Country of origin |
Russia |
Entered service |
2004 |
Crew |
2 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
18.7 t |
Length |
7.2 m |
Width |
3.23
m |
Height |
2.85 m |
Missile |
Missile length |
2.06 m |
Missile diameter |
0.15 m |
Missile weight |
46 kg |
Warhead type |
Tandem HEAT / thermobaric |
Warhead weight |
8 / 6 kg |
Range of fire |
400 - 6 000 m |
Guidance system |
Laser / radar |
Penetration |
1 100 - 1 200 mm behind ERA |
Number of missiles carried |
15 |
Mobility |
Engine |
UTD-29 diesel |
Engine power |
500 hp |
Maximum road speed |
70 km/h |
Amphibious speed on water |
10 km/h |
Range |
~ 600 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
0.8 m |
Trench |
2.5 m |
Fording |
Amphibious |
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The
Khrizantema (Chrysanthemum) is one of the latest Russian
long-range supersonic anti-tank missile system. Its Western
reporting name is 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.
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Article by ZAAL TCHKUASELI
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