9M17 Fleyta Explained

3M11 / 9M17
AT-2 Swatter
Origin:Soviet Union
Type:Anti-tank missile
Is Missile:yes
Service:1964-present
Designer:Nudelman OKB-16
Weight:27kg (60lb)
Length:1160mm
Diameter:148mm
Filling:HEAT
Filling Weight:5.4kg (11.9lb)
Engine:Solid fuel rocket
Vehicle Range:0.5to
Speed:160m/s
Guidance:Radio command
Steering:MCLOS
Wingspan:680mm
Launch Platform:Mi-4, Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-25, BRDM-1, BRDM-2

The 3M11 Fleyta (flute, NATO reporting name AT-2 Swatter) is a Soviet MCLOS radio command anti-tank missile. Various improved versions were designated 9M17 Falanga

Development

The missile was developed by the Nudelman OKB-16 design bureau. It was developed at about the same time as the 3M6 Shmel as a heavy ATGM for use on both ground launchers and helicopters. It addressed some of the problems of the 3M6; it was much faster, and had slightly longer range. These improvements were achieved by sending commands via a radio link instead of a trailing guidance wire, which allowed the missile to travel faster. However, it did make it vulnerable to jamming. The missile system was shown to Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev in September 1964, and accepted for service shortly afterwards.

History

The 3M11 was the first Soviet ATGM to be deployed from helicopters. Small numbers were fitted to the Mi-4AV. The missile was deployed on the Mil Mi-8 as well as the Mi-24 and Mi-25 series of helicopters. It was also deployed on the BRDM-1 and BRDM-2 infantry fighting vehicles.

The 3M11 Fleyta was problematic; one Russian source describes the missile as "notable for its complexity and low reliability". Also, the missile's range was felt to be inadequate. An improved version of the missile was developed: the 9M17 Falanga (NATO reporting name AT-2B). Externally, the missiles are very similar, however the 9M17 range is increased to 3.5 km. The standard production version was the 9M17M Falanga-M, which entered service in 1968.

The next development was to integrate SACLOS guidance, resulting in the 9M17P Falanga-P (NATO reporting name AT-2 Swatter-C). It entered service in 1969. A product improved version the 9M17MP was developed that had an improved engine and signal lamp.

The missile has been used extensively in the following wars on the Mi-24 platform.

It was replaced in Soviet service by the 9K114 Shturm ATGM.

General characteristics (3M11 Fleyta)

Models

Operators

Current operators

Former operators

Sources

References

  1. Web site: Противотанковый ракетный комплекс Фаланга-ПВ | Ракетная техника. missilery.info.
  2. Book: . The Military Balance 2023 . 15 February 2023 . Routledge . 978-1032508955 . 1st.
  3. Web site: Trade Registers . Stockholm International Peace Research Institute . 24 May 2023.
  4. Book: V. Hogg . Ian . Jane's infantry weapons 1988-89 . 1988 . Jane's Pub. Co . London . 978-0710608574 . 14th.
  5. Book: . The military balance, 1989-1990 . 1989 . Brassey's . London . 978-0080375694.
  6. Book: International Institute for Strategic Studies . The military balance. 1991-1992. . 1991 . Brassey's . London . 978-0080413259 . 123. International Institute for Strategic Studies.

External links