Buk Air Defense Missile System: Old Friends are Best

Various modifications of the Buk air defense missile system have been in service in various countries for over 30 years. Why so long? First, the Buk is being constantly improved to be always up-to-date. Second, it proved to be a reliable system working in severe conditions without any problems. Third, the Buk can be easily integrated in air defense and aviation combat control systems.

Its history dates back to 1972 which saw the creation of the Buk-1 first-stage air defense missile system designed to reinforce batteries of Kub air defense missile systems that were part of air defense regiments of tank divisions - the main striking power of the Soviet Army.

The 9A38 transporter erector launcher and radar vehicle (TELAR) placed on the GM-569 chassis combined functions of the self-propelled target acquisition vehicle and self-propelled launcher. It carried out search for targets in a determined sector, their detection and lock-in, pre-launch actions, launch and homing of its three missiles as well as three 3M9M3 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) placed on a coupled 2P25M3 self-propelled launcher. The self-propelled launcher could receive control and target information from both the reconnaissance and targeting SP vehicle and independently.

The 9A38 TELAR included the 9S35 radar; digital computing system; launching machine with a servodrive; ground-based interrogator operating in the Parol recognition system; TV/optical sight; equipment for data communications with the reconnaissance and control vehicle and wire communications with the SP launcher; self-contained power supply system based on the gas turbine device; navigation, location and orientation equipment; life support system.

The progress in the development of microwave devices, quartz and electromechanical filters and computers allowed the 9S35 radar to operate as a target detection, tracking and illumination radar. It worked in the centimeter band using one antenna and two transmitters (pulse and continuous emission). The first transmitter was used for target detection and tracking in the quasi-continuous emission mode or, if there are problems with unambiguous range definitions, in the chirped pulse mode.

The second continuous-emission transmitter was used for target and SAM illumination. The antenna system provided sectorial target search in the electromechanical mode, target tracking by angular coordinates and range - in the monopulse mode, while the signals were processed by the on-board computer. The noise factor of the radar's surveillance and direction-finding receivers was below 10 dB. The radar reaction time was 20 sec. It was protected from active, passive and combined jamming.

The 9A38 TELAR vehicle has a launcher with replaceable guides. The 9M38 SAM had a two-mode solid-fuel propulsion. It featured a normal X-shaped configuration with a low-aspect wing.

The front part of the missile successively includes the semi-active homing head, autopilot system, power sources and warhead. In order to reduce the alignment dispersion by flight time, the grain chamber is placed closer to the missile center and the nozzle cluster includes an extended duct surrounded by actuator elements.

The 9M38 missile was delivered to the armed forces fully fitted in a transport container. The period of its maintenance-free operation reached 10 years.

The 9M38 was able to engage aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 3 km from the range of 3.4 to 20.5 km and at an altitude of 30 m - from 5 to 15.4 km. The missile could shoot down targets at altitudes from 30 m to 14 km, and at a course parameter of up to 18 km. The aircraft hit probability equaled 0.70-0.93.

The 9S470 command post vehicle placed on GM-579 chassis provided receiving, reflecting and processing of target information coming from the 9S18 target acquisition radar (TAR) and six 9A310 self-propelled mounts as well as from higher command posts, selecting dangerous targets and their distribution among self-propelled mounts in manual and automatic modes, assigning their responsibility sectors, depicting information on the availability of SAMs on SP mounts and loading mounts, modes of illumination transmitters of SP mounts, their operation, operating regimes of the target acquisition radar. It also ensured the system's work in ECM environment and during enemy's employment of antiradar missiles as well as operation documenting and crew training. The command post processed information about 46 targets at altitudes of up to 20 km at a range of 100 km for one surveillance cycle of the target acquisition radar and sent up to 6 instructions to SP launchers.

The 9S18 Kupol 3D coherent/pulse detection and tracking centimeter-band radar featuring electronic scanning by elevation angle and mechanical (round or in a specific sector) antenna rotation by azimuth using an electric or hydraulic drive was designed to detect and recognize aerial targets at altitudes of up to 120 km (45 km at an altitude of 30 m) and submit air environment information to the 9S470 command post vehicle.

Depending on the surveillance sector by elevation angle and ECM environment, the surveillance rate was from 4.5 to 18 sec in circular scanning and from 2.5 to 4.5 sec in scanning within a 30° sector.

In order to prevent selective jamming, methods of pulse-to-pulse carrier frequency tuning, distance interval blanking, change of linear FM inclination and distance sectors blanking were used. In case of noise barrage jamming of self-protection and external protection of selected levels, the target detection station could detect a fighter at a range of 50 km. The station allowed target tracking with a probability of at least 0.5 against the background of local objects and passive jamming environment by means of the moving-target indicator canceller with wind speed self-compensation. It was protected from antiradar missiles by means of programmed carrier frequency tuning within 1.3 sec, switching to circular ranging signal polarization or pulsed light (glitter) mode.

