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9K35 Strela-10


NATO: SA-13 Gopher


Overview


9K35 Strela-10

Czech 9K35 Strela-10 with launcher in raised position.
Source: www.ausairpower.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled SAM system
Entered service
1976
Status
In service
Development
1969 - 1976
Developer
Soviet Union - KB Tochmash design bureau
Production
1975 - ?
Producer
Soviet Union - KMZ
Russia - KMZ
Number produced
Over 500 launch vehicles
Designations
SA-13 Gopher (NATO reporting name)
9K35 (GRAU index)
ZRK-BD (Russian military servic)

Description


Introduction

The 9K35 Strela-10 is a late Cold War era self-propelled SAM system of Soviet origin. In the West this system is known by its NATO reporting SA-13 Gopher. The 9K35 can be seen as a much improved version of the earlier 9K31 Strela-1 (NATO: SA-9 Gaskin) system it was designed to replace.

Layout

The 9K35 is based on the MT-LB tracked amphibious chassis. The driver and commander are seated in the front, the engine is in the middle and the turret in the rear. The launcher is similar to the one on the 9K31, but has been fitted with a ranging radar and is able to fire the larger and much improved 9M37 missiles.

Firepower

The 9K35 is fitted with a launcher for four Strela-10 missiles. The earlier 9M31 missiles of the Strela-1 system can also be fired. The 9M37 missiles feature an infra-red seeker of much higher quality than the earlier 9M31 missiles. The maximum effective range is 5 km and the maximum altitude is 3 km. For self-defense a 7.62mm PKT machine gun can be mounted at the commander's position.

Mobility

The MT-LB chassis provides a good cross country mobility and reasonable road speed of up to 62 km/h. A 240 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The 9K35 is fully amphibious.

Protection

The steel armor protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. The 9K35 is operated under full armor protection, except for reloading the missiles. An NBC system is fitted while smoke grenade dischargers are not.

Users

The 9K35 has replaced the earlier 9K31 in Russia and most Eastern European nations. It is also widely used in the Middle East.

Details


9K35 Strela-10

Rear view of Strela-10 with launcher in raised position and traversed to the right.
Source: www.en.valka.cz - © copyright lies with original owner

9K35 Strela-10 launch vehicle

The 9K35 Strela-10, which has the NATO designation SA-13 Gopher, is a self-propelled short range SAM system. It is based on the MT-LB tracked amphibious chassis. Four versions of the launch vehicle were created, which differ only in minor details and equipment associated with improved missiles.

Launch vehicle variants

Strela-10SV
This was the first version and was produced in limited quantity. It is capable of firing the 9M31 and 9M37 missiles.
Strela-10M, Strela-10M2
The Strela-10M and Strela-10M2 are near similar and the most common models. In addition to the 9M31 and 9M37 they fire the 9M37M and MD missiles.
Strela-10M3 and M4
This is an improved launch vehicle capable of firing the 9M333 missile. The Strela-10M4 designation applies to earlier models updated to M3 standards.

9M37 missile


9M37 missile

9M37 missile outside its launch container.
Source: www.palba.cz - © copyright lies with original owner

9M37 Strela-10 missile variants

9M37
The 9M37 is an enlarged and more capable version of the earlier 9M31 missile and is fitted with an improved infra-red seeker. The missile has a conventional layout with the seeker in the front, followed by the warhead and the rocket engine. It is transported and launched from a ribbed container.
9M37M / MD
Improved 9M37 that features a further improved infra-red seeker. The 9M37MD is a 9M37M missile fitted with a heavier and more capable warhead.
9M333
The 9M333 is the latest missile for the 9K35 system and is a further improvement of the 9M37MD. It features a dual mode seeker with photo contrast and passive infra-red guidance. The 9M333 has a much better resistance to flares and decoys and is able to lock on to smaller targets such as UAV's and cruise missiles.

Details


Facts 9K35 Strela-10
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled SAM system
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
12.1 t combat load
Length
6.93 m in travel configuration
6.45 m hull only
Width
2.85 m
Height
3.97 m in firing position
2.3 m in travel configuration
Main armament
Type
9M37 surface to air missile
Mount
Quaduple stowable launcher
Ammunition
8 missiles, 4 ready to launch
Elevation
-5 to +80°, powered
Elevation rate
50°/s
Traverse
360°, powered
Traverse rate
100°/s
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
Small cupola over commander's position
Ammunition
500 rounds, 100 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Tread
2.5 m
Track on ground
3.7 m
Ground pressure
0.57 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
YaMZ-238V
Engine type
V8 diesel
Power output
240 hp at 2.100 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 6 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
450 L
Mobility
Speed
60 km/h on road
30 km/h off road
5 - 6 km/h afloat
Range
450 km on road
Power to weight ratio
19.8 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.7 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
14 mm front
7 mm top, sides and rear
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Yes, for driver
Fire control
Optical fire control
9S86 range only radar on 9A34
9S16 passive radar detector on 9A35
Radio
Yes

Media


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