9K33 Osa
NATO: SA-8 Gecko
Overview
9K33M3 Osa-AKM
Bulgarian 9K33M3 Osa-AKM self-propelled SAM system.
Source: KGG1951 -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
1975 for 9K33M2 Osa-AK
1980 for 9K33M3 Osa-AKM
Romb (export designation)
Description
Introduction
The 9K33 Osa is a point defense SAM system of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1960's and is operational since the early 1970's. In the West the Osa is known by the NATO reporting name "SA-8 Gecko". The Osa replaced the 57mm S-60 towed anti-aircraft guns and is being supplemented by the new 9K330 Tor (SA-15 Gauntlet).
System design
The Osa was the first self-propelled SAM system that incorporated both the missiles and the radar systems. Both the launcher and transloader are based on the large amphibious BAZ-5937 6x6 chassis. The launch vehicle is fitted with a rotating parabolic through search radar and a tracking radar with a small missile guidance radar on each side. On either side of the radar assembly three missile canisters can be fitted. Early vehicles carried only four missiles which were exposed to the elements.
Fire control
The search radar has an acquisition range of 30 km against most targets. The tracking range is 20 km. The Osa may operate autonomously but is usually supplied with data longer range radars such as the 175 km range P-40 (Long Track) early warning radar or the 250 km range P-15 (Long Track) acquisition radar.
Firepower
The Osa is able to launch two missiles with short internal at a single target. Targets can be engaged out to 10 km and at altitudes up to 5 km. The kill probability is quoted as being 0.35-0.85 for the original Osa and 0.55-0.85 for the later versions.
Mobility
The BAZ-5937 chassis provides a good all terrain performance and good mobility on road. The Osa is powered by a 300 hp diesel engine. The maximum road speed is 60 km/h and 30 km/h on dirt roads. It has an amphibious capability with speeds up to 8 km/h.
Users
The main user of the Osa was the Soviet military and it was widely exported to Warsaw pact nations and Soviet allies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Although the Osa is a dated design it is still a potent weapon system today. In Russian service it has been supplemented by the more capable Tor (SA-15 Gauntlet) which is also much more useful against cruise missiles and incoming missiles
System composition
9K33 launch vehicle
Original Osa system introduced in 1972. Comprises of 9A33 launch vehicle with four 9M33 missiles out in the open. NATO reporting name SA-8A Gecko. This was an operational system, but produced only in limited numbers.
9K33M2 and M3 launch vehicle
9K33M2 Osa-AK: Improved Osa system introduced in 1975. Based on the 9A33B launch vehicle with six 9M33M2 missiles in ribbed launch canisters. NATO reporting name SA-8B Gecko Mod 0.
9K33M3 Osa-AKM: Improved Osa-AK system introduced in 1980. Uses the 9A33BM launch vehicle with 9M33M3 missiles and IFF antennas. NATO reporting name SA-8B Gecko Mod 1.
9M33 missile
Radio command guided missile with proximity fuse. The original 9M33 had fixed wings and were carried on launch rails. The improved 9M33M2 and 9M33M3 are the most common variants. These are carried in ribbed transport/launch containers.
9T217 transloader
The 9T217 transloader is based on the same chassis as the launch vehicle. It carries 12 missiles and is fitted with a crane to load them onto the launch vehicles. Additionally it carries extra fuel. The missiles and crane are stored under a tarpaulin cover.
The later 9T217B transloader is modified to accept the 9M33M2 and M3 missiles that are stored in ribbed canisters. The 9T217BM2 is used with the Osa-AK system and the 9T217BM3 with the Osa-AKM.
9V210 technical support
Technical support vehicle based on the same type of amphibious chassis as the launch vehicle and transloader. This vehicles carries various tools to test, maintain, troubleshoot and repair components of the 9K33 system. Produced in five different updates, ranging from 9V210 to 9V210M3, which hardly differed from each other.
Details
Media
9M33 missile launch
Romanian Osa system launching a 9M33M2 or M3 missile.
Source: www.defense.ro
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
9K33 Osa
Original 9K33 Osa system with four exposed 9M33 missiles instead of six missiles in launch canisters.
Source: One Half 3544
Copyright: public domain
Land Role radar
Close up of the Osa radar system which has the NATO reporting name Land Role.
Source: US Marine Corps (Benjamin R. Reynolds)
Copyright: public domain
9T217B
A 9T217B transloader preparing to reload a launch vehicle. Note the small crane and the tarpaulin cover moved towards the rear.
Source: Tomasz Szulc
Copyright: public domain
9K33 inside
Internal arrangement of 9K33 launch vehicle.
Source: Grzegorz Prazal
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9K33 inside
Internal arrangement of 9K33 launch vehicle.
Source: Grzegorz Prazal
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9T217B
9T217B transloader with tarpaulin cover in the travel position.
Source: www.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9K33 Osa
Russian 9K33M3 Osa-AKM self-propelled SAM systems during a parade.
Source: Falshivomonetchik
Copyright: public domain
9K33 Osa
A 9K33M2 or M3 Osa self-propelled SAM system showing its amphibious capabilities.
Source: www.nashi-avto.ru
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
9K33 Osa
Belarussian 9K33M2 or M3 Osa system firing a missile during an exercise in 2009.
Source: Victor Gavrysh
Copyright: CC BY 3.0
Related articles
M-4 Osa-M
The Osa-M is a naval SAM system based on the same 9M33 missile as used in the 9K33 Osa. The launcher is very different. It is a two arm launcher which is lowered into cover when the system is not in use.
57mm S-60
The 9K33 Osa was developed to replace the towed 57mm S-60 anti-aircraft gun with a more capable and more mobile system.
9K330 Tor
The 9K330 Tor is the successor for the 9K33 Osa in providing mobile point-defense. It is a tracked vehicle with eight missiles ready for launch.