23 mm twin installation zu. Weight in firing position

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Rocket and artillery "Zushka": modernization of ZU-23 / Photo: topwar.ru

The modernized ZU-23/30M1 anti-aircraft gun is highly effective and capable of hitting air targets at any time of the day.

Modernized ZU-23/30M1-3 / Photo: IA "ARMS OF RUSSIA", Anatoly Sokolov

The modernized twin anti-aircraft gun ZU-23/30M1-3 became one of the full-scale exhibits at the air defense exposition of the MAKS-2015 air show. Despite its rather “modest” appearance compared to the background of modern air defense missile systems, both specialists and visitors, including foreign ones, did not pass by the “Zushka”.

It is known that various modifications of the ZU-23 are available in the armies of more than 50 countries. But not many people know that on March 22, 2015, the installation celebrated its 65th anniversary since it was put into service. From then to the present, it has been actively used in all wars and local conflicts. This is due to its structural simplicity and high operational reliability, which are akin to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The basic version of the ZU-23 ensures the destruction of visually visible air and ground (surface) targets, as well as enemy personnel in the zone at a range and altitude of up to 2500 m and 1500 m, respectively. However, the probability of hitting air targets did not exceed 0.01.

ZU-23/30M1-3 at MAKS-2015 / Photo: IA "ARMS OF RUSSIA", Anatoly Sokolov Specialists of the PEMZ OJSC plant, based on the basic version, created a modernized and adapted to modern conditions

ZU-23/30M1. According to the results of practical tests, its probability of hitting air targets is 10 or more times higher than that of the ZU-23 and practically corresponds to modern MANPADS. This efficiency was achieved by equipping the installation with means of automation of combat work (optical-electronic all-day unit, digital computer system, equipment for receiving and implementing target designation, as well as an electrical target guidance system).

The modernized ZU-23/30M1 retains the collimator and ground sights, as well as the manual target targeting mode, which allows it to be used in almost any situation. The installation can be powered from a battery or a direct current gas-electric unit.

According to the developers, today two versions of the installation have been tested and are being produced - rocket-artillery (ZU-23/30M1-3) and artillery (ZU-23/30M1-4). Both options can fight tactical and attack aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles aircraft and targets by parachute at low and extremely low altitudes, as well as ground (surface) lightly armored targets and enemy manpower at any time of the day.

Modernized ZU-23/30M1-3 / Photo: IA "ARMS OF RUSSIA", Anatoly Sokolov

ZU-23/30M1-3 is equipped with a module for installing and launching two Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles. The installation provides detection of air targets with a maximum flight speed of up to 400 m/s at a distance of at least 6-8 km and firing them in the range and altitude zone with anti-aircraft guns (missiles) up to 2500 (500-6000) m and 0-1500 (10 -3500) m respectively. The firing zone in azimuth is 360 degrees, vertically - from -5 to +80 degrees. Reaction time - no more than 6 s. With a mass of 1280 kg, the installation is transferred to the firing position in no more than 3 minutes. The installation's ammunition load is 100 (23 mm) rounds and 2 anti-aircraft missiles. The combat rate of fire of the two machine guns is 400 rounds/min. The ZU-23/30M1-3 unit is transported along highways (dirt roads) at speeds up to 70 (30) km/h. Recommendations for choosing the type of weapon and mode of firing at a target are given to the operator by the Central Military Commission, taking into account the situation. Combat crew - 3-4 people.

Modernized ZU-23/30M1-4 on a car / Photo: PEMZ OJSC

The ZU-23/30M1-4 installation, unlike the previous one, does not have a launch module for anti-aircraft missiles, has a lighter weight (1260 kg) and a crew of 5 people.

The modernized installation is easy to operate and can be installed in the body of a domestic (foreign) car using a special installation kit. Wherein combat characteristics settings are saved. Modernization of the ZU-23 is carried out during repairs, taking into account its technical condition with a guarantee and technical support for at least 20 years. For training specialists, the anti-aircraft gun has a device for training shooting.

