2K6 Luna
2K6 Luna is the name of a short-range missile developed in the Soviet Union from 1956 . It was the first tactical missile complex of the Soviet Army , which was produced and introduced in large numbers, that was capable of firing nuclear warheads . Luna were put into service in 1960 and removed from the armament of the Soviet Army by 1982. The weapon system was also exported to the People's Republic of Poland , the Czechoslovak Republic , the Socialist Republic of Romania , the GDR , the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Cuba .
Designations
The Soviet operational principles differentiated between strategic, operational and tactical missiles for surface-to- surface missiles. Missile systems of strategic importance were summarized in the Strategic Missile Forces. Units that were equipped with operational-tactical missile complexes with a range of several hundred kilometers were assigned to the armies or army corps (in peacetime the military districts). Tactical missile complexes were assigned to the motorized rifle and tank divisions. They were used to combat targets in the division's area of responsibility and had a range of up to 120 km. According to its purpose and tactical-technical data, the 2K1 system is called a tactical missile complex (тактический ракетный комплекс). In Western parlance, the term battlefield short-range missile or Battlefield Short Range Ballistic Missile (BSRBM) is used for such weapon systems .
The GRAY index of the weapon system is 2K6 , Luna is the common name. The Air Standardization Coordinating Committee (ASCC) gave the system, the various missiles and prototypes the names Frog-3 , Frog-4 , Frog-5 and Frog-6 . The export name of the weapon system is R-30 (Р-30).
development
Since the break of the US nuclear monopoly in 1949 , the Soviet Union also had nuclear weapons. For the time being, these weapons were relatively large and heavy, so that only strategic bombers were available as carriers . However, these were not suitable for combating tactical targets on the battlefield. However, technological advances led to the expectation of the construction of nuclear warheads weighing only a few hundred kilograms. This made the use of tactical nuclear weapons possible. In the USA, the 280 mm howitzer T-131 was put into service in 1952 . The gun was suitable for firing grenades with nuclear warheads. In the following year, the MGR-1 Honest John battlefield missile , which was able to fire unguided solid rockets with nuclear warheads, began to be used. In the Soviet Union, preparatory work for the development of nuclear-capable tactical missiles was carried out from 1948 to 1951 in the Scientific Research Institute No. 1 (НИИ-1) (since 1967 Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering ) under the leadership of NP Masurov (Н.П.Мазуров), but only when it was commissioned the Honest John , the work went on more vigorously.
The nuclear warheads available in the Soviet Union at that time were approximately 800 mm in diameter. These warheads were too big and too heavy to be fired with conventional guns . Only rockets could therefore be used as carriers. Overall, the weapon system had to have a high level of tactical mobility and the missile had to be ready for use within a few minutes, which is why only solid rockets were considered. The inertial navigation systems of the time had an accuracy of 500 to 1000 m at distances of around 30 km - this was the assumed operational range. However, this value could also be achieved more easily with unguided missiles. A radio remote control appeared problematic as it would have made the system susceptible to interference. The Shanicle (Short Range Navigation Vehicle) control system used in the MGM-1 Matador was much more accurate, but required a number of ground-based microwave transmitters that generated a radio network for displaying distance and azimuth , on the basis of which the Matador navigated. However, this radio network could not be set up over opposing territory, so that inertial navigation had to be used again. With a battlefield missile where most of the trajectory was over enemy territory, this system was not useful.
On May 11, 1954, the Soviet government issued a directive to accelerate the development of tactical nuclear weapons. As a result of this directive, a large number of weapon systems emerged in a relatively short time. In the Special Design Office 1 (СКБ-1) of the Scientific Research Institute 88 (НИИ-88), the first operational-tactical missile R-11 was developed under the direction of Sergei Pavlovich Koroljow . At the same time, the KS-1 Kometa (КС-1 Комета ) and KS-7 (КС-7) wing rockets were created . In the NII-1, the tactical missile systems 2K1 Mars and 2K4 Filin were developed under the direction of NP Masurow (Н.П. Мазуров) . The problem of developing small-caliber nuclear warheads could here be circumvented relatively easily by using over-caliber warheads. The increased forehead resistance and the unfavorable aerodynamic shape, however, limited the range. The 2K1 Mars and 2K4 Filin systems suffered from numerous problems and were only produced in very small numbers. From the 2K1 Mars , 25 systems came into service, while the 36 2K4 Filin produced were not delivered to the troops.
On April 18, 1955, the Council of Ministers of the USSR ordered the development of large-caliber guns. This concerned the 406.4-mm cannon CM-54 (406.4-мм пушки СМ-54), the 420-mm grenade launcher Oka (420-мм миномета Ока ) and the 420-mm recoilless gun S-103 (420-мм безоткатного орудия С-103). In the development of correspondingly small warheads with a diameter of 406 or 420 mm, however, numerous difficulties arose, as well as ballistic problems. Ultimately, the developments were unsuccessful, and none of the projects went into series production.
