9K24 Shchit
When facing an enemy armed with as many aircraft as the NAU, you've got to keep your tanks safe from them.
From the ground, the best solution is a self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle. The ZSU-23-4 was one of them, getting a good reputation for itself in Arab-Israeli wars. Now, with even deadlier death raining down from above, Russia decided that it was time the tanks fought back.
Crew Composition[]
- Driver
- Pantsir-1S Operator
- Pantsir-1S Operator
Sensory[]
Eyes and ears behind bulletproof glass. The Pantsir-1S turret gets a fire control PESA plus an E/O sensor suite, allowing it to detect flying threats—fighters, bombers, helicopters, drones, even missiles—up to 20km away. The Shchit also gets a GLONASS “Blue-force” tracker/ navigation system.
Upgrades[]
Active Scan[]
Allow the PESA radar to perform active scan. One giant transmit/receiver is more powerful than a thousand small ones, so this allows it to have better detection than a same-sized (and same quality) AESA. Significantly boosts detection capabilities.
Elevated Search Radar[]
To enhance detection of enemy aircraft, the Shchit can mount an additional back-to-back X-band AESA on the top of its Pantsir turret. Significantly boosts detection capabilities.
Armament[]
2A38M (2)[]
The Pantsir-1S turret is equipped with two 2A38M autocannons. Drawing from 700 rounds of 30mm x165mm HEPF and APDS-T each, the Shchit can provide a deadly curtain of fire against low-flying enemy aircraft—firing at 2,500rpm each, they can easily shred helicopters.
57E6(12)[]
Mounted in two six-tube pods, the 57E6 is a two-stage solid-fuel rocket CLOS (command to Line-Of-Sight) missile. A terminal semi-active radar homing system is supplied to ensure a hit. Equipped with a 20kg HEPF warhead, the 57E6 can take out an enemy aircraft 20 kilometers away, reaching speeds of Mach 4 while sprinting towards its target.
Upgrades[]
57E6M[]
The modernized version of the original missile, the 57E6M is equipped with the same 2-second-burn rocket booster, but packs an air-breathing ramjet motor in place of the second stage rocket. This enhances range to 30km, while retaining all of the missile's speed.
AHEAD-30[]
In order to effectively counter missiles, such as a HARM, the 2A38M autocannons can be loaded with AHEAD anti-missile shells. AHEAD shells are loaded with 100 heavy tungsten sub-projectiles that are fired in proximity to a target. This greatly enhances the probability of a hit.
Protection[]
9K24s have a layer of aluminum armor that protects them against small arms fire, up to the 12.7mm AP-I round. Spall liner is standard. The underbody is v-shaped, able to channel away the brunt of a mine exploding underneath. The turret gets the same level of protection.
Upgrades[]
Ceramic Insert[]
Apply ceramic plates into the vehicle's aluminum armor, increasing protection level to 14.5mm SLAP.
ERA[]
To allow the Shchit to survive more dedicated anti-tank rounds, it can receive inexpensive previous-generation Kontakt-5 ERA. Is essentially equivalent to 120mm RHAe against APFSDS and 500mm to shape charges. Very effective at nullifying RPG threats, such as when ambushed by infantry.
Shtora ECM[]
Designed to counter guided munitions, the Shtora packs an all-around E/O detection suite, laser dazzlers, IR dazslers, and anti-FLIR grenades. Effective at jamming laser beam-homing or IR-guided missiles.
Mobility[]
The 9K24 is powered by a rugged 10.0 liter turbodiesel V8, giving it 500 horsepower. They directly power the vehicle's two tank treads, allowing it to hit 70kmph on a road, retaining 45 off-road.
A pair of small propellers just behind the tracks makes it amphibious.
Upgrades[]
None.