9M17 Fleyta

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

3M11 / 9M17
AT-2 Swatter
3M11 Fleyta
TypeAnti-tank missile
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1964-present
Production history
DesignerNudelman OKB-16
Specifications
Mass27 kilograms (60 lb)
Length1,160 mm (46 in)
Diameter148 mm (5.8 in)
Wingspan680 mm (27 in)
WarheadHEAT
Warhead weight5.4 kg (12 lb)

EngineSolid fuel rocket
Operational
range
0.5 to 2.5 kilometres (0.31 to 1.55 mi)
Maximum speed 160 m/s (360 mph)
Guidance
system
Radio command
Steering
system
MCLOS
Launch
platform
Mi-4, Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-25, BRDM-1, BRDM-2

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

9M17 Falanga missile

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)

3M11 Fleyta missile
  • Length: 1,160 mm
  • Wingspan: 680 mm
  • Diameter: 148 mm
  • Launch weight: 27.0 kg
  • Speed: 150–170 m/s
  • Range: 500 m - 2.5 km
  • Time to maximum range: 17 seconds
  • Guidance: Radio command MCLOS
  • Warhead: 5.4 kg HEAT 500 mm vs RHA;maximum 650 mm vs RHA for improved variant.[1]

Models

  • 3M11 Fleyta MCLOS (NATO reporting name AT-2A Swatter A)
  • 9M17 Falanga (NATO reporting name AT-2B Swatter B): Range increased to 3.5 km.
    • 9M17DB Modified system to work with the Mi-8TB
  • 9M17M Falanga-M MCLOS: Launch weight 29 kg (64 lb), maximum range 3,500 m. First seen in the 1973 Moscow Parade.
  • 9M17P Falanga-P (NATO reporting name AT-2C Swatter C): First SACLOS version.. Launch weight 29 kg.
    • 9M17MP Improved engine and guidance lamp. Maximum range 4,000 m.
    • 9M17N

Operators

Map with 9M17 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators


Former operators

Sources

  • Hull, A.W., Markov, D.R., Zaloga, S.J. (1999). Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices 1945 to Present. Darlington Productions. ISBN 1-892848-01-5.

References

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