In 1953, the Artillery Headquarters (Главное артиллерийское управление МО, ГАУ) issued the task of developing a tactical missile with a range of 50 km. In the same year, at the Scientific Research Institute No. 1 (НИИ-1) under the leadership of NP Masurow, work on the project began at the same time as the development of the 2K1 Mars and 2K4 Filin systems . Various design offices were involved in the development of the weapon system. The work on the launch pad with the factory index S-123 (С-123) and the transport and loading vehicle with the factory index S-124 (С-124) were carried out in 1956 in the design office of the Stalingrad Tractor Plant (Сталинградский тракторный тракторный Gavзавод) under the direction of Vasilovili Grabin recorded. The chassis designated as the Object 160 (объект 160) and Object 161 (объект 161) were based on the light buoyant PT-76 tank . On May 16, 1957, the Council of Ministers of the USSR issued a directive on the completion of the vehicles and the testing of the weapon system.
In the fall of 1958, the complex was presented to the Soviet state and party leadership in Kapustin Yar, along with other military equipment . During the demonstration, Nikita Sergejewitsch Khrushchev decided that the project of the transport and loading vehicle should be discontinued. Therefore, only the launch vehicle, which had meanwhile received the GAU index 2P16, took part in the climate test in the Transbaikal region . Elements of the 2K1 Mars tactical missile complex were also involved in the testing . The 2K6 Luna complex proved to be superior, but numerous defects were still visible.
In the meantime, the planned armament in the NII-1 has been revised. Instead of the 3R5 (3Р5) missile, the development of two missiles was proposed: the 3R9 (3Р9) missile with a fragmentation warhead and the 3R10 (3Р10) missile with the 3N14 (3Н14) over-caliber nuclear warhead. The basis of the development was again formed by the 3R1 (3Р1) missile of the 2K1 Mars weapon system . The engine was the same in both variants. It was developed by the Scientific Research Institute 125 (НИИ-125) together with the NII-1.
On April 8, 1959, the Council of Ministers of the USSR passed a resolution that specified the requirements of the 1953 directive. The NII-1 was given the task of fully developing the 3R9 and 3R10 missiles and testing them in the live shot. The start ramp 2P16 should be fundamentally revised. The Artillery Headquarters and the NII-1 should decide on the completion of the weapon system with a truck-mounted crane and transport vehicles. For testing purposes , the NII-1 and the Barrikady plant (завод Баррикады ) were supposed to produce pre-production samples . These specifications were summarized in the tactical-technical requirements No. 007428 (тактико-технические требования № 007428). Furthermore, the decision instructed the development of a launch pad on a wheeled chassis, the specifications for this were laid down in the tactical-technical requirements No. 007762 (тактико-технические требования № 007762).
In 1959, work continued on the development of the launch pad and missiles. In order to achieve the required range and accuracy, the rocket received an additional rotary engine. The rear combustion chamber received additional outlet nozzles that were inclined to the longitudinal axis of the rocket. These measures compensated for the eccentric distribution of thrust around the rocket's steering axis. For nuclear warhead were radio measurement igniter I-37 delta (И-37 Треугольник ) and I-38 vibrator (И-38 Вибратор ) developed. In March and April 1959, the rockets were tested in full fire together with the revised 2P16 launch pad in Kapustin Jar. Further starts were necessary to test the detonators, which dragged on until June 1959.
As a result of the required revision of the launch pad, the design of the launch rail was changed. This increased the weight of the vehicle to 18 t, which made it necessary to redesign the drive. This work dragged on over the year 1959. Since the originally intended transport and loading vehicle had been canceled by Khrushchev, a new solution had to be found for loading and unloading the launch pad. For this purpose, the car slewing crane K-61 with a load capacity of 6 t, mounted on the chassis of the MAZ-200 P truck, was to be used. The vehicle was not all-terrain, which affected the mobility of the complex. A vehicle was also required to transport the rockets and engines. The NII-1 opted for the 2U663 transport vehicle, a semi-trailer with a powered axle. The towing vehicle was a ZIL-157 K truck . Two prototypes of the transport vehicle were completed by November 12, 1959 and then tested. The results were satisfactory, with particular emphasis on simplicity of construction and reliability.
