9P149 Shturm-S
NATO: AT-6 Spiral
Overview
9P149 Shturm-S
9P149 Shturm-S with launcher in the firing position.
Source: www.oplatsen.wordpress.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
1978 (Soviet state trials)
9P149 (GRAU index)
Russia
Belarus
Description
Introduction
The 9P149 is a tank destroyer of Soviet origin. It was developed to supplement the BRDM-2 based tank destroyers in Soviet service. A more capable tank destroyer was desired with the advent of new Western tank such as the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2. The 9P149 uses the same 9M114 Shturm anti-tank missiles as used on the Mi-24 attack helicopter.
Layout
The 9P149 is based on the chassis of the MT-LB tracked armored personnel carrier. The troop compartment is occupied by a single round retractable pedestal launcher that is connected to an automatic loader. Instead of the small machine gun turret a large optical tracker is fitted. Only early model Shturm missiles can be launched since the improved models are too long for the automatic loader in the 9P149. With the launcher retracted the 9P149 looks very similar to the MT-LB and can be identified by the optical tracked instead of the small one man turret.
Firepower
The 9P149 uses the high velocity radio frequency guided 9M114 Shturm missile. The maximum range of the missile is 5 km and most modern tanks can be effectively engaged. The newer and longer range 9M120 Ataka missile can also be used. The rate of fire is 2 to 4 rounds per minute, with a total of 12 missiles carried. The 9P149 cannot fire on the move. There is no secondary armament for self-protection.
Mobility
Being based on the MT-LB chassis the 9P149 is a very mobile system. It has good performance on both roads and in very difficult terrain. The low ground pressure makes it ideal for use in swamps and snow. The diesel engine provides up to 290 hp and allows for a maximum speed of 65 km/h. The 9P149 is fully amphibious.
Protection
The steel armor provides all around protection against small arms and shell splinters. The 9P149 is vulnerable to any heavier type of armament. An NBC system is standard but smoke grenade launchers are lacking. The low silhouette and high speed of the Shturm missile are the main factors that determine the survivability of the 9P149.
Users
The 9P149 is primarily used by ex-USSR nations with the premier user being Russia. The accuracy, velocity and powerful warhead made the 9P149 able to effectively engage modern Western tanks. The 9P149 is not as widely distributed as tank destroyers based on the BRDM-2 chassis, since it is a more advanced and expensive system.
System composition
9P149 Shturm-S
Forward view of 9P149 with launcher in raised position.
Source: www.acemodel.com.ua -
© copyright lies with original owner
Components
Details
Media
9P149 Shturm-S
Forward view of 9P149 with launcher stowed and clearly showing optical tracker.
Source: One half 3544
Copyright: public domain
9P149 Shturm-S
9P149 Shturm-S launching a 9M114 anti-tank guided missile in 2006.
Source: Luch4
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
9P149 Shturm-S
Rear view of 9P149 showing the autoloader.
Source: Unknown user @ www.imageshack.us
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9P149 Shturm-S
Line diagram of 9P149 Shturm-S.
Source: www.oplatsen.wordpress.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9P149 Shturm-S
Artist impression of 9P149 with launcher in raised position.
Source: www.acemodel.com.ua
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9P149 Shturm-S
A 9P149 tank destroyer firing a 9M114 radio guided anti-tank missile.
Source: Unknown user @ www.imageshack.us
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
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