Key air defense system of Ukraine: as "cheetahs" hunt Russian rockets and drones

Despite its age, this 47-ton machine has become an effective tool for combating drones and winged missiles, playing an important role in protecting the critically important infrastructure of Ukraine. The combat work of the Ukrainian "Cheetah" is referred to in the article. In particular, the combat calculation of one of the units of the Air Command "West" set a record - 26 destroyed shock drones and three winged missiles in the account.

Moreover, the goals were amazed in conditions of minimal time to reaction. The first Gepard installations were transferred to Ukraine in 2022. Initially, they were perceived as outdated equipment, but quickly proved their efficiency on the battlefield. Particularly important was their role in the reflection of massive Dronov-Kamikadze attacks and winged rockets that Russia uses to strikes Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The main weapon of the installation is two 35-mm automatic Oerlikon KDA guns with a total speed of up to 1100 shots per minute (550 shots per barrel). The high density of fire and the special ammunition design make Gepard perfect weapons to defeat small and high -speed goals. Ahead shells play a special role in the efficiency of the machine, which during the rupture form a cloud of tungsten subbounds.

This allows you to impress the target even with a small error of guidance, which is especially important when intercepting drones and rockets. The efficiency of "Cheetah" is ensured by the coordinated operation of two radars and an automated fire control system. The first search radar finds targets up to 15 km away and transfer coordinates to the guidance system. And the accompanying radar captures the target and adjusts the fire in real time.

This solution makes it possible to intercept even complex and inconspicuous goals with high accuracy. Moreover, the installation operator only confirms the capture of the goal and gives the command to fire. Unlike stationary air defense systems, installation can quickly change the position, which complicates its detection and destruction. In addition, the armor protects the crew from fragments and small arms, and the autonomous radar allows you to act without external target.