In today's thread I'm sharing a set of (as far as I know) previously unpublished online information about the Tochka missile system.
The material consists of a set of 15 large format diagrams, initially used as teaching aids for technicians and system operators in training and presents a wealth of information about construction and operating principles of the Tochka missile. Everything comes from declassified archival sources, freely available, though not in digital format.
For each large diagram I provided its number in the whole set, a translated title, and a brief summary of major elements shown - assume they are listed in a top-bottom, left-right order unless indicated otherwise. Providing exact translations of the whole thing would be a lot of work, but I ensured it is easily readable and the information is largely conveyed visually, hopefully this will be sufficient.
Small disclaimer: all figures were post-processed by me to ensure possibly flat, aligned projection (removing various photo distortions and paper warp) which may lead to some warping of the figures.
1. - 9M79F (K, B) missile general view
general combat-ready missile view, section connector and locking mechanisms, missile in transport arrangement
2. - Instrument/guidance section
general views, assembly attachment points
5. - 9Ya234 missile transportation container
locking mechanism, general views, relevant markings and sealing stamps
6. - 9B63 guidance system
electrohydraulic diagram
7. -9B64 guidance gyroscope
general gyroscope assembly, electrokinematic diagram, functional kinematic diagram, bottom yellow boxes: rotation axis stabilization and guidance diagram, pitch/yaw axis stabilization and guidance diagram, control signals amplifiers diagram
8. - 9B64 guidance gyroscope sub-assemblies
Cardan suspension (gimbal) assembly, program control mechanism, gyroscopic integrator, kinematic system of the gyroscopic integrator, electromechanical diagram of program mechanism, gyroscopic integrator engine, gyroscope assembly, gyroscope kinematic diagram, capacitance impulse sensor, zero-velocity sensor
9. - 9B65 analog-digital computer
general block schematic of internal signal flows, some inputs and outputs
10. - 9B66 onboard automatics complex
block schematic of various internal voltages and control signals as well as general internal logic, decision process for various internal high level commands for other subsystems
11. - 9B616 control surface actuator mechanism
general hydraulic schematic of actuator system, various assemblies, bottom yellow frames: control surface actuator diagram, pump, 9B67 hydraulic supply system schematic
12. - 9B149 turbo generator
9B152 gas turbine assembly schematic, some performance characteristics, assembly diagrams
13. - 9N123F HE-Frag warhead with focused effect
general cross section, safety & arming mechanisms, relevant markings
14. - 9E118 laser fuze
optical system, mode and arming switches, general view
15. - 9Ya236 warhead transport container
silica gel cartridge for internal humidity control, all relevant markings for warhead types, general views
That would be all for today regarding Tochka missile, hopefully it was informative - I will likely return to the subject eventually, as I have access to other primary sources on the missile and launcher systems, but as a very complex subject this may take a very long time - I wouldn't want to attempt it without a solid understanding of everything involved first.
(Also, this thread serves as a 1000 follower milestone post, yay)
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(1/25) I recently acquired some primary sources regarding the T-55AM Merida Polish modernization of the T-55 tank from the mid-1980s, and I would like to describe this unique and poorly documented construction so that more people can appreciate its capabilities.
(FCS thread)
(2/25) The Merida modernization package consists of several components:
- SKO-1 Merida fire control system
- WPL-1 laser warning receiver
- WPD-1 smoke projectile launcher
- WWGD smoke explosive grenade launcher
Each of these systems will be examined in detail in the sections that follow.
Figure 1 - Arrangement of elements of the SKO-1 fire control system on the tank
(3/25) The SKO-1 Merida fire control system constitutes the core component of the T-55AM Merida modernization and is the primary reason for the designation "Merida" being applied to the upgraded vehicle as a whole. The system is, in essence, an advanced digital fire control system capable of accurately engaging moving targets in day and night conditions from a moving platform, with a capability set not far behind better-known systems of the era, such as the 1A33 in the T-80B or the M60A3 TTS. The system generates and applies accurate azimuth and elevation correction angles for the tank's main armament: the 100 mm gun, the coaxial machine gun, as well as the 23 mm sub-caliber training insert for the main gun.
The SKO-1 system provides the following capabilities:
automatic gun laying of the main gun and coaxial machine gun,
automatic and manual application of firing corrections, as well as parameter collection and entry,
calculation of firing corrections based on ballistic and environmental inputs,
laser rangefinder-based measurement of target distance,
observation of terrain during both day and night, passively, at multiple magnification levels.
In this thread (hopefully the first of many), I’ll discuss the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems of the MiG-23 aircraft family, covering historical, doctrinal, and technical aspects. I will briefly go through some context and high-level concepts as well. @Combination_K @Crngman @BaA43A3aHY @Lantirn40K
Since early on in the MiG-23’s development, Soviets placed great value on a dual-sensor capability. There isn’t a single reason; rather, the main ones are: a backup search-and-track capability in heavy electronic jamming environments, the ability to silently approach and engage targets, and an alternative to radar use in heavy clutter conditions.
Soviet GCI (ground control intercept) methodology allowed for precise, data link–controlled approach to the target, prioritizing trajectories that maximized the chance of ambush. This frequently involved low-altitude, high-speed dashes and pop-up (gorka) attacks from the rear hemisphere, with radar emissions delayed until just before firing and pre-cueing the lock via DL. In such circumstances, the IRST offers two advantages: it enables continued GCI-independent search for threats while following the intercept trajectory without emissions, and it maximizes the chance of success in the final ambush when IR missiles are employed.