"Shilka" - anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery mount (10 photos). Temperamental Shilka Installation Shilka Characteristics
The 23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was developed in the 1960s to replace the 57mm ZSU-57-2. Although the 23 mm ZSU 23-4 cannon has a shorter firing range compared to it, it is much more effective due to the radar fire control system and the high rate of fire. After entering service with the Soviet Army, the Shilka was delivered to all countries that received Soviet weapons: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Egypt, Ethiopia, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mozambique , Nigeria, North Korea, North Yemen, Peru, Poland, Romania, Somalia, South Yemen, Syria, Vietnam and Yugoslavia. The 23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun proved itself very well during the war in Vietnam and also proved its highest efficiency during the 1973 war in the Middle East. During this war, Soviet SA-6 missiles forced Israeli pilots to fly at low altitudes, where they encountered fire from the ZSU-23-4 and SA 7 man-portable anti-aircraft guns. In the Soviet Army, the ZSU 23-4, known as the Shilka, was in service with 16 combat vehicles per division, the installations usually operated in pairs.
The chassis of the 23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is very similar to the chassis of the SA-6 Gainful SAM rocket launchers, it also uses some components and assemblies of the floating light tank PT-76. The body of the gun is fully welded, the armor thickness is 10 and 15 mm in the front which provides only anti-bullet and anti-fragmentation protection. The driver's seat is in front on the left, the turret is located in the center of the hull, the engine and transmission are in the back. Suspension - torsion type, consists of 6 rubber-coated road rollers. A gas turbine mounted at the rear of the hull powers the turret and other plant systems when the engine is off. The commander, gunner, operator / operator of the RYaS are located in a large flat tower. The main armament is 4 automatic anti-aircraft 23-mm guns AZP-23, with a rate of fire from 800 to 1000 rounds per minute. The vertical aiming angle of these guns is from -4° to +85°, the tower rotates 360°. In case of an emergency, the gun and turret can be controlled manually. The gunner-operator can choose the firing mode in bursts of 3/5, 5/10 or 50 rounds per minute, the installation is capable of firing effectively at air and ground targets at a distance of up to 2500 m. The ammunition load of each gun is 500 rounds. When firing, two main types of ammunition are used - armor-piercing incendiary tracers and high-explosive incendiary tracers. The ZSU 23-4 fire control system includes a radar mounted on the rear of the turret, sights and a fire control computer. The installation can also hit targets on the move, however, for greater stability of fire, it is advisable to fire from a place.
I served on it...
Designed for direct cover of ground troops, destruction of air targets at ranges up to 2500 meters and altitudes up to 1500 meters, flying at speeds up to 450 m / s, as well as ground (surface) targets at ranges up to 2000 meters from a place, from a short stop and in movement. In the USSR, it was part of the air defense units of the ground forces of the regimental level.
One of the main reasons for the development of "Shilka" and its foreign counterparts was the appearance in the 50s. anti-aircraft missile systems capable of hitting air targets at medium and high altitudes with a high probability. This forced aviation to use low (up to 300 m) and extremely low (up to 100 m) altitudes when attacking ground targets. To detect and shoot down a high-speed target located in the zone of fire for 15-30 seconds, the calculations of the then used air defense systems simply did not have time. A new technique was needed - mobile and high-speed, capable of firing from a place and on the move.
In accordance with the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated April 17, 1957 No. 426-211, the parallel creation of rapid-fire ZSU "Shilka" and "Yenisei" with radar guidance systems began. It should be noted that this competition became the basis for an excellent result of research and development work, which is not outdated in our time.
In the process of doing this work, the OKB team of p / box 825 under the leadership of the chief designer V.E. Pickel and Deputy Chief Designer V.B. Perepelovsky, a number of tasks were solved in order to ensure the effectiveness of the developed gun mount. In particular, the choice of the chassis was made, the type of anti-aircraft installation, the maximum weight of the fire control equipment installed on the chassis, the type of targets served by the installation, as well as the principle of ensuring its all-weather capability were determined. This was followed by the choice of contractors and the element base.
In the course of design studies carried out under the guidance of the Stalin Prize laureate, the leading designer L.M. Braudze, the most optimal placement of all elements of the sighting system was determined: radar antenna, anti-aircraft gun barrels, antenna pointing drives, stabilization elements on one rotating base. At the same time, the issue of decoupling the sighting and gun lines of the installation was quite ingeniously resolved.