The 23-mm anti-aircraft gun ZU-23-2 is designed to destroy air targets moving at speeds of up to 320 m/s at an altitude of up to 1500 m and a range of up to 2500 m in order to protect military columns and stationary objects. It can also be used to destroy and bind manpower the enemy located outside of shelters or in light field-type shelters. In addition, the weapon can hit other ground targets, such as lightly armored combat vehicles and firing points at a range of up to 2000 m.

Small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery acquired its special role back in the battles of World War II. Often used in ground battles, in addition to their main task - combating low-flying aircraft, automatic anti-aircraft guns turned out to be that universal fire weapon, the search for which was actively carried out before the Second World War.

Already by the 50s, for armament of the rapidly developing airborne troops a lightweight, universal, automatic small-caliber gun similar to an air cannon was required. During the war, the VYa (Volkov-Yartsev) 23-mm aviation cannon gained an excellent reputation, but its entire production was used to equip the Il-2, and repeated proposals to use this cannon for small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery during the war did not pass. In the early 50s, such an opportunity arose, and the finally formulated tactical and technical requirements for the development of a 23-mm anti-aircraft machine gun chambered for the VYa cannon in single, twin and quadruple installations were issued by the Main Artillery Directorate in 1954.

In February 1955, at TsKB-14 (later KBP), under the leadership of E.K. Rachinsky and R.Ya. Purtsen, projects were developed for the 23-mm 2A14 anti-aircraft gun in single (ZU-1) and twin (ZU-14) configurations (the quadruple installation was implemented much later in the design of the famous ZSU-23-4 "Shilka").

Factory tests of a single 23-mm ZU-1 mount, created according to the design of the 14.5-mm anti-aircraft mining pack mount ZGU-1 (6U3), began in April 1956. The installation had small dimensions, a lightweight detachable two-wheel drive, was quickly disassembled into units, and was easily transferred from the traveling position to the combat position and back. Work on it was stopped due to serious damage to the chassis and the recognized excess weight of 440 kg.

Field tests of the ZU-14 twin installation took place in 1957. Tests and improvements since the production of the first prototype (October 1955) took more than three years, and finally, in the spring of 1959, the installation series ZU-14 passed military tests in the Belarusian and Turkestan military districts.

With modifications, the designers managed to increase the practical rate of fire to 400 rounds/min. The reloading process was made semi-automatic and reduced to one single operation - replacing the cartridge box.

The long-awaited installation (2A13 according to the GRAU index) was put into service on March 22, 1960 by Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 313-125 under the name ZU-23-2. Mass production automatic machines of the 2A14 index for the charger were organized at plant No. 535.

Description

The ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun consists of the following main parts: two 23-mm 2A14 assault rifles, their mounting, a moving platform, lifting, rotating and balancing mechanisms and a ZAP-23 anti-aircraft automatic sight.

The design of the machines is almost the same, only the details of the feed mechanism differ. The right machine has right power, the left one has left power. Both machines are fixed in one cradle, which, in turn, is located on the upper machine of the carriage. On the base of the upper carriage there are two seats, as well as a rotating mechanism handle. In the vertical and horizontal planes, the guns are aimed manually. The rotary handle (with brake) of the lifting mechanism is located with right side gunner's seat.

The installation has two trigger mechanisms: foot (with a pedal opposite the gunner's seat) and manual (with a lever on the right side of the gunner's seat). Machine gun fire is fired simultaneously from both barrels. On the left side of the trigger pedal there is a brake pedal for the rotating installation unit.

The basis of the machine gun is the barrel, consisting of receiver, bolt frame, bolt and mechanisms: feed, trigger, return.

The automation of the 2A14 gun operates using the energy of powder gases discharged through a side window in the barrel. The barrel bore is locked with a wedge-type bolt by lifting the bolt in the grooves of the receiver.

Each machine gun has a gas regulator with two positions, a manual reloading mechanism, and a quick-change rifled barrel (with a variable rifling angle). On the barrel there is an ejector-type flash suppressor, as well as a handle for removing the barrel from the bolt socket. The charging chamber has Revelli grooves that make it easier to eject cartridges after firing. Each gun is fed from loose metal belts with a capacity of 50 rounds, placed in charging boxes that are mounted on both sides of the cradle. The weapon uses a slider type feeder.

