BAL-E Coastal Missile System
with Kh-35E (3M-24E) Anti-ship Missiles

 
 
The Bal-E mobile coastal missile system is designed:
- to control straits and territorial waters;
- to protect naval bases, other coastal installations and infrastructures;
- to defend coastline in probable landing approach areas.
The missile system can conduct combat actions, providing fully autonomous after-launch missile guidance in fair and adverse weather conditions, by day and night, under enemy fire and electronic countermeasures.
The Bal-E is a mobile weapon system, based on the MAZ 7930 chassis, comprising:
- up to two self-propelled command, control and communications (C3) posts;
- up to four self-propelld launchers with the Kh-35E (3M-24E) type anti-ship missiles in transport-launch containers (eight TLCs on a standard launcher);
- up to four transport-reload vehicles intended for preparing the next salvo.
The C3 post provides target reconnaissance, designation and optimal distribution between launchers. Active and passive high-precision radar channels allow the system to implement flexible target acquisition strategies, including covert ones.
The launchers and transport-reload vehicles can be deployed in covered positions in the depth beyond the coastline. In this case neither covertness of their combat positions nor man-made and natural obstacles in the direction of fire will limit combat imployment of the system.
The system can conduct both single and salvo fire from any launcher, with the capability of receiving current information from other command posts and external reconnaissance/target disignation data sources.
A salvo can include up to 32 missiles. One such salvo can thwart a combat mission carried out by an enemy naval attack group, a landing force or a convoy.
The system can fire the next salvo in 30-40 minutes thanks to its transport-reload vehicles. Combat management of the Bal-E assets is based on digital data transmission, automated communications, message processing and ciphering with guaranteed security.
The system is equipped with night vision, navigation, survey and positioning aids enabling it to rapidly change its firing positions after completing the assigned mission, and relocate to a new combat area.
The system can be deployed in the new position within 10 minutes.
An integrated coastal defence system combining the  Bal-E CMS, offshore patrol vessels with the Uran-E ship-borne missile systems and missile-carrying combat aircraft armed with the Kh-35E (3M-24E) unified anti-ship missiles, would be able to perform diverse operational and tactical tasks at minimal costs thanks to a single missile maintenance and repair system.
The system's structure and exact number of the C3 posts, launch and transport-reload vehicles are defined according to customer requirements. The MAZ-7930 self-propelled chassis can be replaced with other types of chssis (it can be proposed for the light-configuration Bal-E CMS with enhanced agility and off-road capacity).
The Bal-E CMS has a considerable potential for upgrading.
Employment of additional target designation assets, such as radar picket helicopters or remotely piloted aerial vehicles, allows the system to increase its target detection range and precision.
The Bal-E CMS can be equipped with passive interference systems to considerably enhance its invulnerability to enemy guided weapons in dueling situations. Other upgrading options are also considered.

 
Prime developer: Machine-Building Design Bureau
Performance:
 Engagement range (from coastline), km
   up to 120
 Fire position distance from coastline, km
    up to 10
 Launcher/transport-reloader
    ammunition load, msls up to 8
 Inter-missile launch time (in salvo),sec
   not more than 3
 Max speed, km/h: on road
   60
 off road
   20
 Missile launch weight, kg
   about 620
 Total ammunition load, msls
   up to 64
 Endurance range (without refueling), km
   not less than 850

The BTR-MD is based on the BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle chassis. The turret has been removed and hull has been enlarged. It is much larger than the previous BTR-D. The Rakushka has more internal space and can be tailored to suit many roles. It can be used to carry troops, cargo, ammunition, fuel and other frontline supplies. The new APC is fully amphibious and can be airdropped.

   Protection of this vehicle is very light due to weight limitations. Hull of the BTR-MD is welded from aluminum armor. It provides protection only from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   This armored personnel carrier is armed with a remotely-controlled 7.62-mm machine gun for self-defense. The machine gun is operated by the vehicle commander. Some sources claim that vehicle is also fitted with a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher.

   The BTR-MD was designed with intention to have a maximum possible internal volume. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 2 000 kg. This air assault transporter can carry 13 fully-equipped troops, plus the crew of two. Driver is seated in the middle. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via rear door and roof hatches. There are some firing port provided for the troops to fire their weapons. This APC can also carry at least three stretchers, ammunition or fuel in stead of the troops.

   The Rakushka is powered by a 2V-06-2 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp. Engine is located at the rear. Vehicle is also fitted with auxiliary power unit. The BTR-MD is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. It can operate up to a Sea State 3. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspensions with variable height control. Such suspension allows the vehicle to be paradropped on platforms. The BTR-MD can be carried by and paradropped from most medium cargo aircraft with the crew of three inside. The Il-76 can carry two of these airborne APCs. A single vehicle can be carried underslung by the Mi-26 heavy cargo helicopter.

   A whole host of BTR-MD variants is currently planned or under development. These include signals vehicle, Kornet-D anti-tank missile carrier, MRU-D air defense radar carrier, Poliot-K unmanned aerial vehicle control vehicle, Poliot-K UAE command post vehicle , Obzhimka reconnaissance and fire control post. Other versions, such as Lastochka-2 special signals vehicle and BMM-D Travmatizm armored ambulance are currently being trialed by the Russian airborne forces.

   In 2013 an improved BTR-MDM was revealed, even though the first production vehicles were not yet delivered to the Russian airborne troops. The new vehicle uses a number of components of the BMD-4M and BMP-3M. Engine, transmission, waterjets and a number of other components are from the BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle. It is reported that the BTR-MDM is more reliable than the previous version.

Entered service    expected in 2014
Crew    2 men
Personnel    13 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight    13.2 t
Length    ~ 6.1 m
Width    ~ 3.1 m
Height    ~ 2.5 m
Armament
Machine guns    1 x 7.62-mm
Mobility
Engine    2V-06-2 diesel
Engine power    450 hp
Maximum road speed    70 km/h
Amphibious speed on water    10 km/h
Range    500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient    60%
Side slope    30%
Vertical step    0.8 m
Trench    1.8 m
Fording    Amphibious