The (in)sane engineering of the S-300P

[Northstar98]

Hi everyone,

I recently found this newly updated gem covering the S-300 system, SAM aficionados should find this one pretty interesting:

Spoiler

It also confirms that we do indeed have the 5N64S [Big Bird-B], not the 5N64K [Big Bird-A] or any version of the 64N6 [Big Bird-C] or 91N6 [Big Bird-D].

• The 5N64K/KV [Big Bird-A] sits on a pallet, with seperate generators and command and processing cabin.
• The self-propelled 5N64S [Big Bird-B] sits on a towed trailer, with the control and processing cabin integrated and the generators on the tractor unit (which therefore needs to stay attached in operation, so you can kinda call the tractor and trailer, one self-propelled unit). This version also features a digital moving target indicator (SDC) which the 5N64K didn't have (introduced on the KV) and an expedited set-up time (5 minutes as opposed to 2 hours).

As for the other Big Bird variants:

• The improved 64N6 [Big Bird-C] is similar to the 5N64S but has a different antenna (the shape and configuration of the various elements are different) and has different feeds. It's associated with the S-300PM-1/2 [SA-20A/B Gargoyle], with the export 64N6E belonging to the S-300PMU-1 and -2.
• The 91N6 [Big Bird-D] is similar to the 64N6, but improved (though I don't know the specifics), it belongs to the S-400 [SA-21A/B Growler]. The 91N6E is the export version.

And in-case anyone is interested, for the fire-control radar:

• The towed 5N63 [Flap Lid-A] belongs to the S-300PT and PT-1 [SA-10A Grumble]. It's mounted on a trailer and has seperate generators and control cabins.
• The self-propelled version, the 5N63S [Flap Lid-B], belongs to the S-300PS and PM [SA-10B Grumble] (though it can be dismounted and put on a mast). The generators and control cabin is integrated onto the vehicle. This version also has an expedited set-up time (5 minutes as opposed to 2 hours).
• The 30N6 [Tombstone] belongs to the S-300PM-1/2 [SA-20A/B Gargoyle] (with the export 30N6E going to the S-300PMU-1 and PMU-2). Externally, it's very subtly different to the 5N63S though I'm not sure what specific improvements it has.
• The 92N6 [Gravestone] belongs to the S-400 [SA-21A/B Growler] (with the 92N6E being the export version). As above, externally similar to the 30N6.

 

Edited August 16, 2024 by Northstar98