The machine's service life is 6,000 shots, the barrel's service life is 3,000 shots (subject to cooling after every 100 shots). Therefore, the spare parts kit includes two spare barrels for the right and left machine gun. The design allows the crew to replace the barrel in just 15-20 seconds.

The machines are powered by tape. The belts are metal, each of them is equipped with 50 cartridges and placed in a quickly replaceable cartridge box. The weight of each cartridge box with loaded tape is 35.5 kg. Characteristic feature The 2A14 design is that during firing the last cartridge is not fired (it remains on the ramming line), and the recoil mechanism remains in the rear position (at the release delay). Thanks to this, after replacing the charging box and feeding the first shot from the belt to the gun feeder window, you can continue firing without performing additional actions. We can see something similar in the design of the PM pistol.

The ZU-23-2 uses very successful and compact manual drives for vertical and horizontal guidance with a spring-type balancing mechanism. Brilliantly designed units allow you to transfer the trunks to the opposite side in just 3 seconds! The ZU-23-2 is equipped with a ZAP-23 anti-aircraft automatic sight, as well as optical sight T-3 (with 3.5x magnification and 4.5° field of view), designed for firing at ground targets.

There is no standard anti-aircraft fire control device (FCU), which provides data for firing at air targets (lead, azimuth, etc.), as a result of which only barrage non-targeted fire can be fired at all types of air targets (except for hovering helicopters).

The installation platform is a stamped-welded frame with a ring that has cracked protrusions for attaching the upper machine, as well as three screw jacks with support plates, which serve to level the charger horizontally in the firing position. At the front, the platform ends with a towing boom with a pivot ring. In the stowed position, the unit rests on two removable wheels with a torsion bar suspension. Tires GK 6.00x16 type GAZ-69 or GAZ M-20 "Pobeda", reinforced.

A two-wheeled chassis with springs is mounted on road wheels. In the firing position, the wheels are raised and tilted to the side, and the gun is mounted on the ground on three support plates.

One of the main advantages of the installation is that it does not require preliminary preparation of a firing position and is fixed at three points on any relatively flat area. When the installation is transferred from the traveling position to the combat position, its wheels turn up and to the sides, and the installation itself rests on the ground with the platform jack plates. A trained crew is able to transfer the charger from the traveling position to the combat position in just 15-20 s, and back in 35-40 s. If necessary, the ZU-23-2 can fire from wheels and even on the move - right when transporting the ZU behind a car, which is extremely important for a fleeting combat encounter.

The installation has excellent mobility. The ZU-23-2 can be towed behind any army vehicle, since its weight in the stowed position, together with covers and loaded ammunition boxes, is less than 1 ton. The maximum speed is allowed up to 70 km/h, and on off-road conditions - up to 20 km/h .

One of the significant advantages of the charger is its exceptional maintainability. A small technical description book contains information about the materials used in the design, which allows you to organize repair and maintenance of the charger at any suitable metalworking enterprise.

Ammunition

The ZU-23-2 ammunition includes 23-mm cartridges with only two types of projectiles - BZT and OFZT (OFZ).

The armor-piercing incendiary-tracer projectile BZT is a solid-body shell with a hemispherical warhead and a steel ballistic tip, weighing 190 g, containing a tracer in the bottom and an incendiary composition in the head. High-explosive fragmentation shells OFZT weighing 188.5 g are equipped with an MG-25 head fuse and a self-destruct device with a maximum response time of 11 seconds. The propellant charge for both projectiles is the same - 77 g of gunpowder grade 5/7 TsFL.

The ballistic data of both projectiles are the same - initial speed 980 m/s, table ceiling 1500 m, table range 2000 m. Cartridge weight 450 g.

Even before the collapse of the USSR, a number of countries developed and industrially produced their own improved ammunition for the ZU-23-2, primarily armor-piercing ammunition. Known 23-mm cartridges with armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile(BPS) with a carbide core, from Sako (Finland) and Denel (South Africa). The companies Oerlikon (Switzerland) and ZM Mesko (Poland) have mastered the production of BPS with a detachable tray and a heavy-alloy (tungsten) core of the APDS, FAPDS-T and APFSDS types.

