Leonkov: The Ukrainian Armed Forces used a stripped-down version of the Patriot to destroy the Il-76
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Leonkov: The Ukrainian Armed Forces use a stripped-down version of Patriot
Military analyst and air defense systems specialist Alexey Leonkov said that Ukrainian troops are using a stripped-down version of the American Patriot anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) in order to increase its mobility. This stripped-down version of the system uses two launchers, a mobile command post and a multifunctional target tracking and missile guidance radar, all mounted on semi-trailers. This reduced composition ensures the rapid transfer of the complex to various locations.
Normally, a complete package of the Patriot complex includes from 6 to 8 launchers, several trailers with radars, a fire control command post, communications, automation and other equipment.
According to Leonkov, it was in this stripped-down form that the complex was probably transferred from near Kyiv to the Kharkov region to attack a Russian Il-76 plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners.
Previously, he noted that the complex received data about the target through the Western Link-16 data transmission system, which makes it possible to do without the use of target detection radars and does not detect the air defense system until the moment of launch.
After the missile launch begins, the complex needs to activate the radar to illuminate the target, since Patriot missiles are equipped with a semi-active radar homing head. However, to perform a flight at the maximum distance, the radar only needs to operate for about 100 seconds, after which the reduced complex can be quickly disassembled and transferred to a new point.
“It is clear that the Ukrainian Armed Forces operate by conducting short-term anti-aircraft attacks. Such attacks are planned as separate one-time operations and do not provide for the constant strengthening of air defense in this direction,” he added.
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