| 53T6 (ABM-3 Gazelle) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | Since 1995 |
| Used by | Russia |
| Wars | Cold War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | NPO Novator Design Bureau |
| Designed | 1978 |
| Produced | 1988 |
| No. built | 68 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 10,000kg (22,000lb) |
| Length | 12 m |
| Diameter | 1.8 m |
| Warhead | nuclear 10 kt |
|
|
|
| Engine | 2-stage solid fuel |
|
Operational
range |
80-100km |
| Flight ceiling | 80-100km |
| Speed | Mach 17 (20,826 km/h; 12,941 mph) |
|
Launch
platform |
silo |
The 53T6 (NATO reporting name: ABM-3 Gazelle, previously SH-08) is a Russian anti-ballistic missile. Designed in 1978 and in service since 1995, it is a component of the A-135 anti-ballistic missile system.
The missile is able to intercept incoming re-entry vehicles at a distance of 80 km. The 53T6 is a two-stage solid-propellant missile armed with a 10 kt thermonuclear weapon. The missile is about 10 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter. Its launch weight is 10 tons.
The 53T6 missile is kept in a silo-based launch container. Prior to launch its cover is blown off.
The missile achieves speeds of approximately Mach 17 (20,826 km/h; 12,941 mph; 5.7849 km/s). Maximum load manoeuvre capability is longitudinal 210G - transverse 90G
The Gazelle missile system is supported by the Don-2N Pill Box radar.