SAM I-Hawk in Singapore. Armed forces of foreign states Zrk improved hok tth

"Hawk" - HAWK (Homming All the Killer) - medium-range anti-aircraft missile system designed to destroy air targets at low and medium altitudes.

Work on the creation of the complex began in 1952. The contract for the full-scale development of the complex between the US Army and Raytheon was concluded in July 1954. Northrop was to develop a launcher, loader, radar stations and a control system.

The first experimental launches of anti-aircraft guided missiles were made from June 1956 to July 1957. In August 1960, the first Hawk anti-aircraft missile system with the MIM-23A missile entered service with the US Army. A year earlier, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United States signed a memorandum within NATO on the joint production of the system in Europe. In addition, a special grant provided for the supply of systems manufactured in Europe to Spain, Greece and Denmark, as well as the sale of systems manufactured in the USA to Japan, Israel and Sweden. Later in 1968, Japan began the joint production of the complex. In the same year, the United States supplied the Hawk complexes to Taiwan and South Korea.

In 1964, in order to increase the combat capabilities of the complex, especially to combat low-flying targets, an modernization program called HAWK / HIP (HAWK Improvement Program) or Hawk-1 was adopted. It provided for the introduction of a digital processor for automatic processing of information about the target, an increase in the power of the warhead (75 kg versus 54), an improvement in the guidance system and the propulsion system of the MIM-23 missile. The modernization of the system provided for the use of continuous-radiation radar as a target illumination station, which made it possible to improve missile guidance against the background of signal reflections from the ground.

In 1971, the modernization of the US Army and Navy complexes began, and in 1974, the modernization of NATO complexes in Europe.

In 1973, the second phase of the HAWK / PIP (Product Improvement Program) or Hawk-2 modernization was launched in the US Army, which took place in three stages. At the first stage, the transmitter of the continuous-wave detection radar was upgraded to double the power and increase the detection range, supplement the pulse detection locator with an indicator of moving targets, and also connect the system to digital communication lines.

The second stage began in 1978 and continued until 1983-86. At the second stage, the reliability of the target illumination radar was significantly improved by replacing vacuum devices with modern solid-state generators, as well as supplementing with an optical tracking system, which made it possible to work in interference conditions.

The main firing unit of the complex after the second phase of refinement is an anti-aircraft battery of a two-platoon (standard) or three-platoon (reinforced) composition. A standard battery consists of a main and forward firing platoon, while a reinforced battery consists of a main and two forward firing platoons.

The standard battery consists of a TSW-12 battery command post, an MSQ-110 information and coordination center, an AN/MPQ-50 pulse targeting radar, an AN/MPQ-55 continuous-wave detection radar, an AN/MPQ radar rangefinder;51 and two fire platoons, each of which consists of an AN / MPQ-57 illumination radar and three Ml92 launchers.

The forward firing platoon consists of the MSW-18 platoon command post, AN/MPQ-55 continuous-wave detection radar, AN/MPQ-57 illumination radar, and three M192 launchers.

The US Army uses reinforced batteries, however many countries in Europe use a different configuration.

Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Greece, Holland and Germany have finalized their complexes in the first and second phases.

Germany and Holland installed infrared detectors on their complexes. A total of 93 complexes were finalized: 83 in Germany and 10 in Holland. The sensor was installed on the backlight radar between two antennas and is a thermal camera operating in the infrared range of 8-12 microns. It can work in day and night conditions and has two fields of view. It is assumed that the sensor is capable of detecting targets at ranges up to 100 km. Similar sensors appeared on the complexes being modernized for Norway. Thermal cameras can be installed on other systems.

The Hawk air defense systems used by the Danish air defense forces were modified with television-optical target detection systems. The system uses two cameras: for long ranges - up to 40 km and for searching at ranges up to 20 km. Depending on the situation, the illumination radar can only be turned on before the missiles are launched, i.e., the target search can be carried out in a passive mode (without radiation), which increases survivability in the face of the possibility of using fire and electronic suppression.

The third phase of modernization began in 1981 and included the refinement of the Hawk systems for the US Armed Forces. The radar range finder and the battery command post were improved. The TPQ-29 Field Trainer has been replaced by an Integrated Operator Trainer.

General view of the MIM-23 SAM

In the process of modernization, the software was significantly improved; microprocessors began to be widely used as part of the SAM elements. However, the main result of the modernization should be considered the emergence of the possibility of detecting low-altitude targets through the use of a fan-type antenna, which made it possible to increase the efficiency of target detection at low altitudes in conditions of massive raids. Simultaneously from 1982 to 1984. a program of modernization of anti-aircraft missiles was carried out. As a result, the MIM-23C and MIM-23E missiles appeared, which have increased efficiency in the presence of interference. In 1990, the MIM-23G missile appeared, designed to hit targets at low altitudes. The next modification was the MIM-23K, designed to combat tactical ballistic missiles. It was distinguished by the use of a more powerful explosive in the warhead, as well as an increase in the number of fragments from 30 to 540. The missile was tested in May 1991.

By 1991, Raytheon had completed the development of a simulator for training operators and technical personnel. The simulator simulates three-dimensional models of a platoon command post, illumination radar, detection radar and is designed to train officers and technical personnel. To train technical personnel, various situations are simulated for setting up, adjusting and replacing modules, and for training operators - real scenarios of anti-aircraft combat.

US allies are ordering phase three upgrades of their systems. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have signed contracts to modernize their Hawk air defense systems.

During Operation Desert Storm, the US military deployed Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems.

Norway used its own version of the Hawk, which is called the Norwegian "Advanced Hawk" (NOAH - Norwegian Adapted Hawk). Its difference from the main version is that the launchers, missiles and target illumination radar are used from the basic version, and the AN / MPQ-64A three-coordinate radar is used as a target detection station. Tracking systems also have passive infrared detectors. In total, by 1987, 6 NOAH batteries were deployed to protect airfields.

