We are going to visit one of the units of Air Defence in the Moscow region which has a famous Russian anti-aircraft weapon system S-400 “Triumph” of a new generation.
The S-400 uses 3 different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope. These are the extremely long range 40N6, long range 48N6 and medium range 9M96 missile. Each one has different capabilities.
The system is intended to destruct all modern and future means of aero-space attack.
The system was put into service in April, 2007.
The tests confirmed that the Russian air defence complex is the best in the world according to its specifications. But the power is not in the army or equipment but in the people who make it work.
This is a charging machine.
These are transport and launch containers with the missiles.
Technical maintenance of the system is held twice a year: in spring and in autumn.
The soldiers are listening to the order.
It’s a very elaborate work.
If he drop it everything will explode! Just kidding…
The missiles are to be carefully put on the pallets.
More instructions are given.
Maintenance is in full swing.
Be careful with the plasma reflector, soldier!
All system components are based on a wheeled chassis terrain.
They are ready for launch.
The banner says: “The basis of the country’s air defence is anti-aircraft missile troops – the forces of permanent readiness”.
The system is able to destruct object flying with speed up to 4 800 m/s at a distance of up to 400 km (248 miles), at the height of objects – to 30 km. At that the minimum range of the complex is only 2 km (1,24 miles) and the minimum height of the targeted objectives is only 5 m (16,5 ft). American complexes “Patriot”, for example, cannot destruct pbject flying lower than 60 m (197 ft).
It comes into the state of full combat readiness for 5-10 minutes.
via dervishv
Okay, WTF is a plasma reflector and what is it doing on the wheels?
Obviously, it reflects plasma.
I shall answer my own question: It is a protective cap for the ends of the missile tubes. It serves no purpose for the wheels. it is suspended by only simple wire there to keep them organized and out of the way. It is lightweight to allow for the safe exiting of the missile, and protects the missiles in adjacent tubes from the rocket blast.
My guess is – that it protects the rear set of wheels during the launch. But why is it on during maintenance?
I would guess to see if it fits/works correctly?
Are these nuclear missiles?
These are AA-missiles, they’re not nuclear of course.
S-400 system has been recognized by some western sources as nuclear capable. Nuclear AA missiles have been with us since the 1950′s.
Nice to see properly painted military equipment instead of the all too common adhoc camo paint jobs with we’ve seen on so many Russian military vehicles and buildings. It’s like they used whatever household paints they have available. Purple, pinks, blues, unnatural greens etc. all mixed together as best they can in a “camo” paint job that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Very good system this…that is now a good example of Russian engineering! If they could just expand this verve to the other sectors
Umm 4800 meters/second you say? Now that’s some speed you got there.
why can not be lunch those missele from transport racks. Will save time and money on equipment..Gest change the wireing cables fr.command center.