The testing of all elements of the weapon system was to begin in mid-January 1960. But even before testing began, the Council of Ministers of the USSR on December 29, 1959 ordered series production in the Stalingrad tractor plant and in the Barrikady plant . Series production began in 1961 at the Barrikady plant . This year 100 launch vehicles were completed there. In the following year, 81 starter vehicles were produced, 130 vehicles in 1963 and another 36 starter vehicles in 1964. This year series production ended.
construction
Structure of the weapon system
The weapon system consists of:
- the 3R9 (3Р9), 3R10 (3Р10) and 3R11 (3Р11) missiles
- the launch pad 2P16 (2П16), factory index S-125A Pion (С-125А Пион )
- the transport-loading vehicle 2U663 (2У663) or 2U663U (2У663У)
- a car slewing crane K-51 or K-61
The weapon system also includes:
- the mobile technical base PRTB-1 Step (ПТРБ Степь )
- various pieces of equipment and exercise equipment
3R9 rocket
The 3R9 rocket is a single-stage, unguided, spin-stabilized solid rocket . The missile consists of the engine and the warhead. The warhead is in the front part of the rocket, with the engine behind it. There are four stabilization surfaces at the rear of the rocket.
The 3Sch6 (3Ж6) rocket motor has two combustion chambers . Both combustion chambers are ignited at the same time and work on the first 2000 m of the flight path. The nozzles of the front combustion chamber are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the rocket in order to keep the exhaust gas jet away from the fuselage of the rocket. In contrast to the 3R1 and 3R2 rockets, the rocket has an additional rotary engine. The rotary engine lies between the front and rear combustion chambers. The exhaust gases of the rotary engine emerge from several nozzles which are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and tangential to the circumference of the rocket. This causes the rocket to rotate around its longitudinal axis, which stabilizes the flight. The weight of the fuel is 840 kg. The missile has a minimum range of 12,000 and a maximum of 44,500 m. The hit accuracy is 1000–1200 m.
The missile is unguided. Their range can only be changed by inclining the launch rail of the launch ramp. The course angle is roughly determined before the start with the direction of the start ramp and specified by swiveling the start rail.
The 3N15 (3Н15) warhead is a conventional fragmentation warhead that weighs 358 kg. It consists of the explosive charge as well as an inner and outer shell, which breaks up into splinters in the event of an explosion. The warhead is ignited by an impact fuse . The warhead has a head fuse 3A19 and a bottom fuse 3A20.
3R10 missile
The 3R10 rocket is a single-stage, unguided, spin-stabilized solid rocket . The missile consists of the engine and the warhead. The engine and stabilization surfaces are identical to the 3R9 rocket. Since the over-caliber warhead has higher forehead resistance, the range of this missile is less.
The warhead 3N14 (3Н14) is a nuclear warhead with an explosive force of 3, 10 or 20 kT TNT equivalent. It has two ignition systems that work independently of each other. The head detonator of the rocket triggers when the rocket makes frontal or side contact with obstacles. The radio measuring fuse 3A17 (I-37) or 3A18 (I-38) is used for treble detonants. The transmitter of the radio measuring fuse, consisting of a magnetron , is switched on by a delay switch about ten seconds before the detonation point is reached. Upon receiving an appropriate number of reflected pulses, the detonator triggers the detonation of the warhead. The detonation height can be adjusted via an altitude switch as well as the delay time of the delay switch before the rocket is launched.
3R11 missile
The 3R11 rocket is used for training purposes. Instead of the 3N14 warhead, a 3N16 (3Н16) imitator is installed. This makes it possible to practice the launch and flight of the 3R10 rocket realistically. The engine and control surfaces are identical to the 3R9 and 3R10 rockets.
Missile technical data
| 3R9 | 3R10 | 3R11 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 9100 mm | 10600-10693 | |
| diameter | 415 mm | 415 mm | |
| span | 1000 mm | 1000 mm | |
| Weight | 2155/2175 kg | 2155/2175 kg | |
| Warhead | 3N15 | 3N14 | 3N16 |
| Type warhead | Splinterblast | nuclear | imitation |
| Diameter GK | 415 mm | 540 mm | |
| Weight GK | 358 kg | 503 kg | |
| Explosive power GK | 3, 10 or 20 kT | ||
| Range | 12-44.5 km | 10-32.2 km | |
| CEP | 1200-2000 m | 1200-2000 m |
Start ramp 2P16
The launch pad S-123A Pion (С-123А Пион ) received the GRAY index 2P16 (2П16). The basis for the development of the 2P16 was the launch pad 2P2 (2П2) of the tactical missile complex 2K1 Mars , which was based on the chassis of the floating tank PT-76 .
The basic construction of the drive was retained. The drive has five castors on each side. The drive wheel is at the rear, the idler wheel, which is also used to tension the chain, is at the front. However, the practical experience of testing made it necessary to revise the drive. The 3R9 or 3R10 rocket was heavier than the 3R1 rocket of the 2K1 Mars system . In the terrain, the tub of the 2P16 tended to touch down due to the insufficient ground clearance, which led to the tub being deformed. As a result, the axes of the engine, power transmission and drive wheels were no longer aligned, and the swing arms of the chassis were also deformed. During the revision, the second and fifth axles received additional rubber buffers, the spring travel was increased and the swing arms were reinforced. The suspension of the rollers was strengthened and the chain tensioner changed. The drive now also has two support rollers on each side, so that the chain can be safely guided even when the spring deflection is increased.