Production of 23-mm ammunition ZU-23-2 in different time was also carried out by Egypt, Iran, Israel, France, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia.

Application

The ZU-23-2 installation has gained rich combat experience in participating not only in air, but, above all, in ground battles local wars, since its fire is exceptionally effective compared to any other type of motorized rifle weapon. Deployed into a combat position, the charger can instantly and effectively suppress enemy firing points that suddenly manifest themselves at a direct shot range (about 1000 m). This is most often required in short-term combat clashes with irregular military formations operating in small but heavily armed dispersed groups, that is, in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

First mentions of combat use installations occurred during the Vietnam War.

The Soviet army was faced with the need for a wide combat use ZU-23-2 in Afghanistan. The mountainous terrain of the country uniquely determined anti-aircraft installations main role in covering supply routes from attacks by Afghan guerrillas. Self-propelled anti-aircraft installations“Shilka” was not enough to solve such problems, so at first, semi-underground, and then on a completely official basis, trucks with ZU-23-2 standing directly in the bodies were included in the transport columns. The small dimensions and weight of the charger made it possible to install it on all types of army on-board vehicles used in transportation - GAZ-66, ZIL-130, ZIL-131, Ural-375.

ZU-23-2 were actively used by Iran during the Iran-Iraq War. Homemade self-propelled ZUs based on pickup trucks were used in civil war in Libya.

The production of this anti-aircraft gun was carried out by the USSR, and then by a number of countries, including Egypt, China (export only), Czech Republic/Slovakia, Bulgaria and Finland.

Main tactical and technical characteristics:

ZU-23-2 Classification - Anti-aircraft gun

Weight, kg -950

Calculation, persons -5

Deployment time, min -1.5

Ammunition, pcs -200

Overall dimensions length, mm -4570

width, mm -2880

height, mm -1870

ground clearance, mm -360

Combat characteristics

Rate of fire of two guns, rds/min -400 (2x200)

Firing range for ground targets, km -2.5

against air targets, km -1.5

Max. speed of the target hit, m/s -320

Probability of defeat -0.12

Let's start with the types of weapons known to me that use 23mm ammunition. Accordingly, I take only Soviet-Russian-made weapons.

1. Twin anti-aircraft gun ZU-23
2. Anti-aircraft self-propelled gun ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”, AZP-23 (automatic cannon)
3.NS-23 and NR-23 aviation
4. Anti-aircraft guns 2A14, 3U-1, ZU-40, ZU-575, ZU-14 (the same 2A14),
5.MP-6, TKB-198, TKB-201(VYa)
6.U-23 (based on VYa)
7.AM-23 (aviation assault rifles)
8.GSh-23, GSh-6-23
9.R-23 (Revolver type)

It is clear that the list is incomplete. I would be happy to add your information here. I am especially interested in information on ship guns.

Let's move on...
The impetus for the creation of 23-mm weapon systems was the insufficiently powerful cartridge of the ShVAK (Shpitalny-Vladimirov-aviation-large-caliber) 20-mm caliber system, and in 1937 the People's Commissariat of Armaments issued an order to design a powerful 23-mm aircraft cannon. In 1939, a unitary shot, 200 gr., was created. the 23 mm caliber projectile outperformed the 91 gr. ShVAK projectile in all respects...

For the new cartridge, OKB-14 developed the TKB-198 cannon designed by Galkin-Salischev and the TKB-201 cannon designed by Volkov-Yartsev, later known to us as VYa. And in OKB-16, under the leadership of Taubin, the MP-6 cannon was created.
The most successful of all the developments was the VYa cannon; the cannon turned out to be very powerful; for example, in aviation it was installed only on IL-2 attack aircraft. I would also like to note that the ZU-23 and ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” and its 23-mm modifications were designed for the VYA cartridge.

