SA-2 (Guideline) / S-75 Dvina

History

The original SA-2 guide was designed to find and destroy the less maneuverable American high-altitude bomber, and more specifically, the Air Force's most loyal B-52 Stratofortress. The function of the guidance system was so popular that all other major air defense systems (except the Moscow system) were replaced by the newer SA-2.

By 1965, no fewer than 1,000 SA-2 Guide launch sites had been established throughout the Soviet Empire and its satellite bases, with a large contingent stationed in Soviet-controlled East Germany.

The first confirmed aircraft shot down by the SA-2 system was a Taiwanese RB-57 reconnaissance aircraft destroyed over China in 1959. The system continued to have success, including the famous downing of Gary Power's U-2 spy plane, which made headlines around the world (more than one missile was actually fired, and the plane was hit several times before it crashed).

This single act led to a rethinking of military and reconnaissance programs dealing with Soviet high-altitude air defense systems.

In the conflict between Vietnam and the United States, the SA-2 supplied by the Soviet Union to North Vietnam was responsible for the attack and destruction of U.S. Navy, Air Force and Navy aircraft.

In direct response, the United States was forced to develop counter-weapon systems to counter the very serious SA-2 threat.

Despite advances in electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems and tactics, SA-2 systems have remained relatively successful during and after conflict (some are undergoing modernization programs to extend system life). Nonetheless, the SA-2 policy eventually gave way to the more advanced SA-10 family of surface-to-air missile systems.

The base system combines a fragmentation warhead with proximity, engagement and command fusion capabilities mounted on a two-stage solid rocket fuel booster system. The warhead weighs approximately 434 pounds and can be equipped with a replacement nuclear warhead if desired.

The range is said to be up to 30 miles and the missile system up to 60,000 feet.

NOTE: The specifications shown above are for the SA-2A Guideline variant of the SA-2 Guideline series of anti-aircraft missiles.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

1 x 35 ft, 5,041 lb surface-to-air missile (various warheads available).

Changes