SA-10 Big Bird with a Tractor

[Shadow KT]

With the new SA-10 models, we can now enjoy an almost fully mobile SA-10, with the exception of a Search Radar.

The TELs, the TR and the C2 can move.

For whatever reason, the new Big Bird unit is a trailer only unit and it is missing its tractor.

Is this intentional, or can we expect the trailer in the future?

^ SA-10 on the move!

^ Old model with the tractor attached!

^New model without a tractor.

Also I am not sure if the illuminator on the new model is supposed to be offset from the center of the radar.

So, bug/ feature, can we expect changes?

[Northstar98]

There is a new attach/detach trailer task in the advanced waypoint actions, under perform task (though only for ZIL-131V, MAZ-7410 and KrAZ-258B1). The task is however, non-functional, but presumably its presence means this functionality is planned.

IIRC the 5N64S radar uses (or rather a variant of), the MAZ-7410 (which is already present, though the version appropriate for the Big Bird probably has additional equipment (probably the gas turbine generators seen on the launchers and fire-control radar), so we're pretty much already there, we just need that task to be properly implemented.

On 11/18/2023 at 12:09 PM, Shadow KT said:

Also I am not sure if the illuminator on the new model is supposed to be offset from the center of the radar.

The feeds? Yes. For the version we have, its booms are indeed offset from the array face:

Not sure about the horn antennas themselves (kinda difficult to tell), but on the 5N64K/5N64S [Big Bird-A/B respectively], that is indeed how they are. Just of note, we have the S-300PS [SA-10B Grumble], where the 5N64S [Big Bird-B] is appropriate (alongside the 5N63S [Flap Lid-B], 5N66M [Clam Shell] and 5N59S [Tin Shield-B]).

The later 64N6/64N6E/64N6E2 [Big Bird-C] (used in the S-300PM-1 [SA-20A Gargoyle] and S-300PMU-1/2 [SA-20A/B Gargoyle respectively]) has a slightly different array with more centralised feeds:

Edited November 21, 2023 by Northstar98

[Silver_Dragon]

The trailer functionality has been in development by ED for some years, I believe that what we are seeing in the Sa-10 is only part of what we will see in the future. In itself, let us remember that there are also the trailers for the Sa-2 transporters/reloaders, which for the moment, we have not seen implemented, in addition to their corresponding tractor heads, and not only for the Sams systems, but there are also several trailers of fuel that have not been implemented at the moment either.

I have the impression that when ED fully implements the movement of the Sa-10 systems, it will move to complete the Sa-2 and Patriot systems. Another point is that sooner or later, we will see the transporter/reloader systems, supplying reloads, with animations to Sam systems and SSMs and lots of cargo trailers, most likely for the "missing" ground convoy functionality that ED has left behind in limbo.

[Shadow KT]

That's all cool, but if we can have the trailer permanently attached to the Big Bird so it can be mobile for the time being, would be great. I don't see a reason, it would not be able to operate with an attached trailer. Please do correct me, if I am wrong.