The six-cylinder diesel engine W-6 ( Russian В-6 ) has an output of 235 hp. It is installed lengthways in the stern. The gearbox is driven via the main clutch and a short cardan shaft. The drive wheels at the rear are driven via the steering clutches flanged on the side with brakes, the transfer case and the side gears. The vehicle is steered using steering levers that disengage or engage the steering clutches. The steering clutch is a multi-disc dry clutch without clutch linings, the main clutch is a two-disc dry clutch with linings. The brakes are designed as composite band brakes.
The shape of the tub remained unchanged compared to the 2P2 or the PT-76, but the flaps for the water jet drive that is not required are missing, since the 2P16 cannot float. The seats for the crew are in the bow of the vehicle, access is via two hatches on the tub. The driver sits in the middle of the imaginary longitudinal axis of the vehicle. With the hatch closed, he can observe the terrain in front of him using corner mirrors . The horizontally and vertically pivotable starting rail is placed on the rear part of the tub. The leveling machine is on the right, the side straightening machine to the left of the start rail. The starting rail is raised or lowered hydraulically. It supports the rocket's engine, but not the warhead. The rocket is held on the launch rail by two long, semicircular clips. The AB-1-P / 30 electrical unit sits on the left of the tub, the cable drum for connecting the starter desk is on the right.
When the rocket is launched, the launch pad is supported by the crawler tracks and two support plates at the rear. The backing pads are raised and lowered mechanically. The suspension of the launch ramp is blocked during take-off. The rocket can be launched from the combat area or from a remote position using the portable launch console.
In order to reach or maintain the temperature necessary for the optimal efficiency of the nuclear warhead, the warhead can be electrically heated with an electric blanket. The necessary energy is provided by the AB-1-P / 30 unit and the G-74 direct current generator. With a nominal voltage of 30 volts, the nominal power is 1 kW. The heating of the warhead is controlled or controlled by means of the heating console.
The TWN-2B night vision device is available to the driver to guide the vehicle at night. The R-113 armored radio and the R-120 on-board intercom are available as communication equipment. The radio works in the range from 20 to 22.375 MHz with a transmission power of 16 watts. This enables a range of 20 km to be achieved.
The 2P16 launch pad corresponded to the state of technology in the mid-1950s. Disadvantages were the low speed in the field and on the road and the high wear and tear on the crawler tracks, which restricted mobility and ease of laying. The lack of an on-board crane for loading and unloading the launch pad also proved to be a disadvantage.
| 2P16 | |
|---|---|
| Length with rocket 3R10 | 10,860 mm |
| Length without rocket | 7,950 mm |
| width | 3,130 mm |
| height | 2,920 mm |
| Weight without rocket | 15,080 kg |
| Weight with rocket | 17,252 kg (3R9) / 17,367 kg (3R10) |
| Elevation range | + 60 ° |
| Side straightening area | ± 5 ° |
| Range | 165-200 km |
| speed | 16-18 km / h loaded, off-road / 40.0 km / h loaded, road |
| crew | 5 |
Transport vehicle 2U663
The 2U663 transport vehicle is a semitrailer, consisting of the ZIL-157 W semitrailer tractor and a single-axle semitrailer with a driven axle. Up to two rockets or engines can be transported on the trailer. The vehicle has no handling facilities. The nuclear warheads of the missiles being transported can be heated.
| 2U663 | |
|---|---|
| length | 14,882 mm |
| width | 2,340 mm |
| height | 2,950 mm |
| Load capacity | 4.6 t |
Car slewing crane K-51
The K-51 slewing crane is used to load and unload the launch pad. It is built on the chassis of the MAZ-200 P truck . The crane has a load capacity of 5 t. Instead of the K-51, the K-61 could also be used, also on a MAZ-200P chassis, but with a load capacity of 6 t. A use of the 9T31 cranes. with a load capacity of 7 t or 8T210. with a load capacity of 6.3 t on the chassis of the Ural-375D or the DEK-51 or SPK-5 cranes was also possible.
The use of a truck crane was necessary because neither the launch pad 2P16 nor the transport vehicle 2U663 have their own lifting equipment. Changing the loading of the launch ramp or reloading cannot therefore take place without the truck crane. The K-51 and K-61 cranes mounted on the chassis of the MAZ-200 were, however, only partially suitable for all terrain and restricted the tactical mobility of the weapon system.
