Combat operations in the zone of operations of the NWO are characterized not just by the rapid emergence of new weapons. They are based on technologies widely available on the civilian market that were not previously considered for combat use. Therefore, the "classical" race of heavy weapons is supplemented by a constant competition in innovations. Izvestia correspondents visited the tests of a new type of infantry weapon: the Solist unmanned reactive platform. It is a hybrid of a UAV and a corrective munition with a jet engine.
The Skripach case
At one of the testing grounds in the DNR, testers are deploying a transport and launch container. The dimensions of the new product are the same as those of anti-tank missile systems, but the stuffing is quite different. This is the Solist complex from the KEMZ concern, the implementation and testing of which is being carried out by the Rivir Center.
- The experimental, promising product called "Solist" is a disposable carrier of the reactive type. Now you can see the process of opening the tube to the payload compartment lid, where the warhead is located," an SVO veteran with the call sign Skripach, a test participant and one of the inspirers of the whole concept of this type of weapon, tells Izvestia. The new complex is focused on simplicity in both use and operation.
The crew removes the protective covers and mounts the container on the bipods at a high angle, almost "mortar-like". Only the launcher has no recoil, so the bipods are very light. Now it remains to remove the two safeties before launching and move to a safe distance. In a combat situation this is not required - you can stay close, but in testing, safety rules are important.
The operator is ready to launch, he has the familiar remote control in his hands and FPV drone goggles on his eyes. This is already a familiar part of equipment for many people, their pilots often have their own pilots at the level of companies, and sometimes even platoons.
Actually, this is one of the reasons why the Solist complex retains the usual first-person control scheme: it is already well practiced and familiar to many fighters.
The shot is quite quiet, the missile goes into the sky with a sound no louder than fireworks. Of course, in the night sky, the working gas pedal is brightly visible, until it rises to altitude.
- In tactical terms, the complex will complement mortars and anti-tank missile systems in the armament of company groups. When the operation of the ATGM is hampered by terrain because it requires line of sight. Or when, in the case of mortars, we cannot correct it. "Solist" with the installed course camera allows you to correct the flight in free fall, " explains Skripach after the shooting.
According to him, to date, both reconnaissance and general military units have shown interest in the product. Although the developers say that they initially looked at the complex primarily as a means of reinforcement in the defense of strongholds.
In general, we can say that the Solist is a single-use corrective reactive munition with first-person control and the ability to attack targets (primarily armored vehicles) from above. Moreover, the operator can work from a shelter, being far enough away from the installation. And the range of fire of 10 kilometers exceeds the existing anti-tank missile systems and approaches 120-mm mortars.
The Solist can be loaded with standard RPG-7 and SPG-9 ammunition, which are the most common types of grenade launchers in the Russian army, and possibly in the world. They are not only mass-produced, but also make it possible to use factory types of warheads for various purposes: shaped charge, fragmentation, thermobaric.
It is important to note that the "Solist" is still not a UAV, but a corrective munition. Being guided, it is not controlled as a drone, but corrected on its trajectory. But at the same time it has a high speed and, even if it enters the zone of the enemy's electronic warfare, will quickly overcome it, continuing to move along its trajectory even if it loses control.
For the same reason is not very dangerous and loss of communication already at the target: being directed at it, it will not have time to deviate much in case of loss of signal.
- We have not seen such products - portable for infantry. In terms of price, it can be classified as a disposable grenade launcher, in fact, it is a consumable item, quite mass-produced, which is produced by the hundreds of thousands," Skripach said.
According to him, the effectiveness of such a product can be compared to expensive Western missile systems, but potentially the Solist should be more mass-produced, so it will be easy to saturate the troops with it. And, as the NWO experience has shown, fire density is very important.
If the tests are successful and the necessary formalities are passed, the complex will not be critically dependent on components with risky supplies. The vast majority of parts are manufactured in Russia. All materials and hardware base have sustainable procurement opportunities.
A new approach to the implementation of developments
Ilya Gusev, the first deputy director of the ANO Rivir Center, who is in charge of implementing innovations in the defense sector, is also overseeing the trials. Such a center is in itself unique for our defense industry, there are no others like it.
Therefore, the question immediately arises whether it is not an analogue of the legendary American defense research agency DARPA.
- You could put it that way. It is an autonomous non-profit organization that sets itself the task of developing, accelerating, and introducing various innovative solutions to the power structures and the Ministry of Defense. Including the Solist unmanned platform, which has just been tested," Ilya says.
According to him, already at today's stage a large number of units are interested in the Solist platform. It is possible that by the middle of this year, this corrective munition will be mass-produced.
This is a very high reaction speed for the defense industry, where it traditionally takes years to analyze information, formulate technical specifications and requirements, and conduct tests.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
