A current incident has revealed the primary recognized operational use of the P-35 missile [3М44 Progress] by the Russian Federation in an assault in opposition to Ukraine. Proof of this assault is discovered within the type of particles, the photographs of which have surfaced on the web.
The enlarged photographs exhibit a softened concentrate on the background, drawing consideration to the numerous remnants of the P-35 missile. This missile exerts a grand presence owing to its 10-meter size and launch weight of 4 tons. Hailing from the Fifties, it noticed lively army service beginning in 1962.
Analyzing the photographs, it seems that the missile was intercepted and destroyed earlier than reaching its goal. Designed as an anti-ship missile, the supposed targets have been in all probability positioned within the southern areas of Ukraine. Figuring out a P-35 unit inside the wreckage may pose a problem, but the distinctive wings of this missile function a clear telltale signal.
Nonetheless in service
Regardless of its age, the P-35 missile remains to be utilized by the Russian Federation, notably within the Redut coastal missile advanced. As of 2021, the Russian forces are estimated to keep up round 8 of those setups.
Other than the Redut advanced, the P-35 missile can also be deployed within the Utes stationary advanced, often known as Object-100. This advanced consists of underground services close to Balaklava, the place missiles are saved underground and solely raised when primed for launch.
The Russian Federation as soon as operated two of those complexes, positioned respectively in Crimea and the Kildin Island within the Barents Sea. Following the annexation of Crimea, the Object-100 in Crimea was reestablished and sporadically used to launch missiles.
3M44 model
Modernization plans for these complexes embrace equipping them with Onyx and Zircon missile launchers. Whereas P-35 missiles have been beforehand launched from Challenge 58 missile cruisers, these cruisers are now not in service.
Nonetheless, the precise launch mechanism employed within the current assault stays undetermined. The deployment of such long-range weaponry suggests a determined try to inflict some stage of harm, nevertheless minor.
The P-35 missiles, even their newest mannequin [3M44] from 1982, are usually thought of outdated. Their vary extends as much as 300 km [or 460 km for the 3M44 model by some accounts], with a velocity reaching as much as 1800 km/h [or 2200 km/h according to some sources], carrying a payload of as much as 930 kg [FKBCH 4G48].
About P-35
These missiles have a distinctive cigar-shaped physique, with a high-sweep wing and an underbody vertical stabilizer. Fitted with an air consumption below the fuselage within the aft part, they’re powered by a KRD-26 turbojet engine. The missile is launched from a commonplace container utilizing two solid-fuel rocket boosters.
The missile’s hanging vary is decided by its altitude and flight profile. It may be set to fly at altitudes starting from 400 to 7000 meters. Relying on the altitude, the missile can cowl a distance between a minimal of 100 kilometers and a most of 300 kilometers. It will possibly obtain a top-flight velocity of M=1.8 and may accommodate a high-explosive payload weighing as much as 560 kg or bear a TNT-equivalent nuclear warhead of as much as 20 kilotons.
The steerage system unites radio instructions throughout early flight with lively radar steerage for the ultimate assault. Its operator can monitor the missile’s flight utilizing the service ship’s onboard radar, making minor course changes as wanted. Finally, the missile falls out of the service ship’s radar vary and prompts its radar-seeking mode for the ultimate run towards the goal.
The steerage system initially operates on the horizontal airplane, diving in direction of the goal at a managed price. Solely because it attracts nearer to the goal does it start to regulate its altitude. Given acceptable situations, this missile can be directed towards floor targets in a steep dive of 80 levels.
An autonomous mode, functioning independently of the service ship, can also be accessible. Nevertheless, this mode is extra susceptible to radio interference and can’t choose targets.
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