9K38 Igla

For the air-to-air rocket named Gimlet, see Gimlet (rocket). For the flying boat designated SA-16, see Grumman HU-16 Albatross.
Igla

Igla missile and launch tube.
Type Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS)
Place of origin
 Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1981–present
Used by See Operators
Production history
Manufacturer KB Mashinostroyeniya - developer of the system
Unit cost US$60,000–80,000 (as of 2003)
Produced 1981–present
Specifications
Weight 10.8 kg (24 lb)
Length 1.574 m (5.16 ft)
Diameter 72 mm
Warhead 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) with 390 g (14 oz) explosive
Detonation
mechanism
 contact and grazing fuzes
Engine solid fuel rocket motor
Operational
range
 5.2 km (3.2 mi)
Flight ceiling 3.5 km (11,000 ft)
Speed 570 m/s[1] (peak), about Mach 1.9
Guidance
system
 dual waveband infra-red (S-version)[2]

The 9K38 Igla (Russian: Игла́, "needle") is a Russian/Soviet man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM). "9K38" is the Russian GRAU designation of the system. Its US DoD designation is SA-18 and its NATO reporting name is Grouse; a simplified, earlier version is known as the 9K310 Igla-1, or SA-16 Gimlet. The latest variant is the 9K338 Igla-S NATO reporting name SA-24 Grinch. It has been fielded by the Russian Army since 2004.[3]

There is also a two-barrel 9K38 missile launcher called Djigit.[4]

History

The development of the Igla short-range man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) began in the Kolomna OKB in 1972. Contrary to what is commonly reported, the Igla is not an improved version of the earlier Strela family (Strela-2 and Strela-3), but an all new project. The main goals were to create a missile with better resistance to countermeasures and wider engagement envelope than the earlier Strela series MANPADS systems.

Technical difficulties in the development quickly made it obvious that the development would take far longer than anticipated however, and in 1978 the program split in two: while the development of the full-capability Igla would continue, a simplified version (Igla-1) with a simpler IR seeker based on that of the earlier Strela-3 would be developed to enter service earlier than the full-capability version could be finished.

Igla-1

The 9K310 Igla-1 system and its 9M313 missile were accepted into service in the Soviet army on 11 March 1981. The main differences from the Strela-3 included an optional Identification Friend or Foe system to prevent firing on friendly aircraft, an automatic lead and super elevation to simplify shooting and reduce minimum firing range, a slightly larger rocket, reduced drag and better guidance system extend maximum range and improve performance against fast and maneuverable targets, an improved lethality on target achieved by a combination of delayed impact fuzing, terminal maneuver to hit the fuselage rather than jet nozzle, an additional charge to set off the remaining rocket fuel (if any) on impact, an improved resistance to infrared countermeasures (both decoy flares and ALQ-144 series jamming emitters), and slightly improved seeker sensitivity.

The seeker has two detectors - a cooled MWIR InSb detector for detection of the target and uncooled PbS SWIR detector for detection of IR decoys (flares). The built-in logic determines whether the detected object is a target or a decoy. The latest version (Igla-S) is reported to have additional detectors around the main seeker to provide further resistance against pulsed IRCM devices commonly used on helicopters.

The 9M313 missile features an aerospike mounted on a tripod (Igla's 9M39 missile has aerospike attached directly to the seeker dome) which reduces a shock wave, thus providing less dome heating and greater range. The name Igla is derived from these devices.

Like many other MANPADS, Igla-1 and Igla feature so-called rolling airframe missiles. These missiles roll in flight (900 - 1200 rpm) so the steering of the missile requires only a single pair of control surfaces, unlike roll-stabilized missiles which require separate control surfaces for pitch and yaw. Both 9M313 and 9M39 missiles contain a gas generator which drives a small gas turbine to provide electrical power and the pistons which move the canards used to steer the missile in a bang-bang mode. In addition to that, two exhaust tubes of the gas generator are placed perpendicular to the steering canards to provide maneuverability immediately after launch when the missile airspeed is too low for canards to be effective. Later versions of Igla are reported to use proportional control to drive the canards which enables greater precision and less oscillation of the flightpath.

According to the manufacturer, South African tests have shown the Igla's superiority over the contemporary (1982 service entry) but smaller and lighter American FIM-92A Stinger missile. However, other tests in Croatia did not support any clear superiority, but effectively equal seeker performance and only marginally shorter time of flight and longer range for the Igla.

