Based on the BMP-3 chassis
9P157 Khrizantema-S is based on the BMP-3 chassis but is not fitted with a turret. Instead, the troop compartment is filled with a twin round retractable pedestal launcher which is connected to an automatic loader. The 9P157 has an optical sight with laser for SACLOS guidance of the laser-guided version of the 9M123 Khrizantema missile. Additionally, a retractable radar is mounted for detecting targets for the Millimeter-wave radar version of the 9M123. Armor penetration of heat around is 1,100 – 1,200 mm RHA.
Khrizantema-S multi-purpose, self-propelled, anti-tank guided weapon system was developed as a launch platform for the 9M123 Khrizantema missile. It is built by KBM Engineering Design Bureau and entered service with the Russian Army in 2005. It is designed to detect and destroy the existing and future main battle tanks, armored vehicles, low-flying aerial targets, lightweight surface targets, and field fortifications, including steel shelters and bunkers, in both days and nights under all weather conditions. It offers a high rate of fire and is protected against electronic countermeasures. This vehicle only needs a crew of 2-man with 2 Khrizantema missiles in a ready-to-fire state. Reloading operations can be done automatically under armor protection. Although the 9P157 uses a BMP-3 chassis, newer missile, and dual guidance mode its mission and design philosophy is similar to the older 9P149 Shturm-S tank destroyer.
Although khrizantema is a new-looking platform it will serve the same role, as the previous Shtrum-S tank destroyer had. The major issue is it can only fire anti-tank missiles, there is no provision for secondary weapons. As a result, it can only be used where targets are to be engaged at long ranges and its role is typically specialized. Another problem is that it does not have fire and forget missiles until the missile hits the target the gunner has to keep lock on the target leaving the vehicle prone to counter-fire from the enemy. Further, only a few units are in service to date with Russian ground forces. The export potential of this vehicle is extremely low, as it can serve one role that is to engage the target with missiles. Modern armies’ requirements are multipurpose platforms that can serve in different battlefield environments.
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Credit to : Armour_desia Military Hardware