And now the ammunition.
23mm ammunition known to me:
1.fragmentation and incendiary
2. fragmentation-incendiary-tracer
3. high-explosive fragmentation and incendiary
4. high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary-tracer comfort
5. armor-piercing-incendiary-tracer
6.armor-piercing incendiary BZ-A

1. Shrapnel-incendiary

3. High-explosive fragmentation incendiary

I would like to immediately note that ammunition with 115-MM cartridges is intended for NR-23, NS-23, GSh-23, AM-23. While ammunition with 152-mm cartridges, powerful just like the VYa cannon, is intended for ZSU, ZU-23.

4. High-explosive fragmentation-incendiary-tracer

6. Armor-piercing incendiary BZ-A

It seems like I messed up with the OZ... with the picture.

ZU-23-2 is a Soviet twin anti-aircraft gun of 23 mm caliber, consisting of two 2A14 anti-aircraft guns. Adopted on March 22, 1960. Rate of fire - 2000 rounds per minute. Installation weight - 900 kg. Projectile mass - 190 g. Firing range: 1.5 km in height, 2.5 km in range. Calculation - 5 people.

The production of this anti-aircraft gun was carried out by a number of countries, including Egypt, China (export only), Czech Republic/Slovakia, Bulgaria and Finland.
The production of 23-mm ZU-23-2 ammunition was carried out at various times by Egypt, Iran, Israel, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and South Africa.

The anti-aircraft gun has a mechanical sight and guidance drives. This greatly limits the possibilities of conducting anti-aircraft fire, but makes the weapon as cheap and accessible as possible for soldiers with low level preparation. There is no standard anti-aircraft fire control device (FCU) that provides data for firing at air targets (lead, azimuth, etc.), as a result of which only barrage non-targeted fire can be fired at all types of air targets (except for hovering helicopters).
The machine's service life is 6,000 shots, the barrel's service life is 3,000 shots (subject to cooling after every 100 shots). Therefore, the spare parts kit includes two spare barrels for the right and left machine gun (machine gun index 2A14), which have been adjusted at the manufacturer. The numbers of the installed barrels match the numbers of the machine guns. Replacing worn barrels with barrels from another installation is not advisable. The reason is an increase in the mirror gap, the maximum value of which should not exceed 0.6 mm. Even with an increase in the gap to 0.7 mm, transverse annular breaks of the liners are possible. The main problem is the fragility of chrome plating of the bore, which leads to severe copper plating, even with the correct and timely use of projectiles with a copper reducer.
The disadvantages of the gun as a modern artillery system include the limited range of 23-mm ammunition in the Russian army.

• Caliber - 23 mm.
• The principle of operation is a gas outlet.
• Gun length - 2555 mm.
• Barrel length with flame arrester - 2010 mm.
• Barrel length - 1880 mm.
• Number of grooves - 10.
• The rifling pitch is variable.
• Weight (total) - 75 kg.
• Barrel weight (with flame arrester) - 27.2 kg.
• Rate of fire, rds/min - 800-1000.
• The pressure in the chamber is 3100 kgf/cm2.

Now, actually, about the model itself. Zushka was originally conceived as part of a diorama on an Afghan theme at 1:35, and, over time, it will be included there. In our country, there are 3 options for purchasing the charger model - in 1:72 (in my opinion, from Master Box), in 1:35 from VE and an exclusive resin one in 1:35 through private individuals on a number of model sites from Storm miniatures (http://www.dishmodels.ru/gshow.htm?p=11137). The latter is the only exact and replica. The two previous ones are rare firewood, with the most wooden one being from VE. The set is striking in its non-copy nature and the absence of a number of important details and poor plastic. For the diorama, I modified this blank according to my modest capabilities. Colleagues collected a lot of photos and information on the prototype, and there is also a small talk round from me personally.
Briefly about the alterations (I’m not strong in terminology, I’m writing as I understand): all levers, handles, fasteners were replaced with copper wire ones. The barrels and a number of elements for their removal and installation have been improved. The missing wheel adjustment levers, guidance systems, barrel lifting control cables, and casings into which cartridge boxes are inserted were manufactured. The mechanism for attaching anti-aircraft guns to the body has been improved (in the kit they simply dangle in the air).
For hardware specialists, I’ll say right away: the wheels are not original (these are rubber wheels from the lawn, you can even see the manufacturer’s mark on them - the Yaroslavl tire plant :)). Of course, they are not as historical, they are a little larger, but they look much better than their relatives. I never completely defeated the aiming system (for a diorama, IMHO it will do). By the location of the red reflectors - I saw different variants- both on the frame and on the wheel arches, I settled on the first one.
Painting - acrylic akan for Soviet BTT, pigments - Tamiya.
Well, that's all...
Enjoy watching.