The formula and block diagrams of the complex were developed, which formed the basis of the R&D for the creation of the Tobol radio-instrument complex. The goal of the work was "Development and creation of the all-weather complex "Tobol" for the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka".
In 1957, after reviewing and evaluating the materials on the research work "Topaz", presented to the customer of the PO box 825, he was issued a technical assignment for the development work "Tobol". It provided for the development of technical documentation and the manufacture of a prototype of the instrumentation complex, the parameters of which were determined by the previous Topaz research project. The instrument complex included elements of stabilization of the sighting and gun lines, systems for determining the current and forward coordinates of the target, drives for pointing the radar antenna.
The components of the ZSU were delivered by counterparties to the enterprise p / box 825, where the general assembly and coordination of the components among themselves was carried out.
In 1960, on the territory of the Leningrad Region, factory field tests of the ZSU-23-4 were carried out, as a result of which a prototype was presented for state tests and sent to the Donguzsky artillery range.
In February 1961, specialists from the plant (N.A. Kozlov, Yu.K. Yakovlev, V.G. Rozhkov, V.D. Ivanov, N.S. Ryabenko, O.S. Zakharov) went there to prepare for the tests and presentation of ZSU to the commission. In the summer of 1961 they were successfully carried out.
It should be noted that simultaneously with the ZSU-23-4, a prototype ZSU was tested, developed by the State Central Research Institute TsNII-20, which in 1957 was also issued a technical assignment for the development of ZSU ("Yenisei"). But according to the results of state tests, this product was not accepted for service.
In 1962, "Shilka" was put into service and its mass production was organized at factories in a number of cities in the USSR.
Engine
A diesel engine of the 8D6 type, model V-6R, is used as a propulsion engine (since 1969, after minor design changes, - V-6R-1). A six-cylinder, four-stroke, compressorless diesel engine with a liquid cooling system is located in the aft part of the ZSU. A cylinder displacement of 19.1 or a compression ratio of 15 create a maximum power of 280 hp. at a frequency of 2000 rpm. The diesel engine is powered by two welded fuel tanks (made of aluminum alloy) with a capacity of 405 or 110 liters. The first is installed in the bow of the hull. The total fuel supply guarantees 330 km of run and 2 hours of operation of the gas turbine engine. On sea trials on a dirt road, the diesel engine provided movement at a speed of 50.2 km / h.
In the aft part of the combat vehicle, a power mechanical transmission with a step change in gear ratios is installed. To transfer forces to the propulsion unit, a multi-disk main dry friction clutch with a mechanical control drive from the driver's pedal is used. The gearbox is mechanical, three-way, five-speed, with synchronizers in II, III, IV and V gears. Swing mechanisms are planetary, two-stage, with locking clutches. Final drives are single-stage, with cylindrical gears. The caterpillar mover of the machine consists of two driving and two guide wheels with a caterpillar tension mechanism, as well as two caterpillar chains and 12 road wheels.
The suspension of the car is independent, torsion bar and asymmetric. Smooth running is ensured by hydraulic shock absorbers (on the first front, fifth left and sixth right road wheels) and spring stops (on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth left and first, third, fourth and sixth right road wheels). The correctness of this decision was confirmed by the operation in the troops and during the hostilities.
Design
The welded hull of the TM-575 tracked vehicle is divided into three compartments: control in the bow, combat in the middle and power in the stern. Between them there were partitions, which served as the front and rear supports of the tower.
The tower is a welded structure with a shoulder strap diameter of 1840 mm. It is fixed on the bed with front frontal sheets, on the left and right walls of which the upper and lower cradles of the gun are attached. When the swinging part of the gun is given an elevation angle, the frame embrasure is partially covered by a movable shield, the roller of which slides along the guide of the lower cradle.
There are three hatches on the right side sheet: one, with a bolted cover, serves for mounting the tower equipment, the other two are closed with a visor and are air inlets for ventilation of the units and the blower of the PAZ system. On the left side of the tower, a casing is welded on the outside, designed to remove steam from the cooling system of the gun barrels. Two hatches are provided in the aft sheet of the tower, designed to service the equipment.
Equipment
The radar and instrument complex is designed to control the fire of the AZP-23 gun and is located in the instrument compartment of the turret. It consists of: a radar station, a calculating device, blocks and elements of systems for stabilizing the line of sight and the line of fire, a sighting device. The radar station is designed to detect low-flying high-speed targets and accurately determine the coordinates of the selected target, which can be done in two modes: a) angular coordinates and range are automatically tracked; b) the angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range - from the radar.