In the period from the beginning of the 70s to the beginning of the 80s, Hawk was sold to many countries in the Middle and Far East. To maintain the combat readiness of the system, the Israelis upgraded the Hawk-2 by installing teleoptical target detection systems (the so-called super eye) on it, capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 40 km and identifying them at ranges of up to 25 km. As a result of the modernization, the upper limit of the affected area was also increased to 24,384 m. As a result, in August 1982, at an altitude of 21,336 m, a Syrian MiG-25R reconnaissance aircraft was shot down, making a reconnaissance flight north of Beirut.

Israel became the first country to use the Hawk in combat: in 1967, Israeli air defense forces shot down their fighter. By August 1970, 12 Egyptian aircraft were shot down with the help of the Hawk, of which 1 - Il-28, 4 - SU-7, 4 - MiG-17 and 3 - MiG-21.

During 1973, the Hawk was used against Syrian, Iraqi, Libyan and Egyptian aircraft and 4 MiG-17S, 1 MiG-21, 3 SU-7S, 1 Hunter, 1 Mirage- 5" and 2 MI-8 helicopters.

The next combat use of the Hawk-1 (which had passed the first phase of modernization) by the Israelis occurred in 1982, when a Syrian MiG-23 was shot down.

By March 1989, 42 Arab aircraft were shot down by Israeli air defense forces, using the Hawk, Advanced Hawk and Chaparrel complexes.

The Iranian military has used the Hawk against the Iraqi Air Force on several occasions. In 1974, Iran supported the Kurds in an uprising against Iraq, using the Hawk to shoot down 18 targets, and then in December of that year, 2 more Iraqi fighter jets were shot down on reconnaissance flights over Iran. After the 1980 invasion and until the end of the war, Iran is believed to have shot down at least 40 armed aircraft.

France deployed one Hawk-1 battery in Chad to protect the capital, and in September 1987 it shot down one Libyan Tu-22 attempting to bomb the airport.

Kuwait used the Hawk-1 to fight Iraqi aircraft and helicopters during the invasion in August 1990. 15 Iraqi aircraft were shot down.

Until 1997, Northrop produced 750 transport-loading vehicles, 1,700 launchers, 3,800 missiles, and more than 500 tracking systems.

To increase the effectiveness of air defense, the Hawk air defense system can be used in conjunction with the Patriot air defense system to cover one area. To do this, the Patriot command post was upgraded to provide the ability to control the Hawk. The software was modified so that when analyzing the air situation, the priority of targets was determined and the most appropriate missile was assigned. In May 1991, tests were carried out, during which the command post of the Patriot air defense system demonstrated the ability to detect tactical ballistic missiles and issue target designation to the Hawk air defense system for their destruction.

At the same time, tests were carried out on the possibility of using the AN / TPS-59 three-coordinate radar specially modernized for these purposes to detect tactical ballistic missiles of the SS-21 and Scud types. For this, the field of view along the angular coordinate was significantly expanded from 19 ° to 65 °, the detection range was increased to 742 km for ballistic missiles, and the maximum height was increased to 240 km. To defeat tactical ballistic missiles, it was proposed to use the MIM-23K missile, which has a more powerful warhead and an upgraded fuse.

The HMSE (HAWK Mobility, Survivability and Enhancement) modernization program, designed to increase the mobility of the complex, was implemented in the interests of the naval forces from 1989 to 1992 and had four main features. First, the launcher has been upgraded. All electrovacuum devices were replaced by integrated circuits, microprocessors were widely used. This made it possible to improve combat performance and provide a digital communication line between the launcher and the platoon command post. The refinement made it possible to abandon heavy multi-core control cables and replace them with a conventional telephone pair.

Secondly, the launcher was modernized in such a way as to provide the possibility of redeployment (transportation) without removing missiles from it. This significantly reduced the time for bringing the launcher from the combat position to the marching position and from the marching to the combat one by eliminating the time for reloading the missiles.

Thirdly, the hydraulics of the launcher was upgraded, which increased its reliability and reduced energy consumption.

Fourthly, a system of automatic orientation on gyroscopes using a computer was introduced, which made it possible to exclude the operation of orientation of the complex, thereby reducing the time to bring it into combat position. The modernization carried out made it possible to halve the number of transport units when changing positions, more than 2 times reduce the time of transfer from traveling to combat position, and increase the reliability of the launcher electronics by 2 times. In addition, upgraded launchers are prepared for the possible use of Sparrow or AMRAAM missiles. The presence of a digital computer as part of the launcher made it possible to increase the possible distance of the launcher from the platoon command post from 110 m to 2000 m, which increased the survivability of the complex.

PU with missiles MIM-23

PU with AMRAAM missiles

The MIM-23 Hawk air defense missile does not require inspection or maintenance in the field. To check the combat readiness of missiles, selective control is periodically carried out on special equipment.

The rocket is single-stage, solid-propellant, made according to the "tailless" scheme with a cruciform arrangement of wings. The engine has two levels of thrust: in the acceleration section - with maximum thrust and subsequently - with reduced thrust.

To detect targets at medium and high altitudes, an AN / MPQ-50 pulse radar is used. The station is equipped with anti-jamming devices. An analysis of the interference situation before the pulse emission makes it possible to select a frequency that is free from suppression by the enemy. To detect targets at low altitudes, the AN / MPQ-55 or AN / MPQ-62 continuous-wave radar (for air defense systems after the second phase of modernization) is used.

AN/MPQ-50 target reconnaissance station

Radars use a continuous linear frequency modulated signal and measure the azimuth, range and speed of the target. Radars rotate at a speed of 20 rpm and are synchronized in such a way as to exclude the appearance of blind areas. The radar for detecting targets at low altitudes, after being finalized in the third phase, is able to determine the range and speed of the target in one scan. This was achieved by changing the shape of the emitted signal and using a digital signal processor using a fast Fourier transform. The signal processor is implemented on a microprocessor and is located directly in the low-altitude detector. The digital processor performs many of the signal processing functions previously performed in the signal processing battery cell and transmits the processed data to the battery command cell via a standard two-wire telephone line. The use of a digital processor made it possible to avoid the use of bulky and heavy cables between the low-altitude detector and the battery command post.

