SA-6 / 2K12 (Gainful / Kub)

History

The 2K12 "Kub" system, designed in 1959 by NIIP/Vympel and MMZ, was created at the request of the Soviet government for rockets and tracked landing gear. Despite facing technical challenges, the design entered production in 1968 and continued until 1985. After being introduced to the Soviet Army in 1967 and widely deployed by 1970, it remains operational in various countries. Notably, it has participated in successful combat operations across conflicts like the Yom Kippur War, Chad Civil War, Iran-Iraq War, and more.

The 2K12 system is built around ground-launched missiles guided by optical sights and continuous wave target illumination. These missiles, propelled by solid rocket motors, can engage targets up to 15 miles away and at altitudes of 45,930 feet. With speeds reaching up to Mach 2.8, they pose a threat to modern aircraft. Operating as a low-to-mid-altitude interceptor, the system's tracking capabilities enable it to defend critical installations effectively.

The system evolved with upgraded versions, including the Kub-M1 in 1973, Kub-M3 in 1976, and Kub-M4 in 1978. It adapted to work with the 9K37 "Buk" Air Defense Missile System. An export version known as "Kvadrat" gained popularity among Soviet/Russian allies. The system's resilience and adaptability, exemplified by the 3M9M1 variant with NATO designation "SA-6B," underscore its enduring relevance.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service: 1970

Origin: Soviet Union

Statu: Active.

Crew: 3

Production: 500

Manufacturer: Ulyanovsktsk Machine Works - USSR

Operator: Armenia; Algeria; Croatia; Bulgaria; Cuba; Czech Republic; Czechoslovakia; Egypt; Hungary; India; Iraq; Iran; Libya; Myanmar; Mozambique; North Korea; Poland; Romania ; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; the former Soviet Union; Syria; Vietnam; Yugoslavia.

Roles

Air Defense/Airspace Denial

The base model or variants can be used to search, track and neutralize aerial elements at a distance.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 24.3 feet (7.4m)

Width: 10.5 feet (3.2m)

Height: 11.3 feet (3.44m)

Weight: 55,116 lbs (25,000 kg)

Tonnage: 27.6 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 x liquid-cooled multi-fuel diesel engine rated between 710 and 840 hp.

Speed: 40.4 km/h (65.0 km/h)

Area: 160.9 km (259.0 km)

Weapons

3 x 9M336 medium-range missiles

AMMOTION

3 x 9M336 medium-range missiles (without own reload).

VARIANTS

2K12 - Name of the base series; limited commissions in 1967 and large-scale commissions in 1970. 2

K12M1 Kub-M1 - first production model; appeared in 1973.

2K12M3 Kub-M3 - Improved version of the 2K12 series; released in 1976.

2K12M4 Kub-M4 - Based on 2K12M3, interoperable with 9K37 Buk missile system; appeared in 1978.

9M336/3M9 - Improved, modernized version; launched in 1977.

2K12E "Kvadrat" - 2K12 series export variant SA-6 "Gainful" - 2K12 series NATO designation SA-6B - 3M9 series NATO designation