ZSU-23-4M-A1 'Rokach': Shilka Reinvigorated

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 4:22am

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ZSU-23-4M-A1 ‘Rokach’

ZSU-23-4M-A1 on display at a Military Exhibition in Kyiv, 2021.

Description :
- The original ZSU-23-4 Shilka was designed in the late-1950’s and early 60’s by KBP Instrument Design Bureau to replace the older ZSU-57-2 SPAAG. This was due to the rising need to incorporate RADAR systems for long range detection and early warning. The Shilka was a completely unique design, featuring a new chassis that utilized several components from the PT-76 light tank, the APZ-23 gun mount featuring 4x 2A7 23mm guns, and the RPK-2 Toboł retractable RADAR. The Shilka also utilized a 280hp diesel engine and APU to allow the vehicle to operate its electronics without the need to run the engine. The Shilka is a widely used vehicle platform even today, with multiple variants being developed such as the ZSU-23-4MZ Biryusa or ZSU-23-4M2 to meet specific mission requirements. The ZSU-23-4 Shilka and some of its variants were also accepted by Warsaw states prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union with many post-Soviet and Warsaw states still utilizing the vehicle. Some country’s developed there own variant of the Shilka such as Ukraine with the powerful/newly equipped ZSU-23-4M-A1 ‘Rokach’ variant.
- The ZSU-23-4M-A1 ‘Rokach’ is a modernized ZSU-23-4 ‘Shilka’ that features several new electronic upgrades that brings the Shilka from the mid-20th century to modern day. Since the 2014 start of the conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Army realized the need to produce more self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems due to the limited number of 2S6M ‘Tunguska’ available to the armed forces. The solution was to modernize the ZSU-23-4 ‘Shilka’ that remained mothballed in outdoor storage. In 2015, a major modernization program began by Arsenal Factory in Kyiv with the main focus of replacing the 1RL33M which has been in service since the mid-1960’s with a more effective foldable multi-function digital RADAR. The RADAR that would be used is the Rokach-AS which has a significant increase in capability such as full 360-degree detection, the ability to track fighter aircraft out to 20km away and small UAV’s from around ~4-9km away while taking up significantly less space than the 1RL33M. It also can track up to 20 targets simultaneously. This was revolutionary as the 1RL33M was bulky and only had a 15-degree search sector as well as short range/limited tracking that severely inhibited the capabilities of the system. Other improvements was the upgraded digital fire control system with ballistics computer that integrated with the RADAR, missile module capable of firing 4 surface-to-air missiles with a range of 5km, and more. Another key feature is the 3rd-generation Thermal/Television Electro-optical sensor that can track targets without radiating which is key to avoid detection and RADAR-hunting missiles. Within this sensor is a built-in Laser Rangefinder. This electro-optical sensor/laser rangefinder was later integrated into the ZSU-23-4M-A1 with some units have been seen without it. In 2017 the vehicle debuted at an arms exhibition in Kyiv. This would not be that last time it is seen however, from 2017 until 2022 the vehicle continued to develop and be tested in Ukraine’s proving grounds with the final version incorporating the thermal/television electro-optical sensors. The Ukrainian Army had expressed interest in purchasing two batches of the ZSU-23-4M-A1 ‘Rokach’. It is believed small numbers are incorporated in the Ukrainian Army’s Air Defense network with at least one seen in combat in June, 2022. None are believed to be lost at this time.
Armament:
- Primary: 4x 2A7M Cannons in AZP-23 Mount (w/ 2,000rds)
  - Cartridge: 23x152B
  - Rounds:
    - API-T (BZT)
    - HEI-T (OFZ-T)
    - HEI (OZT)
  - Depression/Elevation: -4/+85 degrees
- Secondary: Igla Surface-to-Air Missile (w/ 4 missiles total)
  - Missile Characteristics:
    - Warhead: High Explosive Blast Fragmentation
    - Diameter: 72mm
    - Length: 1.57m
    - Range: 5.2km
    - Altitude: 3.5km
    - Guidance: IR
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 280hp V-6R Diesel Engine (DG4M-1 gas turbine to drive generators for electronics. Note: Unknown if officially replaced)
- Transmission: Manual, 5 Forward, 1 Reverse
- Chassis: GM-575 Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 50km/h
Dimensions:
- Length: 6.54m
- Width: 3.13m
- Height: ~3.7m (w/ RADAR energized)
- Weight: ~20-22 tons
Crew (4x):
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
- Commander
Accessories:
- NVD
  - Driver: Day/Night Periscope
  - Commander: Day/Night Periscope
- 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
  - Gunner: Electro-optical Sensor
    - Note: This sensor can be used for tracking (when the RADAR is off) similarly to the SIDAM 25 to prevent RADAR detection.
- Laser Rangefinder
Notes:
- Powerful RADAR, thermal/rangefinder, and SAM capability that really revolutionizes the ZSU-23-4 ‘Shilka’, putting it on similar standing to the 2S6M "Tunguska’.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 10.0-10.3.
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