Ingenious designers of the family of anti-aircraft S-300 ahead of time for a quarter century – is still “three hundredth” guardian of heaven is the most advanced anti-aircraft missile system in the world, which bows down before all NATO combat aircraft.

Time has proved the correctness inherent in the C-300 technical solutions: the construction of the complex was perfect, from the point of view of actual combat conditions. Our scientists have guessed the first place missiles in TPK (transport and launch container) – sealed “cans” in which the ammunition (anti-aircraft missile launch + gas generator) can be stored for decades, ready to start at any moment. “The key is to start” – and the rocket leaves the WPK, carried away upwards, towards his imminent death, a minute later it will become a blinding flash of light and disappeared from radar screens with enemy aircraft.

Second ingenious “trick” from the creators of the C-300 – Vertical start: anti-aircraft missile itself takes place in the air and falls on the combat course. Such a scheme allows you to place the launcher on any suitable “patch” in the folds of the landscape between the buildings in the narrow gorges and ravines, protected from the effects of shock waves of enemy weapons. In contrast, the C-300, an American anti-aircraft missile system “Patriot” have to waste precious time, turning the heavy launcher in the direction of the target. Because of the oblique launch, “Patriot” needs space and open space – launcher prevent closely spaced houses, hills and trees.

The creators of the C-300 was originally working for the future, taking into account advances in remedies against air defense systems. It’s no secret that the signals emitted by the radar with lateral branches – “petals”. In the modern electronic warfare enemy is always trying to catch the “side lobes” of the main radio beam, thereby recognizing the frequency and mode of the radar. With this information, there was nothing worth “score” radar interference in the desired wavelength range.

The creators of the C-300 provided this threat – “side lobes” beam-300 are kept to a minimum, which is extremely complicated work on the detection and classification of radar “three-hundredth of” anti-aircraft missile system. In addition, the C-300 were laid significant opportunities for adaptation to noise conditions and the suppression of the “Doppler noise.” In the C-300 used jam-resistant communication lines with automatic frequency tuning modes are “collective” operation in which data from different radars are flocking to a single command post of anti-aircraft missile division. It would not have tried to suppress enemy air defense detection, anti-aircraft gunners in any case will have a clear view of the air situation, summing up scraps of information from multiple radars.

Operation is possible triangulation – simultaneous highlighting goals two speed cameras, and knowing the exact distance (base) between the radar and the angles / azimuths, under which they are observing goal, we can construct a triangle, the base of which – the base, at the top – flogged goal. After a moment, the computer will accurately determine the coordinates of the target. Very old and reliable way, you can calculate, for example, the location of the jammer.

As for the weapons of S-300 – a theme battered and obvious. Meeting with a missile, cutting the sky in the six-speed sound – a guaranteed end to any aerodynamic object created by human hands. Finally, the family of anti-aircraft missile system S-300 – is a set of detection, mobile launchers on a wheeled or tracked chassis (not counting the ship’s S-300F), military trucks with auxiliary equipment and software modules alert.

The choice – two dozen models of rocket ammunition medium, high and extra high range, with regular and “special” warheads with active and semi-active homing.

The downside? They have in any system. The list of shortcomings of S-300 usually consists of two factors:

First – bulkiness of the complex. There are complaints about its hardware components. As the old joke: our chip – the biggest chip in the world!

The second drawback is not related to the construction SAM – this is a common problem with all the modern anti-aircraft missile systems related to the fundamental laws of nature. Radio waves propagate strictly straightforward, and it causes problems with the detection of low-flying objects. For example, the threatening statements about the destruction of targets at a distance of 400 km for the S-400 “Triumph” apply only to the objectives in the upper stratosphere. At the same time, any “corncob”, flying over the very tops of the trees can safely sneak up to the position of S-400 at a distance of a few dozen kilometers away, while remaining completely invisible and invulnerable to anti-missile system (superrefraction and other rare atmospheric phenomena that increase the detection range of the radar will not be considered).

Radio horizon problem has two solutions:

The first – giving targeting external means of detection (AWACS aircraft, spacecraft), followed by firing anti-aircraft missiles to the active homing. Alas, none of the modern air defense system does not have such fantastic modes.

The second solution – lifting the suspension antenna. To expand the “line of sight” radar-300 a versatile mobile tower height of 25 m, carried on the vehicle MAZ-537 and 39-meter high tower Duplex 40V6M that, despite the enormous height, can be mounted on unequipped position for two hours .

Combat capabilities of the system are extremely great – no coincidence, our “Western partners” so rage at the mention of the C-300. However, it is naive to believe that NATO members were sitting all this time “idle.” There is a problem – there should be a solution. The American military-industrial complex frantically searching for a way out of the situation, and offered a number of very important and effective means.

Invite readers to see the set of NATO air forces to overcome the powerful echelon air defense systems and make a prediction: there is a chance for the C-300 to protect the Syrian sky?

