9M120 Ataka-V

The AT-9 "Spiral-2" is the NATO reporting name for the 9M120 "Ataka-V" SACLOS radio guided anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union. It is the next major generation in the 9K114 Shturm (AT-6 Spiral) family. This system is often confused with the 9K121 Vikhr system.

Development

The missile entered service some time in the 1990s - it was first mentioned in Russian documents around 1992. It appears to be an evolutionary development of the AT-6 Spiral system - heavier and faster. Range and accuracy have reportedly been increased as well.

The missile has often been confused in the west with the 9A1472 Vikhr dual-purpose laser beam riding missile used on the Kamov helicopters and Sukhoi attack aircraft (as well as some Ukrainian Mi-24/35 upgrades). These systems are completely unrelated in their design and are in fierce competition.

Description

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There are three main missiles which are all compatible with the launch system. The first is a two-stage anti-armour weapon. Second is a missile termed 9M120F which has a thermobaric warhead for use against infantry positions. Finally there is a version with proximity fused expanding rod warhead the 9A220O. This provides the system with a limited air to air capability.

The system is carried by the Mi-28 and some Mil Mi-24 prototypes. It is also offered in vehicle (Ataka-T) and ship launched versions.

General characteristics 9M120 (AT-9 Spiral-2)

* Length: 1830 mm (with standoff probe)
* Wingspan: 360 mm
* Diameter: 130 mm
* Launch weight (including container): 49.2 kg - 48.5 kg (estimates vary)
* Speed: 550 m/s
* Range: 400 m - 6 km 800 m - 8 km for the 9М120М model
* Guidance: Radio command link SACLOS
* Warhead: shaped charge (probably 5-8 kg) tandem HEAT 800 mm vs RHA after ERA / 900 mm vs RHA after ERA for the 9М120М

Variants

* 9M120 Ataka-V "AT-9" "Spiral-2" SACLOS radio command link guided missile.
** 9M120 with tandem HEAT warhead.
** 9M120F with thermobaric warhead for use against buildings, bunkers and caves.
** 9A220O with expanding rod warhead, for use against helicopters.
** 9M120M improved version.

Operators

; RUS; VEN

References

* Hull, A.W. , Markov, D.R. , Zaloga, S.J. (1999). "Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices 1945 to Present". Darlington Productions. ISBN 1-892848-01-5.
* [http://www.airwar.ru/weapon/aat/ataka.html www.airwar.ru]