The radar operates in the range of 1-1.5 cm waves. The range was chosen for a number of reasons. Such stations have antennas with small weight and size characteristics, radars in the 1-1.5 cm wavelength range are less susceptible to intentional enemy interference, since the ability to operate in a wide frequency band makes it possible to increase the noise immunity and processing speed of received information by using broadband frequency modulation and signal coding. By increasing the Doppler frequency shifts of reflected signals arising from moving and maneuvering targets, their recognition and classification is ensured. In addition, this range is less loaded with other radio equipment. Radars operating in this range make it possible to detect air targets developed using "stele" technology. According to the foreign press, during Operation Desert Storm, the Iraqi Shilka shot down an American F-117A aircraft built using this technology.
The disadvantage of the radar is a relatively short range, usually not exceeding 10-20 km and depending on the state of the atmosphere, primarily on the intensity of precipitation - rain or sleet. To protect against passive interference, the Shilki radar uses a coherent-pulse method of target selection, i.e., constant signals from terrain objects and passive interference are not taken into account, and signals from moving targets are sent to the RPK. The radar is controlled by the search operator and the range operator.
According to the current coordinates of the target, the SRP generates control commands for hydraulic actuators that direct the guns to a pre-empted point. Then the device solves the problem of meeting the projectiles with the target, and when it enters the affected area, it gives a signal to open fire. During state tests, with timely target designation, the Tobol radio-instrument complex detected a MiG-17 aircraft flying at a speed of 450 m / s at a distance of about 13 km and accompanied it automatically from 9 km on a head-on course.
Armament
The Amur quadruple gun (four 2A7 anti-aircraft guns) was created on the basis of the 2A14 machine gun of the ZU-23 towed mount. Equipping with a liquid cooling system, a pneumatic reloading mechanism, guidance drives and an electric trigger ensured firing at a high rate in short and long (up to 50 shots) bursts with a break of 10-15 seconds after every 120-150 shots (for each barrel). The gun is distinguished by high operational reliability; in state tests, after 14,000 shots, failures and breakdowns did not exceed 0.05% versus 0.2-0.3% specified in the tactical and technical assignment for its development.
The operation of gun automation is based on the principle of using powder gases and partially recoil energy. The supply of shells - side, tape, is carried out from two special boxes with a capacity of 1000 rounds each. They are installed to the left and right of the gun, with 480 rounds for the upper and 520 for the lower machine gun.
The cocking of the moving parts of the machine guns in preparation for firing and reloading is carried out by a pneumatic reloading system.
The machines are mounted on two swinging cradles (upper and lower, two on each), mounted vertically on the frame one above the other. With a horizontal arrangement (zero elevation angle), the distance between the upper and lower automata is 320 mm. Guidance and stabilization of the gun in azimuth and elevation is carried out by power drives with a common electric motor with a power of 6 kW.
The ammunition of the gun includes 23-mm armor-piercing incendiary tracer (BZT) and high-explosive-incendiary fragmentation tracer (OFZT) shells weighing 190 g and 188.5 g, respectively, having a head fuse MG-25. Their initial speed reaches 980 m/s, the table ceiling is 1500 m, the table range is 2000 m. In the tape, the BZT cartridge is installed every four OFZT cartridges.
Depending on the external conditions and the state of the equipment, anti-aircraft targets are fired in four modes.
The first (main) is the auto-tracking mode, the angular coordinates and range are determined by the radar, which automatically accompanies the target along them, issuing data to the calculating device (analogue computer) to generate advanced coordinates. The opening of fire is carried out by the signal "There is data" on the calculating device. The RPK automatically generates full pointing angles, taking into account the pitching and yaw of the ZSU, and issues them to the guidance drives, and the latter automatically direct the gun to the pre-empted point. Shooting is carried out by the commander or search operator - gunner.
The second mode - the angular coordinates come from the sighting device, and the range - from the radar. The angular current coordinates of the target are fed into the calculating device from the sighting device, which is induced by the search operator - the gunner - semi-automatically, and the range values are received from the radar. Thus, the radar operates in radio range finder mode. This mode is auxiliary and is used in the presence of interference that causes malfunctions in the antenna guidance system in terms of angular coordinates, or, in the event of a malfunction in the autotracking channel, in terms of the angular coordinates of the radar. Otherwise, the complex works the same way as in the auto-tracking mode.
