9M120 Ataka-V
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The AT-9 Spiral-2 is the NATO reporting name for the 9M120 Ataka-V SACLOS radio guided anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union. It is designed to be compatible with the launch system of the AT-6 Spiral missile.
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[edit] Development
The missile entered service some time in the 1990s - it was first mentioned in Russian documents around 1992. It appears to be an evolutionary development of the AT-6 Spiral system - heavier and faster. Range and accuracy have reportedly been increased as well. The missile system also has an anti-helicopter capability, provided from the proximity fused expanding rod warhead 9A2200 version.
The missile has often been confused in the west with the 9A1472 dual-purpose laser beam riding missile used on the Kamov helicopters and Sukhoi attack aircraft (as well as some Ukrainian Mi-24/35 upgrades). These systems are completely unrelated in their history and design and are in fierce competition.
[edit] Description
The missile is stored in a glass reinforced plastic tube, which also acts as its launcher. The missile is reported to be considerably faster than the AT-6 Spiral, with slightly longer ranger than the original version. It still appears to use the same command guidance system as the earlier missile.
[edit] General characteristics (AT-9 Spiral-2) 9M120
- Length: 1830 mm (with standoff probe)
- Wingspan: 360 mm
- Diameter: 130 mm
- Launch weight (including container): 49.2 kg - 48.5 kg (estimates vary)
- Speed: 550 m/s
- Range: 1000 m - 6 km
- Guidance: Radio command link SACLOS
- Warhead: unknown (probably 5-8 kg) tandem HEAT 800 mm vs RHA after ERA
[edit] Variants
- AT-9 Spiral-2 SACLOS radio command link guided missile.
- 9M120 with tandem HEAT warhead.
- 9M120F with thermobaric warhead for use against buildings, bunkers and caves.
- 9A2200 with expanding rod warhead, for use against helicopters.
[edit] Operators
[edit] References
- Hull, A.W. , Markov, D.R. , Zaloga, S.J. (1999). Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices 1945 to Present. Darlington Productions. ISBN 1-892848-01-5.
