p
Notes: This is a
dual-missile ground or vehicle mount for SA-16 or SA-18 missiles, similar in
concept to the RBS-90 dual missile launcher.
It was new issue to Warsaw Pact and Russian troops in 1995, and thus was
somewhat rare during the Twilight War. Some shipments also made it to the Middle
East, mostly to Iraq and Iran, and some were also encountered in Cuba.
The mount takes standard SA-16 or SA-18 missile tubes, which are simply
snapped into place. The Dzhigit
system includes passive IR for the gunner.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
Dzhigit |
(Launcher) 80 kg |
NA |
NA |
NA |
$7468 |
SA-16 |
13.5 kg |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
$12499 |
SA-18A |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 13.6 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
$14499 |
SA-18B |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 12.9 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
$14482 |
SA-18C |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 15.1 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
$14544 |
SA-18D |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 18.1 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
$14561 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-16 |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18A |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18B |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5700 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18C |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C8
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18D |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
6900 |
C8
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2 Guideline
Notes:
This was the first successful Russian SAM (the SA-1 Guild being less than
impressive). Russian designation is
the S-75. The biggest claim to fame
for the Guideline may be the fact that it was used to bring down the U-2 piloted
by Francis Gary Powers in 1960 (it took 14 missiles to finally achieve a hit,
including a miss that downed one of their own MiG-19s).
They were used en masse by the North Vietnamese against American
aircraft, where US pilots called them “flying telephone poles.”
The Chinese used a large number of them in the 1960s against Taiwanese
aircraft. They were used to down
more US aircraft by Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s.
Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, Albania, and many other
countries have all used the SA-2 in combat.
As the years wore on, the SA-2 became less and less effective, even with
improvements, due to US, NATO, and Israeli ECM and ECCM developments, leading to
the two “Volga” upgrade packages in early and mid-1990s.
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
|
SA-2 |
(Launcher) 6694 kg |
NA |
NA |
NA |
$807800 |
SA-2A |
2287 kg |
Formidable |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$32520 |
SA-2B |
2287 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$32520 |
SA-2C |
2287 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$32736 |
SA-2D |
2450 kg |
Average |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$40480 |
SA-2E |
2450 kg |
Average |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$40680 |
SA-2F |
2287 kg |
Average |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$40016 |
SA-2 Volga |
2450 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$40424 |
SA-2 Volga-M |
2450 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$40584 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-2A |
195 |
5945 |
8000 |
30000 |
C235
B218 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2B |
195 |
5945 |
10000 |
30000 |
C235
B218 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2C |
195 |
5945 |
9300 |
39000 |
C235
B218 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2D |
295 |
5945 |
7000 |
43000 |
C281
B146 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2E |
295 |
5945 |
7000 |
55000 |
C281
B146 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2F |
295 |
5945 |
6000 |
30000 |
C329
B262 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2 Volga |
295 |
5945 |
5000 |
55000 |
C375
B280 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-2 Volga-M |
295 |
5945 |
5000 |
67000 |
C375
B280 |
68C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-3 Goa
Notes:
The Russian designation of this missile system is the S-125 Neva (or
Pechora in its export version). It
is intended to be a lighter SAM for tactical use from a trailer-mounted
quadruple launcher. The Goa is used
for airfield defense, low-level defense in conjunction with longer-range SAMs,
and rear-area defense in conjunction with the SA-2 system.
In addition, a variant known as the Volna is used on some Russian ships.
First combat use was by Egyptian units against Israeli aircraft in 1970,
where it was regarded as semi-successful, downing five F-4E Phantoms.
In 1972, the North Vietnamese began using them against the US Linebacker
series of air raids, but the only successful kill against US aircraft by an SA-3
was against an F-4J. The SA-3 has since
been used in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Iran-Iraq War (by Iraq), the 1991 Gulf
War, the 1982 Bekaa Valley battles, Libya against US aircraft, by Angola against
South African aircraft, and in the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom and the various
air strikes of the 1990s and 2000s leading up to it.
It is believed that of over 2300 SA-3 missile fired over the years, there
have been less than 50 successful downings of aircraft by them, and the Goa is
generally regarded as a rather poor SAM.
