Military Knowledge: 3M9 Missile

The 3M9 surface-to-air missile is a semi active guidance missile; which means missile’s radar seeker seeks reflected radar waves generated by fire control radar of SAM-6 system from the body of target.

Another type of this missile has been named “Fatir 1” by Ansar Allah. Yemen’s Ansar Allah has made changes to the 3M9 missile and uses it under the name Fatir 1. Apparently, it is guided by infrared detection system operated in passive working method for severe electronic warfare conditions.

The propulsion of the 3M9 rocket is a combination of a rocket booster and a solid fuel ramjet (gas converter type). First, the rocket booster propels the rocket to ultrasonic speeds, then the solid fuel gas generator is activated and produces a gas that combines with the air as fuel and ignites. The use of Ramjet increases the range and kinetic energy of the missile.

The warhead of the missile is a high explosive fragmentation projectile (Frag-HE) type with a weight of 59 kg and its activation mechanism is with the help of proximity and contact fuses.

Specifications of 3M9 missile:
Weight: 599 kg
Length: 5800 mm
Diameter: 335 mm
Warhead: Frag-HE
Warhead weight: 59 kg
Range: 24 km
Maximum altitude: 14 km
Maximum speed: Mach 2.8
Entry into service: since 1967
Origin: Soviet Union / Russia