Anti-tank missiles

T. Fruchtman, "Analysis of Warhead and Fuze Used in the Anti-Tank Guided Missile SS-10 , PATR 1982 (Dec 1953)... 

RDX- or -based formulations are generally used in anti-tank bomblets and minelets using casting and pressing techniques. Warheads are based on conventional high explosives for most of the tactical missiles nuclear warheads are deployed only in strategic and certain tactical missiles by the nuclear club nations, namely USA, ex-USSR, UK, France, China and India. 

These propellants are also called colloidal or double-base (DB) propellants and have nitrocellulose (NC) and nitroglycerine (NG) as their principal ingredients. Some ingredients may also be added in small proportions to serve as stabilizer, non-explosive plasticizer, coolant, lubricant, opacifier and burning-rate modifier or other additives to impart desirable properties to the propellants. These propellants are processed into desired shapes by two methods, that is, extrusion and casting. They find wide applications in anti-tank missiles. 

Sagger. NATO code-name for a Russ anti-tank missile, also known by the US alphanumeric designation AT-3, which is currently extensively deployed in Europe and elsewhere. In its man-portable version, the missile is carried into action in a Fiberglas case in which the warhead is separated from the motor. The lid of the case forms a base for launching the missile which has a launch rail on the underside of the motor section. The two parts are taken out of the case and the front legs of the rail on the motor section are slotted into the lid so that there is a small angle of elevation. This is done to ensure that the missile enters the operator s field of view when launched. The warhead (HEAT, piezo-electric fuze) is then clipped to the body. 

Tetryl forms yellow crystals with a melting point of 132 Celsius—it explodes when heated to 180 Celsius. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, benzene, and acetic acid. Solutions of tetryl in solvents should be stored in a dark place, protected from light—as they will slowly deteriorate on standing—normally tetryl is stored dry or moistened with kerosene or water. Solutions of tetryl or even the dry solid upon the skin and teeth causes yellow staining. Tetryl is a very powerful explosive used primarily in detonators as a booster for artillery, mortar, and projectile fuses. Tetryl is a standard military initiating explosive (booster). Tetryl boosters are common in shape charges, mines, mortars, artillery shells, rockets, anti-tank munitions, and missiles. 

Editor s Note The publication n ntioned last. Armies and Weapons, is probably new to most of our readers. It is distributed extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East, Armies and Weapons is really a trade magazine for defense departments and armament manufacturers, They review different countries missile systems,ships and tanks, logistics systems,etc. Test new anti-taink, anti-aircraft ammo extensively and give detailed reports on all aspects of it. The ads are very tastefully done with excellent photographs. Issues run 3 each but worth every penny. 

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