URK-5 Rastrub
NATO: SS-N-14 Silex
Overview
URK-5 Rastrub
Russian navy Project 1155 Fregat (NATO: Udaloy I) class destroyer with missile container doors open showing four 85RU missiles with UMGT-1 torpedo as payload.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1978 - 1983 (Soviet state trials)
Russia
Description
Introduction
The URK-5 Rastrub is a late Cold War era naval anti-submarine warfare system of Soviet origin. It is the successor to the URPK-3 Metel and was intended to uses the same launchers to allow for a retrofit of older systems. The main improvements are a more modern torpedo in the anti-submarine role, and adding a dual-use capability by adding a seeker and warhead to the host missile for use against surface vessels. Both URK-5 and the older URPK-3 have the NATO reporting name SS-N-14 Silex.
Design
The URK-5 Rastrub is a deep modernization of the URPK-3 Metel system. The URK-5 uses an improved 85RU missile which has a longer range, improved UMGT-1 torpedo payload and introduces a warhead and infrared seeker in the host missile. This makes the URK-5 system a dual use system against both submarines and surface targets. The URK-5 has an upgraded fire control system and requires minor alterations to the existing types of launchers.
Firepower
The 85RU missile carries the 400mm UMGT-1 lightweight aerial torpedo as payload. This is an improved design over the heavier 533mm AT-2UM used in the Metel. The UMGT-1 is a slightly faster torpedo with a longer range and better acoustic homing seeker. In the anti-shipping role the 85RU uses an infrared seeker in the missile's nose and a 185 kg HE-Frag warhead with shaped charge penetrator. The maximum anti-shipping range is 90 km. Possibly this is achieved by ditching the torpedo payload early on, or it could be carried the entire way towards the target.
Fire control
The Rastrub has two modes of operation, anti-submarine and anti-shipping. In the anti-submarine role the 85RU missile flies at an altitude of 400 m. The Grom or Musson fire control system is used with radio command guidance of the missile to the target area. Sonar input from the vessel or an external source such as the ASW helicopter is used to determine the release area for the parachute retarded UMGT-1 torpedo. This uses active and passive sonar in a circular search pattern. In the anti-shipping role radio command guidance is used to guide the missile towards the enemy vessel. Near the surface target the 85RU goes to a 20 meter above sea level sea skimming flight path. Target acquisition of the surface vessel is carried out with an infrared homing sensor.
Platforms
The URK-5 Rastrub was intended as main armament of the Project 1155 Fregat (NATO: Udaloy I) class ASW destroyer, and as retrofit for existing ASW cruisers and frigates using the URPK-3 and -4 Metel systems. Retrofits were carried out on some of the Project 1134A and B (NATO: Kresta II and Kara) class anti-submarine warfare cruisers. Several Project 1135 Burevestnik (NATO: Krivak I and II) class frigates also received a URK-5 upgrade.
Users
The URK-5 Rastrub entered service in 1984 in the Soviet navy and were inherited by Russia. These were not exported. The majority of older URPK-3 Metel systems were to be upgraded to URK-5 standard. The fall of the Soviet Union and difficult economic situation in Russia saw the early retirement of many vessels and lower number of upgrades than previously planned. The URK-5 Rastrub remains in Russian service today and batches of missiles have seen maintenance extending the service life of these missiles.
System composition
85RU missile
The main component of the URK-5 Rastrub is the 85RU missile. This upgraded 85R missile can be identified by the infrared seeker in the nose. Also it carries the UMGT-1 torpedo instead of the AT-2UM.
UMGT-1
The UMGT-1 torpedo was developed as payload for the 85RU missile, and doubles as aerial torpedo dropped by ASW aircraft and helicopters. This torpedo performs a circular search pattern in the target area.
Details
Media
85RU missile
85RU missile with UMGT-1 torpedo as payload on display in Dubna museum of missiles history in Dubna, Russia, as seen in 2022.
Source: Apetrov09703
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
URK-5 Rastrub
Russian navy Project 1155 Fregat (NATO: Udaloy I) class destroyer launching an 85RU missile.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
URK-5 Rastrub
Russian navy Project 1135 Burevestnik (NATO: Krivak I) class frigate launching an 85RU missile.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
URK-5 Rastrub
Close-up of 85RU missiles in a KT-106M launcher on a Project 1135 Burevestnik (NATO: Krivak) class frigate.
Source: Pytlivy808
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
URK-5 Rastrub
Frontal view of Russian navy Project 1155 Fregat (NATO: Udaloy I) class destroyer with missile container doors open showing four 85RU missiles with UMGT-1 torpedo as payload.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: CC BY 4.0
URK-5 Rastrub
85RU missile seen on an ammunition cart without its torpedo payload.
Source: moremhod.info
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Platforms
Note: list verified and complete
Project 1155 Fregat class
Soviet class of ASW destroyer. NATO reporting name Udaloy I. All but the first three vessels were armed with the URK-5 Rastrub system with Musson fire control.
Project 1134A Berkut-A class
All Project 1134A (NATO: Kresta II) were fitted with the URPK-3 Metel. Four or five were upgraded with to URK-5 Rastrub. These use the Grom fire control system.
Project 1134B Berkut-B class
The last (7th) vessel of the Project 1134B (NATO: Kara) class cruiser was fitted with the URK-5 Rastrub as commissioned. Two others received an upgrade to URK-5. These use the Grom fire control system.
Project 1135 Burevestnik class
The last five vessels of the Project 1135 and 1135M (NATO: Krivak I and II) were delivered with the URK-5 Rastrub system using the Musson fire control system. Possibly some existing vessels were converted as well.
Related articles
URPK-3 Metel
Predecessor of the URK-5 Rastrub. Very similar design with older and heavier air launched torpedo. Lacks the capability to engage surface vessels. Both systems feature the NATO reporting name SS-N-14 Silex.
P-120 Malakhit
The 85RU missile uses design components from the P-120 Malakhit (NATO: SS-N-9 Siren) anti-ship missile.