DKKB Luch Skif (Scythian / Stugna-P)

History

Skif, a domestically produced anti-tank missile system originating from Ukraine, serves as a formidable weapon against armored vehicles and fortified positions. Developed by the Luch Oblast Design Bureau in Kyiv and introduced to the Ukrainian Armed Forces around 2011, Skif became a crucial asset during the conflict between Ukraine and Russia starting in 2022. Its effectiveness was demonstrated when it successfully targeted and destroyed a hovering Kamov Ka-52 "Crocodile" helicopter, showcasing its adaptability and precision in combat situations.

Designed for ease of use by a small team, Skif features essential components such as optics, launch tubes, and sturdy tripods. With its remote control panel, the PDU-215, operators can engage targets from a distance of up to 50 meters, utilizing either manual aiming or automatic targeting through TV or thermal imaging. The system's tandem-charge rockets offer formidable armor penetration capabilities, capable of overcoming modern tank armor, including reactive armor blocks, and can also be employed to breach fortified enemy positions, making it a versatile solution on the battlefield.

Skif boasts a range of 5.5km during daylight hours and 3km at night, with thermal imaging ensuring accuracy in low-light conditions. Available in two sizes, 130mm and 152mm, with various warhead options such as HEAT and HE-FRAG, Skif can be tailored to meet diverse battlefield requirements. Whether mounted on tripods, vehicles, or integrated into Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) on armored vehicles, Skif has not only been adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces but has also seen deployment in other countries including Algeria, Morocco, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia, cementing its reputation as a reliable anti-tank solution worldwide.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2011

Origins: Ukraine

Categories: Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher (ATGM)

Manufacturer: DKKB Luch Kyiv Design Bureau Ukraine

Carrier: Algeria; Morocco; Myanmar; Saudi Arabia; Ukraine

Roles

Anti-Tank/Anti-Tank/Anti-Material: Designed to engage at long range and defeat armored/enemy tanks.

Special Forces: The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Notable Features

Anti-Armor: Inherent ability to fight/defeat armored targets within range.

Bunker Breaker: Ability to defeat fortified/reinforced structures.

Vehicle Assembly: Versatility allows it to be mounted on vehicles as an anti-infantry/area suppression solution.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids: Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Tripod mount: Can be mounted on a tripod assembly, which usually has a heavy-duty construction to increase accuracy in long-distance shooting.

Trunnion mount: Can be mounted on a trainable trunnion assembly for extra support.

Shock detonation: The explosion of this entry depends on the impact with the target/target area; typical mass for direct fire weapons (rockets/rocket launchers).

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 231.49 lbs (105.00 kg)

Attractions: Integrated optics.

Action

Semi-automatic: One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Shock detonation: Design relies on impact on detonating target.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 130 mm

Circle/Feed: Single shot; reusable launch tube.

POWER

Maximum efficiency: 6ft (2m | 2yd)

Rate of fire: 1 Number of revolution