9M123 Khrizantema
NATO: AT-15 Springer
Overview
9M123 Khrizantema
A 9M123 missile besides its transport and launch canister.
Source: Mike1979 Russia -
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Russia
9M123 (GRAU index)
Libya
Description
Introduction
The 9M123 Khrizantema is a modern era 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.
Variants
Firepower
The 9M123 features a powerful tandem HEAT shaped charge warhead. Estimated penetration 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 laser guided 9M123 is 5 km and 6 km for the radar guided model. The supersonic flight speed and high quality guidance reportedly result in a high effectiveness at longer ranges.
Launch 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. For over 15 years the 9M123 has not been seen in operational use on combat helicopters.
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.
Media
9M123 Khrizantema
A 9M123 missile launched from the 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer.
Source: www.forcesmilitary.blogspot.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9P157 Khrizantema-S
A Libyan 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer launching a 9M123 missile.
Source: Unknown author @ www.militaryphotos.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
9P157 Khrizantema-S
A Libyan 9P157 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer launching a 9M123 missile.
Source: Unknown author @ www.militaryphotos.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Details
Launch platforms
9P157 Khrizantema-S
The 9P157 Khrizantema-S tracked tank destroyer is the primary launch platform of the 9M123.
Related articles
9M120 Ataka
The Khrizantema was developed as a more capable follow on to the 9K120 Ataka missile.