There are perhaps less than 100 SA-3 launchers, fixed and mobile, left in
the world.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-3 |
(Launcher) 9149 kg |
NA |
NA |
NA |
$102859 |
SA-3A |
639 kg |
Formidable |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$20328 |
SA-3B |
641 kg |
Formidable |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$20192 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-3A |
60 |
5945 |
6000 |
22000 |
C128
B162 |
49C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-3B |
60 |
5945 |
2500 |
25000 |
C154
B180 |
49C |
FRAG-HE |
Notes:
Though this massive tactical missile is launched by a rocket booster
charge, the sustainer motor is actually a ramjet engine.
It carries a massive warhead and usually blows an enemy aircraft to bits
when it hits; thankfully for Allied pilots, it is not very accurate.
It is only launched from mobile vehicle or fixed launchers.
The weapon may be optically guided in heavy ECM environments; all
accuracy levels are lowered by two levels.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-4A |
(Missile) 2500 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $93944 |
SA-4B |
(Missile) 2500 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $95496 |
SA-4C |
(Missile) 2500 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $94120 |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
|
SA-4A |
1086 |
4245 |
8000 |
55000 |
C694 B380 |
122C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-4B |
1111 |
4245 |
3000 |
50000 |
C832
B418 |
122C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-4C |
1090 |
4245 |
9300 |
72000 |
C832
B418 |
122C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-5 Gammon
Notes:
This is the NATO reporting name of the S-200 Angara.
It is an old missile developed back in the 1950s to bring down high
altitude aircraft such as the B-70, B-52, and U-2.
It was first deployed in 1963, and fired against SR-71 aircraft (without
success) in 1966. There have been
periodic hardware and software updates over the years to cope with the
increasing level of US, NATO, and Israeli ECM and ECCM sophistication.
The biggest handicap of the Gammon is its wide minimum range, dictated by
the burnout time of the 4 dropp-away rocket boosters.
Another handicap is the general lack of maneuverability of the missile.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-5 |
(Launcher) 7720 kg |
NA |
NA |
NA |
$757025 |
SA-5A |
2800 kg |
Formidable |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$43072 |
SA-5B |
2800 kg |
Formidable |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$25 Million |
SA-5C |
2800 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$43880 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-5A |
300 |
12500 |
7000 |
150 km |
C694
B380 |
122C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-5B |
300 |
12500 |
7000 |
250 km |
Special |
Special |
25 kT Nuclear |
SA-5C |
300 |
12500 |
7000 |
300 km |
C832
B418 |
122C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-6 Gainful
Notes:
Although classed as a tactical weapon, the SA-6 is rather large for that
role, and was normally used at Division level and above, or to intercept
aircraft at medium to high altitude.
It is only employed from mobile or fixed launchers.
In heavy ECM environments, the weapon may be guided by optics; all
accuracy ratings are lowered by two levels.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-6A |
(Missile) 599 kg |
Difficult |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $23016 |
SA-6B |
(Missile) 599 kg |
Average |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $22632 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-6A |
217 |
3000 |
3000 |
24000 |
C126
B162 |
43C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-6B |
211 |
3000 |
2500 |
30000 |
C126
B162 |
43C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-7 Grail
Notes:
This was the Russian's first attempt at a MANPADS missile, and is still
used throughout the Third World. It
is cheap, and that is why it is still encountered in quantity.
It is no longer used by Pact or Chinese forces.
The Grail is generally regarded as a poor missile that rarely brings down
its target, even when it achieves a direct hit.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-7A |
(Sight Unit) 4.17 kg, (Missile Unit) 9.15 kg |
Formidable |
IR |
Rear Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3437, (Missile) $2491 |
SA-7B |
(Sight Unit) 4.95 kg, (Missile Unit) 9.85 kg |
Difficult |
IR |
Rear Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $4340, (Missile) $2483 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-7A |
1 |
2150 |
800 |
3600 |
C5
B30 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-7B |
1 |
2900 |
800 |
4200 |
C6
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-8 (9M33) Gecko
Notes:
This medium SAM is only launched from a mobile launcher on a vehicle.
The missile is radar-guided; radio signals from the ground are sent to
the missile for course corrections, based on radar information.
The SA-8 may also be directly guided by a TV camera; this makes the
intercept two levels harder, but can be useful in high-ECM environments.