According to Kolomna OKB, the Igla-1 has a Pk (probability of kill) of 0.30 to 0.48 against unprotected targets which is reduced to 0.24 in the presence of decoy flares and jamming. In another report the manufacturer claimed a Pk of 0.59 against an approaching and 0.44 against receding F-4 Phantom II fighter not employing infrared countermeasures or evasive maneuvers.

Igla

The full-capability 9K38 Igla with its 9M39 missile was finally accepted into service in the Soviet Army in 1983. The main improvements over the Igla-1 included much improved resistance against flares and jamming, a more sensitive seeker, expanding forward-hemisphere engagement capability to include straight-approaching fighters (all-aspect capability) under favourable circumstances, a slightly longer range, a higher-impulse, shorter-burning rocket with higher peak velocity (but approximately same time of flight to maximum range).

The naval variant of 9K38 Igla has the NATO reporting name SA-N-10 Grouse.

The Igla – 1M missile consists of a Ground Power Supply Source (GPSS), Launching Tube, Launching Mechanism & Missile (9M 313-1).

Replacement

The Igla is being replaced in Russian service by the 9K333 Verba (Willow) MANPADS. The Verba's primary feature is its multispectral optical seeker, using three sensors as opposed to the Igla-S' two. Cross-checking sensors against one another better discriminates between relevant targets and decoys, and decreases the chance of disruption from countermeasures, including lasers that attempt to blind missiles.[5]

Operational history

Tail section of a USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft showing damage sustained from an Iraqi SA-16 missile during Operation Desert Storm, 15 February 1991.
Alternate view.

Iraq

The first combat use of the Igla-1E was during the Gulf War. On January 17, 1991, a Panavia Tornado bomber of the Royal Air Force was shot down by an Iraqi MANPADS that may have been an Igla-1E (or Strela-3) after an unsuccessful bombing mission.[6]

In addition, an Igla-1E shot down an American F-16 on 27 February 1991 and it's uncertain if the AC-130H lost was hit from a 'Strela' missile or a more recent Igla (Irak at the time had both SA-7, SA-14 and SA-16 missiles, as SIPRI database). The pilot was captured.[7][8]

Rwanda

Private intelligence company Stratfor asserts that Igla-1E missiles were used in the 1994 shoot down of a Rwandan government flight, killing the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi and sparking the Rwandan Genocide.[9]

Cenepa War

During the Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru, both the Ecuadorian Army and the Peruvian Army (which had 90 functioning firing units) utilized Igla-1E missiles against aircraft and helicopters.

A Peruvian Air Force Mi-25 attack helicopter was shot down on February 7, 1995 around Base del Sur, killing the 3 crewmen, while an Ecuadorian Air Force A-37 Dragonfly was hit but managed to land on February 11. Hits on additional Ecuadorian aircraft were claimed but could not be confirmed.[10]

Bosnia

During Operation Deliberate Force, on August 30, 1995; a French Mirage 2000D was shot down over Pale with an Igla fired by air defence units of the Army of Republika Srpska.[11] The pilots, Lt. Jose-Manuel Souvignet (pilot) and Capt. Frederic Chiffot (back-seater), were captured and freed in December 1995.[12]

Chechnya

The 2002 Khankala Mi-26 crash occurred on August 19, 2002 when a team of Chechen separatists with an Igla brought down a Russian Mil Mi-26 helicopter in a minefield and resulted in the death of 127 Russian soldiers in the greatest loss of life in the history of helicopter aviation. It was also the most deadly aviation disaster ever suffered by the Russian armed forces,[13] as well as their worst loss of life in a single day since 1999.[14]

Egypt

On January 25, 2013, the militant group Ansar Bait al-Maqdis shot down an Egyptian Mi-17 over the northern Sinai peninsula using a suspected Igla-1E or Igla. How the group came to obtain the weapon is currently unknown.[15]

Libya

On 23 March 2015, a Libya Dawn-operated MiG-23UB was shot down with an Igla-S (reportedly a truck-mounted Strelets variant) while bombing Al Watiya airbase (near Zintan), controlled by forces from the internationally recognized Council of Deputies. Both pilots were killed.[16][17]

Syria

Video has surfaced showing rebels using an Igla-1E on a Syrian government helicopter. Such weapons were believed to have been looted from a Syrian army base in Aleppo in February 2013. Alternatively these missiles could have been supplied by Turkey or Qatar via Croatia.[18] In 2014, a member of the rebel group Harakat Hazm was filmed aiming an Igla-1E into the air on the same day that the group was filmed operating BGM-71 TOW missiles.[19] Whether these weapons were raided from regime stockpiles or supplied via overseas is unknown.[20]