The digital processor correlates with the interrogator signal "friend or foe" and identifies the detected target as an enemy or as its own. If the target is an enemy, the processor issues a target designation to one of the firing platoons to fire at the target. In accordance with the received target designation, the target illumination radar turns in the direction of the target, searches for and captures the target for tracking. The illumination radar - a continuous radiation station - is capable of detecting targets at speeds of 45-1125 m / s. If the target illumination radar is not able to determine the range to the target due to interference, then it is determined using the AN / MPQ-51 operating in the 17.5-25 GHz band. The AN/MPQ-51 is only used to determine the missile launch range, especially when suppressing the AN/MPQ-46 (or AN/MPQ-57B, depending on the stage of modernization) range-finding channel and aiming the SAM at the source of interference. Information about the coordinates of the target is transmitted to the launcher selected for firing at the target. The launcher is deployed in the direction of the target, and the missile is prelaunched. After the rocket is ready to launch, the control processor issues lead angles through the illumination radar, and the rocket is launched. The capture of the signal reflected from the target by the homing head occurs, as a rule, before the missile is launched. The missile is aimed at the target using the proportional approach method, guidance commands are generated by a semi-active homing head using the principle of monopulse location.

In the immediate vicinity of the target, a radio fuse is triggered and the target is covered with fragments of a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The presence of fragments leads to an increase in the probability of hitting a target, especially when firing at group targets. After undermining the warhead, the battery combat control officer evaluates the results of firing using a Doppler target illumination radar in order to make a decision on re-firing the target if it is not hit by the first missile.

Radar rangefinder AN/MPQ-51

The battery command post is designed to control the combat operations of all components of the battery. The overall management of combat work is carried out by a combat control officer. He controls all the operators of the battery command post. The assistant combat control officer assesses the air situation and coordinates the actions of the battery with a higher command post. The combat control console gives these two operators information about the state of the battery and the presence of air targets, as well as data for shelling targets. To detect low-altitude targets, there is a special "azimuth-velocity" indicator, which starts only information from the radar for detecting continuous radiation. Manually selected targets are assigned to one of two fire control operators. Each operator uses the fire control display to quickly acquire target illumination radar and control launchers.

The information processing point is designed for automatic data processing and communication of the battery of the complex. The equipment is housed inside a cabin mounted on a single-axle trailer. It includes a digital device for processing data from both types of target designation radar, friend or foe identification equipment (the antenna is mounted on the roof), interface devices and communications equipment.

If the complex is modified in accordance with the third phase, then there is no information processing center in the battery and its functions are performed by the modernized battery and platoon command posts.

The platoon command post is used to control the firing of the firing platoon. It is also capable of solving the tasks of an information processing point, which is similar in terms of equipment composition, but is additionally equipped with a control panel with a circular view indicator and other display means and controls. The combat crew of the command post includes the commander (fire control officer), radar and communications operators. Based on the information about the targets received from the target designation radar and displayed on the all-round visibility indicator, the air situation is assessed and the target being fired is assigned. Targeting data on it and the necessary commands are transmitted to the illumination radar of the advanced firing platoon.

The platoon command post, after the third phase of refinement, performs the same functions as the command post of the forward firing platoon. The modernized command post has a crew consisting of a control officer of the radar operator and a communications operator. Part of the electronic equipment of the point was replaced with a new one. The air conditioning system in the cabin has been changed, the use of a new type of filtering unit makes it possible to exclude the penetration of radioactive, chemically or bacteriologically contaminated air into the cabin. The replacement of electronic equipment consists in the use of high-speed digital processors instead of the outdated element base. Due to the use of chips, the size of the memory modules has been significantly reduced. The indicators have been replaced by two computer displays. For communication with detection radars, bidirectional digital communication lines are used. The platoon command post includes a simulator that allows simulating 25 different raid scenarios for crew training. The simulator is also capable of reproducing various types of interference.

The command post of the battery, after the third phase of refinement, also performs the functions of an information and coordination center, so that the latter is excluded from the complex. This made it possible to reduce the combat crew from six to four. The command post includes an additional computer placed in a rack of a digital computer.

The target illumination radar is used to capture and track the target in range, angle and azimuth. With the help of a digital processor for the tracked target, data on the angle and azimuth are generated to turn the three launchers in the direction of the target. To guide the missile to the target, the energy of the illumination radar, reflected from the target, is used. The target is illuminated by a radar throughout the entire missile guidance area until the firing results are evaluated. To search for and capture a target, the illumination radar receives target designation from the battery command post.

AN/MPQ-46 Circuit Illumination Radar

After the second phase of refinement, the following changes were made to the illumination radar: an antenna with a wider radiation pattern allows you to illuminate a larger area of ​​\u200b\u200bspace and fire at low-altitude group targets, an additional computer allows you to exchange information between the radar and the platoon command post via two-wire digital communication lines.

For the needs of the US Air Force, Northrop installed a television optical system on the target illumination radar, which makes it possible to detect, track and recognize air targets without emitting electromagnetic energy. The system works only during the day, both in conjunction with the locator and without it. The teleoptic channel can be used to evaluate the results of firing and to track the target in the presence of interference. The teleoptic camera is mounted on a gyro-stabilized platform and has a 10x magnification. Later, the teleoptic system was modified to increase the range and increase the ability to track targets in the fog. Introduced the possibility of automatic search. The teleoptical system has been modified with an infrared channel. This made it possible to use it day and night. Refinement of the teleoptical channel was completed in 1991, and in 1992 field tests were carried out.

