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."
December 13, 2024 : "The Marine Corps has fielded a mobile, drone-killing air defense system to its 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion in Hawaii, the service announced, with the system expected to achieve initial operational capability later today. " ~ Inside Defense
The system in question is MADIS (Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems) -- it uses the JLTV as the base platform and it appears the platform that was IOCed is:
AN/MSY2(v)2 (aka MADIS MK2) which is the dedicated C-UAS configuration featuring 360° #AESA radar, EO/IR, EW suite, & 30x113mm gun + two stinger missiles.
I may have covered this earlier in the thread. IDK.
As a first U.S. Army unit, the 41st Field Artillery Brigade (Grafenwoehr, Germany), received modernized M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers.
"The major difference we have seen with the M270A2 is that they are a little bit faster and more mobile [...] They have an improved cab that protects the soldiers which the M270A1 did not have, as well as a myriad of system upgrades that allow us to shoot faster and process missions more efficiently" - Capt. Kendal Peter, commander of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade.
The big thing for M270A2 will be integration with future weapons, such as Precision Strike Missile.
First of new German howitzers handed to Ukraine
Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, has handed over the first of 54 planned wheeled howitzers to Ukraine to help bolster artillery capability.
"Ukraine can count on us, and this is a signal. And Germany is ready to assume responsibility in Europe," Pistorius said in the city of Kassel, where the weapons system is produced by tank manufacturer KNDS.
Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, symbolically accepted the first of the new RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers for his country.
"We don't need mediators, we need allies," said the ambassador.
The RCH 155 artillery system is described by its manufacturer as the "world's most modern wheeled howitzer," which makes it possible to fire on the move for the first time.
Also, complete FO Vehicle set to be delivered with them:
Just to get something straight, as this might have gone over some people's heads.
The 9 Boxer AiTO30 that Germany pledged to Ukraine yesterday are not IFV's. They are instead equipped with the Fire Director Controler (FDC) Mission Module, which has received the RCT30 turret for self-defence.
Their main job is to be the command and control element for a battery of 6 RCH155 155mm Self-Propelled Guns where they draw up and delegate fire missions for the battery.
For this reason, only 9 were pledged, as they are to operate with 9 batteries of 6 RCH155 each (total of 54 RCH155 have been pledged).
Last edited by MarkSheppard; January 17th, 2025 at 07:33 AM..
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Estonia has taken receipt of 6 M142 HIMARS from Lockheed Martin in a ceremony at their plant in Camden, AR.
The 6 HIMARS, along with associated ammunition (GMLRS, ATACMS), were ordered via a ~$200 million Foreign Military Sales case, signed in Dec 2022, following approval in July 2022.
The 6 HIMARS will be shipped to Estonia in the coming months and will be fully operational this summer. Estonian artillerymen have already been training at Fort Sill, OK, with other FMS customers since last year.
Just to get something straight, as this might have gone over some people's heads.
The 9 Boxer AiTO30 that Germany pledged to Ukraine yesterday are not IFV's. They are instead equipped with the Fire Director Controler (FDC) Mission Module, which has received the RCT30 turret for self-defence.
Their main job is to be the command and control element for a battery of 6 RCH155 155mm Self-Propelled Guns where they draw up and delegate fire missions for the battery.
For this reason, only 9 were pledged, as they are to operate with 9 batteries of 6 RCH155 each (total of 54 RCH155 have been pledged).
And they are FO vehicles in the Ukraine OOB now and they do pack a punch with the 30mm autocannon not normally associated with a FCV
I have yet to confirm whether the Boxer AiTO30 sent to Ukraine do or do not have the Mells ATGM attachment. If they do they will be considerably nastier
The AiTO30 is a brother to the RCT30 which can ( or not ) have that Mells ( spike) launcher attached so if it does the Icon will look like that, if not it won't have the launcher hanging on the left side of the turret
The RCT30 turret is equipped with the MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon, which has an effective range of 3,000 meters and a firing rate of 200 rounds per minute. A dual-feed system enables the use of two types of ammunition. The turret offers a 360-degree azimuthal rotation and an elevation range from -10° to +45°. It also features a coaxial machine gun and the SPIKE LR guided missile system, enhancing its capacity to engage ground and aerial targets. Additional features include programmable airburst ammunition, laser warning systems, and counter-drone capabilities. The unmanned turret design improves crew safety and integrates with command and control systems for networked operations.
All that makes it the same cost as a MBT
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Re: SP, MLRS and SPAA Developments
Re: SP, MLRS and SPAA Developments
just the way Don likes them to be. 
Hybrid Mode
