The SVP-24 is an advanced navigation and bomb sight system developed by the Russian company Gefest & T. The system is designed to provide unguided munitions with a level of accuracy comparable to that of guided munitions by using Continually Computed Release Point (CCRP) technology. The SVP-24 has been notably effective in the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War and is being widely integrated across various aircraft in the Russian Aerospace Forces and Russian Naval Aviation.
Design
The SVP-24 system comprises several key components:
- GLONASS-Supported Navigation/Attack System: Provides precise positioning data.
- New Mission Computer: Enhances computing power and processing capabilities.
- Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs): Provides visual feedback and data to the crew.
- Flight Recorder: Logs flight data for analysis and review.
- Keyboard: Allows for manual input and control by the crew.
The system reduces the time required to program aircraft systems before a mission and significantly improves the precision of unguided ordnance. It can automatically release weapons based on pre-programmed coordinates transmitted by forward air controllers. These coordinates are integrated into the aircraft’s navigation system, which then generates flight direction commands, leading to the automatic release of bombs.
The SVP-24’s precision is heavily reliant on the accuracy of the GLONASS signal. Initially, during the early stages of the Russian military intervention in Syria, the standard-precision GLONASS signal resulted in target misses by about 100 meters. However, the installation of differential correction stations in mid-October 2015 improved the accuracy of airstrikes to within 30-40 meters.
User Aircraft
The Aviation Sighting and navigation system SVP-24 “Hephaestus” will be improved, and work on its modernization is carried out by specialists of the military technopolis “Era” in Anapa. This was reported by TASS about a source in the defense industry.
The SVP-24 system has been integrated into several Russian military aircraft, enhancing their capabilities:
- Sukhoi Su-24M: Modernized with the SVP-24 as part of the “Sukhoi” program in 2000 and the “Gefest” program in 1999. The modernization includes a new HUD (ILS-31) and expanded armament options. By 2013, all Su-24s in the Central Military District had received the SVP-24 system.
- Sukhoi Su-25SM3: The Su-25SM3 was equipped with the SVP-24 following experiences in Syria, significantly enhancing its combat effectiveness.
- Sukhoi Su-33: Announced in September 2016, the Su-33 was to be outfitted with the SVP-24 system to improve its strike capabilities.
- Tupolev Tu-22M3: The Tu-22M3 is being upgraded with the SVP-24-22 system, enhancing its radar and digital processing capabilities. The system underwent trials in 2009, with production deliveries starting in 2012.
- Tupolev Tu-95MS: Plans are in place to upgrade the Tu-95MS strategic bomber with the SVP-24 system to enhance its targeting accuracy.
- Tupolev Tu-142: The Russian Navy plans to upgrade the Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft with the SVP-24 system to improve its bombing accuracy.
References
- “Naval Sukhoi Su-24M to get SVP-24 Gefest sighting system.”
- “Цена войны — цена боеприпаса (Price of war is price of ammo).” Izvestia, 7 July 2017.
- Cooper, Tom. Moscow’s Game of Poker: Russian Military Intervention in Syria, 2015-2017. Warwick, UK: Helion & Company Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-912390-37-3.
- “Upgraded Su-24M2 Bombers to Russian Air Force.” defencetalk.com, 17 December 2009.
- “Su-24 bombers are equipped with ‘Gefest’ system.” engineeringrussia, 28 May 2013.
- “Russia’s modified Su-25SM3 ‘flying tank’ to join army’s ranks after Syria battle tests.” rbth.com, 2 October 2017.
- “SVP-24.” deagel.com.
- “ВМФ России ударит по террористам в Сирии с особой точностью.” iz.ru, 2 September 2016.
- Butowski, Piotr. “Anti-carrier striker.” Air International, March 2019, vol. 96, no. 3.
- “Новые возможности Ту-95МС с системами управления от ‘Гефеста’.” bmpd.livejournal.com, 29 June 2017.
- “Russian Navy to Upgrade Tu-142 MPA with SVP-24 Targeting System.” navyrecognition.com, 27 August 2018.
Bibliography
- Cooper, Tom. (2018). Moscow’s Game of Poker: Russian Military Intervention in Syria, 2015-2017. Warwick, UK: Helion & Company Publishing. ISBN 978-1-912390-37-3.