HARPAS: The Superior Tunguska

Yontzee · August 27, 2024, 5:37pm

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HARPAS: The Superior Tunguska 150px-Emblem_of_the_Serbian_Land_Forces_

The HARPAS anti-aircraft vehicle on display.

Description :
- Role: Self-propelled Anti-Aircraft Vehicle
- Origin: Serbia
- Manufacturer: Vojno Tehnički institut (VTI)
- Summary:
  - The HARPAS, or Hybrid Artillery-Missile Anti-Aircraft System, is a newly unveiled self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) and missile system developed by Serbia’s Vojno Tehnički institut (VTI), that was revealed on September 25, 2023, during the military exhibition Partner-2023. The system is based on a modified M-84 main battle tank chassis, providing an armored, robust, high-powered (780hp V-46-6 Diesel Engine) and mobile platform to carry its advanced air defense armament.
  - The primary weapon of the HARPAS is a turret-mounted dual 40mm L/70 Bofors anti-aircraft cannons chambered in 40x365mmR. These highly capable guns are capable of engaging a wide variety of aerial targets, including low-flying aircraft, attack helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). To enhance the cannons’ effectiveness against small UAVs, MTI is developing specialized programmable airburst munitions, also known as PAB. To increase precision, the cannons’ can be toggeled in 3-rate of fire (RoF) settings, 240, 300, and 330rds/min. The cannon’s can also fire a multitude of other types of ammunition such as AP-T, HE-T, and HE. Additionally, the 40mm guns can be employed in a secondary ground-attack role when necessary.
  - Complementing the formidable gun armament, the HARPAS is also equipped with two missile pods, each containing a combination of locally developed RLN-TK and RLN-RF surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). The RLN-TK missile utilizes a thermal seeker for guidance, while the RLN-RF employs radio frequency-based tracking. Both of these missiles are capable of a range out to 12km and a maximum ceiling of 8km and have ties to the Soviet R-13 anti-aircraft missile. This mix of gun and missile armaments provides the HARPAS with a robust and multi-layered air defense capability, allowing it to engage threats at various ranges and altitudes.
  - For target acquisition and tracking, the HARPAS system is fitted with what appears to be a Thales GS-40 X-band Search RADAR per manufacture brochure which has also been identified as the Weibel XENTA-M X-band Search RADAR. This is due to the companies signing a memorandum of understanding in RADAR development. This advanced radar system provides the HARPAS with the necessary target detection and tracking capabilities to effectively coordinate the engagement of aerial threats by its gun and missile armaments. This system has a range out to 75-120km and a elevation of 60-degrees, allowing for enhanced situational awareness. The vehicle also has a disk-shaped Tracking RADAR on the front but it has not been identified. The Fire Control System is also highly modern, utilizing AI-algorithms to assist in target engagement. On top of the enhanced RADAR’s, the Gunner and Commander are equipped with enhanced thermal cameras/television optics to assist in target location.
  - According to an VTI representative, the development of the HARPAS system was directly prompted by a requirement from the Serbian Armed Forces for a capable mobile air defense solution. The system is currently scheduled to undergo comprehensive testing in 2024 before potentially being integrated into Serbia’s broader air defense network by 2026.
  - The introduction of the HARPAS represents Serbia’s efforts to modernize and enhance its air defense capabilities. By combining a heavily armored and mobile platform with a potent mix of anti-aircraft guns and missiles, the HARPAS aims to provide Serbian forces with a formidable self-propelled air defense system capable of protecting critical assets and personnel from a wide range of aerial threats.
- Special thanks to @YugoSlav and @Mahiwew for there help in the suggestion.
Armament:
- Main Weapon: 2x Bofors 40mm L/70 Autocannons (100rds/gun, 200rds total)
  - Caliber: 40x365mmR
    - Rounds:
      - AP-T (Armor Piercing-Tracer)
      - HE-T (High Explosive-Tracer)
      - HE (High Explosive)
      - PAB (Programmable Airburst)
  - Rate of Fire (RoF) Settings:
    - 240rds/min
    - 300rds/min
    - 330rds/min
  - Max Effective Range: 3.7km
  - Depression/Elevation: -5/+85 degrees
- Additional Weapon(s):
  - Anti-aircraft Missiles (2x of each, 4x total):
    - RLN-TK
      - Propulsion: Two-stage Solid Rocket
      - Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
        
