Posted on 02/28/2016 5:17:18 AM PST by huldah1776
New Russian tanks sent to Syria have been able to survive hits from US-made TOW missiles, although their anti-missile counter-measures have yet to be seen in combat.
In a report on new weapons in the Syrian conflict, Robert Fisk noted tank-based anti-missile systems, as well as night vision and reconnaissance systems.
Although new the tanks supplied to the Syrian army have the ability to deflect TOW-like missiles, their full implementation has yet to be seen. A video released by rebels showed the T-90 surviving a hit by a TOW missile, but an open hatch prevented the deployment of an aerosol screen used to deflect such missiles before they reach the tank.
The video appears to be the manufacturer's demonstration of the T-90's Shtora system, mounted on a BMP-3. Images on social media have also shown what appears to be Arena-E radars mounted on Syrian equipment, although the radar by itself cannot deflect missiles without an aerosol screen and infrared beams which confuse the missile's self-tracking.
The video has been criticized, however, as the flight time of the missile is over 22 seconds, which is the limit for TOW missile flight.
A more recent video showed the effect of a TOW-2A anti-tank guided missile on a T-90A tank, with the tandem warhead failing to penetrate the tank's reactive armor.
The video cuts off before the aftermath of the explosion is seen, other than the gunner running out of the tank, apparently as a result of a concussion due to an open hatch.
The video also shows that the tank does not utilize the Shtora-1 system, perhaps automatically disabled due to the open hatch, as its infrared beams apparently remain unused, compared to the beams seen in the demonstration video. Operating tanks with the hatch open is a sort of conventional wisdom for operators of older tanks, as an open hatch allows for a faster escape from the tank.
It has, however, shown the T-90A superior in guided missile protection, compared to the Abrams tank, one of which was destroyed by Yemen's Houthi militias using the outdated 9K111 Fagot ATGM.
How far can a TOW travel in 22 seconds? Just wondering (don't have speed specs)
T90 is a decent tank, slightly faster than an Abrams without the limiters removed, much lighter, 47 tons vs 68 for the A2.
Every tank has its vulnerabilities. The German Tiger was one of those that seemed invincible, unless you could hit anything on the back.
Is it easier to repair? I’ve heard the Abrams is a bear.
Range 4200 meters @ 280-320 m/s. Call it 300 and the math works out to 14. The bigger problem is it will run out of guidance wire at about that range.
It’s not our best missile, iirc.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=871_1456476988
The TOW is 1970’s technology. They’ve had plenty of time to work on countermeasures. Our entire military technology base is aging out while we waste money on the F-35, LCS and other gold plated General Officer nest-egg projects.
Ah, why not laser guide as back up?
Agreed.
Because the TOW is a wire guided system, optically tracked. It derives its control signals from the wire. But still, its rated range and flight time at range is 6 seconds short of what the story mentions.
The next question would be just how long the fuel lasts. If it runs out of fuel at that same point, what would the velocity loss be and what would that effect have on any penetration performance?
There are several models of TOW missiles, some that can defeat reactive armor and some not. Who knows which model this one was.
TOW isn't our only anti-tank weapon now anyway. There is Hellfire and Javelin.
From what i have seen the turbine comes out as a module on the Abrams, battle field swaps were done pretty fast.
I’m a model tank collector, not an expert, my favorite is the Leopard 2.
Quantity has a certain Quality of its own, the Russians of All People should understand that.
Yemen's Houthi militias using the outdated 9K111 Fagot ATGM.
Militias using fagots to deflect incoming rounds?
Original TOW is what was shared with the rebels to use against Asad. Reactive armor on the T90 will divert the TOW’s shape charge. TOW II or ITOW evolved etc which we use has a “dual” shape charge to counter reactive armor such as you see in the video.
No worries..... Russian tanks can still be killed by modern ground troops such as a TACP with a couple of radios and CAS / Artillery on call.... or a Tank killer Team of Rangers or Marines. Hell I think even USAF Security Forces (sky cops) ...are issued the Carl Gustaf M3 now . The FFV651 HEAT round from that launcher has a probe that defeats the reactive armor and the FFV751 HEAT round has a dual warhead that also turns the soft pink centers of T90’s into jello on the spall liners as well.
M3 Carl Gustaf’s are normally carried by 1 shooter with a spotter carrying a spare 6 rounds. Put 3 of those 2 man crews in a tank killer team volley firing from multiple points and T90 alone or multiple threat is countered IMO.
Albeit I’m retired, safe and sound back here in Texas these days I have maximum confidence in the troops tasked to kill enemy armor with the tools and skills provided to them currently.
My opinion based on past experience.
Even if the missile did not completely destroy the tank, it will definitely be going back to the shop for repairs, and the crew will need hearing aids for the rest of their lives.
Shape charge penetration doesn’t rely on the delivery vehicles delivery speed / velocity. But accuracy does. Velocity / Penetration not the issue at the end of the weapons range in this case..... accuracy is. If it gets there it is gonna kill if it hits, even if its a free throw from full court shot.
Thanks
Probably why the driver bailed out so fast: may have been safer to stay inside but the impact and noise could scare anyone.
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