Anti-Aircraft Response to Attack Helicopters Developed

Anti-Aircraft Response to Attack Helicopters Developed

artillery response

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The increased power of military helicopters equipped with anti-tank guided missiles that now can strike targets at a distance of 5-6 miles (8-10 kilometers), and up to 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) in the future, necessitated a new Russian anti-aircraft artillery system. Additionally, 23-millimeter and 30-millimeter shells could still penetrate the enhanced armor of new attack helicopters, but they were not able to create the required density of fire, which guarantees the destruction of cruise, guided and anti-radar missiles, as well as guided air bombs and drones. Therefore, the use of new weapons with a 57-millimeter caliber will be able to strike targets at an extended distance and height.

Russia has recently revealed a new air defense system with a new caliber. The new system under development, which will feature increased firepower, is set to replace the Shilka and Tunguska systems that now form the basis of the Russian military air defense.

The new anti-aircraft system is designed for the use of a 57-millimeter anti-aircraft cannon and is being developed as part of a fundamental upgrade to weapons and equipment for the Russian Army.

The main feature of Derivatsiya is the caliber of its gun – 57 millimeters, according to rbth.com. Artillery systems of this caliber were actively used in the past, but did not become widespread in the armed forces. However, Derivatsiya’s designers decided to return to the neglected caliber, as under the new conditions it has a number of advantages over existing cannons.

The Shilka and Tunguska artillery systems, which now form the basis of Russia’s ground forces air defense have 23-millimeter and 30-millimeter cannons, respectively.

The increased caliber of the anti-aircraft cannon will reduce the ammunition carrying capacity, but the effectiveness of the system will remain high, as the amount of ammunition needed to destroy one target will decline.