S-300VM

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The S-300VM "Antey-2500" (NATO reporting name SA-12 "Gladiator"/"Giant") is a new Russian anti-ballistic missile system.

Designed to defeat short- and medium-range ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 2,500 km, aeroballistic and cruise missiles, strategic and tactical aircraft, as well as loitering ECM platforms and highprecision weapon systems in multiple air threat conditions, a complex air situation and severe ECM environment.

The Antey-2500 air defense missile system features:

high degree of battle performance automation owing to high-speed digital computers;
phased-array radars;
advanced radar data processing methods;
high ECM immunity;
high ability of autonomous operation;
high mobility;
high fire power potential, irrespective of air attack tactics or sequence;
vertical launch from a special transport launch canister;
maintenance-free operation of missiles for at least ten years;
capability to defeat ballistic missile individual warheads flying at speeds of up to 4,500 m/s;
inertial guidance with radio command update and semiactive homing at the terminal phase;
focused detonation of the missile warhead.

The Antey-2500 system comprises:

command post;
circular scan radar;
sector scan radar;
multichannel missile guidance station (MMGS) (4);
9A83M launcher (24);
9A84M loader-launcher (24);
9M82M air defense missiles;
9M83M air defense missiles;
maintenance vehicles;
maintenance and repair vehicles;
group SPTA set;
electronic treiner for MMGS operators;
transporter vehicles;
set of missiles handling equipment .

The 9M82M missile is intended to defeat tactical, theater and mediumrange ballistic missiles, as well as aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 200 km. The missile is controlled throughout the entire flight trajectory. The 9M83M missile is intended to engage tactical and theater missiles as well as aerodinamic targets at short and medium ranges. The Antey-2500 system is mounted on tracked cross-country vehicles provided with self-contained power supply and navigation systems, surveying and positioning equipment.

[edit] Basic Characteristics

Target engagement range:
- aerodynamic targets: 200 km
- ballistic targets: up to 40 km
Target engagement altitude:
- aerodynamic targets: 0.025 - 30 km
- ballistic targets: up to 30 km
Maximum ballistic missile speed: 4.500 m/s
Minimum target RCS: 0.02 m2
Maximum launch range of ballistic missiles to be engaged: 2.500 km
Number of simultaneously engaged targets:
- aerodynamic: 24
- ballistic: 16
Rate of fire:
- several launchers: 0 s
- single launcher: 1.5 s
Time into/out of action: 5/5 min
Time to prepare missile for launch: 7.5 min