9M83
NATO: SA-12A / SA-23A Gladiator
Overview
9M83ME in launch canister
A launch canister of a 9M83ME (NATO: SA-23A Gladiator) missile on display at an airshow in Russia in 2011.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Russia
SA-23A Gladiator (NATO reporting name for 9M83M)
Description
Introduction
The 9M83 is a late Cold War era surface to air missile of Soviet origin. It is a high performance missile used with the S-300V surface to air missile system. The 9M83 is the smaller of the two missile sizes used with the S-300V and is known in the West as the SA-12A Gladiator.
Design
The 9M83 is a surface to air missile of a rather unique design. It is a high speed two stage missile using thrust vectoring. The missile is carried and launched in its transport container. Upon launch a gas generator propels the missile from the launch tube. While suspended in the air the main engine kicks in and four vanes within the nozzle steer the missile in the target's direction. The second stage of the missile has eight tailfins and houses the homing system and warhead in the nose.
Guidance
The 9M83 uses inertial navigation upon launch. The launch vehicle can also provide mid course updates via datalink. Once the missile reaches the target airspace the semi-active radar homing head is activated. The target is illuminated by the fire control radar on the launch vehicle. In case of the 9M83 missile the radar on the launch vehicle is located on a mast for optimal illumination of low flying targets. A radio command fuse sets off the warhead.
Firepower
The 9M83 has a maximum effective range of 75 km against aircraft and 40 km against missiles. Since the illumination radar is mast mounted the minimum target altitude can as little as 25 m. Maximum altitude is quoted as 25 km. The 9M83 is a two stage missile with maximum flight speeds of 1.200 m/s and 1.700 m/s respectively. As with all air defense missiles effective range and speed are highly dependent on target parameters and chosen flight path for interception.
Launch platforms
The 9M83 is used with the S-300V and S-300VM surface to air missile systems. The S-300V is built to keep up with army formations and is based on large tracked vehicles. The launch vehicles and transloaders both have four missiles ready to launch. The launch vehicle has a mast mounted target illumination radar while the transloader is fitted with a crane. Unlike many other Soviet surface to air missiles there is no naval equivalent using this missile.
Users
The S-300V was acquired by the Soviet Union to accompany and protect larger army formations. The S-300V was introduced in 1983 and at first only had the 9M83 missile ready for launch, before the larger 9M82 became operational in 1988. S-300V was only in service with the Soviet Union and ended up in Russia and Ukraine. S-300VM was also acquired by Egypt and Venezuela.
Variants
9M83
A 9M83 series surface to air missile on public display.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the 9M83
Details
Media
9M83 missiles on 9A83 launch vehicle
Four 9M83 missiles on a 9A83 launch vehicle with target illumination radar seen in travel configuration in 2015.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
9M83 missiles on 9A83 launch vehicle
Rear view of four 9M83 missiles in raised position on a 9A83 launch vehicle with target illumination radar. Seen on public display in 2008.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
9M83 / SA-12A Gladiator
Two 9M83 (NATO: SA-12A Gladiator) missiles being launched from a Ukrainian S-300V1 surface to air missile system during an exercise in 2021.
Source: Ukrainian Air Force
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
9M83 line diagram
Line diagram of 9M83 missile (below) with a good size comparison to the 9M82 missile (top).
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
9M82
The 9M82 is the long range counterpart intended for use against ballistic missiles. It has a much larger boost section doubling the total weight of the missile.
S-300V
The 9M83 missile is used with the S-300V surface to air missile system.