Mobile technical base PRTB-1 Step
The mobile technical base PRTB-1 Step (2U659) is used to transport nuclear warheads and the carrier equipment as well as to assemble the warheads. The system, which was introduced in 1959, was developed for the 2K1 Mars , 2K4 Filin , 2K6 Luna , 2K10 Ladoga and 3M1 Onega missile complexes . Together with the 2K6 Luna system:
- the vehicle for assembling the 2U661 warheads
- the transport vehicle 2U662 for transporting the warheads
- the 2U663 transport vehicle for transporting the engines or the mounted rockets
- various auxiliary vehicles
Vehicles 2U661 and 2U662 were built on the chassis of the ZIL-157 truck .
Projects, prototypes and pre-series samples
3R5 rocket
The 3R5 rocket is a single-stage, unguided, spin-stabilized solid rocket . The missile consists of the engine and the warhead. The rocket motor has two combustion chambers . Both combustion chambers are ignited at the same time. The nozzles of the front combustion chamber are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the rocket in order to keep the exhaust gas jet away from the fuselage of the rocket. The missile was originally intended for use with the weapon system, but was replaced by the 3R9 and 3R10 missiles in the course of development.
Launch pad Br226
The 2P16 launch pad, which is part of the system, had several fundamental shortcomings as a caterpillar vehicle. Due to the high wear of parts of the drive and the power transmission, the mileage between scheduled repairs was low compared to wheeled vehicles. Because of this, and because the marching speed on the roads was too slow, the vehicles had to be transported over longer distances by rail or transport aircraft. The operating costs were high. The vehicle was exposed to strong vibrations on unpaved roads and off-road. These had a negative effect on the reliability of the nuclear warheads. On June 8, 1959, the Council of Ministers decided to develop a launch pad with a wheeled chassis.
On March 10, 1959, the special design office of the Barrikady plant began working on the project. A total of three variants were developed: The launch pad Br226-I (Бр-226-I) on the JaAZ-214 chassis and the variants Br226-II (Бр-226-II) and Br226-III (Бр-226-III) on the Chassis of the ZIL-135 truck .
The size of the chassis used in the Br226 variant only allowed a greatly shortened missile on the JaAZ-214 chassis; the two combustion chambers were significantly shorter than in the 3R9 or 3R10 missile. So far, only one photo of such a vehicle has become known. The system was named Frog-6 by the ASCC and identified as a training device. It is very likely, however, that this is launch pad Br226-I. The development was stopped after a short time, as the exhaust gases from the launching rocket would have had an unfavorable effect on the launch vehicle, according to calculations. A launch of the rocket would not have been possible from this launch vehicle.
For the launch pad Br226-II, the use of the chassis of the floating truck ZIL-135 (ЗИЛ-135) was planned. The vehicle was powered by two ZIL-120BK engines with an output of 120 hp each. The vehicle had a hydrodynamic transmission . The structure was self-supporting and watertight. The second and third axes were close together, while there was a larger gap between the first and second and third and fourth axes. The first and fourth axles were also designed as steering axles.
The S-123A starter device, which was already used on the 2P16, was mounted on the chassis. The project planning was completed within two months. The testing took place on the Prudboi (Прудбой) training site. The results showed that the launch vehicle was more agile than the launch ramp on the tracked chassis. However, the swimming ability test was canceled. The vehicle was then taken to Kapustin Yar. There, in July 1959, three rockets were launched from the launch pad. The results were satisfactory; the stability of the Br-226-II did not differ significantly from that of the 2P16. The requirement for buoyancy was deleted from the specification sheet as not feasible because the installation of the starter device had increased the weight of the vehicle too much. As a result of the tests, however, it was also found that changing or replacing the S-123A launch device could further improve the combat characteristics. Therefore, the directional drives of the launch vehicle were revised.
On December 29, 1959, the Br226-III version project was defended. This variant also received the GRAU index 2P21 (2П21). On March 1, 1960, the Zavod imeni Lichatschowa provided the drawings for the chassis ZIL-135E (ЗИЛ-135Е). The chassis had been completely redesigned. The cross-country mobility, especially the ability to cross trenches, was higher than with the ZIL-135B, the turning circle less. Instead of the self-supporting, floating structure of the ZIL-135B, the ZIL-135E had a conventional frame. On August 6, 1960, assembly of the S-123A launch device began on the chassis. In September 1960, two launch vehicles moved from Stalingrad to Moscow for testing on their own. After a demonstration in front of the military tour in Bronnizy , the vehicles moved to the Rschewka firing range near Leningrad . There, one of the launch vehicles was dismantled for inspection, while the second carried out 23 launches. The vehicle had covered a total of approximately 11,000 km.