The 9A310 TELAR vehicle differed from the 9A38 one by the connection with the 9S470 command post vehicle and 9A39 transporter-erector launcher (TEL) with a data communications line.

In addition, four 9M38 SAMs were placed on the launching machine of the 9A310 TELAR vehicle. Its reaction time equaled 5 min. It took 20 sec to switch the system from the stand-by to working mode, particularly after changing its position with switched equipment. The 9A380 TELAR was loaded with four SAMs from the transporter-erector launcher within 12 min and from the transporter vehicle - within 16 min.

The 9A39 TEL placed on the GM-577 chassis was designed to transport and store eight SAMs (four on the launch machine and stationary lodgments), launch four SAMs, self-load its launch machine with four SAMs from the lodgments and transport containers, load and unload the SP launch vehicle with four SAMs. Thus, the Buk's transporter-erector launcher combined functions of the transport-launch vehicle and SP launcher. Besides the launcher with a servodrive, crane and lodgments, the transporter-erector launcher included the computing system, navigation, survey control and orientation, data communications and power supply equipment as well as power supply units.

The system's command post received aerial situation data from the command post of the Buk air defense missile brigade (Polyana-D ACS) and target detection station, then processed it and sent instructions to SP launch vehicles, which search for targets and tracked them using this information. The SAM was launched when targets reached the engagement zone. The missile was homed using the proportional navigation technique ensuring high homing accuracy. Approaching the target, the seeker sent the close arming command to the radio proximity fuse. The warhead detonated 17 m away from the target. In case of radio proximity fuse failure, the SAM self-destructed. If the target survived, the second SAM was launched.

The Buk-1 system allowed the simultaneous engagement of up to six targets by one division and, if needed, fulfilling up to six independent combat tasks independently using SP launch vehicles. It provided high target detection reliability by means of joint surveillance of the target detection station and six SP launch vehicles, enhanced jamming protection by means of the target seeker's onboard computer and special illumination signal and high target engagement efficiency due to increased SAM warhead power.

Practical and simulation launches proved that the Buk air defense missile system can engage non-maneuvering targets flying at a speed of up to 800 m/sec at altitudes from 25 m to 18 km at ranges from 3 to 25 km and course parameter of up to 18 km with a single-launch hit probability of 0.7-0.8. The hit probability reduced down to 0.6 if the target maneuvered with G loads of up to 8.

Also, the system included the 9V881 maintenance vehicle, 9V883, 9V884 and 9V894 technical service and maintenance vehicles, 9V95 automated control and test mobile station, 9T229 transporter vehicle with 9T319 technological equipment set, 9T31M autocrane and other assets.

The 9S18 TAR, 9A380 TELAR and 9S470 command post vehicles were made by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. The 9A39 TEL was produced at the Sverdlovsk Machine-Building Plant.

In 1983, the Buk air defense missile system was modernized to raise its combat performance and ECM and antiradiation missiles protection. The upgraded Buk-M1 featured longer aircraft engagement range, was able to shoot down ALCM cruise missiles with a single-launch hit probability of 0.4, Hew-Cobra helicopters - with a hit probability of 0.6-0.7 and hovering helicopters - 0.3-0.4 at a range of 3.5-10 km.

The TELAR vehicle employs 72 pre-set illumination frequencies (instead of 36), which raises its protection from mutual and intentional interference. It can recognize three types of targets - aircraft, ballistic missiles and helicopters. When compared with the 9S470 command post, the 9S470M1 one supports simultaneous reception of data from the own target detection station and information about six targets from the air defense command post of the motorized infantry (tank) division or from that of the army as well as comprehensive training of all combat crews.

As compared with the 9A38, the 9A310M1 TELAR allows target detection and lock-in at longer ranges (by 25-30%) as well as recognition of aircraft, ballistic missiles and helicopters with a probability of at least 0.6.

The system incorporates a more advanced 9S18M1 (Kupol-M1) TAR featuring a flat elevation-scanned phased array and basing on the GM-567M tracked chassis.

The Buk-M1 system features efficient organizational and technical antiradiation missile protection. The Buk-M1's combat parts are interchangeable with the similar parts of the Buk system without their upgrades. The organization of their combat and technical units is the same, too.

The system's technological equipment includes the 9V95M1 automated control and test mobile station employing the ZiL-131 chassis with a trailer; 9V883, 9V884 and 9V894 technical service and maintenance vehicles based on Ural-43203-1012; the 9V881 technical service vehicle based on Ural-43203-1012; 9T229 transporter vehicle for eight missiles or six containers with missiles based on a KrAZ-255B; 9T31M autocrane and MTO-ATG-M1 technical service workshop based on ZiL-131.

