PASARS-16: Jack-of-all-Trades

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 6:00am

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PASARS-16: Jack-of-all-Trades 150px-Emblem_of_the_Serbian_Land_Forces_

Disclaimer: This suggestion focuses on the 2nd production variant as it is the newest model and references all other models. All models of the PASARS-16 SPAAG share the same name, same development timeframe, and there’s no official designation separating them apart.

Production variant of the PASARS-16 in use by the Serbian Military.

Description :
- Role: Hybrid Self-propelled Anti-Aircraft Vehicle
- Origin: Serbia
- Manufacturer: Military Technical Institute/PPT-Namenska AD
- Summary:
  - The PASARS-16, or ПАСАРС-16, or sometimes referred to as the ‘Terminator’, is a hybrid-short range air defense vehicle developed by the Military Technical Institute in Serbia that has seen moderate production for the Serbian Army. The overall mission of the PASARS-16 is to provide air defense capability while providing fire support for mechanized infantry. In 2017, the first prototype was unveiled during a military parade and utilized a FAP-2026BS/AV chassis equipped with a 260 horsepower OM 402 Diesel Engine mechanically coupled to a synchronized 6-forward, 2-reverse transmission. For armament, it featured an unstabilized Bofors 40mm L/70 autocannon, capable of reaching a rate of fire of 320rds/min and can fire a a multitude of ammunition such as AP-T, HE-T, and HE that is produced by the company Sloboda. It also uses two indigenously developed RLN-1C surface-to-air missiles developed from the Soviet R-13M air-to-air missile. The new missile includes new infrared homing guidance system, a new HE-FRAG warhead with an enhanced proximity fuse, and a modernized propulsion block allowing for ground launch capability and ranges out to a max of 12km. The weapon systems are controlled by a digital panel which allows for integrating data from an M85 Žirafa RADAR vehicle to engage tracks. This is known as ‘active’ mode. ‘Passive’ mode allows for the vehicle crew to operate independently from the RADAR system through the use of electro-optical day/night systems with thermal imaging and a rangefinder. The main gun can be fired from an auxiliary sight as well. The weapon systems and communications equipment were controlled by a crew of 4 personnel, a driver, commander, and 2x gunners. The driver and commander are located in the vehicle cabin while the two gunners are located in a turret housing located on the rear of the vehicle. The commander has a digital display station, SHF radio equipment and GPS system that controls the vehicles 4x retractable stabilizers and maintains communications with command units to increase battlefield situational awareness. The 4x stabilizers have a 30-60 second deployment/retrieval time.
  - The first production variant was produced in late-2017 that features a new hull while still bring built on the same FAP 2226 chassis. It is equipped with the same weapon systems, layout, and auxiliary systems as the prototype variant, however received numerous, small upgrades which increased reliability and survivability. The hull height was decreased, decreasing overall profile, and was equipped with bolt-on spaced armor for increased protection. The rear turret also featured upgraded armor and all glass on the vehicle was replaced with enhanced bullet-proof glass. This is known as version 1. A few of these vehicles were produced and on May 22nd, 2020, the RLN-1C missile was tested.
  - In 2018, a secondary production variant was introduced featuring further enhancements over the first variant. A new chassis was introduced using the FAP 2228 6x6 chassis with a new 280 horsepower OM 906LA EURO3 Diesel Engine, offering the vehicle more engine power. The hull and turret both received an improvement in armor, reducing the crew’s exposure to ground and air fire. The secondary production variant uses multiple types of different missiles rather than the RLN-1C. The secondary production variant is broken down into two versions, version 2, and version 3. Version 2 can be equipped with a multitude of different Soviet-era missiles such as the 9K38 Igla or the 9K32M Strela-2M. Normally 2x 9K38 Igla or 2x 9K32M Strela-2M are mounted above the main gun however, 4 missiles can be equipped with different configuration such as 4x 9K38 Igla missiles, or 4x 9K32M Strela-2M missiles, or 2x 9K38 Igla missiles and 2x 9K32M Strela-2M missiles on the turret’s right side. When 4x missiles are equipped, the PASARS-16 has been referred to as the PASARS-4. The integration of these Soviet-era missiles was done due to the large remaining stockpile of Soviet MANPADS within the Serbian military stock. Version 3 is the newest development of the PASARS-16. This version incorporates MBDA’s Mistral 3 missile system onto the PASARS-16. 2x missiles are installed on the right side of the turret, significantly improving the PASARS-16’s anti-air capability. In 2021, the Serbian Army purchased 50 Mistral 3 missiles from the French defense industry and have begun incorporating them on the PASARS-16. The PASARS-16 Version 3 with the Mistral 3 is still under development.
  - Overall, all vehicles variants retain the same Bofors 40mm L/70 autocannon and can be equipped with a variety of missiles. They also can be integrated M85 Žirafa RADAR vehicle or operate independently. A new programmable airburst round, or PAB, was developed in 2020 that contains 1100 tungsten pellets that was designed to knock out low flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters that has been integrated on the PASARS-16. Lastly the Tank Commander’s Panoramic Surveillance and Observation Station (TOMS) sight system is expected to be integrated into the vehicle. There are at least around 12-18 units produced between the two variations, with the Serbian Army accepting them into service. The PASARS-16 has yet to see combat.
Armament:
- Main Weapon: Bofors 40mm L/70 Autocannon
  - Caliber: 40x365mmR
    - Rounds:
      - AP-T (Armor Piercing-Tracer)
      - HE-T (High Explosive-Tracer)
      - HE (High Explosive)
      - PAB (Programmable Airburst)
  - Rate of Fire (RoF): 320rds/min
  - Depression/Elevation: −3°/+90°
- Additional Weapon(s):
  - Anti-aircraft Missiles:
    - Version 1:
      - RLN-1C/170 (2x at a time)
        
