Russia: 2K25 Krasnopol shell is more accurate than M982 Excalibur
Already in 2022, it became clear that high-precision projectiles are decisive in modern military conflicts. Some American artillery systems have the ability to carry out operational strikes, which was an unpleasant surprise for the rear complexes of the Russian Federation.
- Russia adapts P500, P700 and P1000 missiles for ground strikes
- Made in the 60s and poorly equipped, did the S-200 punch F-35?
- Russian Army began using modernized 155mm Krasnopol-M2 projectiles
After some time, measures were developed to counter such projectiles, but ignoring the problem is foolish, which means that even more effective analogs must be developed. In fact, there were such developments in the Russian Federation, it’s just that they were not in service before and existed as a reserve.
Russian media claim that the 2K25 Krasnopol projectile has shown exceptional performance, surpassing in many respects the American-Swedish M982 Excalibur. The information is obtained from reliable sources, as claimed by the media, but they do not mention who they are, and the conclusions are drawn based on real statistics.
Results of experience in war
As it turned out, the experts appreciated the experience of real application in the “special military operation” [Russia uses this term for the war in Ukraine], while usually the analysts just provide theoretical data. It is noted that 2K25 Krasnopol has less circular deviation from the target. In addition, such a projectile is capable of hitting moving objects, while the Excalibur can only hit static objects.
Some characteristics of the Russian projectile are given, thanks to which it receives such an advantage. Thus, American munitions are guided to the target using an inertial system and trajectory correction according to satellite data, while the 2K25 Krasnopol is guided by a laser beam reflected from the target.
Previously, it required the presence of a gunner in the target area, but now this function is successfully performed by unmanned aerial vehicles. The effectiveness of this combination of artillery and reconnaissance drones has been proven in practice.
As a result, even if electronic warfare systems work in the affected area, all this will not have any effect on the accuracy of the projectile. The UAVs themselves are at an altitude of several thousand meters, and in some cases, they work in pairs.
An improved version has been introduced
We recall that in July of this year, information appeared that an improved version of the Russian 2K25 Krasnopol guided missile with an increased range of hitting targets was introduced in the area of responsibility of the Russian Air Defense Forces.
The new modification of the projectile is capable of hitting a distance of 26 kilometers, while previously the range did not exceed 20 kilometers. In addition, 2K25 Krasnopol received a higher destructive power of small targets [0.9 vs. 0.7] and the possibility of use in different conditions.
Experts emphasize that 2K25 Krasnopol does not depend on weather conditions, time of day, wind, thunderstorms, or any other force majeure situations.
About 2K25 Krasnopol projectile
The 2K25 Krasnopol is a Russian laser-guided artillery projectile designed for use with 152mm guns. It has a range of up to 20 kilometers and is capable of hitting targets with high precision.
The projectile is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker that allows it to track and guide itself toward a laser target designator. This means that the projectile can be fired from a safe distance and does not require the artillery gun to be directly aimed at the target.
The 2K25 Krasnopol is designed to be used against a wide range of targets, including tanks, armored vehicles, fortifications, and other high-value targets. It is particularly effective against targets that are difficult to hit with conventional artillery shells, such as those that are located in urban areas or behind cover.
The technical characteristics of the 2K25 Krasnopol include a length of 1.3 meters, a weight of 43 kilograms, and a caliber of 152mm. It has a maximum speed of 850 meters per second and a maximum range of 20 kilometers.
The projectile is designed to be compatible with a range of 152mm guns, including the Russian 2A65 Msta-B and the Chinese PLZ-05. It has been used in several conflicts around the world, including the Syrian Civil War and the Russo-Ukrainian War.
About M982 Excalibur projectile
The M982 Excalibur projectile is a precision-guided, extended-range artillery shell developed by Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems AB. It is designed to provide accurate and effective fire support for ground troops, especially in urban environments where collateral damage must be minimized. The Excalibur can be fired from a variety of artillery systems, including the M777 howitzer and the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.
The Excalibur projectile is equipped with a GPS guidance system that allows it to navigate to its target with a high degree of accuracy. The guidance system is capable of making in-flight adjustments to the projectile’s trajectory, ensuring that it hits its intended target even if the target moves or the wind changes. This makes the Excalibur particularly effective against moving targets, such as vehicles or personnel.
The Excalibur projectile is also equipped with a shaped charge warhead that is designed to penetrate hardened targets, such as bunkers or buildings. The warhead is capable of penetrating up to 1.5 meters of reinforced concrete, making it an effective weapon against fortified positions. The Excalibur can also be fitted with a high-explosive warhead for use against softer targets, such as personnel or unarmored vehicles.
The Excalibur projectile has a range of up to 40 kilometers, depending on the firing platform and the specific variant of the projectile. This extended range allows artillery units to engage targets that are beyond the range of traditional artillery shells, reducing the need for forward observers and increasing the safety of the firing unit.
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