SA-16 (Gimlet) / 9K310 Igla-1

History

The 9K310 "Igla-1" (NATO: SA-16 "Gimlet") and 9K38 "Igla" (NATO: SA-18 "Groous") are portable anti-aircraft defense systems developed in 1983 by the Soviet Army. They aimed to address the limitations of earlier systems like SA-7 and SA-14, known for their unreliability against aircraft. These systems were designed by KBM in Russia, with the 9K310 focusing on short-term improvements and the 9K38 on long-term advancements.

The 9K310 uses the Igla-1 missile, incorporating better targeting capabilities. It consists of a launch tube with integrated optics, power, and trigger components. The missile features spring-loaded fins for propulsion and solid rocket motors. Variants include Igla-1M with enhancements, Igla-1D for airborne infantry, Igla-1N with a stronger warhead, and Igla-1V for air-launched applications. These systems saw action in conflicts like the 1991 Gulf War and the Bosnian War, gaining popularity and being exported to over 20 countries.

Subsequently, the 9K310 and 9K38 were succeeded and improved upon by the 9K338 series (NATO: SA-24 "Grinch"), featuring the new "Igla-S" missile. This advancement marked a significant progression in portable anti-aircraft defense technology.

SA-16 (Gimlet) / 9K310 Igla-1 Spec

Base

Year of Service: 1981

Origins: Soviet Union

Manufacturer: KBM - USSR/Russia

Operators: Angola; Armenia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cuba; Ecuador; Finland; Georgia; Hungary; Iran; Iraq; Myanmar; North Korea; Peru; Poland; Russia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Serbia; former Soviet Union; Syria; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; Vietnam

Roles

Air Defense

Able to attack low-flying threats from the air.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 39.46 lbs (17.90 kg)

Attractions: Included optics.

Action

Electric start

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*: Not available.

Circle/Feed: Single Shot

Performance

Rate of fire: 1 Number of revolutions

Variant

9K310 "Igla-1" - Russian GRAU designation

SA-16 "Gimlet" - NATO codename

9K310 "Igla-1E" - Export missile variant

9K310 "Igla-1M "--Improved missile

9K310 "Igla-1D" - compact for airborne troops

9K310 "Igla-1V" - variant of the airborne vehicle

K310 "Igla-1N" - increased lethality of the warhead