For the Navy complexes, the installation of a teleoptical channel began in 1980. In the same year, the delivery of systems for export began. Until 1997, about 500 kits for mounting teleoptical systems were produced.

The AN / MPQ-51 pulse radar operates in the 17.5-25 GHz range and is designed to provide a radar range for target illumination when the latter is suppressed by interference. If the complex is finalized in the third phase, the rangefinder is excluded.

The M-192 launcher stores three missiles ready for launch. It launches missiles with a set rate of fire. Before launching the rocket, the launcher turns in the direction of the target, voltage is applied to the rocket to spin up the gyroscopes, the electronic and hydraulic systems of the launcher are activated, after which the rocket engine is started.

In order to increase the mobility of the complex for the ground forces of the US Army, a variant of the mobile complex was developed. Several platoons of the complex were modernized. The launcher is located on the M727 self-propelled tracked chassis (developed on the basis of the M548 chassis), it also houses three missiles ready for launch. At the same time, the number of transport units decreased from 14 to 7 due to the possibility of transporting missiles to launchers and replacing the M-501 transport-loading vehicle with a vehicle equipped with a hydraulically driven lift based on a truck. On the new TZM and its trailer, one rack with three missiles on each could be transported. At the same time, the deployment and collapse time was significantly reduced. Currently, they remain in service only in the Israeli army.

The Hawk Sparrow Demonstration Project is a combination of elements manufactured by Raytheon. The launcher has been modified so that instead of 3 MIM-23 missiles, it can accommodate 8 Sparrow missiles.

In January 1985, a modified system was field tested at the California Naval Test Center. Sparrow missiles hit two remotely piloted aircraft.

Launcher on self-propelled tracked chassis М727

The typical composition of the Hawk-Sparrow firing platoon includes an impulse detection radar, a continuous-wave detection radar, a target illumination radar, 2 launchers with MIM-23 missiles and 1 launcher with 8 Sparrow missiles. In a combat situation, launchers can be converted to either Hawk or Sparrow missiles by replacing ready-made digital blocks on the launcher. Two types of missiles can be in one platoon, and the choice of the type of missile is determined by the specific parameters of the target being fired. The Hawk missile loader and pallets of missiles have been eliminated and replaced by a transport truck with a crane. On the drum of the truck there are 3 Hawk missiles or 8 Sparrow missiles placed on 2 drums, which reduces the loading time. If the complex is transferred by S-130 aircraft, then it can carry launchers with 2 Hawk or 8 Sparrow missiles, fully ready for combat use. This significantly reduces the time of bringing to combat readiness.

The complex was delivered and is in service in the following countries: Belgium, Bahrain (1 battery), Germany (36), Greece (2), the Netherlands, Denmark (8), Egypt (13), Israel (17), Iran (37), Italy (2), Jordan (14), Kuwait (4), South Korea (28), Norway (6), UAE (5), Saudi Arabia (16), Singapore (1), USA (6), Portugal (1 ), Taiwan (13), Sweden (1), Japan (32).

Loading PU

In 1995, demonstration firing of AMRAAM missiles from modified M-192 launchers was carried out using the standard battery radar composition. Externally, the PU has 2 drums, similar to the Hawk Sparrow.

RADAR DETECTION RANGE OF THE COMPLEX (after the first phase of refinement), km

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Medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems

Colonel A. Tolin,
candidate of military sciences

The variety of air attack weapons that differ in purpose, design, speeds, ranges and flight altitudes, as well as the recent increase in the level of tactical and technical characteristics of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, have led to the need for foreign armies in effective air defense systems of various types. All-weather and clear-weather short-range air defense systems and portable systems, the adoption of which in the period of the 70s and early 80s was facilitated by local wars, which showed the increased capabilities of aviation to use low and extremely low altitudes, make it possible to successfully deal with low-flying targets. However, being single-channel in purpose, they do not provide reliable cover for troops and facilities in conditions of high intensity of air attack weapons.

The multi-channel American long-range air defense system "Patriot", which will be equipped with the armed forces of a number of European NATO countries and Japan over the course of several years, has a high fire performance, but since it is designed to hit targets, mainly at high and medium altitudes, then shooting at low-flying targets is ineffective. Moreover, as noted in the foreign press, due to the high cost of the MIM-104 missile defense system (almost $ 1 million), the use of the Patriot air defense system for firing at remotely piloted and other unmanned aerial vehicles that have a relatively low cost seems to be. impractical.

For these reasons, the command of the armed forces of the countries; NATO considers the creation of promising multi-channel medium-range air defense systems capable of effectively hitting air targets both at low and extremely low, and at medium altitudes as one of the important tasks of improving air defense. At the same time, it is envisaged that the cost of these complexes. and their missiles were significantly lower than the Patriot air defense systems and MIM-104 missiles. Until advanced systems are put into service (not earlier than the second half of the 1990s), foreign armies will retain the American medium-range "Improved Hawk" air defense system (see color insert).

SAM "Improved Hawk", which was adopted by the US ground forces in 1972 to replace the Hawk complex developed in the late 50s, is currently available in the armed forces of almost all European NATO countries, as well as in Egypt, Israel, Iram, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan and other countries. According to Western press reports, the Hawk and Improved Hawk air defense systems were supplied by the United States to 21 capitalist countries, and most of them received the second option.

SAM "Improved Hawk" Can hit supersonic air targets at ranges from 1.8 to 40 km and altitudes of 0.03-18 km (the maximum range and height of the hit SAM "Hawk" are respectively 30 and 12 km) and is capable of firing at difficult weather conditions and when using interference.

