#arms identification

By N.R. Jenzen-Jones

The image above, a screenshot from a recently uploaded video, appears to show a fully assembled 9K338 Igla-S (NATO reporting name: SA-24 Grinch) in the hands of rebel forces in Syria. The fighters, from the Alasala Watanmia Front, exhibit four different man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) in the video uploaded on May 30, 2013. From left to right in the video, as seen below, we see a 9K32M Strela-2M (SA-7b Grail), Chinese FN-6, 9K338 Igla-S, and 9K310 Igla-1 (SA-16 Gimlet). The three Soviet/Russian systems appear to be complete, featuring missile launch tube, gripstock, and BCU (battery coolant unit). The Chinese FN-6 appears to be lacking its BCU in the video. It is unknown, of course, whether any of the weapons shown are in functioning condition. The video was apparently shot in the Aleppo region.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IiQs-_SDjjA

An earlier video, posted in February by the ‘Armoured Brigade Aleppo’ also appears to show a handful of 9K338 systems, including BCUs and gripstocks. These two videos are the only examples I have seen of complete 9K338 systems in Syria, although some previous reporting and blogging has shown incomplete systems. Western governments and reporters have expressed concern over the 9K338 system in the past, with some confusion around the presence of the missile in Libya. The 9K338 is substantially more capable than the far more common 9K32 (SA-7a) and 9K32M (SA-7b) MANPADS which are found in conflict zones throughout the world, and have been used in attacks against civilian airliners. Older systems are easily defeated by the electronic countermeasures of modern fighter aircraft, however the 9K338 poses a more significant threat to some of the slightly older combat aircraft still in use with many forces in the region.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8aR_EmA8SO0

My thanks to Yuri Lyamin for the heads-up on these. 

N.R. Jenzen-Jones This post originally appeared at The Rogue Adventurer. 

RBK-250 cluster bombs, containing ZAB-2.5 submunitions, have recently been identified in Syria. There has been a lot of confusion surrounding both the cluster munitions themselves, and the submunitions, with contrasting and conflicting claims. First and foremost, it is important to note that the RBK-250 ZAB-2.5 250kg cluster bomb, as sighted in Syria, contains three different variations of ZAB-2.5 submunitions: one with an incendiary (thermite) composition, one with a thermite + high explosive composition, and one with a thermite + jellied incendiary composition.

ZAB (Zazhigatelnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba; incendiary aircraft bomb) series weapons include a range of unitary incendiary bombs as well as submunitions (AKA ‘bomblets’). The RBK-250 ZAB-2.5 cluster bomb contains 48 submunitions in total, with 16 ZAB-2.5 variation 1 submunitions, 16 ZAB-2.5 var.2 submunitions, and 16 ZAB-2.5 var.3 submunitions. The bomb itself will be marked ‘RBK-250 ZAB-2,5’ as seen in the image below (rotated for ease of viewing). Its nominal weight is 250kg (hence the ‘-250’ designation), with an actual ready weight of approximately 194kg.  The bomb is 1467-1492mm in length, has a body diameter of 325mm and a wingspan diameter of 410mm, and contains a 0.7kg explosive separation/ignition charge.

The ZAB-2.5 submunitions are 244-249mm long, and 68mm in diameter. The three variants of submunitions are as follows:

Variant 1 – weight: 2.3kg; incendiary composition: thermite; approx. burn time: 150 – 180 seconds.

Variant 2 – weight: 2.5g; incendiary composition: thermite; approx. burn time: 120 – 180 seconds.

Variant 3 – weight: 2.2kg; incendiary composition: thermite + jellied fuel mixture; approx. burn time: 3-9 mins.

Variants 2 and 3 also contain PETN (тэн) bursting charges, designed to discourage and impede attempts to extinguish the burning submunitions. These charges are initiated by a pyrotechnic block delay, after the submunitions have reached the ground and burned for some time. In the case of Variant 3, this charge has the added effect of dispersing the napalm-like filler over a wide area, after the thermite portion of the submunition has burned down. The thermite component of the submunitions is capable of penetrating 3-4mm of steel, and igniting combustible materials.

The ZAB-2.5 submunitions are ignited upon ejection from the RBK-250 ZAB-2.5 and fall down burning. This ignition process remains reasonably reliable over time, unlike the fuzes seen in some other cluster bomb submunitions identified in Syria, such as the AO-1SCh, however dud munitions are still likely. Incorrect employment of the munitions, such as unsuitable ejection height or speed, may also contribute to an increased dud rate.

Submunitions are likely to be scattered across the following areas, based on their ejection height:

500-750m:  3,900-11,600m2 1500-1700m: 16,900-28,400m2

Thanks are due to Yuri Lyamin, Ivan Kochin, and Alex Diehl for their assistance. The diagrams are from an official Russian publication, annotated in orange by the author.  The topmost photo is of unknown copyright, and is not from Syria. 

Should you see any further examples of ZAB-2.5 cluster munition use in Syria, or have any other information to contribute, please get in touch with me.

Update 28/11/2012: The video below shows what is likely the aftermath of a strike with ZAB-2.5 submunitions. Note submunition casings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1cecfeYCozY

Update 4/12/2012: Another very good video showing ZAB-2.5 casings and RBK-250 ZAB-2.5 bomb remnants.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9yxc97LDLU&sns=fb

Update 6/12/2012: An excellent video of ZAB submunitions igniting upon dispersal, and falling near Deir ez-Zour. (H/t Bjørn Holst Jespersen).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xSiEO7ISL4&feature=youtu.be

Remember, submunitions are particularly dangerous. Attempts to extinguish these submunitions, in particular, could place you at risk of being injured by the bursting charges. As always, if you see any UXO, remember the 'ARMS' acronym:

•AVOID the area

•RECORD all relevant information from a safe distance

•MARK the area to warn others