Image source: topwar.ru
The Ukrainian conflict has shown an increase in the importance of drones and barrage ammunition on the battlefield. This led to the development of new air defense systems to combat them, one of which is the Burç MANPADS, presented by the Turkish company Roketsan at the IDEF-2023 exhibition, Istanbul.
As noted in the EDR publication, the new complex is based on the FNSS PARS 8x8 chassis. The combat module, fully developed by Roketsan, is equipped with two types of weapons. To conduct combat at long ranges, two PU are installed to the right and left of the tower, each of which is equipped with 4 Roketsan Sungur short–range missiles (flight distance from 0.5 to 8 km, the maximum height of fire is 4 km). These missiles are equipped with a homing system in the IR range with a viewing angle of 40 °, which allows you to work on the principle of "shot and forgot".
The second means of destruction is a 20 mm three-barrel cannon supplied by TR Mekatronik. The company developed it for the national T129 attack helicopter, and the system adopted by Burç is largely based on this weapon. However, it has an elevation angle atypical for helicopter variation (up to +70° compared to -45° and below). Electronic control units are also different, as is the ammunition supply system. The gun can fire various types of projectiles, such as M56A3 HEI, M56A3 HEI-T, M55A2 TP-T and M53 API, with a firing rate of 750±50 rounds per minute.
Image source: topwar.ru
A completely new 3D radar with Retinar AFAR from Meteksan is responsible for detecting targets. Each of its antennas covers a 90x90° sector, therefore, 4 antennas are installed on the tower, providing full coverage of the hemisphere by 360°. This radar is capable of detecting and classifying air and ground targets with a minimum travel speed of 2 m /s, has a range of 4 km against small UAVs (with a radar cross section of 0.01 sq. m), 10 km against tactical drones (1 sq. m EPR), 20 km against helicopters and small cars (7 sq. m EPR) and 24 km against large equipment (20 sq. m of EPR).
Each antenna consists of three elements: a transmitter on one side, a receiver on the other, and an insulator between them. Burç can be equipped with communication systems that allow it to receive target information from third-party equipment on the battlefield.
In general, the MANPADS combat module weighs about 2 tons along with ammunition and, according to the developer, can be installed on vehicles weighing from 12 tons and above. However, further improvements to the complex may lead to weight loss.
The rocket and cannon have already passed the test cycle, confirming their qualifications, while the radar will soon complete this process.
