Munitions / Anti-tank missiles / 9M123 Khrizantema

9M123 Khrizantema

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Anti-tank missile

  • ORIGIN
    Russia

  • NICKNAMES
    AT-15 Springer (NATO reporting name)

  • DESIGNED
    1980's - late 1990's

  • DESIGNER
    KBM Kolomna

  • PRODUCTION
    2004 - present

  • PRODUCERS
    Russia - KBM Kolomna

  • QUANTITY
    Unknown

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Good armor penetration
    Good range and accuracy
    Laser and radar guided version
    Variety of warheads available
    Expensive to produce

Introduction

The 9M123 Khrizantema is a modern anti-tank missile of Russian origin. Development started in the 1980's but wasn't completed until the late 1990's. It was developed to counter modern Western tanks such as the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2 and Challenger. The 9M123 is more capable than the than the 9K114 Shturm and 9K120 Ataka, but is also much more expensive. It is unique in being available with two types of guidance.

Design

The 9M123 is transported and launched from a cylindrical canister. It has a long sleek body with warhead in front, guidance section in the middle and solid propellant rocket motor at the rear. It has four wrap around wings for stabilization and steering is achieved by two control surfaces at the nozzle. The 9M123 comes in a laser guided version and in a version with millimeter wave radar seeker.

Firepower

The 9M123 features a powerful tandem HEAT shaped charge warhead. Estimated peneration is about 1.100 to 1.250 mm RHA behind ERA. This allows it to effectively engage any existing tank from any angle. Alternatively a thermobaric warhead is available for engaging infantry. The maximum effective range of the 9M123 is 6 km. The supersonic flight speed and high quality guidance reportedly result in a high effectiveness at longer ranges.

Platforms

The 9M123 was designed to be launched from both ground vehicles and helicopters. The main launch platform is the 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer which is based on the BMP-3 chassis. Proposed aerial launch platforms could include the Mi-28 Havoc, Ka-50 Hokum or modern versions Mi-24 Hind.

Users

The 9M123 reportedly is being tested or fielded on a small scale with Russian forces. The only known export sale is a small batch for Libya, being used on three 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyers.

Variants

Khrizantema missile

9M123: Laser guided version with tandem HEAT warhead.
9M123-2: Radar guided version with tandem HEAT warhead.
9M123F: Laser guided version with thermobaric warhead.
9M123F-2: Radar guided version with thermobaric warhead.

TypeAnti-tank missile
Diameter0.15 m body, 0.31 m wingspan
Length2.057 m
Weight46 kg + 8 kg case
GuidanceLaser guidance
Warhead8 kg tandem HEAT shaped charge, 1.100 to 1.250 mm RHA after ERA
PropulsionSolid propellant rocket motor
Speed400 m/s
Range400 m minimum, 6 km maximum
Altitude-
Engagement envelope-
Remarks-
TypeAnti-tank missile
Diameter0.15 m body, 0.31 m wingspan
Length2.057 m
Weight46 kg + 8 kg case
GuidanceMMW radar seeker
Warhead8 kg tandem HEAT shaped charge, 1.100 to 1.250 mm RHA after ERA
PropulsionSolid propellant rocket motor
Speed400 m/s
Range400 m minimum, 6 km maximum
Altitude-
Engagement envelope-
RemarksAccuracy <5 meters

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