In India, the T-72M1 chassis served as the basis for the Akash short-range anti-aircraft missile system created in this country. This was recalled by the video frames posted on the Network.
All systems of this SAM were installed on a single platform from a licensed main battle tank.
For example, a launcher that houses three two-stage solid-fuel rockets weighing 720 kg. They are equipped with combat units weighing 60 kg. The radius of scattering of fragments during an explosion in the target area reaches 10 m. Length - 5800 mm. The maximum flight speed is 1000 m/s.
Akash is capable of hitting aircraft and helicopters of various types, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at altitudes from 30 to 20,000 meters and ranges from 3,000 to 25,000 meters.
There is also a mobile radar station with a phased array antenna that accompanies more than six dozen aerial objects, a command post and a communications vehicle.
This version of the air defense system was subjected to rigorous tests in desert conditions, where the vehicles demonstrated good cross-country capability and reliability.
In addition to the tank, there is also an option based on the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. However, it is known that tracked chassis, in addition to obvious advantages, have certain disadvantages. In particular, they have a much smaller resource compared to wheeled vehicles, and, accordingly, they are more expensive to operate. Therefore, towed modifications and versions based on the TATRA four-axle all-terrain vehicle have also been created.
Alexey Brusilov
