53T6
| 53T6 (ABM-3 Gazelle) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | Since 1995 |
| Used by | Russia |
| Wars | Cold War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | NPO Novator Design Bureau |
| Designed | 1978[1] |
| Produced | 1988[1] |
| No. built | 68[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 10 m |
| Diameter | 1 m |
| Warhead | nuclear 10 kt |
| Engine | 2-stage solid fuel |
Operational range | 100 km |
| Flight ceiling | 40 km |
| Maximum speed | Mach Mach 17 (20,800 km/h; 12,900 mph; 5.78 km/s) |
Launch platform | silo |
The 53T6 (NATO reporting name: ABM-3 Gazelle, previously SH-08)[1] is a Russian anti-ballistic missile. Designed in the early 1980s and in service since 1995,[2] it is a component of the A-135 anti-ballistic missile system.
The missile is able to intercept incoming re-entry vehicles at a distance of up to 100 km. The 53T6 is a two-stage solid-propellant missile armed with a 10 kt nuclear warhead. The missile is about 10 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter. Its launch weight is 10 tons.[1][3]
The 53T6 missile is kept in a silo-based launch container. Prior to launch its cover is blown off.
It is normally tested once a year; it was last tested in October 2012.[4]
The missile achieves speeds of approximately Mach 17 (20,800 km/h; 12,900 mph; 5.78 km/s).[5]
Radar support
The Gazelle missile system is supported by the Don-2N Pill Box radar.
See also
Related US missiles
Treaties
References
- ^ a b c d e Gazelle (SH-08/ABM-3)
- ^ Astronautix.com: A-135 System
- ^ СИСТЕМА ПРО А-135
- ^ [en.ria.ru/military_news/20121016/176667537.html Russia Tests Short-Range Interceptor Missile], MOSCOW, October 16 (RIA Novosti)
- ^ СИСТЕМА ПРО А-135