Over time, any weapons and military equipment become outdated and no longer meet current requirements, which leads to a reduction in the potential of certain units of the armed forces. To maintain the required characteristics and improve combat qualities, it is necessary to regularly modernize existing models. As a result, new projects to modernize existing weapons and equipment may be of great interest to some armies. Seeing the needs of various customers, the Russian defense industry is currently offering two projects to modernize outdated anti-aircraft gun ZU-23-2.

Towed anti-aircraft artillery installation The ZU-23-2 was developed in the Soviet Union in the late fifties, and soon entered service. Later, installations were produced for export, and were also produced under license by some foreign countries. The total production of ZU-23-2 systems reached 140-150 thousand units. These weapons entered service with almost six dozen countries. At the time of their appearance, anti-aircraft guns had fairly high performance, but the further development of combat aviation made them almost useless. To maintain its combat potential, deep modernization with the use of new components and assemblies was required.

Several years ago, the Podolsk Electromechanical Plant for Special Engineering presented its view on the further development of existing anti-aircraft systems. The specialists of this company studied the existing situation and the needs of potential customers, and then compiled a list of required improvements. It was decided to modify the existing design of the ZU-23-2 system and equip the existing installation with a set of additional equipment that can improve the basic characteristics.

As part of the modernization of the outdated installation, two projects were created with the designations ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4. These projects are based on some common ideas and solutions, but have certain differences that affect their combat qualities. At the same time, both projects are maximally unified both in terms of weapons and additional types of new types of equipment.

The main complaint about the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun in the original version concerns the fire efficiency. The probability of hitting air targets was initially extremely low, which was due to the need for visual target detection and manual aiming control. The inability to automatically collect target data and calculate corrections, as well as control guidance systems, did not significantly increase the probability of hitting a detected target. In the new projects ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4, it was proposed to supplement the existing model with surveillance and automated guidance equipment.

Unit of optical-electronic equipment and missiles.

During modernization, the existing anti-aircraft installation retains its main components. The basic complex-shaped platform, equipped with wheel travel and outrigger jacks, remains unchanged. In the stowed position, the unit is a single-axle towed trailer that can be transported by any suitable tractor. When deployed to a firing position, the installation is lowered onto three supports, and the wheels are raised above the platform. In the center of the main platform there are mounts for installing an artillery system, allowing for circular horizontal aiming.

The guns and crew, as well as new equipment, are located on a rotating platform with a set of various mounts. In its central part there is a rocking installation with two automatic cannons, on the sides of which there are ammunition boxes. In the original project, calculation workstations are placed on the right and left at the rear of the platform. The modernization involves retaining only the left seat. Instead of the right one, it is planned to install a block of radio-electronic equipment. In addition, the remaining workplace must undergo specific retrofitting.

The updated anti-aircraft installation retains the artillery unit. The platform is equipped with supports for installing a swinging block with mounts for guns and ammunition. Also mounted on top of the swing system is a platform proposed for use in one of the retrofit projects for installation additional weapons. Due to the mechanical connection with the guns, the additional weapons platform can swing in a vertical plane.

Operator's workstation of the ZU-23/30M1-4 system.

The left workplace, which remains on the anti-aircraft installation after modernization, retains the handles for manual guidance, but receives some new equipment. In place of the old mechanical sight on the ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4 complexes, a control panel with the necessary components is mounted. There is a screen for displaying video signals from optical-electronic equipment and various data on the operation of systems. Below the screen is a guidance control panel equipped with two swinging vertical handles, as well as a set of buttons and switches. To the right of the main console there is an additional control panel.