The missiles use a booster and sustainer motor, propelling the missile to
high speeds. 9M33 missiles have a fuzing detonation radius of 9 meters, while
the other two have ranges of 27 meters. The 9M33 was introduced in 1972, 9M33M2
was introduced in 1975, and the 9M33M3 in 1980.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-8A (9M33) |
(Missile) 126.3 kg |
Difficult |
SARH |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $3040 |
SA-8B (9M33M2) |
(Missile) 126.3 kg |
Average |
SARH |
All Aspect |
(Missile Unit) $3103 |
SA-8C (9M33M3) |
(Missile) 126.3 kg |
Average |
SARH |
All Aspect |
(Missile Unit) $3724 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-8A |
30 |
4075 |
1500 |
12000 |
C58
B112 |
24C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-8B |
20 |
4075 |
1500 |
12000 |
C58
B112 |
24C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-8C |
20 |
4075 |
1250 |
15000 |
C58
B124 |
24C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-9 (9M31) Gaskin
Notes:
Early in development, the 9M31 Strela-1 was to be a heavier MANPADS
counterpart to the 9K32M Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail) MANPADS system (see above).
However, it was quickly realized by the Russians that to get the
performance desired, the Strela-1 would have to be a heavier missile, and a
variant of the BRDM-2 was selected to carry the missiles.
This is a medium heat-seeking SAM normally
launched from a mobile launch vehicle, though there are towed and fixed
installations, usually with 4 launchers on each mount.
It is used to fill the gap between the rather heavy SA-8 system and the
hand-held SA-7 and SA-14 launchers.
The 9M31 missile was approved for use in 1968; the greatly-improved 9M31M came
into service starting in 1970, and is now the standard missile for countries
still using the 9K31 Strela-1.
The Strela-1
uses an uncooled seeker head using both IR and photocontrast systems to sense
and track its targets. This is
better than straight uncooled IR, but still means that the seeker has serious
limitations, most notably in the area of partly-cloudy-weather intercepts.
It could reliably track targets in clear skies or solid overcast, but
clouds could mix up the seeker and result in premature detonations of the
warhead. At the time of its
inception, the Russians had difficulty in producing cooled-seeker missiles,
especially on such a small missile, and it was felt that such a tradeoff in
reliability was acceptable. The
photocontrast system was improved on the 9M31M missile and the Strela-1 became a
more deadly SAM.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-9A (9M31) |
(Ground Launcher) 368 kg, (Missile) 32 kg |
Average |
IR |
Rear Aspect |
(Launcher) $11760, (Missile) $10690 |
SA-9B (9M31M) |
(Ground Launcher) 368 kg, (Missile) 32 kg |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
(Launcher) $11720, (Missile) $12714 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-9A |
3 |
3060 |
800 |
4200 |
C17
B60 |
11C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-9B |
3 |
3060 |
560 |
8000 |
C19
B62 |
11C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-13 Gopher
Notes:
This medium SAM is launched only from mobile vehicular launchers and
towed launchers. (Towed launchers
normally have two launcher boxes).
It is used for short-range close support of ground troops, and replaced the SA-9
in Russian and Warsaw Pact service, as well as about 10 other countries.
Though it does use a radar unit, this is for ranging and detection only;
the actual guidance is done by IR.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-13A |
(Ground Launcher) 212 kg, (Missile) 39.2 |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
(Launcher) $6536, (Missile) $12722 |
SA-13B |
(Ground Launcher) 212 kg, (Missile) 42 kg |
Average |
IR |
All Aspect |
(Launcher) $6536, (Missile) $14725 |
Weight: NA; Price: NA.
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-13A |
3 |
4000 |
800 |
5000 |
C19
B62 |
11C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-13B |
3 |
4000 |
200 |
5000 |
C19
B62 |
11C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-14 Gremlin
Notes:
This is an improved version of the SA-7, with better guidance features.
It is also less vulnerable to flares (one level harder to decoy with
flares), and is less likely to take off after heat sources like the Sun.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-14A |
(Sight Unit) 2.75 kg, (Missile Unit) 13.25 kg |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $12486 |
SA-14B |
(Sight Unit) 2.75 kg, (Missile Unit) 13.25 kg |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $12486 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-14A |
2 |
2350 |
500 |
4500 |
C6
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-14B |
2 |
2350 |
500 |
4500 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-15
Notes:
This missile is launched only from the SA-15 self-propelled antiaircraft
missile launcher or from ships (where it is known as the SA-N-9).