The main firing unit of the "Improved Hawk" complex is a two-platoon (so-called standard) or three-platoon (reinforced) anti-aircraft battery. In this case, the first battery consists of the main and advanced firing platoons, and the second - from the main and two advanced ones. Both types of fire platoons have one AN / MPQ-46 target illumination radar and three M192 launchers with three MIM-23B anti-aircraft guided missiles each. In addition, the main firing platoon includes an AN / MPQ-50 pulse targeting radar, an AN / MPQ-51 radar range finder, an information processing center and an AN / TSW-8 battery command post, and an advanced one - an AN / MPQ-48 target designation radar and control post AN / MSW-11. In the main fire platoon of the reinforced battery, in addition to the pulse target designation radar, there is also an AN / MPQ-48 station.

Each of the batteries of both types includes a technical support unit with three M-501EZ transport-loading vehicles and other auxiliary equipment. When deploying batteries at the starting position, an extended cable network is used. The time for transferring the battery from the traveling position to the combat position is 45 minutes, and the folding time is 30 missions.

A separate anti-aircraft division of the Advanced Hawk air defense system of the US Army includes either four standard or three reinforced batteries. As a rule, it is used in full force, however, an anti-aircraft battery can independently solve a combat mission and in isolation from its main forces. An independent task of combating low-flying targets is also capable of being solved by an advanced fire platoon. The noted features of the organizational and staffing structures and the combat use of anti-aircraft units and units of the "Improved Hawk" air defense system are due to the composition of the complex's assets, their design and performance characteristics.

Pulse targeting radar AN/MPQ-50 designed to detect air targets flying at high and medium altitudes, and determine their azimuth and range. The maximum range of the station is about 100 km. Its operation (in the frequency range of 1 - 2 GHz) provides a low level of attenuation of electromagnetic energy in adverse weather conditions, and the presence of a moving target selection device ensures effective detection of air attack means in conditions of reflections from local objects and when using passive interference. Thanks to a number of circuit solutions, the station is protected from active interference.

AN/MPQ-48 targeting radar, operating in continuous radiation mode, is designed to detect air targets at low altitudes, determine their azimuth, range and radial velocity. The maximum range of the station is more than 60 km. Its antenna rotates synchronously with the pulse target designation radar antenna and provides a correlation of the air situation data displayed on the indicators of the battery command post. The selection of signals proportional to the range and radial velocity of the target is carried out by means of digital processing of radar information performed at the information processing point. The station is equipped with built-in equipment for monitoring the operation and indicating failures.

target illumination radarAN/MPQ-46 serves for automatic tracking and irradiation of a selected aerial target with a narrow beam, as well as for transmitting a reference signal to a missile aimed at a target with a wide antenna beam. The station operates in the frequency range of 6-12.5 GHz. To capture a target for autotracking, the radar antenna, according to target designation data received from the battery command post or information processing point, is set in the direction necessary for sectoral target search.

Radar range finder AN/MPQ-51 is a pulse radar operating in the 17.5-25 GHz frequency range, which makes it possible to measure the distance to the target and depreciate the backlight radar with this information in the conditions of suppression of the latter by active interference.

Information processing point is designed for automatic data processing and communication of the battery of the "Improved Hawk" complex. The equipment is housed inside a cabin mounted on a single-axle trailer. It includes a digital device for automatic processing of data coming from both types of target designation radars, equipment for the "friend or foe" identification system (the antenna is mounted on the roof), interface devices and communications equipment.

AN/MSW-11 Forward Fire Platoon Command Post used as a fire control center and platoon command post. The post is also capable of solving the tasks of an information processing point, to which it is similar in terms of equipment, but is additionally equipped with a control panel with a circular view indicator, other display means and controls. The combat crew of the post includes a commander (fire control officer), a radar operator and a communications operator. Based on the information about the targets received from the AN / MPQ-48 target designation radar and displayed on the all-round visibility indicator, the air situation is assessed and the target being fired is assigned. Targeting data on it and the necessary commands are transmitted to the AN / MPQ-46 illumination radar of the advanced firing platoon.

AN/TSW-8 battery command post located in the cab, which is installed in the back of a truck. It includes the following equipment: combat control pools with means of displaying data on the air situation and controls (in front of him are the workplaces of the crew commander and his assistant), the azimuth-velocity console and two fire control consoles, through which the issuance of target designation of each of the illumination radars, turning their antennas in the direction of the targets designated for firing and tracking targets in manual mode. There is also a complex of auxiliary equipment, including a filter-ventilation unit.

SAM MIM-23V- single-stage cross-winged, made according to the aerodynamic configuration, "tailless", has a launch weight of 625 kg, a length of 5.08 m, a maximum body diameter of 0.37 m, a span of aerodynamic control surfaces of 1.2 m. In its bow are semi-active radar homing head (under a radio-transparent fiberglass fairing), on-board guidance equipment and power supplies. SAM is aimed at a target by the method of proportional approach.

The combat equipment of the rocket includes a high-explosive fragmentation warhead (weight 54 kg), a remote fuse and a safety-actuator that provides cocking the fuse in flight and issuing a command to self-destruct the rocket in case of a miss.

The SAM uses a solid-fuel single-chamber engine with two thrust modes. The maximum flight speed is 900 m/s. In the tail section of the rocket there are hydraulic drives of aerodynamic control surfaces and electronic equipment of the onboard control system.

The missile is stored and transported in sealed aluminum alloy containers, where wings, rudders, warhead igniters and engines are also located separately from it.

Launcher M192 is a structure of three rigidly connected open rails mounted on a movable base, which is mounted on a single-axle trailer. Elevation angle change is made by means of a hydraulic drive. Rotation of the movable base with PU is carried out by means of a drive placed on the trailer. Electronic drive control equipment was also installed there, which ensures guidance of missiles located on the launcher to a preemptive point, and equipment for preparing missiles for launch. When deployed at the starting position, the launcher is leveled using jacks.

Transport - loading machine M-501EZ, made on the basis of a light self-propelled tracked chassis, is designed to deliver missiles from a technical position and subsequently load the launcher. A hydraulically driven charger provides the ability to load the vehicle and load the launcher simultaneously with three missiles. For storage of missiles after assembly and their transportation, racks are used, which are transported in the back of trucks and on single-axle car trailers.