Gray eminence

On this plane is not to say out loud. Let the “Discovery” and “strike force” to discuss another “fifth-generation fighter,” but the existence of the RC-135W «Rivit JDC” should be hidden from the eyes of the general public. It is a secret U.S. Air Force, U.S. trump card, without which it would be impossible to conduct modern warfare.

Let me introduce Boeing RC-135W «Rivit JDC” – the plane of SIGINT (signal intelligence – electronic reconnaissance), a key factor in overcoming enemy air defenses. Barrazhiruya in the airspace of Turkey, Iraq and Israel, RC-135W carefully “feels” their side antennas Syrian territory, identifying the sources of radio signals and that they belong to different systems. It is the long-nosed plane unsightly “Rivit JDC” draw a map of enemy radio engineering air defense system, would find it weaknesses and vulnerabilities – the corridors, which will go through the suppression of air defenses.

Bearing … radar Damascus International Airport … bearing 03, an unknown source of radiation, run the program is a match … oh shit! this tin shield * Russian S-300!

tin shield – a generic term radar to detect targets at low and very low altitudes, which was adopted in NATO countries

RC-135 is based on an air tanker KC-135, which, in turn, is based on passenger aircraft Boeing 707. Family of RC-135 reconnaissance for more than half a century, is now used modified RC-135W «Rivit JDC” – a total of 22 aircraft in the U.S. Air Force + three Royal Air Force intelligence officer.

Also for electronic intelligence and positions of enemy air defense system may be involved naval aircraft EP-3C «Ram” (a modification of the famous “Orion”) and a number of special-purpose machines with index «U», «R» and «E». In conjunction with the satellites of space exploration, the NATO command is able to get the full information about the status of enemy air defenses.

SAM position zapelengovat, what’s next?

In effect “jammers”. For example, EC-130H «Compass Call” – bumbling jammer on the basis of military transport aircraft C-130 “Hercules”.

“Compass Call” is not even trying to get into range of the enemy’s air defense barrazhiruya at low altitude in hundreds of kilometers from the SAM position, with regularly “breaking” Live squalls of electronic bits. Action by the EU-130H adversely affect the work of the enemy of electronic – interference clog link disrupting the coordination of the enemy and creating additional problems for the enemy air defenses.
The number of EC-130H “Compass Call” in the ranks of the U.S. Air Force – 14 units.

Location and type of SAM established control partially disorganized. Now is the time for the application of a powerful blow to the enemy’s air defense system.

Grumbler

A specialized electronic warfare aircraft EA-18G «growler”, created on the basis of a fighter-bomber F/A-18F «Super Hornet.” The car direct cover bands suppression of air defense.
“Growler” severely burns broadcast electronic jamming, creating a bizarre dance of crinkly lines and bands on enemy radar screens. On board the aircraft electronic warfare complex modern equipment able to detect and identify the sources of radio signals in real-time scoring broadcast continuous crackle of electrical discharges.

But, no matter how steep the American EA-18G, «meddle” in the range of the S-300 too tough for him. “Growler” prefers to do his dirty tricks in the distance, polluting the air and noise firing positions identified protivoradarnyh SAM missiles AGM-88 HARM.

“Growler” – an insurance policy of American aviation. Without his support, it would be problematic to “push” the enemy air defenses. Even after the destruction of SAM positions, flights over enemy territory can not do without the support of these machines – a set of EW and discharged traps on board the EA-18G is able to cover up the attack groups of any existing today means “land-to-air” – from the mighty C-300 to “primitive” portable SAM systems “Igla” or “Stinger” the entire frequency range of the wave spectrum.
90 aircraft EA-18G «growler” to date, all of the machines assigned to the Naval Forces and Marine Corps.

In addition to electronic warfare, missiles of “air-air” missiles and protivoradarnyh, EA-18G is capable of carrying conventional shock weapons – if you scare the operator turns off the radar air defense system, ‘growler’ strike guided bombs.
Speaking of rockets protivoradarnyh:

Wild Weasels. AGM-88 High-Speed ​​Anti-Radar Missle

Actually, this is what made all the previous movements – the culmination of a script on the suppression of enemy air defenses. In the case entered the rocket, suggestive power of the radar radiation. The calculation is simple – beat by HARMov radar detection and target illumination, followed by Division C-300 will turn into a pile of useless iron.

Protivoradarnyh missiles are not very selective. HARMy beat everything – from FM-radio antenna range, to microwaves and satellite phones. To achieve the effect of their launch volleys a few thousand pieces, literally “zaseivaya” missile area, adjacent to the identified positions SAM – as a result of a few pieces sure to burst around the radar, moving anti-aircraft missile system failure.

HARM dangerous and cunning – even if the operator, sensing something was wrong, time to turn off the radar installation, HARM remember the last position of the radiation source and continue its way towards the target, guided by on-board INS data.