In place of the left seat, it is proposed to install a large metal casing containing part of the special equipment. To the left of the guns and additional weapons platform is a block of optical-electronic equipment. A video camera, thermal imager and laser rangefinder are placed inside the protected casing. In the stowed position, the front end of the block, on which the optical lenses are located, is covered with a protective cover. Thanks to mechanical connection with other devices and systems, optical-electronic equipment can swing in a vertical plane along with weapons.

It was decided to compensate for the insufficient characteristics of manual guidance in new projects by using new drives. Now the operator has the opportunity to work with the main console, sending commands to the electric motors responsible for aiming weapons. Manually operated mechanical guidance systems are also retained, allowing the operator to continue working if the main electrical equipment is damaged. The possibility of circular horizontal aiming with raising the barrels to an elevation angle from -5° to +80° is retained. Electric motors provide horizontal guidance at speeds of up to 60° per second, vertical guidance – up to 45° per second.

The ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4 installations receive radio-electronic equipment that facilitates the operator’s work. After detecting a target (either independently or by external target designation), the operator can track it manually or use automatic/semi-automatic mode. In this case, the electronics independently keep the aiming mark on the target, and also correct the aiming of the weapon and take into account the movements of the tracked object. Due to the new equipment, the speed of weapon aiming is increased and the ability to operate in combat in any weather is ensured.

Close-up of control panels.

There is a possibility independent work calculations, as well as the use of third-party target designation. In the latter case, monitoring the air situation is entrusted to other systems, and operators of anti-aircraft installations receive ready-made information about the location and parameters of targets. The final aiming of the weapon and shooting are carried out by the gunner independently, using automatic equipment or independently.

Previously it was reported about the development of a simplified version of the anti-aircraft gun, which does not have a control panel, etc. equipment. This version of the ZU-23/30M1-3 or ZU-23/30M1-4 product is equipped only with guidance drives and weapons. The battery is controlled by an operator located at one of the installations. Its automation must control the “slave” units. Due to this approach to the staffing of units, the efficiency of firing can be significantly increased while simultaneously reducing crews.

The main weapons of both modernized anti-aircraft guns are automatic guns 2A14 caliber 23 mm.

The gun is automatic based on the removal of powder gases and has a wedge-type bolt. A rifled barrel with a length of 1880 mm is used, equipped with cylindrical flame arresters. The total length of the gun is about 2.5 m. Each of the guns of the installation is capable of firing at a rate of 800-1000 rounds per minute, which gives a total rate of fire of up to 2 thousand rounds per minute. The gun is supplied with ammunition from its own box, located on the side of the swinging artillery unit. Box capacity – 50 shells per belt.

Optical instruments of an anti-aircraft installation without MANPADS. For use with 2A14 guns, several types of 23x152 mm shells for various purposes are offered. The ZUOR1 round is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation incendiary projectile with a tracer. ZUOF5 and ZUOF7 have similar equipment, but do not receive a tracer. The ZUBR1 armor-piercing incendiary-tracer projectile was created to hit protected targets. There are also practice and training shots. Through the efforts of foreign weapon manufacturers, several new ammunition for the 2A14 have been created to date. The shells have a dead weight of about 180-190 g with a total shot weight of about 450 g. starting speed

The upgraded installation of the ZU-23/30M1-4 type retains the original composition of weapons and can only hit targets using artillery systems. The second modernization project, ZU-23/30M1-3, involves strengthening the weapon system with the transformation of the anti-aircraft system into a missile and artillery system.

In this case, the upper swinging platform of the complex is equipped with an installation for anti-aircraft missiles of a compatible type. The module and additional control panel required for use are mounted on the platform missile systems . Fastenings are provided for the installation of two transport and launch containers of man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems of existing types. The Igla complex was chosen as an additional weapon for the ZU-23/30M1-3. Guidance and Control missile weapons

carried out using standard optical-electronic and computing systems.