The combat work of the "Improve Hawk" complex and the functioning of its means in the process of firing are carried out as follows. The AN/MPQ-50 pulse target designation radar and the AN/MPQ-48 target designation station, operating in continuous mode, search and detect air targets. At the command post of the AN / TSW-8 battery, when it works together with the information processing point (and in the forward firing platoon - at the control post of AN / MSW-11), based on the data received from these radars, the tasks of identifying targets, assessing the air situation, determining the most dangerous targets, issuing target designation of the firing section. After the target is captured by the AN / MPQ-46 illumination station, it is tracked automatically or (as a rule, in a difficult jamming environment) in manual mode. In the latter case, the battery command post operator uses the range information received from the AN / MPQ-51 radar range finder. . In the process of tracking the target, the illumination station irradiates it. A launcher with a missile selected for firing at a target is guided to a pre-empted point. The missile homing head captures the target.

After the launch command arrives (from the battery command post or the forward firing platoon control center), the missile leaves the guide and, having reached a certain speed, begins to aim at the target. At the same time, its homing head uses the (reference) signals reflected from the target and received from the illumination station. The evaluation of the shooting results is performed on the basis of data obtained as a result of processing the Doppler signal of the target illumination station at the information processing point.

The Advanced Hawk air defense system modernization program, which began in 1979, has now entered its third phase. At this stage, it is planned to carry out work in a number of areas, the main of which are:
- Giving the complex the possibility of simultaneously hitting several targets through the use of an additional antenna with a wide beam in the radar illumination. It is believed that when firing at several targets, the range of their destruction will be 50-70 percent. distance reached at
shooting at a single target.
- Replacement of the battery command post and the information processing point with a control post, basically similar to the post of the advanced firing platoon, but differing in the presence of a second control panel and a digital computing device, superior in its capabilities to the automatic data processing device of the information processing point. Both control panels of the post are planned to be equipped with digital means of displaying the air situation, similar to the means of displaying the Patriot air defense system.
- Increasing the mobility of air defense systems while reducing the number of transport units of the complex (from 14 to 7) by providing the possibility of transporting missiles to launchers and replacing the M-501EZ transport-loading vehicle with a machine equipped with a hydraulically driven lift, which was created on the basis of a truck. On the new TZM and its trailer, one rack with three missiles on each will be transported (Fig. 2). It is reported that the deployment and collapse time of the battery will be halved.
- Equipping the radar and launcher of the complex with navigation equipment and a digital computing device to give the complex the ability to fire at targets according to data from the AN / MPQ-53 radar of the Patriot air defense system.

After the completion of the modernization program for the Advanced Hawk air defense system in the United States and other NATO countries, it is planned to create modifications of this complex that would better meet the requirements for combating modern air attack weapons. Thus, the American company Raytheon is developing the ACWAR (Agile Continuous-Wave Acquisition Radar) radar, which can replace both types of target designation radars. This three-coordinate station will have an antenna with electronic beam scanning in elevation and mechanical in azimuth. It is also mentioned that it is possible (in the case of a new modification of the missile) to use the ACWAR radar to guide missiles in the middle section of the flight path, while excluding the target illumination station from the air defense system.

The new modification of the Improved Hawk complex, intended for the armed forces of Norway, includes a three-coordinate radar LASR (Low Altitude Survei-lance Radar), developed by the American company Hughes on the basis of the AN / TPQ-36 artillery position detection radar. The LASR radar, whose antenna provides electronic beam scanning in elevation and mechanical in azimuth, has, according to foreign press reports, high capabilities for detecting low-flying targets. During the tests, the station successfully detected air targets (including helicopters at altitudes from 3 to 1800 m).

In NATO countries, along with the performance of work to improve the performance and operational characteristics of the "Improved Hawk" missiles, studies have been carried out since the beginning of the 80s aimed at creating promising multi-channel medium-range air defense systems. These complexes, according to foreign military experts, should hit not only manned air targets, but also unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Currently, in the West, judging by publications in the press, the issue of the need to use advanced medium-range air defense systems for firing at tactical ballistic missiles is being discussed.

The initiative to create promising medium-range air defense systems belongs to France and the Federal Republic of Germany, whose companies respectively developed the projects of the SAMP (Systerne Antiaerien a Moyenne Rog-tee) and MFS-90 (Mittle Fla-Raketen System) complexes. The possibility of implementing, together with the United States, a project for a promising complex MSAM (Medium range Sur-face-to-Air Missile) is also being considered.

French promising air defense system SAMP, developed since 1984 by Thomson-KSF and Aerospasial, should have a reaction time of 6-8 s and hit supersonic targets at ranges up to 30 km and altitudes up to 10 km, providing the possibility of simultaneously firing up to ten targets.

It will include the Arabel multifunctional radar, a control post, four to six container-type launchers (each with eight As-ter-30 missiles), as well as electric power, transport-charging and other auxiliary equipment (Fig. 4) . It is planned to use the chassis of a 10-ton TRM 10,000 vehicle (6x6 wheel formula) as a self-propelled base for combat weapons of the complex.

Multifunctional radar "Arabel" is designed for detection and automatic tracking in azimuth, elevation and range of up to 50 air targets simultaneously, as well as for transmitting guidance commands to the SAM. The station operates in the frequency range 8 - 10.9 GHz. Its phased antenna array rotates in the azimuthal plane at a speed of 60 rpm. Electronic scanning of space is carried out in elevation from 0 to 70° in azimuth in the sector up to 45°. Antenna beamwidth 2°. Due to the presence in the radar of a high-speed digital computer and its perfect mathematical software, the processing of radar signals is carried out very efficiently, which is especially important when the station operates in conditions of interference.