When it came to running HARMov is not joking, and no decency. In a massive attack involves all who are able to bear arms: F/A-18 «Hornet», EA-18G «growler», F-16 “Fighting Folken”, “Tornado” … missile launched from a distance as possible, trying on minimum in making his calculations SAM. Exit to the area of ​​the attack at extremely low altitude – slide – shooting HARMov for homing – care for the radio horizon, at a low altitude. The slightest delay threatens death.

Of particular note is F-16CJ – a special modification “Folkena” going to the point of attack. F-16CJ squadrons are armed with the “Wild Weasels” – militant groups that specialize in the suppression of air defense systems. It is these small, nimble (and cheap, not to pity) machine, under the guise of “growler”, first invade the airspace of the country *, providing estimates SAM rather questionable choice – get a gift HARM or off the radar, becoming a target for bombs laser guided. However, the very “Wild Lascaux” is no laughing matter – the guys seriously at risk and might at any moment turn of the hunters in the game, suddenly came under attack SAM.
* First, after the sea-based cruise missiles

In reality the situation is much tougher – according to the U.S. Air Force cost of one 360-pound HARMa surpasses $ 300 million – many thousands volley of missiles capable of bankrupt U.S. budget a billion dollars. A very expensive toy.

Attack from the sea. BGM-109 “Tomahawk”

Tactical cruise missile designed to destroy ground targets important (command centers, communications, radar and anti-aircraft positions systems, airfields, hangars and caponiers, military bases, warehouses and other strategically important sites) at a distance of 1,600 km. Based on the facts of “ax”, a massive launch of these flying robots suicide leads to a significant destabilization of the armed forces.

Taunts about subsonic flight BGM-109 usually come out sideways frivolous jokers – “Tomahawk” is really not too fast (≈ march speed of 850 km / h, a slight increase on the last leg of the flight due to fuel depletion, see formula Zhukovsky). This creates problems in planning operations – missile takes time to reach the targets. But this does not affect the vulnerability of air defense systems – “Axe”, in any case, is too low to be visible to the radar air defense system. Stealth – the main “trick” cruise missile BGM-109.

Trouble can arise only when attacking heavily armored targets, while overcoming air defense lines “armor” and “Tunguska”. Well here already, the card will fall … Official statistics using “Tomahawk” (NATO’s aggression against Yugoslavia, 1999) – issued 700 cruise missiles shot down 40 (less than 6%), another 17 rockets have been taken away by noise.

It should be noted that the present modification “Tomahawk» Block IV was able to patrol in the air in standby mode and learned to destroy moving targets.

Stab in the back. Helicopter AH-64D «Apache Longbow”

And this oddball to climb? – Exclaims bewildered reader, and would be wrong.
In the winter of 1991, during “Operation Desert Storm” helicopters “Apache”, flying through the night darkness and impenetrable smoke from burning oil wells, “paved” in one night four corridors in the Iraqi air defense system – from the border to Baghdad itself.

The suppression of air defense systems – one of the main functions of the “Apache”. For this rotorcraft has everything you need: ultra-low altitude, the ability to hide in the folds of the terrain – radar above the rotor hub allows you to hide behind any obstacle (hill, building, forest belt), “putting” only the tip of the radar antenna. Finally, four packs of guided missiles “Hellfire” on underwing pylons – enough to turn the position of SAM into the burning ruins.

Also, besides attack helicopters can not discount the role of unmanned aerial vehicles. The slow, clumsy and weak – however, these “dragonfly” have one important feature – they desperately brave. UAV, without batting an eye, there will be, will be afraid to go where the bravest of suicide bombers. UAVs have nothing to lose, he can shove “head” at the SAM position, showing utter contempt for death. A good remedy in conjunction with the other aspects of the above (Tomahawks, growler and other products gloomy American genius).

Finally, heard this week, the threat from the mouth of the Minister of Defense of Israel: “If they will be delivered to Syria, we know how to proceed.”

Moshe Ya’alon is not bluffing. Israel is known for its stringent actions for the sake of its own national security. SWAT raid “Shauket” on the Egyptian airfield (1966), the kidnapping of the Soviet radar (“Operation Cock-53 ‘, Egypt, 1969), the bombing of Iraq’s Osirak nuclear center (1981), the bombing of arms factory in Sudan (October 2012 ), recent strikes against Syria … Israel spits on all the norms of international law, unceremoniously intruding into the airspace of other states, and does not hesitate to use weapons to kill.

It is possible that the Israelis try to destroy the Russian anti-aircraft missile systems before they are deployed to combat positions.

Clash of the Titans

If all six ordered anti-aircraft missile systems will be delivered to Syria, it will be a faint hope for a peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict, NATO will falter and will not dare launch a military operation invasion. At the Pentagon there were good reasons to think about their behavior and more time to weigh the possible risks of an attack on Syria. Even if the operation goes smoothly and aerial armada of U.S. Air Force will be able to crush the six Syrian S-300, suffering losses in single aviation technology – even in this case, the Pentagon have any significant financial difficulties associated with the monstrous overrun by anti radar HARM missiles and other weapons needed to suppress the super-S-300 systems.

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