2K11 Krug

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A 2K11 TEL in transit

The 2K11 Krug (Russian: 2К11 «Круг»; English: circle) is a Soviet and now Russian long range, medium-to-high altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. "2K11" is its GRAU designation, while SA-4 "Ganef" is its NATO reporting name. The missiles are launched with the aid of four solid fuel rocket motors inside boosters attached to the outside of the massive missile. Once they have burned and the missile is aloft, it fires a liquid-fuelled ramjet sustainer engine. It reaches speeds of up to Mach 4 and has an effective range of 50-55 km (31-34 miles) depending upon the version. It carries a 135 kg (300 lb) warhead. Possible engagement altitudes range from 100 m-27 km (330-88,500 feet).

The TEL vehicles are tracked (modified AT-Ts) and carry two missiles each on an elevating turntable for up to 360 degree rotation and 70 degree elevation. The two primary versions of the missile in service are the 9M8M1 (2K11M "Krug-M") and 9M8M2 (2K11M2/3 "Krug-M1"), both of which are believed to be known to the US DoD as SA-4B. The original 9M8M (SA-4A) was first introduced into service in 1965 and followed by the upgraded 9M8M1 (2K11A "Krug-A") in 1967 before the 9M8M1 in 1971 and the 9M8M2 in 1973. The 9M8M2 actually has a lower maximum engagement altitude and shorter range in exchange for better performance in engaging aircraft close to the battery. Each battery typically consists of two 9M8M1 missiles and four 9M8M2 missiles as well as the following radars:

The P-40 "Long Track" radar set

P-40 "Long Track" E-band early warning radar (also used by the SA-6 and SA-8, range 175 km/108 miles)
"Pat Hand" H-band continuous wave fire control and guidance radar (range 128 km/80 miles)
"Thin Skin" E-band height finding radar (also used by the SA-6 and SA-8, range 240 km/148 miles)

Both "Long Track" and "Pat Hand" are mounted on a modified AT-T vehicle, similar to the 9M8 launch vehicles. "Thin Skin" is mounted on a truck. Batteries may also feature Ural trucks carrying spare missiles for reloading the launchers.

Missile guidance is via radio command with a terminal semi-active radar homing (SARH) phase. Optical tracking is possible for the initial command guidance stage in a heavy ECM environment.

The 9M8's enormous range makes it dangerous; however, the missiles are quite large and unlikely to hit small, maneuverable aircraft like fighter jets unless they are caught unaware.

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2K11 Krug

Russian and former Soviet surface-to-air missiles

List of Russian and former Soviet missiles
Missiles

Soviet and post-Soviet armoured fighting vehicles after World War II

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IS-3 · IS-4 · T-10 · T-54 · T-55 · PT-76 · T-62 · T-64 · T-72 · T-80
Russian: T-90 · Black Eagle · T-95	Ukrainian: T-72MP · T-80UD · T-84

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Air defense vehicles

Gun
ZSU-57-2 · ZSU-23-4 · Tunguska-M1
Missile
2K11 Krug (SA-4 Ganef) · 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) · 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9 Gaskin) · 9K37 Buk (SA-11 Gadfly) · 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) · 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful) · 9K330 Tor (SA-15 Gauntlet) · S-300 (SA-10 Grumble)
Russian: Pantsyr-S1 · 9K38 Buk-M1-2 (SA-17 Grizzly)