Although the testing of the 2P21 was overall successful, the development was discontinued by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of June 15, 1963, as the 9K52 Luna-M tactical missile complex had meanwhile been developed and the technology of the 2K6 Luna weapon system was judged to be out of date.
| Br226 I. | Br226 II | Br226 III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base vehicle | JaAZ-214 | ZIL-135 | ZIL-135E |
| length | 8,575 | 10,170 mm | |
| width | 2,705 | 2,800 mm | |
| height | 2,460 | 3,220 mm | |
| total weight | 15,000 kg | 13,100 kg | |
| drive | 2 carburetor engines ZIL-120WK | 2 carburetor engines ZIL-375 | |
| power | 2 * 120 hp | 2 * 180 hp | |
| Range | |||
| speed | 40 km / h | 65 km / h | |
| Elevation range | + 3 ° to + 58 ° | ||
| Side straightening area | ± 9 ° |
Launch pad Br230
The launch pad Br230 (Бр-230), GRAU index 2P13 (2П13) was developed in the NII-21 of the Barrikady plant . The vehicle is based on a proposal from the engineers at the Bronnizy test site. They suggested a semi-trailer with a powered axle as a launch pad, and an Ural-375D truck should be used as the towing vehicle . The Artillery Headquarters approved the development of the project. Development of the vehicle in the NII began on February 29, 1960. On August 6, 1960, assembly of the S-123A launch device began on the chassis. In September 1960 a launch vehicle moved from Stalingrad to Kapustin Yar for testing purposes. Several launches were carried out there, but the launch pad was destroyed during one launch attempt. The project was then discontinued.
Launch pad Br231
The Br231 (Бр-231) launch pad was a project developed at the Barrikady plant . A ZIL-135 E truck was intended as the carrier vehicle . The project was not implemented.
Launch pad Br247
The Br247 launch pad (Бр-247) was developed by the design office of the Branjsk Automobile Plant together with the OKB of the Barrikady plant . A PTS-65 amphibious vehicle should be used as the chassis . The project was registered on September 5, 1960, but was not implemented.
variants
Frog-4
The Air Standardization Coordinating Committee (ASCC) referred to a geophysical research rocket as Frog-4 , which was developed on the basis of the 3R9. The rocket was first sighted and identified by Western observers in 1960.
Frog-6
A launch vehicle based on the JaAZ-214 or KrAZ-214 truck was designated by the ASCC as the Frog-6 . Only one photo of the vehicle has survived. The vehicle has been identified as a training system, but it is likely to be the first version of the Br226 launch pad.
Tactical-technical data
The weapon system corresponds to the technological level of the mid-1950s. Conceptually, it is no different from the other tactical missiles developed in the USSR and the USA during this period, in all cases they are unguided solid-fuel missiles. In terms of performance data, the 3R10 rocket is comparable to the American MGR-1A Honest John . The tactical mobility of the complex was insufficient. Compared to the 2K1 Mars system , the marching speed in the loaded state was lower in the terrain. In terms of design, the launch vehicle could have achieved a higher speed, but the associated high acceleration forces and vibrations had a negative effect on the electronic components of the warhead. The lack of a transport and loading vehicle and on-board handling equipment also had a negative effect. This increased the time required for reloading. The crane used in the weapon system was not all-terrain. The weapons system could only be deployed at great distances by rail or air.
| 2K1 Mars | 2K4 filin | 2K6 Luna | MGR-1A Honest John | MGR-3 Little John | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USSR | USSR | USSR | United States | United States | |
| drive | Solid rocket | Solid rocket | Solid rocket | Solid rocket | Solid rocket |
| Steering method | unguided | unguided | unguided | unguided | unguided |
| Commissioning | 1958 | 1958 | 1961 | 1954 | 1961 |
| Range | 17.5 km | 25.7 km | 32.2 km | 24.8 km | 18.2 km |
| Warhead | 10 kt | 10 kt | 50 kt | 5-40 kt | 1–10 kt |
| CEP | 770 m | 1000 m | 900 m | - | - |
commitment
Operational principles
The 2K6 Luna weapon system was used in missile departments. One department had two starter batteries, each with two 2P15 starter vehicles, a 2U663 transport vehicle and a K-51 or K-61 truck crane. The departments were subordinate to the motorized riflemen and tank divisions, independent missile departments also to the army corps or the army. For technical security, mobile missile technical bases were set up, which were equipped with the mobile technical base PRTB-1 Step .
Basic interaction of the elements of the weapon system
The 2K6 Luna was basically used as a closed part of the starter battery. The fire of several starter batteries or departments could be combined to form focal points.
As a rule, the rocket was launched from a prepared firing position. The launch vehicle was aimed relatively precisely at the target to be fought due to the small horizontal directional range of the launch rail. The reference values were calculated from the position of the starting position and the target to be fought. Other values, such as the ambient temperature or wind direction and speed, were included in the calculation. The meteorological radio measuring station RWZ-1A Proba was used to determine the meteorological data . With the help of the station, a pilot balloon fitted with a corner reflector was targeted. An analog computer was used to calculate the balloon drift and thus the wind direction and speed in various layers of altitude from the side or elevation angle and the incline distance. Alternatively, this information could also be determined with the WR-2 wind rifle .