        Seeker: Thermal FPA Detector
        
        IRCCM: Yes
        
        Fuse: Contact/Proximity
      - Weight: 110kg
      - Length: 2.995m
      - Diameter: 170mm
      - Maximum Intercept Range: 12km
      - Maximum Ceiling Range: 8km
    - RLN-RF
      - Propulsion: Two-stage Solid Rocket
      - Tracking: Semi-active RADAR Homing
        
        Seeker: Radio Frequency
        
        Fuse: RADAR Proximity/Impact
      - Weight: 110kg
      - Length: 3.050m
      - Diameter: 170mm
      - Maximum Intercept Range: 12km
      - Maximum Ceiling Range: 8km
    - Search and Track RADAR’s:
      - Search RADAR: Weibel XENTA-M X-band Search RADAR
        
        Maximum Detection Range: 75-120km
        
        Degrees of Coverage: 60-degrees
        
        IFF: Yes
        
        Note: RADAR is listed as Thales GS-40 X-band Search RADAR as well.
      - Tracking RADAR:
        
        To be Determined (TBD)
        
        Speculation: Possibly modified/re-used MiG-21 RADAR.
Maneuverability:
- Engine:
  - 780hp V-46-6 Diesel Engine
- Transmission:
  - Mechanical Transmission (7-Forward, 1-Reverse)
- Suspension: Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 60km/h
Dimensions:
- Length: 6.860m
- Width: 3,570m
- Height: ~4m
- Weight: ~42t
Crew (3x):
- Gunner/Operator
- Commander
- Driver
Features:
- 8x Smoke Grenade Countermeasures
- Entrenching Blade
- Passive-IR Headlight
- Thermal Imagers (3rd-generation, TBD)
  - Commander
  - Gunner
- Night Vision Periscope:
  - Driver
- IFF
- Laser Rangefinder
- Armor:
  - Hull: Composite Armor Layers
  - Turret: 7.62mm Resistant
Reason for Implementation:
- The HARPAS is a highly advanced SHORAD that is mounted on a M-84 hull that provides solid protection on top of having a powerful armament. The vehicle’s dual 40mm’s can make quick work of both ground targets and air targets, especially with its PAB munitions. Not to mention, its SARH and IR missiles have a long range that allow the player to adjust to threats if facing a pesky/skilled aircraft. On top of that, its enhanced RADAR with significant ranges of out to 120km allow the player to locate targets as small as missiles and eliminate them. Missiles such as the KH-38 and AGM-65 included. One thing to note is the lack of munitions, having only 4x missiles and 200 rounds of 40mm total. Luckily, the 40mm are adjustable with its RoF, allowing for better ammunition conservation.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 10.7-11.0
Sources:

Imagery/Media

Different views of the vehicle.

A closeup of the missiles in the launcher.

The two bottom missiles are used on the HARPAS.

The XENTA-M RADAR, can be referred as the GS-40 by Thales.

Breakdown of its capabilities based on different brochures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO2tPHWme1M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTvAw_cNJqU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ-Qqh8urWw&t=15s

Video’s covering the HARPAS and other vehicles at Partner-2023.

Would you like to see the HARPAS SHORAD in-game?

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No

0 voters

JamesPond1200 · August 27, 2024, 6:21pm

I remember seeing this when it was first shown at Partner 2023 and instantly wanting it in War Thunder. Two 40mm L/70 guns with HE-VT AND four missiles? It’d be the best SPAA short of the Pantsir. +1