The third mode - advanced coordinates are generated according to the "memorized" values of the current coordinates X, Y, H and the components of the target velocity Vx, Vy and Vh, based on the hypothesis of a uniform rectilinear movement of the target in any plane. The mode is used when there is a threat of loss of the radar target in the process of automatic tracking due to interference or malfunctions.
The fourth mode is shooting with the help of a backup sight, guidance is performed in semi-automatic mode. The lead is introduced by the search operator - the gunner on the foreshortening rings of the backup sight. This mode is used in case of failure of the radar, computer and stabilization systems.
1-viewing device; 2-shield; 3 - landing hatch for operators; 4-antenna radar station; 5-antenna of the radio station; 6 commander's cupola; 7-engine; 8-compartment of the tower; 9-driver's seat Top left: firing scheme with two installations
The power supply system (EPS) provides all ZSU-23-4 systems with direct current of 55 V and 27.5 V and alternating current of 220 V, frequency of 400 Hz. It consists of: a gas turbine engine DG4M-1 with a power of 70 hp; DC generator to generate a stabilized voltage of 55 V and 27.5 V; DC to AC three-phase current converter block; four rechargeable batteries 12-ST-70M to compensate for peak overloads, power devices and electrical consumers when the generator is not running.
For external communication, the installation is equipped with a short-wave radio transceiver R-123 with frequency modulation. On medium-rough terrain, with the noise suppressor turned off and no interference, it provides communication at a distance of up to 23 km, with it turned on - up to 13 km. Internal communication is carried out by the R-124 tank intercom, designed for four subscribers.
To determine the location on the ground and make the necessary amendments to the RPK, the ZSU-23-4 has TNA-2 navigation equipment. The arithmetic mean error of the coordinates generated by this equipment does not exceed 1% of the traversed
way. In motion, navigation equipment can operate without specifying the initial data for 3-3.5 hours.
For operation in conditions of contamination of the area with weapons of mass destruction, the installation provides for the protection of the crew from radioactive dust and the harmful effects of the environment. It is carried out by means of forced air cleaning and the creation of excess pressure inside the tower by a central blower with inertial air separation.
ZSU-23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun: 1 - anti-aircraft guns of 23 mm caliber (4 pcs.), 2 - turret, 3 - infrared device, 4 - radar antenna (radar), 5 - radio whip antenna, 6 - towing cable, 7 - armored body, 8 - cover, 9 - caterpillar, 10 - crew hatch, 11 - commander's hatch, 12 - driver's hatch, 13 - track roller, 14 - sprocket. In view A, the caterpillar is conventionally not shown.
In conclusion, let's try to simulate an episode of the battle in modern conditions. Imagine that ZSU-23-4 is covering a column of troops on the march. But here the radar, continuously conducting a circular search, detects an air target. Who is it? Yours or someone else's? An inquiry about the ownership of the aircraft immediately follows, and if there is no answer to it, the commander's decision will be the only one - fire!
But the enemy is cunning, maneuvering, attacking anti-aircraft gunners. And in the midst of the battle, a fragment cuts off the antenna of the radar station. It would seem that the "blinded" anti-aircraft gun is completely disabled, but the designers provide for this, and even more difficult situations. A radar station, a calculating device and even a stabilization system may fail - the installation will still be combat-ready. The search operator (gunner) will fire using an anti-aircraft sight-understudy, and introduce lead through the foreshortening rings.
Abroad, they have always shown an increased interest in Shilka. Foreign states have purchased about three thousand copies of "Shilka", at present they are in service with the armies of almost 30 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The ZSU-23-4 was widely used in combat and proved to be highly effective in destroying air and ground targets.
The ZSU-23-4 was most actively used in the Arab-Israeli wars of the 60s, October 1973 and April-May 1974. As a rule, in the armies of Syria and Egypt, Shilki were used to directly cover tank units, as well as anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) "Cube" ("Square"), S-75 and S-125. ZSU were part of the anti-aircraft divisions (zdn) of tank divisions, brigades and separate mixed zdn. For the timely opening of fire in the defense, the Shilok units were deployed at a distance of 600-1000 m from the covered objects. In the offensive, they were located behind the advanced units at a distance of 400-600 m. On the march, the ZSU were distributed along the column of troops.
Basically, the ZSU-23-4 operated autonomously. Fire on Israeli planes and helicopters was opened from a range of 1500 - 2000 m (with visual detection of the target). The ZSU radar was practically not used in combat for a number of reasons, the main of which was the poor training of combat crews. The lack of centralized target designation and rugged terrain significantly limited the ability of the ZSU radar to detect targets in a timely manner.
