Special features of Scud-B missile, in all of Southeast Asia only Vietnam possesses

For over 40 years, the Scud-B missile has been the pride of the artillery and missile troops. This is also the ballistic missile system that only Vietnam possesses in Southeast Asia.

Located right at the entrance to the Ministry of National Defense 's outdoor exhibition area at the Exhibition of National Achievements 80 Years of the Journey of Independence - Freedom - Happiness (Dong Anh Commune, Hanoi), 2 Scud-B (R 17E) missile complexes have been attracting special attention from people in recent days.

2 Scud-B missile complexes at the Ministry of Defense's outdoor exhibition area

PHOTO: DINH HUY

The Scud-B missile system was received by Vietnam from the Soviet Union in the 1980s. It is currently in service with the 490th Missile Brigade, Artillery and Missile Command. It is the most modern ballistic missile and only Vietnam possesses it in Southeast Asia.

After more than 40 years of construction, fighting and growth, the 490th Missile Brigade has preserved and effectively exploited the Scud-B missile system. To this day, this missile system is still the pride of the artillery and missile troops.

Regarding the parameters of the missile complex, the officer at the exhibition area said that the Scud-B surface-to-surface ballistic missile complex has a launcher vehicle and missiles along with many equipment to ensure the missile launch mission. The launcher has a wheelbase length of 13.36 m, a height in the marching state (missile lying horizontally on the launcher) of 3.33 m, a height when the missile is in the combat ready position of 13.67 m, a width of 3.05 m; the launcher vehicle weighs 37.4 tons when loaded with missiles; 525 horsepower.

Image of rocket on launch vehicle

PHOTO: DINH HUY

The launcher has tasks such as transporting missiles to the launch site; transferring missiles from operational status to combat readiness status; testing missiles; launching missiles and recovering missiles if not launched.

Meanwhile, the missile is 11.16 m long; weighs 5,860 kg when fully fueled, has a diameter of 880 mm; the missile warhead weighs 987 kg, including 776 kg of explosives. The missile can cause a radius of damage of 4 - 6 hectares, equivalent to 40,000 - 60,000 m ² .

The structure of a missile consists of four main compartments, the top is the warhead compartment, followed by the control compartment, the fuel compartment and the engine compartment. The missile has a long-range strategic attack mission, mainly aimed at destroying enemy forces, command posts, bases and important military structures such as airports, ports...

Image of rocket on launch vehicle

PHOTO: DINH HUY

"The current maintenance and preservation work for missiles is very strict. Therefore, even though it has been a long time, the unit has still ensured the technical coefficient, always in a state of combat readiness and performing tasks when ordered," said the officer.

According to the official, according to publicly available data, the Scud-B missile has a maximum range of 300 km. However, Vietnam has improved and upgraded it to a range of about 500 km.

Scud-B missile complex participates in the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day September 2 at Ba Dinh Square ( Hanoi )

PHOTO: DINH HUY

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/diem-dac-biet-cua-ten-lua-scud-b-ca-dong-nam-a-chi-viet-nam-so-huu-185250911184858566.htm