BTR-40A

     Notes: This is a BTR-40 armed with a ZPU-2 mount in a manually operated turret.  This vehicle was developed at the same time as the APC version of the BTR-40, and was often used in a ground-support role as well as an antiaircraft gun. Note that the BTR-40A is not equipped with the BTR-40’s firing ports.  The vehicle is otherwise a BTR-40, with an 80-horsepower gasoline engine developed from a GAZ-63 commercial truck engine.

BTR-152 AA Vehicles

     Notes: The BTR-152A is a BTR-152 (open-topped version) with a ZPU-2 manually operated turret.  This vehicle was developed at the same time as the APC version of the BTR-152, and was often used in a ground-support role as well as an antiaircraft gun. The BTR-152D is a BTR-152A with a ZPU-4 mount instead of a ZPU-2 (four KPVs instead of two).

Pantzyr ADA

     Notes: The Pantzyr (also Pantsir, meaning “Carpace”) is a truck mounted antiaircraft/missile launcher on a KamAZ 8x8 truck frame. It is normally deployed in conjunction with the various ZSU self-propelled antiaircraft guns or the S-300 or S-400 SAM systems.  The system is derived from that of the ZSU-30-2. Designed with a surface radar system to track incoming aircraft, the Pantzyr-S1 initially proved to be very effective against aircraft.  It is capable of engaging up to three aerial targets at the same time, a feature that makes it very difficult to engage. Combat use includes by Russia and Ukraine (the latter using a captured Pantzyr) in the current conflict, by the Libyan National Army in the 2019 civil war (provided by the UAE), and in Syria (where they proved distressingly unable to down many Allied aircraft or Allied cruise missiles).

     The Pantzyr-S1M is a modified version developed based on experience gained in Syria.  It entered service in 2019, and removed any ZSU-30-2-based components other than the guns.  It uses the upgraded SA-19C missile with a larger engagement envelope and a longer-ranged radar set. The Pantzyr-S2 is a further upgraded version of the Pantzyr-S1M with further upgraded radar, including a twin dish facing in opposite directions.  The Pantzyr-SM increases the radar range further, with a detection range of 75 kilometers and an engagement range of 40 kilometers.  The cab is armored from all directions of incoming fire.

     Pantzyr systems are equipped with a BMS, GLONASS, and a land navigation system.  Pantzyr-S1 and S1M vehicles are based on the chassis of a KamAZ-6560 truck with a turbocharged 400-horsepower diesel engine and an automatic transmission; Pantzyr-S2 and SM systems are based on the Belorussian-built MZKT-7930 TEL truck equipped with a turbocharged 680-horsepower diesel engine with an automatic transmission, and they also have an NBC Overpressure system.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Pantzyr-S1 was spotted by reconnaissance elements of the 1st Brigade, 40th Infantry Division in June 1997.    The vehicle was nicknamed the “Firecracker” by NATO pilots.  Only 100 are known to have been produced and deployed before the November nuclear exchanges. The Pantzyr-S1M, Pantzyr-S2, and Pantzyr-SM are not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko)

     Notes: The Osa (Wasp) system is based on a chassis known as Transporter (BAZ) 5937, which is fully amphibious and very mobile cross-country for a wheeled vehicle.  The Osa was designed in response to the then-upcoming US Mauler missile system, which was later cancelled.

     The Osa carries surveillance and tracking radar for target acquisition, with the radar having a 40-kilometer detection range and a 20-kilometer tracking and engagement range.  The tracking radar unit consists of a large primary radar and two smaller dishes on either side of the main radar which provide additional tracking capability. The pair of tracking radar dishes allow the Osa to guide two missiles at a time, against different targets.  However, these radar dishes are fixed and have only a 30-degree cone of detection and tracking, though the entire radar and missile unit is on a turntable.  From initial detection to engagement, the Osa needs only 26 seconds, though to start from a moving Osa to tracking and then engagement takes four minutes.  The radar system is equipped with ECCM.  The Osa also has a tubular electro-optical tracker above the radar array; this is used to hand-fly the missiles when they are otherwise rendered useless by ECM.  The Osa may also be linked to an external radar network to take advantage of a system with possibly superior range and ECCM and greater ADA coordination.

     The 9K33 basic version uses a four-missile launcher and has the radar mentioned above.  They use 9M33 (SA-8A) missiles.  The 9K33M2 uses the same radar array with 9M33 or 9M33M2 (SA-8B) missiles in a 6-round launcher contained each in a sealed launcher box. The 9K33M3’s main radar has an increased detection range and is equipped with an IFF antenna, something previous iterations lacked. It is designed for the increased-envelope 9M33M3 (SA-8C) missile. The 9K33M3 may also use special wire-guided versions of the 9M33M3 missile for use in heavy ECM conditions, though these wire-guided SAMs proved to be inadequate for following fast aircraft or maneuvering aircraft.  The 9K33 and 9K33M2 have ECCM 1, while the 9K33M3 has ECCM 2.

     The Osa is equipped with inertial navigation and a mapping system and has an NBC Overpressure system. The chassis is amphibious without preparation, though the turret must be swung forward and locked into traveling position.  The vehicle uses 300-horsepower D20K300 turbocharged diesel engine, with a manual transmission.  The Osa has a central tire inflation system.  There are hatches above the driver’s and commander’s positions; all crewmembers enter and exit through these hatches.

     Reloads are carried on another Transporter 5937, modified for cargo carrying; this vehicle carries 12 SA-8 SAM missiles and a crane for reloading the launcher vehicle.  This system is used by Russia, Algeria, Angola, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, India, Iraq, Libya, Poland, Syria, and Yugoslavia.

9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9 Gaskin)

     Notes: This SAM system mounts its missiles on a modified BRDM-2 scout car.  The SA-9 is used by many countries, including Russia, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cuba, Croatia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Libya, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, and the former members of the Warsaw Pact.  Its low cost allowed it to be bought by many smaller countries.

     The BRDM-2 chassis is modified, replacing the standard turret with one mounting four 9M31 (SA-9) missiles, as well as IR detection and targeting gear and a telescopic sight. The Strela-1 is also equipped with an NBC Overpressure system.

     Most examples of the Strela-1 are equipped with only IR detection and targeting equipment, though one vehicle per battery has radar to enhance target detection capabilities. Nonetheless, the SA-9 missiles are IR-guided.  This radar-equipped Strela-1 has a detection range of 30 kilometers. Strela-1s also have radio and radar detectors with a range of 20 kilometers. The 9K31M vehicle differs primarily in being able to fire the improved 9M31M missile.

     Like its base chassis, the Strela-1 is powered by a 140-horsepower gasoline engine coupled to a manual transmission.  It is amphibious without preparation, though the turret must be swung forward and locked into traveling position. The vehicle has a central tire pressure regulation system.