Khrizantema (AT-15 Springer)

   The Khrizantema (chrysanthemum) is one of the latest Russian long-range supersonic anti-tank missile system. Its NATO designation is the AT-15 Springer. It has been designed to deal with the latest and future main battle tanks. Development of this missile system commenced in the late 1980s and it was revealed in 1996. It was intended to replace the ageing Shturm-S (AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank missile carriers. The Khrizantema is considered as one of the most powerful systems in the world in its class. It is reported, that the Khrizantema was adopted by the Russian Army in 2004. However it is unknown how many units are fielded. The Khrizantema has been exported to Libya (14). Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates also ordered unspecified number of these anti-tank missile carriers.

   Developers of this missile system claim, that appearance of the Khrizantema could possibly change tactics of tank war, as a small group of 3 or 4 of these anti-tank missile carriers can change the outcome of the battle. It is claimed, that 3 launcher vehicles are capable of engaging 14 main battle tanks and destroying no less than 60% of them. This missile system can also engage low-flying helicopters.

   The Khrizantema launches supersonic missiles with a range of 400 - 6 000 meters. Average speed of flight is 400 m/s. Missiles are propelled by a solid fuel rocket motor. The Khrizantema is intended to be operated day and night and in all weather conditions, also in various natural and man-made countermeasures environments. Missiles of the Khrizantema can be guided in two independent modes, either by laser (semi-automatic) or radar (fully automatic). This dual guidance system ensures protection against electronic countermeasures. Various missiles are available for this system. The 9M123 and 9M123-2 are the standard missiles with a tandem HEAT warheads. These missiles are used against armored vehicles. The only difference between these missiles is the laser guidance, used on the 9M123 and radar guidance, used on the 9M123-2. Developers claim, that the tandem HEAT missiles are capable of penetrating 1 100-1 200 mm of rolled homogenous armor behind explosive reactive armor. It is sufficient to defeat MBTs of the latest generation, such as the M1A2 Abrams and Leopard 2A6.

   Also there are 9M123F and 9M123F-2 missiles with thermobaric warheads, used against building, fortifications, lightly armored vehicles and entrenched personnel. In the same manner the 9M123F has a laser guidance and the 9M123F-2 has radar guidance.

   Two missiles are carried on the launch rails in combat order. The Khrizantema can launch 2 missiles against 2 targets simultaneously. This missile system can also target low-flying helicopters. It carries 15 missiles inside the hull, and can engage up to 15 targets within few minutes. Launcher rails are reloaded automatically from a magazine, located inside the hull. However in case of emergency missiles can be reloaded manually from outside of the vehicle. In travelling order both missiles and radar are folded to the stowed position.

   The Khrizantema anti-tank missile system is based on a modified BMP-3 IFV chassis and features high mobility and maneuverability. Vehicle is powered by UTD-29 V10 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 500 hp. It has a hydropneumatic suspension system, which can be adjusted to suit the type of terrain being crossed. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. Amphibious speed on water is about 10 km/h.

   The Khrizantema ATGM system can be also mounted on other wheeled or tracked chassis with similar payload capacity.

   This missile system is operated by a crew of two, including commander and diver. Protection of this vehicle is similar to that of the BMP-3. It is also equipped with an NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Recently Russian Army acquired a small number of Kornet-T anti-tank missile carriers. These are also based on the BMP-3 chassis, but use different Kornet anti-tank guided missiles. It is likely that Kornet-T ATGW carriers will be used by motorized units, while Khrizantemas will be used by artillery units of the Russian Army.

Article by ZAAL TCHKUASELI    Want to publish your own articles? Visit our guidelines for more information.