In 1994-1997, the Buk-M1-2 ADMS was created. Due to the employment of a newer 9M317 missile and upgrading other systems, for the first time it gained the ability to hit Lance tactical ballistic missiles and aircraft-launched missiles at a range of 20 km, elements of high-precision weapons and ships - at 25 km and ground targets (parked aircraft, launchers and large command posts) - at 15 km. The aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles engagement capability was raised, too. The engagement range was increased up to 45 km and altitude - up to 25 km. The newer missile features an inertial-corrected control system with a semi-active radar target seeker providing proportional navigation guidance. Outwardly, the 9M317 differs from the 9M38 missile by a smaller wing chord length.

In addition to the improved missile, it is planned to equip the system with a new part - the illumination and guidance radar with a telescopic antenna placed at a height of 22 m in the working position. This radar considerably raises the system's capability to engage low-flying targets, particularly cruise missiles.

The system can be equipped with command posts and launch section of two types: four sections each including one improved TELAR vehicle carrying four SAMs and able to simultaneously engage up to four targets and one transporter-erector launcher with eight missiles; two sections each including one illumination and guidance radar also able to simultaneously engage up to four targets and two transporter-erector launchers with eight SAMs on each one.

Upgrading the Buk-M system (Buk-M1-2 and Buk-M2), the Start Machine-Building Design Bureau developed the 9P619 launcher and 9A316 TEL on a tracked chassis as well as the 9A318 launcher on a wheeled chassis.

In general, the development of Kub and Buk air defense missile systems is an excellent example of how weapons evolution can continuously enhance the combat performance of army air defense at a relatively low price.

Now, foreign customers can buy the cutting-edge Buk-M2E medium-range multifunctional mobile air defense missile system manufactured by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. It can defeat any aerial targets including tactical and strategic aircraft, fire support helicopters including hovering ones, a wide range of tactical ballistic and antiradiation missiles as well as special airborne and cruise missiles.

The system can engage surface targets (destroyers and missile boats) and ground radar-contrast targets both in light and heavy ECM environment. Its target engagement zone is 3-45 km by range and 15 m - 25 km - by altitude.

The minimal deployment/closure time is 5 min given that the positions of its main combat assets can be changed within 20 sec with switched-on equipment. High-speed tracked chassis provide the system with high mobility.

The employment of advanced phased arrays with an effective phase control allows simultaneous tracking and rapid engagement of up to 24 targets. The efficient optoelectronic system based on the submatrix IR and charge transfer matrix TV channels provides round-the-clock operation of its main combat asset - the 9A317E TELAR vehicle.

The optical mode largely raises the system's jamming protection and survivability. All combat assets are integrated into advanced digital systems allowing rapid data processing and selecting the most dangerous targets, their lock-in and tracking. A single and salvo launch can be made 10-12 sec after target detection.

High mobility and survivability, wide range of engaged targets and high single-launch hit probability (09.-0.95) attracts attention to the Buk-M2E air defense missile system and raises its popularity on international arms markets.

Table. Composition

Complex	9K37 "Buk"	9K37-1 "Buk-1"	9K37M1 "Buk-M1"	9K37M1-2 "Buk-M1-2"	9K37M2E "Buk-M2E"
Command Post	9S470	9S470	9S470M1	9S470M1-2	9S510
Surveillance Radar	9S18 Kupol	1S91M3	9S18M1 Kupol-M1	9S18М1-1 9S112	9S36
TELAR	9А310,9А38	9A38	9A310M1	9A310M1-2	9A317, 9P619
TEL	9А39	2P25M3	9A39M1	9A39M1,9A39M1-2	9A316

Table. Missile

Missile	9М38	9М38M1	9M317
Missiles per TEL	4	4	4
Missile Weight	690 kg	690 kg	720 kg
Engagement range	4-30 km	3-42 km	3-45 km
Engagement altitude	30-14000 m	30-22000 m	30-25000 m
Maximum target speed (Mach)	2,5	4	4

Cut-in

The Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant is part of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern and is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance air defense systems and the only producer of Buk-M2 air defense missile systems and Tunguska-M1 air defense missile/gun system. The company carries out the modernization of ZSU-23-4 Shilka and Buk-M1 systems.

The plant is conducting R&D works on the modernization of previously-made items and overhaul of combat and technical assets of Buk and Tunguska systems.

Contacts:

OJSC Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant

Moskovskoye Highway 94, Ulyanovsk,

Russia, 432008

Phone: +7 (8422) 42-03-70

Fax: +7 (8422) 32-61-63

E-mail: ump@mv.ru

OJSC ALMAZ-ANTEY Air Defense Concern

Vereiskaya St. 41, Moscow, Russia, 121471

Phone: +7 (095) 780-54-10

Fax: +7 (095) 780-54-11

vts@almaz-antey.ru