However, "Shilka" proved to be a reliable air defense system, capable of covering troops from attacks by suddenly appearing low-flying air targets. During October 1973 alone, out of 98 aircraft shot down by Syrian military air defense systems, 11 hit targets fell on the ZSU-23-4. In April and May 1974, out of 19 aircraft shot down, five were destroyed by Shilki.
According to foreign military experts who analyzed the results of the 1973 Middle East war, in the first three days of fighting, about 100 enemy aircraft were destroyed by Syrian missilemen. In their opinion, this indicator is due to the successful use of the ZSU-23-4, the dense fire of which forced the Israeli pilots to leave from low altitudes to where the air defense systems operated with great efficiency.
CHARACTERISTICS - ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"
Combat weight, t 19
Crew, pers. 4
Overall dimensions, mm:
length 6535
width 3125
height in the stowed position 2576
height in combat position 3572
ground clearance 400
Booking, mm up to 15
Armament 4x23-mm gun 2A7 (art system AZP-23 "Amur")
Ammunition 4964 rounds
Firing range at air targets, m 2500
Engine V-br, 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, compressorless liquid-cooled diesel engine, power 206 kW at 2000 rpm
Maximum speed on the highway, km/h 50
Power reserve on the highway, km 450
Overcome obstacles:
wall height, m 1.1
ditch width, m 2.8
fording depth, m 1.07
GP " The Arsenal plant carried out a deep modernization of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, making certain structural changes and significantly improving the capabilities of the Soviet development of the last century.
Ukrainian modernization of "Shilka" was named ZSU-23-4M-A. In the new installation, the 1RL33M radar was replaced with a Rokach-AS multifunctional radar with a digital antenna array (CAR), a new optical-location system and a missile channel were installed, the calculation and computing device was replaced with a digital computer system, new combat weapon control algorithms were integrated , other components and blocks have been replaced, it is planned to replace the gas turbine unit with a more economical power unit.
The key update from the entire list is the developed by the SE " Plant "Arsenal" radar with CAR "Rokach-AS". It is able to work in the modes of circular review, search and auto-tracking. The radar confidently detects and accompanies even UAVs with an effective scattering surface of about 0.01 sq.m at distances up to 7 km. The new radar significantly exceeds the capabilities of its predecessor. So, if the scanning sector of the old radar was 15 degrees, and when tracking, the width of the radiation pattern was 1 degree, then in the new radar the survey of space is already carried out simultaneously in the sector of 18 degrees both in azimuth and in elevation. This feature made it possible to solve an important problem that was associated with the operation of the previous regular radar station - a long time for searching and detecting targets both by target designation and in offline mode.
The new radar with CAR is capable of quickly detecting targets both independently and according to external target designation. In addition, it allows you to simultaneously track several targets that are within the radiation pattern, and in the event of shelling one target, almost instantly switch to preparing to fire on the next one.
If earlier the 1RL33M radar occupied the entire perimeter of the tower inside the Shilka, now this small device is placed on top in a container. The free volume that has appeared in the middle of the vehicle not only creates comfortable conditions for the crew to stay, but also allows the installation of additional equipment, for example, a crew life support system.
Experimental tests, which were carried out by the enterprise at the Chernihiv test site, showed that the capabilities of the radar for tracking targets (including small ones) are very high.
From the history of the issue:
"Shilka" is a self-propelled anti-aircraft installation, which is designed to cover the troops and facilities of the Ground Forces from air strikes, destroy air and ground (surface) targets from a short stop and on the move. In Soviet times, it increased the effectiveness of the air defense units of the Ground Forces, where it was part of the regimental units. Its ability to effectively hit targets with a quadruple automatic 23-mm cannon, moving along with units in combat formations, as well as reliability and ease of operation, have become the main advantages of the installation when performing combat missions. Over a period of more than half a century of operation in conflict zones and in the territories of 39 countries around the world where the installation was put into service, it has proven itself quite successfully. Despite its advanced age, "Shilka" still remains in combat formation, including in Ukraine.
We are smoothly moving from the ZSU-57-2 to the great (and I’m not at all afraid of this word) successor. "Shaitan-arbe" - "Shilke".
You can talk about this complex endlessly, but one short phrase is enough: "In service since 1965." And enough, by and large.
... The history of creation was replicated in such a way that it is unrealistic to add something new or piquant, but speaking of the Shilka, one cannot fail to note a few facts that simply enter the Shilka into our military history.
So, the 60s of the last century. Jet planes have already ceased to be a miracle, representing a very serious strike force. With completely different speeds and maneuverability. Helicopters also stood on the screw and were considered not only as a vehicle, but also as quite a decent weapon platform.
And most importantly, helicopters began to try to catch up with the planes of the Second World War, and the planes completely overtook their predecessors.
And something had to be done about all this. Especially at the army level, "in the fields."
Yes, anti-aircraft missile systems appeared. Still stationary. A promising thing, but in the future. But the main load was still carried by anti-aircraft guns of all sizes and calibers.
We have already talked about the ZSU-57-2 and the difficulties encountered by the calculations of installations when working on low-flying fast targets. Anti-aircraft systems ZU-23, ZP-37, ZSU-57 could hit high-speed targets by accident. Projectiles of installations, percussion, without a fuse, for a guaranteed defeat, had to hit the target itself. How high was the probability of a direct hit, I can not judge.
Things were somewhat better with batteries of S-60 anti-aircraft guns, which could be guided automatically according to the data of the RPK-1 radio instrument complex.
But in general, there was no longer any talk of any accurate anti-aircraft fire. Anti-aircraft guns could put a barrier in front of the aircraft, force the pilot to drop bombs or launch missiles with less accuracy.
"Shilka" was a breakthrough in the field of hitting flying targets at low altitudes. Plus mobility, which has already been evaluated by the ZSU-57-2. But the main thing is accuracy.
General Designer Nikolai Alexandrovich Astrov managed to create an incomparable machine that proved to be excellent in combat conditions. And more than once.
Small amphibious tanks T-38 and T-40, tracked armored tractor T-20 "Komsomolets", light tanks T-30, T-60, T-70, self-propelled gun SU-76M. And other, less known or not included in the series models.
What is the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"?
Perhaps we should start with purpose.
"Shilka" is designed to protect the combat formations of troops, columns on the march, stationary objects and railway echelons from an attack by an air enemy at altitudes from 100 to 1500 meters, at ranges from 200 to 2500 meters at a target speed of up to 450 m / s. "Shilka" can fire from a place and on the move, equipped with equipment that provides an autonomous circular and sector search for targets, their tracking, and the development of gun pointing angles.
The armament of the complex consists of a 23-mm quad automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23 "Amur" and a system of power drives designed for guidance.
The second component of the complex is the RPK-2M radar-instrument complex. Its purpose is also clear. Guidance and fire control.
This particular machine was modernized in the late 80s, judging by the commander's triplex and night sight.
An important aspect: "Shilka" can work with both radar and conventional sighting optical aiming device.
The locator provides search, detection, automatic tracking of the target, determines its coordinates. But in the mid-1970s, the Americans invented and began arming aircraft with missiles that could find a locator using a radar beam and hit it. This is where simplicity comes in handy.
Third component. Chassis GM-575, on which everything, in fact, is mounted.
The Shilka crew consists of four people: a ZSU commander, a search-gunner operator, a range operator and a driver.
The driver is the most thieves member of the crew. It is in simply stunning luxury, compared to others.
The rest are in the tower, where not only is it cramped and, like in a normal tank, there is something to put your head on, it can also (it seemed to us) to apply a current easily and naturally. Very closely.
Places for range operator and gunner-operator. Top view in a hung condition.
Locator Screen
Analog electronics... You look with awe. From the round screen of the oscilloscope, apparently, the operator determined the range ... Wow ...
Shilka received its baptism of fire during the so-called "War of Attrition" of 1967-70 between Israel and Egypt as part of the Egyptian air defense. And after that, the complex accounted for two dozen more local wars and conflicts. Mostly in the Middle East.
But Shilka received special recognition in Afghanistan. And the honorary nickname "Shaitan-arba" among the Mujahideen. The best way to calm an ambush organized in the mountains is to use the Shilka. A long burst of four barrels and the subsequent shower of high-explosive shells at the intended positions is the best means that saved more than one hundred lives of our soldiers.
By the way, the fuse worked quite normally when it hit an adobe wall. And the attempt to hide behind the duvals of the villages usually did not lead to anything good for the dushmans ...
Considering that the Afghan partisans did not have aviation, Shilka fully realized its potential for firing at ground targets in the mountains.
Moreover, a special "Afghan version" was created: a radio instrumentation complex was withdrawn, which was completely unnecessary in those conditions. Due to him, the ammunition load was increased from 2000 to 4000 rounds and a night sight was installed.
By the end of our troops' stay in the DRA, the columns escorted by the Shilka were rarely attacked. This is also a confession.
It can also be considered recognition that the Shilka is still in service in our army. Over 30 years. Yes, this is far from the same car that started its career in Egypt. "Shilka" underwent (successfully) more than one deep modernization, and one of these modernizations even received a proper name, ZSU-23-4M "Biryusa".
39 countries, and not only our "true friends", have purchased these machines from the Soviet Union.
And today, the Shilki are also in service with the Russian army. But these are completely different machines, which are worth a separate story.
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" is a real legend among self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (ZSU), and its long military life deserves exceptional respect. This ZSU is an example of a rational attitude to military equipment, which has already been discontinued, but is still able to perform the tasks assigned to it.
Despite the fact that the serial production of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, named after the river, the left tributary of the Amur, was discontinued back in 1982, modernization of this unit continues to appear today not only in Russia, but also in other countries - Poland, Ukraine, and the ZSU itself is still in service with the Russian ground forces.
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" (GRAU index 2A6) is a Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designed to directly cover ground troops, destroy various low-flying air targets (helicopters, airplanes, UAVs, cruise missiles), as well as ground (surface) targets as fire from a place, and when firing from short stops or on the move. The development of the complex was carried out by the famous Design Bureau of Instrument Engineering from the city of Tula, and the production of UMP was carried out by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, which today is part of the Concern VKO Almaz-Antey. The enterprise is engaged in the modernization of the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" at the present time. In the Soviet Union, this ZSU was part of the air defense units of the ground forces of the regimental level. Serial production of the installation, which was armed with a quadruple automatic 23-mm cannon with a rate of fire of 3400 rounds per minute, began in 1964 and continued until 1982. In total, about 6.5 thousand ZSU of this type were assembled during this time.
Almost none of the military conflicts of the second half of the 20th century could do without the use of this combat vehicle. "Shilka" participated in the battles in Vietnam, where it was a fairly serious threat to American pilots. It was actively used in the Arab-Israeli wars, the civil war in Angola, in the Libyan-Egyptian conflict, the Iran-Iraq and Ethiopian-Somali wars, in combat operations in the Balkans and in the Persian Gulf zone. The USSR widely used ZSU data during the war in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, "Shilki" were used not as air defense systems, but as infantry support combat vehicles, bringing real horror to the dushmans. For the colossal combat power of four twin automatic guns with a huge rate of fire, the Afghan Mujahideen nicknamed "Shilka" - "shaitan-arba" - a damn cart. In the absence of a real threat from the air, the installation was used to fire at various ground targets, including lightly armored ones, at a distance of up to 2-2.5 km it could easily suppress any enemy fortifications with fire.
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"
At the same time, Shilka remains in demand in the 21st century. This ZSU is actively used in the military conflict in Syria. Here it is also used as a fire support vehicle, which covers the action of attacking infantry units and tanks. With dense fire from rapid-fire cannons, the installation destroys machine gunners, snipers and grenade launchers of the enemy. This installation is especially effective in the conduct of hostilities in dense urban areas. The angle of elevation of automatic 23-mm guns is 85 degrees, which makes it easy to suppress the positions of militants located even on the upper floors of buildings. According to military experts, not a single large-scale army operation has recently been carried out in Syria without the participation of the ZSU-23-4.
Quadruple automatic 23-mm cannon, having a high rate of fire and a high initial velocity of projectiles, is able to create a real "sea" of fire. Therefore, even a tank that falls under its shelling can be withdrawn from combat, losing almost all attachments and observation devices. Although the modern anti-aircraft missile and air defense missile and gun systems at the disposal of the Russian Ground Forces are superior to the Shilka in their parameters and characteristics, the main advantage of the ZSU remains the possibility of its use on the front line in direct contact with enemy troops. Rescues the presence of anti-fragmentation and anti-bullet armor.
