OSA-AKM

“Osa-AKM” (MMAC index –9K33M3) is an automated military anti-aircraft missile system (NATO classification: SA-8 “Gecko”). The system is all-weather and designed to cover the forces and assets of a motorized infantry division in all types of combat operations. The system is equipped with six guided anti-aircraft missiles 9M33M3.

The development of the complex began on October 27, 1960. The complex was designed to target flying objects at altitudes ranging from 50-100 meters to 5 km, with speeds of up to 500 m/s and distances from 0.8-1 km to 8-10 km. The task of developing an autonomous complex with all combat equipment placed on a single self-propelled floating chassis, including radar stations and missile launchers, communication, navigation and topographic linkage, control, and power sources, was set for the first time. The new requirements were the detection of moving air targets and hitting them during short stops. The weight of the missile did not exceed 60-65 kg, allowing two military personnel to manually operate the launcher.

The main developer of the missile system and the combat vehicle 9A31 of the 9K31 complex was determined to be Research Institute -20. The main designer of the complex and the vehicle was appointed M. Kosichkin. From March to June 1970, factory tests of the missile system were successfully conducted at the Emba test site, and from July 1970 to February 1971, joint tests were conducted under the leadership of the state commission headed by M. Saveliev. The complex was accepted into service by the Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR on October 4, 1971.

Composition of the complex:

• combat vehicle (CV) 9A33BM3;
• transport-loading vehicle 9T217BM2 for 12 missiles;
• guided anti-aircraft missile 9M33M3;
• mobile automated control and test station 9V242-1;
• regulating equipment 9V914;
• technical maintenance vehicle 9V210M3;
• simulator 9F632M.

The combat and transport-loading vehicles were placed on a three-axle chassis of the BAZ-5937 vehicle, equipped with a water jet for movement on water, a powerful diesel engine, navigation and life support systems, etc.