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9P157 Khrizantema-S


NATO: AT-15 Springer


Overview


9P157 Khrizantema-S

Forward view of 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer.
Source: www.forcesmilitary.blogspot.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Russia
Type
Tank destroyer
Entered service
2004 or 2005
Status
In service
Development
1990 - 1996
Developer
Russia - KBM Kolomna
Production
2000's - present
Producer
Russia - KMZ
Number produced
Over 50
Designations
AT-15 Springer (NATO reporting name)
Notable users
Russia
Azerbaijan
Libya

Description


Introduction

The 9P157 is a modern tank destroyer of Russian origin. It was developed as the land based launch platform for the 9M123 Khrizantema missile. Compared to the older 9P149 Shturm-S tank destroyer the 9P157 uses a BMP-3 chassis, newer missile and dual guidance mode. The mission and design philosophy remain similar: to destroy enemy tanks using a high velocity ant-tank missile from a stand-off range ambush position.

Design

The 9P157 is based on the BMP-3 chassis but is not fitted with a turret. Instead the troop compartment is filled with a twin round retractable pedestal launcher connected to an automatic loader. The 9P157 has an optical sight with laser for SACLOS guidance of the laser guided version of the 9M123 missile. Additionally a retractable radar is mounted for detecting targets for the millimetric wave (MMW) radar version of the 9M123.

Protection

The main protection comes from the stand-off engagement range and low silhouette. Furthermore, 9P157 is operated under full armor protection, with missiles being reloaded automatically. The BMP-3 chassis with steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Over the frontal arc it may also resist heavy machine gun fire. An NBC system is fitted as standard.

Firepower

The 9P157 carries 15 missiles of which two are ready to fire. The fast 9M123 missile is able to destroy even the most modern tanks with its powerful tandem HEAT warhead and has a maximum range of 6 km. A variant with thermobaric warhead is also available. Rate of fire is about 4 missiles per minute. Reportedly the 9P157 may engage two targets at once, possibly only when using radar guided missiles. The two modes of guidance allows for operation in ECM environments. The 9P157 is also able to engage low flying helicopters using the MMW radar.

Mobility

The tracked BMP-3 chassis allows for a good all terrain mobility. The 500 hp diesel engine provides a maximum speed of 70 km/h. As with the original BMP-3 the 9P157 is fully amphibious.

Users

The 9P157 has been in use in limited numbers with Russian forces since 2004. A total of 14 vehicles were sold to Libya where at least one has been used in the 2011 Libyan conflict. Azerbaijan is the main export customer.

System composition


9P157-4 command vehicle

A 9P157-4 battery command vehicle.
Source: www.oplatsen.wordpress.com - © copyright lies with original owner

The 9P157 Khrizantema-S is intended to be used as a group of vehicles. Within the group a command post vehicle distributes targets over the vehicles. The launch vehicle can however be used on its own as a standalone combat vehicle.

9P157-2
The 9P157-2 launch vehicle is the main component of the battery. The launch vehicle is a modern tank destroyer based on the BMP-3 chassis. It is equipped with a retractable pedestal mounted launcher. Both laser and radar guidance can be used.
9P157-3
The 9P157-3 is the platoon commander's vehicle. This is similar to 9P157-2 and commands several of these vehicles.
9P157-4
The 9P157-4 is a battery command vehicle. The 9P157-4 has a BMP-3 turret without main armament and with additional day and night optical systems and radios.

Details


Facts 9P157-2
General
Origin
Russia
Type
Tank destroyer
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
19.4 t combat load
Length
6.72 m
Width
3.23 m
Height
Main armament
Type
9M123 Khrizantema anti-tank guided missile
Mount
Twin pedestal launcher connected to automatic loader
Ammunition
15 missiles, 2 ready to fire
Elevation
-5° to +15°, powered
Traverse
85° left, 85° right
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Tread
2.76 m
Track width
0.38 m
Track on ground
4.06 m
Ground pressure
0.63 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
UTD-29M
Engine type
10-cylinder four stroke liquid-cooled diesel
Power output
500 hp
Transmission
Hydromechanical, 4 speed
Mobility
Speed
70 km/h on road
20 km/h in reverse
10 km/h in water
Range
600 km on road
Power to weight ratio
25.8 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Aluminium with steel liner
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x3 Type 902V Tucha smoke grenade dischargers
Exhaust diesel injection
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Fire control
Gunner sight with laser designator
MMW radar
Radio
R-173

Media


Subcomponents


9M123 Khrizantema missile

The 9P157 is the only operational launch platform for the 9M123 (NATO: AT-15 Springer) missile.

BMP-3 chassis

The 9P157 launch vehicle and battery command vehicle are based on the chassis of the BMP-3 mechanized infantry combat vehicle.

Related articles


9P149 Shturm-S

The 9P157 was designed as a more capable successor to the 9P149 Shturm-S tank destroyer. In Russian service the 9P149 remains the more numerous of the two by a wide margin.