        Speed: 850m/s
        
        Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
        
        Weight: 75kg
        
        Length: 2.830m
        
        Diameter: 127mm
        
        Maximum Intercept Range: 12km
        
        Minimum Intercept Range: 900m
    - Version 2:
      - Note: The PASARS-16 standard version 2 can equip either 2x 9K38 Igla or 2x 9K32M Strela-2M missiles mounted above the gun and the modified version, sometimes known as the PASARS-4, can equip 2x 9K38 Igla & 2x 9K32M Strela-2M at the same time or 4x 9K38 Igla or 9K32M Strela-2M for a total of 4x missiles equipped, ready-to-fire on the right side of the turret.
      - 9K38 Igla
        
        Speed: 800m/s
        
        Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
        
        Weight: 10.8kg
        
        Length: 1.57m
        
        Diameter: 72mm
        
        Maximum Intercept Range: 5.2km
        
        Minimum Intercept Range: 500m
      - 9K32M Strela-2M
        
        Speed: 500m/s
        
        Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
        
        Weight: 9.85kg
        
        Length: 1.44m
        
        Diameter: 72mm
        
        Maximum Intercept Range: 4.2km
        
        Minimum Intercept Range: 800m
    - Version 3:
      - Mistral 3 (2x at a time)
        
        Speed: 930m/s
        
        Tracking: Fire-and-Forget, IR, All-Aspect
        
        Weight: ~20kg
        
        Length: 1.86m
        
        Diameter: 90mm
        
        Maximum Intercept Range: 7.5km
        
        Minimum Intercept Range: 500m
Maneuverability:
- Engine:
  - FAP 2226 Chassis: 260hp OM 402 Diesel Engine
  - FAP 2228 Chassis: 280hp OM 906LA EURO3 Diesel Engine
- Transmission: Synchronized Transmission (6-Forward, 1-Reverse)
- Chassis: 6x6
- Max Speed: 100km/h
Dimensions:
- Length: ~7.7m
- Width: ~2.9m
- Height: ~3.1m
- Weight: ~17t
Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Gunner
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- Armor Protection:
  - STANAG 4569 Level 1
- 4x Retractable Stabilizers
- Optics:
  - Commander: Helmet-mounted Night Vision
  - Gunner(s): Electro-optical Day/Night Sight w/ Thermal Imaging
  - Driver: Helmet-mounted Night Vision
Reason for Implementation:
- The PASARS-16 is an excellent multi-purpose vehicle armed with a powerful 40mm Bofors autocannon that we see on the Strf. 9040B and 9040C, but with different types of ammunition. While not carrying the powerful slpprj m/90 or slpprj m/01 APFSDS-T round, the PASARS-16 does still come equipped with an AP-T round that is capable of knocking out light armor or any type of vehicle module such as tracks or even main guns. Where the PASARS-16 shines the most is its anti-aircraft capabilities. The 40mm main gun can fire HE/HE-T rounds and a brand new PAB which can easily knock out low flying aircraft or helicopters. If that isn’t enough, it can equip several types of missiles with ranges of 4.2 to 12.5km, capable of engaging pesky helicopters hiding outside the battlefield. The vehicle does have some major drawbacks. One being the light armor of the vehicle, making it very susceptible to light caliber fire. The second drawback is the limited depression of the gun while the main is facing forward due to the crew compartment. The vehicle almost has a similar playstyle to the American M15A1 SPAAG with more depression capabilities. The third drawback can go either way and it is the lack of a RADAR. While allowing the vehicle to remain undetected while targeting, the lack of RADAR decreases overall situational awareness. The forth drawback is the use of only 2-4 missiles, depending on the version/loadout used. The fifth drawback is the lack of a stabilizer for the main gun. The sixth drawback is, when not using the 4x retractable stabilizers, firing the main gun on the beam of the vehicle can result in possible rollover from the recoil of the gun. This drawback can severly hamper the player because deploying the stabilizers can take up to 30-60 seconds, not to mention once deployed, if the player is put in a position they must move, they are very vulnerable. Overall, the PASARS-16 is a unique, powerful anti-air system that would fare well at the top of any future Yugoslavian Ground Forces Tree.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 9.7
Sources: