the F-117 was also shot down by means of a modified S-125M air defense system.

Currently, the competitors of the Czech electronic intelligence stations are the equally well-known Ukrainian radar "Kolchuga", the sales of which are closely monitored by the US government, and the Russian development - the 85V6-A "Vega" electronic intelligence complex, which is only moving forward to export markets.

Information sources:

Miroslav Gyurosi. THE CZECH VERA-E PASSIVE ELINT SYSTEM - WHAT IT IS AND WHY CHINA WAS UNABLE TO ACQUIRE IT. ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW Volume 13 Issue 2

TAMARA MCS-93 Electronic INTelligence (ELINT) system. Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems

The combat equipment of the serviceman "Warrior" is one of the largest modernization projects of the Russian army. As applied to this program, the concept of equipment is so broad and extensive that it is almost impossible to describe all its elements in one article or depict it in one photograph.

For ordinary soldiers who receive the first Ratnik kits since the end of 2014, this is, first of all, a comfortable uniform made of modern fabrics with many elements for summer, winter and demi-season periods, lightweight composite protection covering up to 90% of the body, lightweight helmet.

For visitors to exhibitions, "Warrior" is an image of a soldier of the future, hung with ultra-modern computer equipment, seeing through walls and shooting from around the corner using a helmet-mounted monitor.

In total, the equipment includes more than 70 elements that are interconnected and complement each other constructively and functionally.

To find out what the combat equipment of a Russian serviceman is today, we conducted a series of interviews. We were told about the main elements of the Ratnik kit by specialists from the lead developer of the program, JSC TsNIITOCHMASH (part of the Rostec state corporation). The fighters of the reconnaissance company of one of the military units where they were tested shared their impressions of the new equipment with us. We discussed the electronic stuffing of the “soldier of the future” equipment with Alexander Kaplin, General Designer of Radioavionika JSC.

survival fashion

A set of combat equipment for a serviceman is a complex of five systems integrated into each other: destruction, protection, control, life support and energy supply. That is, the Ratnik program covers almost everything a soldier needs on the battlefield: from shoes and clothing to weapons, medicines, aiming, surveillance, communications, guidance and target designation of artillery and aviation.

“We tested all sets of clothing items of the second generation, made forced marches of 5 and 20 km, passed an obstacle course,” says Ivan Velichko, commander of the reconnaissance platoon. Passing the obstacle course in full protective gear was demonstrated to us by five scouts, one of them with a heavy machine gun in his hands. Smiling soldiers praise the new clothes, which always exactly match the weather, a light and comfortable helmet, goggles, a multifunctional knife-tool. The shoes from the Faraday company are impressive: a breathable Gore-Tex membrane, a non-slip reinforced Vibram sole, a weight at the level of the best trekking boots (both for summer and winter models).

Anti-shatter armor helmet weighing only 1 kg guarantees the same level of protection as foreign counterparts weighing at least 1.3 kg. Adjustable chin strap helps fit the helmet to fit your head and provides extra cushioning in the event of impacts and debris.

A comfortable and fairly light body armor with a built-in quick release system is put on and taken off very easily, and in order to unequip a wounded soldier, you just need to pull the pin (previously you had to remove the vest over your head or cut the straps).

Bulletproof vests from the Ratnik kit are equipped with ceramic-composite armor panels made of a layer of ceramic tiles and a composite substrate. Ceramics is characterized by very high hardness with a relatively small mass. The ceramic outer layer effectively destroys the bullet, while the reinforced composite backing holds bullet fragments and ceramic fragments. As standard, the body armor of the "Warrior" weighs a little more than 7 kg, which is significantly less than the mass of its predecessor. There is also an assault equipment of body armor, in which the level of protection is increased to the maximum (sixth) class, bulletproof protection of the side zones and the inguinal region is provided. In this case, the mass of body armor reaches 15 kg.

This is how a ceramic-composite armor plate looks like after being hit by ten armor-piercing incendiary bullets from an SVD sniper rifle from a distance of 10 m. On the other hand, the same plate looks like new.

At the TsNIITOCHMASH enterprise in Klimovsk near Moscow, we were shown an assault chest armor panel developed by NPF Tekhinkom LLC and withstood ten hits of armor-piercing incendiary bullets when fired from an SVD sniper rifle from a distance of 10 m. The reverse side of the plate remained absolutely smooth, without a single bulges. This means that a soldier protected by body armor with such panels will not receive concussion injuries and remain combat-ready.

The MFP is worn in a breast pocket, has an alphanumeric indicator and gives access to all the functions of the complex through a system of context menus. In particular, it can be used to type text messages and use the navigator.

Special protective suits also deserve attention. Overalls "Permyachka" made of a special ballistic aramid fabric is able to protect a soldier from fragments of shells flying at a speed of up to 140 m / s with a mass of 1 g, as well as from the action of an open flame for 10 s. A kit for crew members of armored vehicles "Cowboy" will help the tanker survive if the tank is damaged and ignited.

The remote control does not have a screen and operates on the principle of "finger-button".

thunder lord

The control system is that part of the Ratnik that even today looks fantastic, although in fact the Sagittarius intelligence, control and communications complex (KRUS), included in the program, has been in service with the Russian army since 2007. At the moment, the second generation of Sagittarius is relevant, which has been produced since 2011 and is constantly being improved.

According to the apt description of the general designer of JSC Radioavionika Alexander Kaplina, KRUS "Sagittarius" is a personal computer with peripherals, distributed over the fighter's unloading vest. Its capabilities, like any other computer, are limited only by the tasks set and the imagination of the developers. The complex guarantees the solution of all information problems that a serviceman may face.

A secure high-speed radio channel provides voice radio communication and data transmission. Data can mean text messages (preset and arbitrary), photos and videos, and, of course, geographic coordinates. The satellite navigation system virtually eliminates the possibility for a soldier to get lost, and for a commander to lose sight of a soldier.

On the screen of the commander's personal computer, the location of all fighters is displayed on a map of the area and is updated in real time. The high update rate (once per second), made possible by a special high-speed radio channel, distinguishes KRUS "Sagittarius" from analogues using standard radio stations for data transmission. In them, the update rate can reach 10-30 seconds, since information about all the soldiers of the unit is transmitted over communication channels with a low or medium data rate.

The commander can instantly send a fighter to the desired point by simply pointing it with the stylus on the map. Moreover, the fighter will receive not just the coordinates of the destination, but a complex route. KRUS will tell the soldier the way using the arrow on the screen, help to bypass minefields and dangerous zones.

One of the modifications of the "Sagittarius" includes a rangefinder-goniometer. The gunner simply needs to see the target: based on the readings of the laser rangefinder and the target elevation angle meter, as well as its own coordinates, KRUS will instantly calculate the coordinates of the target, and at the same time send its photograph to the commander. All that remains is to give the command to open artillery fire or strike aircraft.

Of course, "Sagittarius" is compatible with various optoelectronic sights and helmet-mounted monitors that allow you to shoot from behind cover. This spectacular trick is proudly demonstrated at exhibitions by the developers of Felin and Gladius, the French and German analogues of the Ratnik. However, Alexander Kaplin is convinced that transmitting video information in combat is far from being as important as ensuring a good ratio of weight and size characteristics, security and operating time without recharging when solving basic, that is, the most common combat missions.

A modern smartphone will hardly last a day without an outlet in standby mode. KRUS "Sagittarius" works 12 hours on one battery (and 24 hours on two) in the mode of continuous voice communication and data transmission. The complex operates at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 60 ° C, withstands severe shocks, immersion in water and dirt.

“A special unit of Radio Avionics is engaged in training and collecting information in the troops, accompanies instruments during exercises and wherever possible,” says Alexander Yuryevich. - Practice shows that in life situations often arise that are simply impossible to predict. Therefore, the requirements of the Department of Defense to protect equipment are not at all far-fetched. ” At the same time, if the first knapsack samples of KRUS, bristling with antennas, were a continuous headache for the fighter, then the soldier practically does not notice the load from placing the modern complex on the Ratnik transport vest.

From the Arctic to the Tropics

Sets of combat equipment "Warrior" are already being delivered to military units, but the program is still far from complete. Currently, the best samples of small arms, sights and observation devices, including thermal imagers, night vision devices, helmet cameras and monitors, are fighting for getting into the kit. The AK103-3 and AK-12 assault rifles of the Kalashnikov concern claim to hit the Ratnik (we wrote in detail about the new generation AK in May 2012), as well as weapons with balanced automation developed by the Degtyarev plant. Many development enterprises create promising products with an eye on the third and even fourth generation of the Ratnik.

The weapon of the Kalashnikov concern (part of the Rostec state corporation) is equipped with a folding telescopic buttstock, adjustable for the anatomical features and equipment of a fighter, Picatinny rails on the receiver cover and a forearm for attaching sights. In the photo: a thermal imaging sight, a red dot sight, a 2x magnifier, a laser designator and a transparent magazine that makes it easier to count the remaining cartridges.

Dmitry Semizorov, Director General of JSC TsNIITOCHMASH, calls flexibility and versatility one of the main advantages of the Ratnik equipment: “The modular principle of building elements allows for the recruitment of various units depending on the military specialty and combat missions. Having a wealth of experience in the field of developing combat equipment for a military man, we have created a kit that functions equally effectively both in the extreme temperature conditions of the Arctic and in the hot tropics.”

Basic kit KRUS "Sagittarius"

The horse of JSC Radioavionika is the development of modifications of the KRUS "Sagittarius" for various military specialties and combat missions. The kits are always in the unloading vest in the assembled state, and the fighter is relieved of the need to assemble the system for individual missions, as well as store the KRUS components separately.