After the launch, a new rocket was brought in with the transport vehicle 2U663 and loaded onto the launch vehicle with the aid of the crane belonging to the complex. If necessary, the starting position was changed in order to evade enemy weapons. A time of five to nine minutes was required to prepare the march and four to eight minutes to prepare the battlefield.
States of operations
Use in the Soviet Army
From 1961 missile units with the 2K6 Luna weapon system were set up in the Soviet Army . On November 7, 1962, the weapon system was shown to the public for the first time on the occasion of the parade on Red Square in Moscow. In 1982 the complex was removed from the armament of the Soviet Army. Up to this point in time, all 2K6 Luna systems had been replaced by the 9K52 Luna-M weapon system . According to Soviet information, a total of 450 2P16 launch vehicles had been produced, the majority of which were used in units of the Soviet Army.
Use in the NVA
The introduction of the weapon system into the National People's Army began in 1962. First, in December 1962, the independent Artillery Department 9 (sAA-9) was set up in Spechtberg , then in the same month the independent Artillery Department 8 (sAA-8) in Brück . The divisions were subordinate to the 9th Panzer Division and 8th Motorized Rifle Division. In February 1963, the sAA-1 of the 1st motorized rifle division followed . Structure and equipment were based on the Soviet model. Two starter batteries with two starter vehicles each were planned for each department . The departments were equipped with 76 mm cannons until the missile systems were fed in. Even after the addition of the weapon systems, this armament was initially retained in order to disguise the presence of tactical missiles. The first launch of a tactical missile of the NVA took place on October 2, 1962 at the Letzlinger Heide military training area . The weapon system was first presented to the public during the military parade on October 7, 1964.
At the beginning of 1964 all departments of the armored and motorized rifle divisions of the NVA were ready for action, but the launch vehicles could not be made available in sufficient numbers. While there were initially only two launch ramps per department, the third launch pad was added in 1967 and the fourth launch pad planned in 1968. This became possible because from 1967 the NVA received the successor system 9K52 Luna-M . With the launch ramps that became free, the missile departments of the divisions in permanent combat readiness could initially be filled. Later the mobilization divisions also received the weapon system. A starter battery was in constant readiness for action in the relevant departments, while the equipment of the second department was in long-term storage. The use of the 2K6 Luna ended in 1977, by which time all departments had been equipped with the 9K52 Luna-M .
The NVA only procured the 3R9 and 3R11 missiles and the 3Z6 engines. Nuclear warheads were not under the control of the NVA. These would have been supplied by units of the GSSD in the event of war. The units of the NVA regularly practiced taking over these warheads and assembling them.
Cuba
A total of 65 weapon systems are said to have been delivered to Cuba. Obviously, some of the launch vehicles have a greatly simplified launch rail that cannot be swiveled horizontally. At least some of these launch vehicles were taken over by Soviet troops after Operation Anadyr ended .
Poland
Poland received an unspecified number of missile complexes.
Romania
Like Poland, Romania received an unknown number of missile complexes. Various images show that the Romanian armed forces also had 3R11 missiles at their disposal and were therefore able to use missiles with nuclear warheads.
North Korea
Between 1965 and 1967, the Soviet Union delivered 9 2P16 launch vehicles and between 27 and 63 3R9 and 3R10 missiles to North Korea, according to American data. In 1968, 12 Frog-6 training complexes are said to have been delivered. Since there is no other information about the Frog-6 , it should have been a transport vehicle. In 2010, the North Korean armed forces are said to have had a total of 24 systems, but no distinction is made between the 2K6 Luna and the 9K52 Luna-M .
Use in wars and armed conflicts
Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
During Operation Anadyr in October 1962, the Soviet Union also dispatched four special purpose motorized rifle regiments (74th, 134th, 106th and 146th motorized rifle regiments). Each regiment consisted of three motorized rifle battalions, a tank battalion, an anti-tank guided missile battery, a battery of ASU-85 self-propelled guns , a battery of 57-mm cannons, an anti -aircraft machine gun company and a missile division. In the inventory of each missile division there were three missile complexes 2K6 Luna . Two 3R10 missiles with nuclear warheads were available for each regiment. A total of twelve launch vehicles and eight missiles with nuclear warheads were stationed on Cuba. There were also a few 3R9 missiles with conventional fragmentation warheads. The total number of missiles amounted to a total of 60 pieces. The nuclear warhead missiles were withdrawn from Cuba in November 1962.