Ukraine

On June 14, 2014,rebel forces near Luhansk International Airport in Eastern Ukraine shot down an IL-76 of the Ukrainian Airforce probably using an Igla MANPADS, killing all 49 Ukrainian service personnel on board.[21]

Nagorno Karabakh

On 12 November 2014, Azerbaijani forces shot down an Armenian Army Mi-24 of a formation of two which were flying near the Azerbaijani border. All three onboard died when the helicopter crashed while flying at low altitude and was hit by an Igla-S MANPADS fired by Azerbaijani soldiers.[22][23][24]

Other variants

An Igla-S missile with its launch tube.

Several variants of the Igla were developed for specific applications:

Igla-1E
Export version.
Igla-1M
Improved version of 9K38 Igla. Entered service in Soviet Military during the late 1980s.
Igla-1D
A version for paratroopers and special forces.
Igla-1V
Air-launched version, mainly for combat helicopters.
Igla-1N
A version with heavier warhead at the cost of a slight reduction in range and speed.
Igla-1A
Export version?
Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) 
The newest variant, which is a substantially improved variant with longer range, more sensitive seeker, improved resistance to latest countermeasures, and a heavier warhead. Manufacturer reports hit probability of 0.8-0.9.[25] State tests were completed in December 2001 and the system entered service in 2002. Series produced by the Degtryaev plant since December 1, 2004.[2][26]
Strelets Igla-S / Igla
The Strelets is designed for remote automated firing of the Igla and Igla-S surface-to-air missile by single shot, ripple or in salvo.
3M47 system (maquette)
3M47
A turret for ships that is equipped with Igla missiles.[27]
Komar
Another turret for ships that is equipped with Igla missiles.[28]

Comparison chart to other MANPADS

9K34 Strela-3 /SA-14 9K38 Igla /SA-18 9K310 Igla-1 /SA-16 9K338 Igla-S /SA-24 FIM-92C Stinger Grom[29] Starstreak[30][31]
Service entry 1974 1983 1981 2004 1987 1995 1997
Weight,
full system,
ready to shoot		 35.3 lb (16.0 kg) 39 lb (17.9 kg) 39 lb (17.9 kg) 42 lb (19 kg) 32 lb (14.3 kg) 36 lb (16.5 kg) 44.09 lb (20.00 kg)
Weight, missile 23 lb (10.3 kg) 24 lb (10.8 kg) 24 lb (10.8 kg) 26 lb (11.7 kg) 22 lb (10.1 kg) 23 lb (10.5 kg) 30.86 lb (14.00 kg)[30]
Weight, warhead 2.6 lb (1.17 kg),
14 oz (390 g) HMX		 2.6 lb (1.17 kg),
14 oz (390 g) HMX		 2.6 lb (1.17 kg),
14 oz (390 g) HMX		 5.5 lb (2.5 kg),
20.6 oz (585 g) HMX		 6.6 lb (3 kg) HE 2.8 lb (1.27 kg) 3x2.0 lb (0.90 kg) tungsten alloy darts,
3x16 oz (450 g) PBX-98
Warhead type Directed-energy
blast fragmentation		 Directed-energy
blast fragmentation		 Directed-energy
blast fragmentation		 Directed-energy
blast fragmentation		 Annular blast fragmentation Directed-energy Directed-energy
Fuze type Impact and grazing fuze. Delayed impact,
magnetic and grazing.		 Delayed impact,
magnetic and grazing.		 Delayed impact,
magnetic and grazing.		 Delayed impact. Impact. Delayed impact, armour-piercing.
Flight speed, average / peak 1,100 mph (470 m/s) sustained 1,300 mph (600 m/s)
/ 1,800 mph (800 m/s)		 1,300 mph (570 m/s) sustained
(in + temperature)		 ? 1,600 mph (700 m/s)
/ 1,700 mph (750 m/s)		 1,300 mph (580 m/s)
/ 1,500 mph (650 m/s)		 2,700 mph (1,190 m/s)
/ 3,000 mph (1,360 m/s)[32]
Maximum range 13,500 ft (4,100 m) 17,100 ft (5,200 m) 16,000 ft (5,000 m) 20,000 ft (6,000 m) 14,800 ft (4,500 m) 18,000 ft (5,500 m) 23,000 ft (7,000 m)+
Maximum target speed, receding 580 mph (260 m/s) 810 mph (360 m/s) 810 mph (360 m/s) 890 mph (400 m/s) ? 720 mph (320 m/s) ?
Maximum target speed, approaching 690 mph (310 m/s) 720 mph (320 m/s) 720 mph (320 m/s) 720 mph (320 m/s) ? 810 mph (360 m/s) ?
Seeker head type Nitrogen-cooled,
lead sulfide (PbS)		 Nitrogen-cooled,
Indium antimonide (InSb)
and
uncooled lead sulfide (PbS)		 Nitrogen-cooled,
Indium antimonide (InSb)		 ? Argon-cooled,
Indium antimonide (InSb)		 ? SACLOS and SALH
Seeker scanning FM-modulated FM-modulated FM-modulated FM-modulated FM-modulated FM-modulated Low intensity modulated-laser-homing darts
Seeker notes Aerospike to reduce
supersonic wave drag		 Tripod-mounted nosecone
to reduce supersonic wave drag		 Low laser beam energy levels ensuring no