It is a very maneuverable and large missile with a great degree of launch
flexibility. The SA-15 is capable
of intercepting not only aircraft and helicopters, but also cruise missiles,
UAVs (one level harder) and precision-guided munitions (two levels harder).
In difficult ECM environments, the SA-15 can be optically guided (two
levels more difficult). As far as
is known, the only two countries using the SA-15 are Russia and the Ukraine,
though China and India are reportedly both interested.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-15 |
(Missile) 167 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $46488 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-15 |
21 |
4250 |
1000 |
12000 |
C83
B130 |
28C |
HE-FRAG |
SA-16 Gimlet
Notes:
This is the standard Russian MANPADS SAM, used by Russian, Pact, Chinese,
Iraqi, Iranian, and several countries' forces.
It uses advanced homing capabilities.
Two versions exist: one version (Igla-1E) primarily equips Russian and
former Warsaw Pact troops, and has all the bells and whistles normally designed
into the SA-16. The second version
(Igla-1M) has no IFF interrogator (a device that tells the operator when he is
aiming at a friendly aircraft) – something that be useful under some
circumstances when your enemy is operating aircraft built by your own country.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-16 |
(Sight Unit) 3.15 kg, (Missile Unit) 13.5 kg |
Average |
IR |
Side Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $12499 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-16 |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18 Grouse
Notes:
The SA-18 is used alongside the SA-16 in Russian service and some Pact
countries, mostly by airborne troops and special operations units.
It is highly resistant to countermeasures such as flares (one level
harder to decoy). Though the SA-18
was in fact developed before the SA-16, and the SA-16 is actually based on the
SA-18, significant engineering problems were encountered during the development
of the SA-18 due to its advanced systems, and the lower-tech SA-16 was therefore
designed and fielded while the bugs were worked out of the SA-18.
Therefore, while the SA-16 was fielded in 1981, the SA-18 did not begin
first issue until 1983.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-18A |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 13.6 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $14499 |
SA-18B |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 12.9 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $14482 |
SA-18C |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 15.1 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $14544 |
SA-18D |
(Sight Unit) 4.4 kg, (Missile) 18.1 kg |
Easy |
IR |
All Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $3460, (Missile) $14561 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-18A |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18B |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5700 |
C7
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18C |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
5200 |
C8
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-18D |
1 |
2850 |
200 |
6900 |
C8
B38 |
4C |
FRAG-HE |
SA-19
Notes:
This weapon is launched from mobile vehicle launchers, such as the 2S6M
Tunguska gun/missile air defense vehicle or the Pantzyr.
It is said to be a very maneuverable missile, but has a very high minimum
range. The SA-19 is advertised as
having 18g maneuverability, though in actual use it appears that they are not
able to follow targets maneuvering beyond 7g. Current users include Russia,
India, Libya, UAE and China.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-19A |
(Missile in Container) 84 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $44968 |
SA-19B |
(Missile in Container) 90 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $45306 |
SA-19C |
(Missile in Container) 90 kg |
Easy |
Radar |
All Aspect |
(Missile) $47620 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-19A |
4 |
4500 |
1000 |
8000 |
C44
B94 |
19C |
HE-FRAG |
SA-19B |
9 |
5500 |
1000 |
12000 |
C44
B94 |
19C |
HE-FRAG |
SA-19C |
9 |
6500 |
800 |
30000 |
C53
B112 |
23C |
HE-FRAG |
SA-27 Grappler
Notes:
This weapon does not exist in real life.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This advanced Russian MANPADS missile was in limited use by Russian and
Pact special operations forces during the Twilight War.
Supplies were never high and they were generally hoarded by such units
for special missions. It uses
advanced target acquisition and homing capabilities.
The Grappler incorporates a lightweight thermal imager.
Merc 2000 Notes:
Use of this weapon was generally restricted in Russia to special operations,
though it was also sold to India and Iraq.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
SA-27 |
(Sight Unit) 4.5 kg, (Missile Unit) 10.5 kg |
Easy |
Radar/IR |
All Aspect |
(Sight Unit) $4360, (Missile) $14637 |
Weapon |
Reload |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
SA-27 |
2 |
3395 |
100 |
6000 |
C12
B50 |
5C |
FRAG-HE |