ZSU-23-4 (Shilka)

History

The ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" system was - and in many cases still is - a formidable air defense system for low-flying pilots around the world. The effectiveness of the Shilka at low altitudes has a well-documented history, as the system has played an important role in several major global conflicts.

Originally reserved primarily for the Soviet Army and its (now ex) supported countries during the Cold War, Shilka was later widely exported to allies in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. The Shilka defense system, despite its origins in the 1960s, continues to serve in impressive numbers in several armies around the world.

At the time of its creation, no air defense platform in NATO's inventory could match the lethality of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka series.

Shilka arose out of the need for the Soviet Army to improve its existing self-propelled anti-aircraft gun capabilities. Their main adversaries at the time were the United States and the United Kingdom, both of which were fully capable of fielding first-class ground attack aircraft, including helicopters, that would be needed to limit the usefulness of Soviet weapons in the event of a full-scale war in Europe.

At the time, the main system available to the Red Army was the ZSU-57-2 tracked series, armed with a set of powerful 57mm guns. However, despite this large caliber weapon, the system is inherently limited by its optical alignment tracking system, lack of airborne radar, and inability to engage targets while "moving." Ammunition storage capacity on board is also limited to 300 rounds of 52mm projectiles.

Only a few notable variants of the ZSU-23-4 exist, many of which are minor upgrades and modernizations of previous generations of Shilka. The 1970 ZSU-23-4VI added an upgraded V-6R-1 family of engines, while the 1973 ZSU-23-4M (known as "Biryusa") had a pyrotechnic charging system over the original aerodynamic system, while Ammunition has been increased to 4,500 23mm projectiles. The ZSU-23-4MZ had a "friend or foe" identification system and became the new Shilka standard for early service models ("Shilka" continues to informally represent all advancements in the system, despite the "Biryusa" designation). The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan resulted in a modification of the Shilka in the ZSU-23-4M2, adding night vision goggles and losing the radar unit.

In 1999, the ZSU-23-4M4 was unveiled to the public, showing the latest modern version of the Shilka family. This special version is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission, a laser firing sensor for self-defense and an optoelectronic sight for the crew.

Ukraine has since modernized its existing shilkas, calling them "Donets". In 1999, the Malishev Tank Plant in Kharkiv modified the turret to adapt it to the surface-to-air missile defense system and installed it on the chassis of the T-80UD main battle tank. Likewise, the ZSU-23-4MP "Biala" represents an upgrade carried out by the Polish Army in 2000. Added ferocious anti-aircraft missiles and digital systems.

Some of the largest Shilka operators later became Algeria (possibly as many as 300), Egypt (330 and more to come), India (100), Iran (over 100), Iraq (over 200). Unknown), Libya (250), Syria (400) and Vietnam (100).

By the way, the designation ZSU-23-4 indicates the caliber of the gun ("23") and the number of barrels ("2"). The name "Shilka" comes from the Shilka River in western Russia. Shilka may also be known by his nickname "Zeus".

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

2,000 to 4,500 x 23mm projectiles (depending on model).

6 x Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (if the launcher is fitted).

Changes