warning to target

Use in plot against Air Force One

On August 12, 2003, as a result of a sting operation arranged as a result of cooperation between the American, British and Russian intelligence agencies, Hemant Lakhani, a British national, was intercepted attempting to bring what he had thought was an older-generation Igla into the USA. He is said to have intended the missile to be used in an attack on Air Force One, the American presidential plane, or on a commercial US airliner, and is understood to have planned to buy 50 more of these weapons.

After the Federalnaya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti (FSB) detected the dealer in Russia, he was approached by US undercover agents posing as terrorists wanting to shoot down a commercial plane. He was then provided with an inert Igla by undercover Russian agents, and arrested in Newark, New Jersey, when making the delivery to the undercover US agent. An Indian citizen residing in Malaysia, Moinuddeen Ahmed Hameed and an American Yehuda Abraham who allegedly provided money to buy the missile were also arrested.[33] Yehuda Abraham is President and CEO of Ambuy Gem Corp.[34][35][36] Lakhani was convicted by jury in April 2005, and was sentenced to 47 years in prison.[37]

Operators

In Slovenian service showing storage crates.
A 9K38 Igla (Nato reporting name: SA-18) dual missile launch platform mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog of the Mexican Navy in a Mexican military parade.

Igla and Igla-1 SAMs have been exported from the former Soviet Union to over 30 countries, including Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria (former producer), Croatia, Cuba, East Germany, Egypt, Ecuador, Eritrea, Finland, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, the Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, North Korea, Peru, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Several guerrilla and terrorist organizations are also known to have Iglas. Alleged Operatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam a rebel organization fighting for a homeland for Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka were arrested in August 2006 by undercover agents of the FBI posing as arms dealers, while trying to purchase the Igla. In 2003 the unit cost was approximately US$60,000–80,000.

Large numbers have been sold to the government of Venezuela, raising United States concerns that they may end up in the hands of Colombian guerillas.[38]

Igla-1E (SA-16)

Map with SA-16 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators

Former operators

Evaluation-only operators

Igla (SA-18)

Map with SA-18 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators

Former operators

Igla-S (SA-24)

