SA-4 Ganef

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A 2K11 TEL in transit. Photo by GulfLINK.

The Lyulev 2K11 "Krug" (Russian 2К11 "Круг" - circle, NATO reporting name SA-4 "Ganef") is a Soviet and now Russian long range, medium-to-high altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The missiles are launched with the aid of four solid fuel rocket motors inside boosters attached to the outside of the massive missile. Once they have burned and the missile is aloft, it fires a liquid-fuelled ramjet sustainer engine. It reaches speeds of up to Mach 4 and has an effective range of 50-55 km (31-34 miles) depending upon the version. It carries a 135 kg (300 lb) warhead. Possible engagement altitudes range from 100 m-27 km (330-88,500 feet).

The TEL vehicles are tracked (modified AT-Ts) and carry two missiles each on an elevating turntable for up to 360 degree rotation and 70 degree elevation. The two primary versions of the missile in service are the 9M8M1 (2K11M "Krug-M") and 9M8M2 (2K11M2/3 "Krug-M1"), both of which are believed to be known to the US DoD as SA-4B. The original 9M8M (SA-4A) was first introduced into service in 1965 and followed by the upgraded 9M8M1 (2K11A "Krug-A") in 1967 before the 9M8M1 in 1971 and the 9M8M2 in 1973. The 9M8M2 actually has a lower maximum engagement altitude and shorter range in exchange for better performance in engaging aircraft close to the battery. Each battery typically consists of two 9M8M1 missiles and four 9M8M2 missiles as well as the following radars:

The P-40 "Long Track" radar set. Photo by Nellis AFB.

P-40 "Long Track" E-band early warning radar (also used by the SA-6 and SA-8, range 175 km/108 miles)
"Pat Hand" H-band continuous wave fire control and guidance radar (range 128 km/80 miles)
"Thin Skin" E-band height finding radar (also used by the SA-6 and SA-8, range 240 km/148 miles)

Both "Long Track" and "Pat Hand" are mounted on a modified AT-T vehicle, similar to the 9M8 launch vehicles. "Thin Skin" is mounted on a truck. Batteries may also feature Ural trucks carrying spare missiles for reloading the launchers.

Missile guidance is via radio command with a terminal semi-active radar homing (SARH) phase. Optical tracking is possible for the initial command guidance stage in a heavy ECM environment.

The 9M8's enormous range makes it dangerous; however, the missiles are quite large and unlikely to hit small, maneuverable aircraft like fighter jets unless they are caught unaware.

References

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