General view of the ZU-23/30M1-4 installation. Due to the widespread use of electromechanical and electronic systems

, the modernized installations ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4 need to be supplied with electricity. For this purpose, a battery or a compact generator based on an internal combustion engine can be used. Anti-aircraft installation systems require a voltage of 27 V to operate. In the stowed position, both updated systems have a length of 4.57 m, a width of 1.73 m and a height of 1.87 m. After deployment in position, the length remains unchanged, while the width due to the raised wheels increases to 2.9 m, and the height reduced to 1.22 m. Combat weight

excluding missile systems - 1260 kg. This allows the installation to be towed using various tractors with acceptable characteristics. The design of the wheel travel allows the unit to be moved along the highway at speeds of up to 70 km/h. On dirt roads, towing speed is limited to 30 km/h.

The absence of changes in the design of the barreled weapons leads to the preservation of the main firing characteristics at the level of the base model. The effective firing range reaches 2500 m, the height is 1500 m. It is possible to fire at targets moving at speeds of up to 200 m/s. Reaction time – up to 6 s. Available guidance mechanisms and sighting equipment allow firing at both air targets and ground targets. In the event of an attack on ground targets, it is possible to destroy lightly armored vehicles and cause significant damage to vehicles with more serious protection.

The upgraded ZU-23/30M1-3 installation, in addition to two guns, has two missile systems of the Igla family.. Depending on the modification of this weapon, it is possible to attack targets at ranges of up to 6 km and altitudes of up to 3.5 km. It is possible to hit targets at speeds up to 400 m/s (on a collision course). When firing at the rear hemisphere of a target, the maximum speed of the target is reduced to 320 m/s. The target is hit with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 2.5 kg.

Initial missile guidance and target search followed by tracking is carried out using optical-electronic systems and anti-aircraft gun guidance drives. After launch, the missile is controlled using its own infrared homing head.

In the original version, the modernized anti-aircraft installations are towed systems. If necessary, the customer can change the way the installations are used. The Podolsk Electromechanical Plant for Special Engineering has developed a set of additional tools called ZU-23KU, with the help of which the ZU-23/30M1-3 or ZU-23/30M1-4 installation can be mounted in the flatbed body of any truck with the appropriate characteristics. This makes it possible to simplify and speed up the deployment of anti-aircraft systems at a firing position, as well as significantly increase the mobility of units.

Outdated Soviet and foreign-made ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns remain in service with several dozen countries. Consequently, Russian projects modernization of these systems has great export prospects. The installations remaining in the troops are no longer completely satisfactory to the operators and are in need of modernization. The equipment upgrade options offered by the Podolsk Electromechanical Plant make it possible to solve existing problems and increase the basic characteristics of weapons to the required level.

Venezuelan anti-aircraft gun, 2011

A project to modernize an old anti-aircraft gun was presented several years ago. Subsequently, the development of two versions of the ZU-23-2 update continued. In addition, the ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4 installations were regularly demonstrated at various exhibitions and salons. Comparison of exhibition samples shown in different years, leads to conclusions about the gradual development of existing projects. Thus, more exhibits of later exhibitions differed from earlier installations in a different composition of controls, different electronics and some other features.

By now, the modernized anti-aircraft installations have already become the subject of a commercial contract. In the spring of 2011, the Venezuelan armed forces received the first batch of ZU-23/30M1-4 systems in the original towed version. It was reported that three hundred units of such installations were ordered. The contract did not provide for the supply of missile and artillery systems. On July 5 of the same year, the newest anti-aircraft installations were first shown to the general public during a parade, dedicated to the Day independence.

Information about other orders for updated weapons has not yet been received. Other operators of outdated anti-aircraft installations continue to use equipment that has not been updated. However, it can be expected that some of the armies that have the ZU-23-2 in service will, in the foreseeable future, still show interest in the Russian development and order the modernization of old anti-aircraft systems. Time will tell whether new orders will appear.

Many types of weapons and military equipment old types no longer respond modern requirements, because of which they cannot be fully used by troops. Several years ago, Russian industry proposed two options for modernizing outdated anti-aircraft installations. It was assumed that the ZU-23/30M1-3 and ZU-23/30M1-4 systems would be of interest to many countries wishing to upgrade their air defense weapons. However, over the past five years, only one contract has appeared for the supply of three hundred updated units. The future prospects of a technology that was previously considered promising now remain in doubt.