Map with SA-24 operators in blue

Current operators

Other uses

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_light_heavy_weapons_uk/sa-18_grouse_9k38_igla_man-portable_missile_technical_data_sheet_specifications_description_pictures.html
  2. 1 2 "9К338 Игла-С - SA-24 GRINCH". Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  3. ↑ 9K338 9M342 Igla-S / SA-24 Grinch
  4. ↑ DJIGIT (SA-18) | Russian Military Analysis
  5. ↑ New-generation man-portable air defence system Verba revealed to public at Army 2015 exhibition - Armyrecognition.com, 19 June 2015
  6. ↑ Lawrence, Richard R.. Mammoth Book Of How It Happened: Battles, Constable & Robinson Ltd, 2002.
  7. ↑ "Aircraft Database on F-16.net" Aircraft profile records for Tail 84-1390. Retrieved: 11 May 2011.
  8. ↑ " Russia's Strela and Igla portable killers". a digital copy of an article from "Journal of Electronic Defense, January, 2004 by Michal Fiszer and Jerzy Gruszczynski". Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
  9. ↑ The Continuing Threat of Libyan Missiles | Stratfor
  10. ↑ Cooper, Tom. "Peru vs. Ecuador; Alto Cenepa War, 1995". ACIG.org. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  11. ↑ Anti-Aircraft Missiles Stolen by Guerrillas in Peru
  12. ↑ "Serbs free two French pilots". USA Today.
  13. ↑ Chechen gets life for killing 127 Russian soldiers, The Guardian, April 30, 2004
  14. ↑ A calamity, yet no end of war in sight, The Economist, Aug 22nd 2002
  15. ↑ Binnie, Jeremy. "Egyptian militants downed helo with Igla-type MANPADS". IHS Jane's 360. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  16. ↑ http://www.janes.com/article/50111/libya-dawn-aircraft-crashes-during-raid-on-zintan
  17. ↑ https://twitter.com/michaelh992/status/580019446728810496
  18. ↑ Hookham, Mark (16 June 2013). "UK jihadist’s video reveals missile cache". The Times. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  19. ↑ "حركة حزم التصدي للطيران الحربي فوق بلدة حيش".
  20. ↑ "A new weapon on the Syrian battlefield".
  21. ↑ Luhn, Alec (14 June 2014). "Bloodiest day in Ukraine conflict as rebel missiles bring down military jet". Observer. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  22. ↑ "BBC News - Azerbaijan downs Armenian helicopter". BBC News. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  23. ↑ Harro Ranter. "ASN Aircraft accident 12-NOV-2014 Mil Mi-24". Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  24. ↑ "Ağdamda helikopterin vurulma anı (həqiqi görüntülər)". YouTube. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  25. ↑ http://www.roe.ru/cataloque/air_craft/aircraft_118-121.pdf
  26. ↑ "Российский переносной ЗРК "Игла-Супер" - оружие предупреждения атак с воздуха". Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  27. ↑ http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/east-european-navies-vessels-ships-equipment/russian-navy-vessels-ships-equipment/weapons-a-systems/529-gibka-ghibka-3m-47-3m47--naval-turret-mount-air-defense-missile-system-igla-939-9342-9k310-9m310-9m313-igla-1-igla-m-sa-16-sa-n-10-gimlet-close-in-weapon-system-ciws-datasheet-pictures-photos-video-specifications.html
  28. ↑ http://www.janes.com/article/52773/russia-to-equip-buyan-m-corvettes-with-komar-sam-turret
  29. ↑ http://dziennikzbrojny.pl/artykuly/art,5,22,18,wojska-ladowe,bron-rakietowa,przeciwlotniczy-zestaw-rakietowy-ppzr-grom-i-piorun
  30. 1 2 https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/STARStreak_05_12.pdf
  31. ↑ https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/Thales%20AVS%2011_10.pdf
  32. ↑ http://defencejournal.com/jan99/starstreak.htm
  33. ↑ "Three Men Charged with Smuggling Missiles". Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  34. ↑ "Ambuy Gem Corp". Manta. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  35. ↑ "Perfil personal de ZoomInfo de Yehuda Abraham". ZoomInfo. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "FBI`s press release". FBI. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  37. ↑ "Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Highlights Success in the War on Terror at the Council on Foreign Relations". US Department of Justice. 1 December 2005. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  38. ↑ Forero, Juan (2010-12-15). "Venezuela acquired 1,800 Russian antiaircraft missiles in '09". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-12-15. leak
  39. ↑ "Thống kê hợp đồng mua sắm đạn dược của Việt Nam". Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  40. ↑ Stockholm International Peace Research Institute - Trade Register, entries for Armenia 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2015
  41. ↑ APA - List of weapons and military vehicles sold by Russia to Azerbaijan last year publicized
  42. ↑ SA-24 Grinch 9K338 Igla-s portable air defense missile system technical data sheet specifications UK - Army Recognition - Army Recognition
  43. ↑ Coughlin, Con (22 September 2011). "Iran 'steals surface-to-air missiles from Libya'". The Daily Telegraph (London).
  44. ↑ The deadly dilemma of Libya's missing weapons - CSMonitor.com
  45. ↑ Fulghum, David (13 August 2012). "Israel’s Long Reach Exploits Unmanned Aircraft". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  46. ↑ C.J. Chivers (November 13, 2012). "Possible Score for Syrian Rebels: Pictures Show Advanced Missile Systems". New York Times. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  47. ↑ จรวดต่อสู้อากาศยาน SA-24 Grinch Igla-S
  48. ↑ Venezuela compra en Rusia sistemas portátiles de defensa antiaérea. Vedomosti | Noticias | RIA Novosti
  49. ↑ ’Kẻ hủy diệt’ trực thăng của Phòng không Việt Nam - ’Ke huy diet’ truc thang cua Phong khong Viet Nam - DVO - Báo Đất Việt

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