Non-Subscriber Extract
Russian SOSNA-R SAM system nears completion
By Christopher F Foss
03 April 2009
A scale model of the upgraded MT-LB chassis with turret with a total of 12 SOSNA-R laser guided SAMs in the ready-to-launch position. (Christopher F Foss)
Development of the Russian SOSNA-R laser-guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is nearing completion, according to Russia's Nudelman Precision Engineering Design Bureau.
The system consists of an upgraded MT-LB multi-purpose tracked armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) chassis fitted with a turret supporting a total of 12 SOSNA-R (9M337) laser guided SAMs in the ready-to-launch position.
Between the two banks of six missiles are situated two advanced electro-optical packages for acquisition, tracking and laser guidance, which are claimed to be usable under almost all weather conditions. An automatic target tracker is also fitted.
Once the target has been confirmed as hostile it is automatically tracked and the two-stage SOSNA-R solid-propellant SAM is launched when it comes within range.
During the first stage of its flight the missile is radio command-guided; the booster then falls away and the front missile is guided to the target by a laser beam. Initial target information can also be provided by an external source such as a surveillance radar.