SAM "Aster-30" and "Aster-15", being developed simultaneously with it for the ship version of a promising medium-range air defense system, are two-stage solid-propellant missiles, differing only in launch boosters (Fig. 5). The total mass of the As-ter-30 missile defense system is 450 kg, the length is 4.8 m. It is planned to equip it with fragmentation-type warheads.

The missile is equipped with an active radar seeker operating in the 10-20 GHz frequency range. It is a modification of the head of the MICA air-to-air guided missile, the diameter of the seeker is 0.18 m, and the length (including the block of electronic guidance equipment) is 0.6 m. command-inertial system, and homing using the information received from the GOS occurs only in the final section.At the same time, it is envisaged that the search and target acquisition by the head will be carried out in flight.

The Aster-30 SAM uses a combined flight control system, in which, along with aerodynamic control surfaces, there are solid-propellant micromotors with a radial (in relation to the rocket body) orientation of the nozzles. They are located near the center of mass of missiles. The use of a combined flight control system allows the rocket to maneuver with an overload of up to 40 units.

In 1.992, it is planned to start flight tests of the Aster-30 missile defense system, and in the second half of the 90s to test the complex as a whole. The production program (worth about 10 billion francs) provides for the production of 20 SAMP air defense systems for the French ground forces.

West German advanced air defense system MFS-90, the project of which was developed by Siemens and Messerschmitt - Belkov - Blom, should be multi-channel in target and have a maximum firing range of up to 30 km. It will consist of a multifunctional radar with headlights, a control center and a launcher with missiles. Currently, the expediency of having two types of missiles in the MFS-90 air defense system is being considered.

The missile of the first type with a maximum firing range of 30 km and a flight speed of about 1000 m/s is intended for firing at maneuvering air targets. It is planned to install an active radar seeker on it, capable of searching and capturing a target in flight.

A second-type missile with a range of 8-10 km and hypersonic flight speed. It is intended to be used to combat tactical ballistic missiles, as well as to fire at low-flying targets. As noted in the foreign press, the multifunctional radar with phased array of the MFS-90 complex is similar in design and main performance characteristics to the French SAMP air defense system.

Promising SAM MSAM is considered by the NATO command as a complex that could replace the Advanced Hawk air defense system, which is in service with all countries of the bloc. Currently, NATO experts are developing tactical and technical requirements for this complex. However, differences in the assessment of its tasks (American specialists, in particular, do not share the opinion of their colleagues from Europe on the need to ensure the possibility of firing at tactical ballistic missiles) and in the approach to the requirements, judging by reports in the foreign press, prevent the start of work on its creation. .

The "Improved Hawk" air defense system was adopted by the US ground forces in 1972 to replace the "Hawk" complex developed in the late 50s, is currently available in the armed forces of almost all European NATO countries, as well as in Egypt, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia. Arabia, South Korea, Japan and other countries. According to Western press reports, the "Hawk" and "Improved Hawk" air defense systems were supplied by the United States to 21 countries, and most of them received the second option.

The "Improved Hawk" air defense system can hit supersonic air targets at ranges from 1 to 40 km and altitudes of 0.03 - 18 km (the maximum range and altitude of the "Hawk" air defense system are 30 and 12 km, respectively) and is capable of firing in adverse weather conditions and when using interference.

The main firing unit of the "Improved Hawk" complex is a two-platoon (so-called standard) or three-platoon (reinforced) anti-aircraft battery. In this case, the first battery consists of the main and advanced fire platoons, and the second - from the main and two advanced ones.

Compound

Both types of fire platoons have one AN / MPQ-46 target illumination radar, three M192 launchers with three MIM-23B anti-aircraft guided missiles on each.

In addition, the main firing platoon includes an AN / MPQ-50 pulse targeting radar, an AN / MPQ-51 radar rangefinder, an information processing center and an AN / TSW-8 battery command post, and an advanced one - an AN / MPQ-48 targeting radar and control post AN / MSW-11.

In the main fire platoon of the reinforced battery, in addition to the pulse targeting radar, there is also an AN / MPQ-48 station.

Each of the batteries of both types includes a technical support unit with three M-501E3 transport charging machines and other auxiliary equipment. When deploying batteries at the starting position, an extended cable network is used. The time for transferring the battery from the traveling position to the combat position is 45 minutes, and the folding time is 30 minutes.

A separate anti-aircraft division "Improved Hawk" of the US Army includes either four standard or three reinforced batteries. As a rule, it is used in full force, however, an anti-aircraft battery can independently solve a combat mission and in isolation from its main forces. An independent task of combating low-flying targets is also capable of being solved by an advanced fire platoon.

Single-stage, made according to the "tailless" aerodynamic configuration, with an "X"-shaped arrangement of aerodynamic surfaces.

In its bow are a semi-active radar homing head (under a radio-transparent fiberglass fairing), on-board guidance equipment and power sources. SAM is aimed at the target by the method of proportional approach.

The combat equipment of the rocket includes a high-explosive fragmentation warhead (weight 54 kg), a remote fuse and a safety actuator that cocks the fuse in flight and issues commands to self-destruct the rocket in case of a miss. The SAM uses a solid-fuel single-chamber engine with two thrust modes. The maximum flight speed is 900 m/s. In the tail section of the rocket there are hydraulic drives of aerodynamic control surfaces and electronic equipment of the onboard control system.

The missile is stored and transported in sealed aluminum alloy containers, where wings, rudders, warhead igniters and engines are also located separately from it.

It is a structure of three rigidly connected open guides mounted on a movable base, which is mounted on a single-axle trailer. Elevation angle change is made by means of a hydraulic drive. Rotation of the movable base with PU is carried out by means of a drive placed on the trailer. Electronic drive control equipment was also installed there, which ensures guidance of missiles located on the launcher to a preemptive point, and equipment for preparing missiles for launch. When deployed at the starting position, the launcher is leveled using jacks.

