4K51 Rubezh
NATO: SS-C-3 Styx
Overview
4K51 Rubezh
Romanian Rubezh-E in the firing position with radar raised and launcher rotated to the right.
Source: Unknown author -
© copyright lies with original owner
Design project
1975 - 1977
Soviet state trails
System integration of launch vehicle
GRAU index for entire system
3P51
GRAU index for launch vehicle
Rubezh
Official nickname, Russian for "frontier"
SSC-3 Styx
NATO reporting name
Raketenkomplex Rubesh-Ä
East German designation
Description
Introduction
The 4K51 Rubezh system is a late Cold War era coastal defense system of Soviet origin. It is best known by its NATO designation SS-C-3 Styx. The 4K51 is a much less complex design than the previous 4K44 Redut (SS-C-1 Sepal) and S-2 Sopka (SS-C-2 Samlet). Originally the 4K51 was aimed at the export market, but was also quickly adopted by Soviet forces as a cost-effective standalone system.
Layout
For a coastal defense system the 4K51 uses surprisingly few components. All subsystems are fitted onto one vehicle. This vehicle is based on the large MAZ-543 8x8 truck chassis. The driver's cab and engine are mounted at the front. The command module and radar are in the center of the vehicle. The large twin round launcher is fitted at the rear.
Firepower
The 4K51 fires the large subsonic P-15 Termit missile, known in the West as the SS-N-2 Styx. The P-15M versions with mid course updates, the P-20 version with active radar guidance and P-21 version with infra-red guidance can be launched. The large twin round launcher is rotated either to the left or right, in the direction of the target. Normally each launch unit is accompanied by two 6x6 trucks outfitted with a crane and a spare missile. The P-15M has a maximum effective range of 80 km. The practical range depends on radar horizon and availability of external target data.
Targeting
The command module houses the remaining four crew members needed to operate the weapon. On top of the command module the 3Ts-25 Garpun surface search radar is fitted, which is raised when in use. The 4K51 can operate autonomously using its own radar to detect and track targets. However, it is mostly used in conjunction with other means of detection, such as land based radars or aircraft.
Mobility
The 4K51 is based on the massive MAZ-543 high mobility truck. Although it is a heavy and large system the large 8x8 truck provides good all terrain performance. In the mid-1980's the system was upgraded by using the improved MAZ-543M chassis.
Users
The foremost user of the 4K51 system has been the USSR. Like the ship based version of the Termit missile the 4K51 was widely exported. It was mainly adopted by nations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
System composition
4K51 Rubezh / SSC-3 Styx
The 3P51 fire control and launch vehicle is the sole component of the 4K51 Rubezh coastal defense system. The twin round launcher, command and control module and radar are all fitted onto the same vehicle.
4K51 Rubezh
A number of 4K51 Rubezh on parade.
Source: MuRena -
© copyright lies with original owner
Battery composition
A typical battery consists of:
- 4x 3P51M launch vehicle
- 4x Transloader based on KrAZ-255B chassis
- Optional mast mounted surface search radar
- Various support vehicles
Variants of the launch vehicle
Details
Media
4K51 Rubezh
Left side view of 4K51 Rubezh in the firing position with radar raised and launcher rotated to the left.
Source: www.ausairpower.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
4K51 Rubezh
Forward view of 4K51 Rubezh on the move.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
4K51 Rubezh
Right side view of 4K51 Rubezh showing launcher with both launch container doors open.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
4K51 Rubezh
Rear view of 4K51 Rubezh showing one of the Termit missiles in its launch container.
Source: www.ausairpower.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
4K51 Rubezh
P-15 Termit launched from 4K51 Rubezh coastal defense system.
Source: Facaletz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
3K60 Bal
The 3K60 Bal (NATO: SS-C-6 Sennight) was developed in the late 1990's as a newer and more capable replacement for the 4K51 Rubezh, while retaining mobility and limited costs.
A-222 Bereg
The A-222 Bereg coastal artillery system can be used alongside the 4K51 Rubezh in order to engage targets within the minimum range of the missile system.