2P26
2K15 Shmel
Overview
2P26
A number of 2P26 tank destroyer vehicles on parade with canvas lowered and missiles moved rearwards in launch position.
Source: www.autowp.ru -
© copyright lies with original owner
2P26 (GRAU index for launch vehicle)
AT-1 Snapper (NATO reporting name)
Shmel
Russian for "bumblebee"
Description
Introduction
The 2P26 is an early Cold War era tank destroyer of Soviet origin. The 2P26 is the launch vehicle of the 2K15 Shmel system. This system was the first operation variant of the 3M6 Shmel missile and the first missile based tank destroyer in Soviet service.
Design
The 2P26 is based on the GAZ-69M 4x4 utility vehicle. This is a soft skin vehicle with four launch rails for the 3M6 facing rearwards. Before firing the vehicle must make a U-turn and the operator dismounts with the guidance control box. Since the 3M6 is missile with MCLOS guidance firing must be carried out while stationary.
Firepower
The 2P26 is fitted with four launch rails for the 3M6 missile. No reloads are carried on the launch vehicle. One missile is launched at a time. The operator uses a control box to manually guide the missile towards its target. The 3M6 missile is able to penetrate up to 300mm RHA. Chance to hit was estimated by Soviet forces at 25% in combat situations.
Protection
The 2P26 is a softskin vehicle and offers no armor protection. Since the 3M6 missile uses manual control the launch vehicle must remain static until the missile has reached its target. Since the missile is rather slow the enemy is likely to engage the launch vehicle and its operator in order to disrupt or stop missile guidance.
Mobility
The 2P26 is based on the GAZ-69 4x4 utility vehicle. This provides good mobility on road and reasonable mobility in the field. The GAZ-69 is not amphibious. Some time is required to prepare the vehicle in its firing position.
Users
The 2P26 was adopted by Soviet forces and exported to various Soviet allies. The 2P26 launch vehicle was supplemented by the more capable 2P27. This newer version was based on the BRDM-1 amphibious scout vehicle.
Details
Related articles
3M6 Shmel (AT-1 Snapper)
The 2P26 is a launch vehicle for the 3M6 Shmel anti-tank missile.