9P148 Konkurs

The “Konkurs” self-propelled anti-tank missile system (MMAC index – 9K111-1) is designed to destroy tanks and other armored targets equipped with dynamic protection, as well as fortified firing points at a distance of up to 4 km. The developer is the A.G. Shipunov Instrument-Making Design Bureau, located in Tula. The manufacturer is the Tula Arms Plant, also located in Tula. The weapon was adopted by the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union in 1974.

In 1991, an updated modification of the “Konkurs-M” ATGM with improved ATGM characteristics (tandem warhead) was adopted. In the West, the system was designated AT-5 “Spandrel”. The complex consists of a 9P148 combat vehicle (based on the BMP-2 chassis) with a launcher mounted on it for five 9M113(M) missiles in transport-launch containers (TLCs). After launch, the container is ejected. The weight of the complex with a full load of 20 missiles and a two-person crew is 7 tons. The complex can be transitioned from its traveling position to its combat position in 25 seconds. Reload time takes about 1.5 minutes and can be done without the crew leaving the combat vehicle. The firing rate when used at maximum range is between 2-3 shots per minute. The combat vehicle is equipped with a 9P135 type launcher which is mounted outside the armored body, similar to the one used in the Fagot complex. The design of the complex was mostly based on the Fagot complex, with some modifications to accommodate the larger size of the missile required to achieve longer launch range.The complex is unified with the Fagot ATGM, including the use of 9M111 missiles of the Fagot complex. Structurally, the launchers can be disassembled to be used in a man-portable version similar to the Fagot ATGM, for which the relevant components can be removed from the machine without the use of special tools. The 9P148 machine is equipped with 15 TPCs of 9M113 "Konkurs" missiles or 10 9M113 missiles and 10 9M111 "Fagot" missiles. Other combinations of these missiles in the combat configuration are also allowed. Loading the machine with a full complement of 9M113 missiles takes 15 minutes. The missile guidance system is semi-automatic, with commands transmitted from the communication line. The operator aims the crosshairs at the target and keeps it on the target during the missile flight. Tracking the missile using the light source installed on it, generating control commands and transmitting them to the missile is done automatically by ground equipment. A backup manual guidance mode is also provided, which is used in conditions of enemy optical interference or automatic tracking disruption due to onboard light source. In addition to the basic self-propelled version "Konkurs", the "Konkurs" ATGMs were also used on the BMP-1P and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, with a four-missile complement. The lighter BMD-2 and BMD-3 vehicles were equipped with a mixed missile complement from one "Konkurs" and two "Fagot" systems. The "Konkurs" ATGM forms the basis of the anti-tank weapons at the division level and is used in conjunction with portable complexes of battalion-level anti-tank units. The system is adapted for air-drop on parachute landing platforms. The carriers are capable of firing while crossing water obstacles.