Operation Danube
In October 1966 the 640th independent missile division (640-й ОРДН) was set up in Jüterbog in the group of the Soviet armed forces in Germany . The unit was subordinated to the 32nd Panzer Division of the 20th Army. The inventory of the missile department included three launch vehicles 2P16, two transport vehicles, six missiles 3R9 and one missile 3R11. The 20th Army was still subordinated to the 868th Independent Missile Division (868-й ОРДН) with operational and tactical missiles and the 27th Missile Brigade. In August 1968, the 640th independent missile division was involved in the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet troops as part of Operation Danube . The department was now also equipped with 3R10 missiles with nuclear warheads. During the operation, the launch vehicles are said to have been partially in standby level 1 (rocket on 2P16 prepared for launch and aimed at the target, voltage is applied to the desks). The 640th independent missile division was relocated to Jüterbog after the operation was over and surrendered its missile complex in December 1968.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d e f А.Ф. Рябец: Первые отечественные подвижные средства хранения и стыковки СБЧ (Russian)
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad Александр Борисович Широкорад: Атомный таран XX века (Russian)
- ↑ in this article the place names customary at the time are used
- ↑ Постановление Совмина № 558–583
- ↑ a b Постановление Совмина № 378–180
- ↑ designation in the NVA 3Z6
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, Technical Catalog, Tactical Missile (TR) 3R9
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, warhead 3N15
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, Technical Catalog, Tactical Missile (TR) 3R10
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, warhead 3N14
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, car slewing crane K-51
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, car slewing crane K-61
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, mobile crane 9T31M1
- ↑ see Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, mobile crane 8T210
- ↑ Schirokorad describes the chassis as floatable. This seems unlikely, however, since otherwise no information is available about a floatable variant of the JaAZ-214
- ↑ see photo
- ↑ a b see Steven J. Zaloga: The SCUD and other Russian Ballistic Missile Vehicles , Concord Publication
- ↑ Schirokorad specifies the floating truck ZIL-134 as the chassis . However, this statement cannot be correct for several reasons. Only two prototypes of the ZIL-134 were made, one of which was provisionally sealed and used for swimming tests. Photos of the ZIL-134 with a launch rail have not survived. However, the photos handed down from the Br226-II launch pad show a vehicle that can be clearly identified as a prototype of the ZIL-135. The information provided by Schirokorad regarding the motorization with two 120WK engines also suggests a ZIL-135 and excludes a ZIL-134 that had a twelve-cylinder gasoline engine. For ZIL-134 see Е.И. Прочко, Р.Г. Данилов: АВТОМОБИЛИ Автомобили для бездорожья. Средний артиллерийский тягач ЗИЛ-134 ( Memento of the original from January 21, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (Russian); for the development of the ZIL-135 see Е.И. Прочко, Р.Г. Данилов: Автомобили для бездорожья. Плавающий транспортер ЗИЛ-135Б ( Memento of the original from January 21, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (Russian)
- ↑ a b see Е.И. Прочко, Р.Г. Данилов: Автомобили для бездорожья. Плавающий транспортер ЗИЛ-135Б ( Memento of the original from January 21, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (Russian)
- ↑ Постановление Совмина № 694–233
- ↑ all information for the base vehicle
- ↑ a b with rocket 3R10
- ↑ on the calculating machine see rocket and weapon technology service in Kdo. MB III, technical catalog, calculating machine Feliks
- ↑ Missile and Weapons Service in Kdo.MB III, technical catalog, meteorological radio measuring station RWZ-1A (Proba)
- ↑ Missile and Weapons Technical Service in Kdo. MB III, Technical Catalog, Wingewehr WR-2
- ↑ see for the NVA rocket and weapon technology service in Kdo. MB III, technology catalog, launch pad 2P16 , in other armed forces these times may differ
- ↑ a b c Wilfried Copenhagen: The land forces of the NVA
- ↑ Missile and Weapons Service in Kdo.MB III, Tactical Missile System 2K6 LUNA (R30)
- ↑ The Military Balance 1979–1980
- ↑ see photo
- ^ The Military Balance 2010
Web links
literature
- Александр Борисович Широкорад : Атомный таран XX века , Издательский дом Вече, Москва, 2005. ISBN 5-9533-0664-4 (Russian)
- Александр Борисович Широкорад: Отечественные минометы и реактивная артиллерия , Минск, Харвест, 2000 (Russian)
- А.Ф. Рябец: Первые отечественные подвижные средства хранения и стыковки СБЧ , техника и вооружение, №11 / 2009 (Russian, №11 / 2009)
- Е.И. Прочко, Р.Г. Данилов: Автомобили для бездорожья. Средний артиллерийский тягач ЗИЛ-134 , Техника и Вооружение 09/2009 (Russian)
- Е.И. Прочко, Р.Г. Данилов: Автомобили для бездорожья. Плавающий транспортер ЗИЛ-135Б , Техника и Вооружение 10/2009 (Russian)
- Steven J. Zaloga : The Scud and other Russian Ballistic Missile Vehicles , Concord Publications Company. ISBN 962-361-675-9 (English)
- Wilfried Copenhagen : The land forces of the NVA. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02297-4 .