Russia’s S-500 missile defence system --------------------------------------- The S-500 “Prometheus” is Russia’s latest generation of air defence systems, designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles and capable of engaging enemy aircraft and cruise missiles --------------------------------------- HOW MISSILE SYSTEM WORKS S-500 will integrate under single command with existing S-300, S-350 and S-400 systems S-500 MISSILES (10 types) 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 anti-ballistic missiles (ABM) Extended-range 40N6M plus seven existing S-400 missiles, designed to intercept variety of aerial targets Target 77N6-N missile Two missiles fired per target to maximise kill probability --------------------------------------- 1 Long-range radar: Tracks objects and relays data to command vehicle, which assesses potential targets --------------------------------------- 2 Command vehicle: Identifies target and orders missile launch --------------------------------------- 3 Launcher: Best placed vehicle receives launch data. Missiles released --------------------------------------- 4 Engagement radar: Helps guide missiles towards target --------------------------------------- SPECIFICATIONS: S-500 Prometey (Prometheus) --------------------------------------- Intercept range: Up to 600km (200km more than S-400) --------------------------------------- Maximum intercept altitude Higher than 185km --------------------------------------- Detection range: Up to 800km (up to 2,000km for ABM) --------------------------------------- System response time 3-4 seconds --------------------------------------- Number of simultaneously engaged targets: Up to 10 --------------------------------------- Maximum target speed 7km per second --------------------------------------- Launcher: 10x10 all-terrain vehicle --------------------------------------- Launch tubes: 2 Max. speed: 70km/h --------------------------------------- Sources: Army Recognition, BBC, FMSO, GlobalSecurity.org © GRAPHIC NEWS