1. Active Noise Canceling Headset Protects Soldier's Hearing From Gunshots While Amplifying Quiet Sounds

2. The operational control panel is located on the fighter's chest in an open form and gives instant access to the main functions of the KRUS. The remote is built on the principle of "finger-button" and is controlled by touch. There is a walkie-talkie PTT, a “wounded” button, a subscriber switching button, a KRUS on / off button and a programmable hot key

3. Satellite navigation system

4. Primary power supply container, also known as KRUS battery. Two or more batteries can be connected to the system at the same time to extend the battery life. In the latest modifications of the complex, the container contains a built-in charger

5. The hardware container contains all of the KRUS computer hardware. As standard, it is located in the unloading vest on the left side of the fighter. The computer can operate at temperatures from -40 to +60°C, is reliably protected from water, dirt and shock

6. Cables for connecting additional devices, in particular a rangefinder and goniometer

7. The multifunctional console gives access to all KRUS functions through the context menus of the alphanumeric indicator. The buttons on the remote control are large enough to be easily pressed when wearing gloves.

8. Individual radio communication module

More recently, in the fifth motorized rifle brigade near Moscow, they began to master the Sagittarius complex for communications and intelligence management. The complex is produced at the domestic enterprise "Radioavionika". The tested individual complex is a kind of mobile type computer. Almost any device is connected to it. When creating a network from the data of individual complexes, the unit commander's computer will display the necessary information about subordinates, as well as information about the enemy coming from them. To do this, an ordinary soldier needs to press just a couple of buttons and the coordinates of his location or the location of the enemy will appear on the commander's computer. The head of the unit will be able to easily combine the received data with an electronic map of the area, or with a photograph of a given area received from a satellite. First, military intelligence officers will receive and master such complexes. According to the designers, the Sagittarius complex is practically a mobile personal CIUS

The company "Radioavionika" at one time presented KRUS "Sagittarius" as a means of solving a wide range of tasks for information support. Sagittarius provides:
- combat management;
- identification of detected objects and calculation of their coordinates;
- target designation;
- development of data for the effective use of personal weapons and means for close combat;
The Sagittarius complex is interfaced with all Soviet and Russian reconnaissance equipment. In addition, the complex interacts with goniometers, radars, target designation, aiming devices and UAVs.

The complex was put into service in 2007 and is supplied in series. It goes primarily to ground reconnaissance units. The first samples of the complex, after passing through various field and combat tests, are sent for revision. Our scouts, having experience in operating foreign analogues of FELIN, IdZ-ES and Normans, asked the developers to improve the existing sample of the Sagittarius complex. Firstly, the base of the first samples was made on the basis of elements of the 2000s. The designers were sympathetic to the request of the military and the modernized KRUS "Sagittarius" is being tested. After successful tests, the ground units began to be massively provided with the complex. More than one thousand units of the Sagittarius complex have already entered the armed forces of the Russian Federation. The general designer of the Radioavionika enterprise A. Kaplin, talking about the Sagittarius complex, noted that the first KRUS samples were somewhat inconvenient for the soldiers - they had a fairly decent weight of 5.4 kilograms, interfered with the soldier when passing the assault strip, covered access to pouches and a medical kit . Now, after the modernization, the complex began to weigh 2.4 kilograms, received smaller overall characteristics, and large blocks are attached so as not to interfere with other tasks. At the moment, there are no significant comments on the use of the Sagittarius complex from the military personnel of the ground units, where the complexes are mainly received.

KRUS "Sagittarius" can have several levels of equipment. The simplest configuration option is intended for military personnel of departments, up to the commander of the department. The next level of configuration is intended for the platoon commander; the package includes a powerful computer system with a multifunctional type console. The third, most complete level of equipment, is for the unit commander - battalion commander, brigade commander.

The range of interaction of the complex as part of the department is about one and a half kilometers, but any of the individual Sagittarius complexes works as a repeater, which significantly increases the range and information control of a given area. In addition to voice messages, built-in standard commands can be transmitted over the radio, the recipient can watch or listen to them after receiving. This innovation was introduced specifically to ensure that the scouts do not get distracted from the task, do not lose visual control. KRUS incorporates an autonomous navigation module, which is provided with an inertial system. It makes it possible for a soldier to know exactly his coordinates, even if he has left the satellite navigation coverage area. Switching between navigation systems occurs in the complex automatically. The complex can be equipped with a helmet-mounted display subsystem for producing fire from cover. For example, when interacting with the Shahin thermal imager, information from it is sent to the serviceman's indicator, which allows, without leaving the shelter, to conduct accurate and aimed fire. There is also an identification subsystem of the “friend or foe” type in the complex. The range of the subsystem depends on the characteristics of the associated sighting devices. The subsystem sends a request to an unidentified object, and if the object is “own”, then the serviceman will hear a sound notification in the earpiece. If, after sending the request, the subsystem is “silent”, then the object is defined by the “Sagittarius” complex as “foreign”.