Pantsyr-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound)

   The Pantsyr-S1 (NATO designation SA-22 Greyhound short range air defense system is designed to protect strategic military and civil point targets. It was designed to meet the requirements of the Russian Air Defense Forces (PVO). This system is capable of engaging a wide variety of aerial targets, such as aircraft, helicopters, ballistic and cruise missiles, guided bombs. Developers claim that it is also capable of engaging stealth aircraft, such as the F-117 and F-22. It was first publicly revealed in 1995 and entered service in 2007-2008. The first 10 Pantsyr-S1 air defense systems were delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2010. It has also been ordered by Algeria, Syria and United Arab Emirates. Some sources report, that Syrian systems were re-exported to Iran.

   The Pantsyr-S1 is a further development of the 2S6 Tunguska air defense gun/missile system, based on a tracked chassis. It carries up to 12 surface-to-air missiles in sealed containers. These missiles are ready-to-launch and have a radio-command guidance. It is worth mentioning, that missiles are not fitted with seekers. Instead missile tracking is provided via the combat vehicle's sensor system.

   The 57E6 missile of the Pantsyr has a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motors. It has a maximum speed of 1 000 m/s (Mach 3). Missiles of this air defense system have a maximum range of 20 km. Minimal range is 1 km. Maximum altitude is 8 km.

   The SA-22 Greyhound also has two dual 30-mm guns, similar to the Tunguska. These are derivatives of aircraft cannons. Combined rate of fire of these guns is up to 5 000 rpm. These can engage targets up to 4 km away. A total of 1 400 rounds are carried for these guns.

   The combat vehicle can fire it's missiles on the move, however cannons can be fired only when vehicle is stationary and jacked on four hydraulic jacks. Probability of defeating a single target is 60 ~ 80%, depending on the target type and firing conditions. The Pantsyr also has a limited capability against ground targets and fires armor-piercing projectiles.

   The Pantsyr has a multiple-band target acquisition and tracking system. It detects targets at a range of 30 km and has a tracking range of over 24 km. Also there are thermal imaging system and optical tracker. This air defense system can engage two targets simultaneously and is capable of engaging up to 12 targets within one minute. Developers claim that this system has a high jamming resistance.

   The Pantsyr-S1 air defense system has a reaction time of only 5-6 seconds. It takes 3 minutes to engage target from travelling. Vehicle is operated by a crew of three, including commander, operator and driver.

   Air defense systems accepted to service with the Russian Air Force are based on KamAZ-6560 8x8 truck chassis. Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 400 hp. It has a full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre pressure regulation system.

   It is worth mentioning, that the first prototype of this air defense system was based on Ural-5323 8x8 truck chassis. Other wheeled chassis were trialed or offered with this system, including KamAZ-6350, MZKT-7930, BAZ-6909 and MAN SX 8x8 truck chassis. It is also offered with a tracked GM-532 series chassis of the Tunguska or BMP-3 IFV chassis. Furthermore it can be deployed in a stationary module or on naval vessels.

   The Pantsyr-S1 combat vehicle can operate is a stand alone mode, without any external support. Up to 3 - 5 combat vehicles can be used in a battery, where one of the vehicles operates as a command post and sends target data to other vehicles. These combat vehicles can also operate in conjunction with a separate air defense command post and early warning radar.

   Also there is a number of support vehicles, such as reloading vehicle, electronic and mechanical maintenance vehicles, mobile workshop and mobile trainer.