S-13 rocket


The S-13 is a 122 mm calibre unguided rocket weapon developed by the Soviet Air Force for use by military aircraft. It remains in service with the Russian Air Force and some other countries.

Development

The S-13 rocket was developed in the 1970s to meet requirements for a penetrating weapon capable of cratering runways and penetrating hardened aircraft shelters, bunkers and pillboxes, to fill a gap between 80 mm and 240 mm rockets and fulfill a role similar to the 127 mm Zuni rocket. The S-13 is conventional in layout, with a solid rocket motor and folding tail fins that provide stability after launch.
The first trials were in 1973, but it was introduced only in 1983. S-13 rockets are shot from 5-tube launchers B-13L, that can be carried by most of Soviet and Russian attack and new fighter aircraft, like Sukhoi Su-17/20/22, Sukhoi Su-24, Sukhoi Su-25, Sukhoi Su-27, MiG-23BN, MiG-27, MiG-29. B-13L1 launcher is used by helicopters such as Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-28, Kamov Ka-29TB, Kamov Ka-50 and Kamov Ka-52.

Launcher specifications

Rocket specifications

DesignationTypeLength overallLaunch weightWarhead weightRangeNotes
S-13Penetration2.54 m57 kg21 kg
1.1 – 3 kmPenetrates 3 m of earth and 1 m of reinforced concrete. On runways it produces a demolition area of 20 m². Velocity 650 m/s
S-13BPenetration2.63 m60 kg23 kg
n/aPenetrates 3 m of earth and 1 m of concrete.
S-13TTandem HEAT2.99 m75 kg21 kg and 16.3 kg 1.1 – 4 kmCombined penetration of 6 m of earth and 1 m of reinforced concrete. Velocity 500 m/s
S-13OFAPAM/FRAG2.97 m69 kg33 kg
1.6 – 3 kmProduces 450 splinters between 23 and 35 g, capable of penetrating lightly armoured vehicles such as APCs and IFVs. Velocity 530 m/s. Introduced in 1993.
S-13DFAE3.12 m68 kg32 kg
1.6 – 3 km35 – 40 kg TNT equivalent. Velocity 530 m/s. Introduced in 1995.
S-13DFFAE3.12 m68 kg32 kg
0.5 – 6 kmUp to 40 kg TNT equivalent. Velocity 530 m/s. Ordered upgraded in 2018.