Defense World:
Russia will soon receive first pre-production prototypes of next-generation S-500 air defense system.
The new generation S-500 ‘Prometey’ also known as 55R6M Triumfator-M, is a surface-to-air defense missile system currently under development by Almaz-Antey, Sputnik reported Sunday.
The missile is an advanced version of S-400 and is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at a height of up to 200 km. The system is expected to shut down up to 10 incoming ballistic missiles simultaneously. It also has an extended radar range in comparison to S-400, the news agency said.
The new S-500 is expected to be capable of simultaneous engagement with up to 10 targets at a maximum range of 600 km. The S-400 can only handle a maximum of six targets up to a range of 400 km.2 The S-500’s interceptors will operate at an altitude higher than 185km. The system will have a response time of about three to four seconds, which is considerably shorter than the S-400 which is rated at nine to ten seconds.
Two new missiles have been designed for the S-500 (and the S-400): the 77N6-N and the 77N6-N1. They were reported to be capable of direct engagement with targets flying at hypersonic speeds (seven kilometers per second).
It’s also expected to rival U.S. technology, which currently touts the Patriot PAC3 missile defense system against the S400.
