Called out at 0530, so simply put the
R-73 is superior to the
9M33 missiles.
I did some further "
back checking" on my two sources from my last post.
So,
1) I'm not going to make this hard on myself, so I feel
comfortable just to "
cut and paste" from them.
2) It'll show a clear separation between the two.
9M33/GECKO
"The
original 9K33 Osa system, equipped with various 9M33 series missiles, has a
range of up to 7.5 miles and
relies on radio command guidance."
However, I have found enough to support the following from ref. 1 last post same para.
The version
most likely in use by
Ukraine is the
Osa-AKM (SA-8B Gecko Mod-1) , which employs
9M33M3 missiles with a maximum range of 9.3 miles and a
ceiling of 40,000 feet.
Unlike the original model, which
carries four exposed missiles, the
Osa-AKM features six missiles housed in box-type containers. (I believe in game that's the picture we have x6.
R-73/NATO AA-11 Archer
"The
modified Osa systems can now carry a pair of rail-launched R-73s, replacing the standard canisterized 9M33 missiles. The R-73, a short-range missile with an
infrared homing head, is designed for intercepting and destroying highly maneuverable enemy aircraft and drones in close air combat. It is
effective day and night, from
any direction, against targets in
both the front and rear hemispheres and
performs well under active electronic countermeasures. "
Further from my
ref. 2 last post.
"Key characteristics of the
R-73 include its ability to
lock onto targets after launch (LOAL), allowing it to
engage highly maneuverable and fast-moving aerial targets. The missile has a
thrust-vectoring system, which enhances its maneuverability, making it highly effective in dogfights. It has an
operational range of up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles vs. 9.3 miles for GECKO.) and can engage targets at altitudes from 500 meters (1640 feet.) to
20 kilometers (65,600+ feet vs. 40,000 feet for GECKO.) . The R-73 is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and an infrared seeker, providing all-aspect targeting capability, allowing it to strike targets from any angle."
This is like comparing "
Apples to Oranges".
https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-mod...-new-missiles/
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...n-military-aid
(Reposted from last.)
https://weaponsystems.net/system/1064-9K33%20Osa
(The main page pictured unit (Bulgaria) is the same as was operated by the Ukraine 6-Luancher version.)
https://ausairpower.net/APA-Rus-PLA-PD-SAM.html#Gecko
(Scroll down 3/4 of the page.)
https://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-...mozTocId969013
(Pay attention what we are discussing which is a modification of an Air-to-air missile. However, it's worth the view for characteristic purposes.
Scroll down near bottom of page.)
https://ausairpower.net/search.html
(Homepage and about the best in what they do IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO DO SO.)
That was "
SHORT and QUICK"
just the way Don likes them to be.
Regards,
Pat