Until now, the ZSU-23-4 installation is in service with dozens of countries around the world, being an inexpensive, but at the same time a universal tool for solving various combat missions. At the same time, the appearance on the scene of new means of air attack and the increase in the pace of modern combat made it necessary to modernize the installation. The account used in different armies of the world "Shilok" still goes to hundreds. At the same time, despite their already quite honorable age, there is often no alternative to them. Especially, taking into account the fact that not every state can afford the acquisition of new ZSU. Under these conditions, the task of modernizing a veteran car only becomes more urgent.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"
Specialists and military experts believe that one of the best options for the modernization and "modernization" of this combat vehicle is the Russian version of the ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4". This version of the installation modernization was repeatedly demonstrated at exhibitions both in Nizhny Tagil and in the Patriot park near Moscow. The firing and running capabilities of the Shilka-M4 ZSU were also demonstrated as part of the Army-2018 International Military-Technical Forum at the Alabino training ground. According to the assurances of the developers, the capabilities of the modernized Shilka in terms of air defense of ground forces units in all types of hostilities and air defense of stationary objects have increased significantly.
The ZSU-23-4M4 is a modernized version of the installation with a new radar FCS (fire control system) and the possibility of installing the Sagittarius air defense system. The update of the SLA is accompanied by the replacement of the existing radar with a newly created station of the same frequency range on a solid-state element base with an improved set of characteristics. SAM "Sagittarius" is designed to provide automated remote single, sequential launch of SAMs of the "Igla" type from a variety of ground, sea or air-based carriers. When two or more Sagittarius combat modules are installed on the carrier, it becomes possible to carry out salvo launches of two missiles at one target, which significantly increases the chances of hitting it. The placement of this complex actually turns the "Shilka" into a real anti-aircraft gun-missile installation.
Also, a PRRU was introduced into the battery of the complex - a mobile reconnaissance and control center "Assembly M1" as a command post (CP) and a telecode communication channel for exchanging information between the CP and ZSU. On board the modernized machine, the analog computing device was replaced with a modern digital computing system (DCC), and a digital tracking system is being installed. Affected modernization and tracked chassis. Modernization of the chassis is aimed at improving the maneuverability and controllability of the self-propelled unit, as well as reducing the complexity of its operation and maintenance. The radio station and the active night vision device are also changing, which was replaced by a passive one. The upgraded version is also equipped with an automated control system for the health of electronic equipment and an air conditioner, which improves the working conditions of the crew, which is especially necessary in operating conditions in hot climates. The crew size of the self-propelled gun remained unchanged - 4 people.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"
Having received new equipment and equipment as part of the modernization, Shilka-M4 retained its main and proven weapons for years - a quadruple 23-mm automatic gun 2A7M, which is easily aimed in any direction in azimuth with declination / elevation angles from -4 to + 85 degrees. Effective firing from this artillery mount is possible at a distance of up to 2-2.5 kilometers at an initial projectile flight speed of 950-970 m/s. The reach of the installation in height is 1.5 kilometers. This artillery mount can be effectively used for shelling flying targets moving at speeds up to 500 m/s. At the same time, when using the Igla anti-aircraft guided missiles of the Sagittarius air defense system (there are 4 such missiles on the combat vehicle), the target engagement range is increased to 5 kilometers, and the height to 3.5 kilometers.
The standard ammunition load of the Shilka-M4 ZSU consists of 2000 23-mm rounds and 4 Igla missiles. When operating in a single air defense system, the maximum detection range of air targets can reach 34 kilometers. The maximum range of target tracking by a radio channel is 10 kilometers, the minimum is 200 meters. The minimum height for tracking air targets by a radio channel is 20 meters. The consumption of shells for one downed aerial target is estimated at 300-600 rounds. The probability of hitting an air target in one span at a rate of 300 rounds is estimated at 0.5.
Unlike its predecessors, the Shilka-M4 modification is able to operate in difficult jamming conditions, as well as to effectively detect air targets flying at low altitudes. The automation of the updated anti-aircraft complex independently makes adjustments for the wear of gun barrels and meteorological conditions, and also takes into account other factors that affect the trajectory of the projectiles and, as a result, the accuracy of fire. Simultaneously with the Shilka-M4 upgrade option, there is also a ZSU-23-4M5 upgrade option, which is distinguished by the presence of an optical-location channel as part of the control system, capable of guaranteeing the combat operation of the ZSU in conditions of strong interference that interferes with the operation of its radar. In the Shilka-M5 modernization project, it was also proposed to equip the combat vehicle with a laser rangefinder and an additional television sight. The ongoing modernization of the legendary Shilka ZSU provides the complex with a second life and the ability to remain in service with the Russian army and the armies of other countries for a long period of time.
ZSU-23-4M4 "Shilka-M4"