Russian 2S6M Tunguska AA Tank

Image Credit: HLJ

The Russian 2S6M Tunguska is a replacement for the ZSU 23/4 Shilka. The Tunguska NATO designation is AS19-Grison. It is in service with Russia, Belarus, India, Morocco and Ukraine. Armed with two twin 30-mm cannon on both sides, it also carry eight 9M331 missiles.

The 2S6 Tunguska is armed with twin 30-mm guns on each side and eight 9M331 missiles. These guns are derivatives of aircraft cannons. Combined rate of fire for the 30-mm guns is 5 000 rounds per minute. These guns use HE-T and HE-I rounds and have service life of at least 8 000 rounds. It is claimed that hit probability with guns is 80%. The 9M331 missiles have a hit probability of 65%. Missiles have a blast fragmentation warhead and proximity fuses, triggered near the target.  Missiles can engage targets traveling at speeds up to 500 m/s. The Tunguska is able to fire it's guns on the move, however it must be stationary to fire missiles. 

Source: Military Today

The primary enemy is A-10 Thunderbolt which was resistant to 23-mm cannon rounds. It also fixed the shortcoming of the ZSU 23/4 which have no early warning system and is short range.

Currently the tank is available from Panda Hobby in 1/35 scale. Armorama has an inbox review of this kit.

This is a highly detailed kit with many plastic and photo etch parts, it will also be a bit fragile with the radar, guns and rocket pods. This is not a beginner’s kit; it is more geared to the intermediate or advanced builder. 

Source: Armorama

This kit is a very interesting choice for modeller who are interested in the Cold War era, as well as the Kosovo conflict. Armorama noted that this tank was involved in Kosovo and was successful in taking down several NATO airplanes.