Made on the basis of a light self-propelled tracked chassis, it is designed to deliver missiles from a technical position and subsequently load the launcher. A hydraulically driven charger provides the ability to load the vehicle and load the launcher simultaneously with three missiles. For storage of missiles after assembly and their transportation, racks are used, which are transported in the back of trucks and on single-axle car trailers.

Designed to detect air targets flying at high and medium altitudes, and determine their azimuth and range. The maximum range of the station is about 100 km. Its operation (in the frequency range of 1 - 2 GHz) provides a low level of attenuation of electromagnetic energy under adverse weather conditions, and the presence of a moving target selection device ensures effective detection of air attack means in conditions of reflections from local objects and when using passive interference. Thanks to a number of circuit solutions, the station is protected from active interference.

Operating in continuous emission mode, it is designed to detect air targets at low altitudes and determine their azimuth, range and radial velocity. The maximum range of the station is more than 60 km. Its antenna rotates synchronously with the antenna of the pulse targeting radar and provides a correlation of data on the air situation displayed on the indicators of the battery command post. The selection of signals proportional to the range and radial velocity of the target is carried out by means of digital processing of radar information performed at the information processing point. The station is equipped with built-in equipment for monitoring the operation and indicating failures.

Serves for automatic tracking and irradiation of a selected aerial target with a narrow beam, as well as for transmitting a reference signal to a missile aimed at a target with a wide antenna beam. The station operates in the frequency range of 6-12.5 GHz. To capture a target for auto-tracking, the radar antenna, according to the target designation data received from the battery command post or information processing point, is set in the direction necessary for sectoral target search.

Radar rangefinder AN/MPQ-51 is a pulse radar operating in the frequency range of 17.5-25 GHz, which makes it possible to measure the distance to the target and provide this information to the backlight radar in conditions of suppression of the latter by active interference.

is designed for automatic data processing and communication of the batteries of the complex. The equipment is housed inside a cabin mounted on a single-axle trailer. It includes a digital device for automatic processing of data coming from both types of target designation radars, equipment for the "friend or foe" identification system (the antenna is mounted on the roof), interface devices and communications equipment.

Control post for forward fire platoon AN/MSW-11 used as a fire control center and platoon command post. The post is also capable of solving the tasks of an information processing point, to which it is similar in terms of equipment, but is additionally equipped with a control panel with a circular view indicator, other display means and controls. The combat crew of the post includes a commander (fire control officer), a radar operator and a communications operator. Based on the information about the targets received from the AN / MPQ-48 targeting radar and displayed on the all-round visibility indicator, the air situation is assessed and the target being fired is assigned. Targeting data on it and the necessary commands are transmitted to the AN / MPQ-46 illumination radar of the advanced firing platoon.

AN/TSW-8 battery command post located in the cab, which is installed in the back of a truck. It includes the following equipment:

• combat control panel with means of displaying data on the air situation and controls (in front of it are the workplaces of the crew commander and his assistant),
• remote control "azimuth - speed",
• two consoles for fire control operators, through which the issuance of target designation of each of the illumination radars, the turn of their antennas in the direction of targets designated for firing and tracking targets in manual mode.

There is also a complex of auxiliary equipment, including a filter-ventilation unit.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Testing and operation

The combat work of the complex and the functioning of its means in the process of firing are carried out as follows.
The AN/MPQ-50 pulse target designation radar and the AN/MPQ-48 target designation station, operating in continuous mode, search and detect air targets. At the command post of the AN / TSW-8 battery, when it works together with the information processing point (and in the forward firing platoon - at the control post of AN / MSW-11), based on the data received from these radars, the tasks of identifying targets, assessing the air situation, determining the most dangerous targets, issuing target designation of the firing section. After the target is captured by the AN / MPQ-46 illumination station, it is tracked automatically or (as a rule, in a difficult jamming environment) in manual mode. In the latter case, the battery command post operator uses the range information received from the AN / MPQ-51 radar range finder. In the process of tracking the target, the illumination station irradiates it. A launcher with a missile selected for firing at a target is guided to a pre-empted point. The missile homing head captures the target.

After the launch command arrives (from the battery command post or the forward firing platoon control center), the missile leaves the guide and, having reached a certain speed, begins to aim at the target. At the same time, its homing head uses the (reference) signals reflected from the target and received from the illumination station. The evaluation of the shooting results is performed on the basis of data obtained as a result of processing the Doppler signal of the target illumination station at the information processing point.

Modernization

The "Improved Hawk" air defense system modernization program, which began in 1979, has now entered its third phase. At this stage, it is planned to carry out work in a number of areas, the main of which are:

• - giving the complex the possibility of simultaneously hitting several targets through the use of an additional antenna with a wide beam in the radar illumination. It is believed that when firing at several targets, the range of their destruction will be 50-70 percent. range achieved when firing at a single target.
• - Replacement of the battery command post and the information processing point with a control post, basically similar to the post of the advanced firing platoon, but differing in the presence of a second control panel and a digital computing device. Both control panels of the post are planned to be equipped with digital means of displaying the air situation, similar to the means of displaying the Patriot air defense system.
• - Increasing the mobility of air defense systems while reducing the number of transport units of the complex (from 14 to 7) by providing the possibility of transporting missiles to launchers and replacing the M-501E3 transport-loading machine with a machine equipped with a hydraulically driven lift, which was created on the basis of a truck. On the new TZM and its trailer, one rack with three missiles on each will be transported. It is reported that the deployment and collapse time of the battery will be halved.
• - Equipping the radar and launcher of the complex with navigation equipment and a digital computing device to give the complex the ability to fire at targets according to data from the AN / MPQ-53 radar of the Patriot air defense system.

After the completion of the modernization program for the "Improved Hawk" air defense system in the United States and other NATO countries, it is planned to create modifications of this complex that would better meet the requirements for combating modern air attack weapons.

So, the American company Raytheon is developing the ACWAR radar)