Info on the ZSU-23's Efectiveness

Hey there. Kampfwagen here with what must seem to be another irritating question-topic. Anyway...

The question I have regards the ZSU-23, also known as the 'Shilka'. While I can look up questions regarding the weapons systems, radar guidance systems, etc. I am curious to know only one question in particular.

I have heard of several instances where Arab 'Shilka' SPG's were considered extremely dangerous and chewed up several Isralei Air-Force planes during the Yom-Kipur war. However, with the current generation of Fighter Aircraft, how dangerous is the Shilka today?

It seems to be somewhat limited by it's armament. Most AA systems today use strictly GTAM's from what I understand with exceptions with system like the Tunguska, though those don't seem to utilize Cannons over Missiles, never mind being exclusively dependent on those cannons.

Again, apologies if this is too insignifigant for anyones time here.

Kampfwagen said:

I have heard of several instances where Arab 'Shilka' SPG's were considered extremely dangerous and chewed up several Isralei Air-Force planes during the Yom-Kipur war. However, with the current generation of Fighter Aircraft, how dangerous is the Shilka today?

It seems to be somewhat limited by it's armament. Most AA systems today use strictly GTAM's from what I understand with exceptions with system like the Tunguska, though those don't seem to utilize Cannons over Missiles, never mind being exclusively dependent on those cannons.

Again, apologies if this is too insignifigant for anyones time here.

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I'm not sure of the specs, but my guess is that considering what the Zsu-23's role is I would say it is just as dangerous to the current generation as it was previously - as long as there are fighters doing low in CAS then they will be vulnerable. It all depends on the type of conflict it is...

If primary fighting is done between opposing air forces I would say that the Zsu-23 wouldn't be as useful unless the enemy was doing an airfield strafe. It really shines when the enemy is forced to come within around visual range, such as destroying tanks. Beyond that it suffers the same limitations as any AA gun, I would think.

I hate to be bithcy, but its ZSU-4-23... ZSU-23 is the sergei, simpler towed two tuber....

I read an article on GS that there's information (1997) saying Ukrain offers an upgrade to Shilkas including new Radar, day/night camera, laser range finder and above the radar a layer of six SA-18 SAMs. The guns fire a mix of 3HE rounds on one AP round.
If you get in the operational envelope of such systems they are quiet deadly. The narrow radar beam should still make it difficult to detect. While it's ability to fire on the move makes it effective.
On the other hand it's said to have rather light armor (heavy MGs can penetrate turrent, fragment can damage radar and tracks) and to be vulnerable to ECM.
Many people say those systems in general can still evolve. When tied to a greater defence network for example.

Gollevainen said:

I hate to be bithcy, but its ZSU-4-23... ZSU-23 is the sergei, simpler towed two tuber....

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You aren't being bitchy at all. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same. Thanks for the correction.

I think the platform is a bit obsolete, but still useful in 3rd world battlefields.

These days any unit on the ground, is bascially a stationary target from the air. If I were to build an air defense vehicle today, it'd be a CIWS platform designed to shoot down incoming ATGM's and guided bombs. If some helicopter was dumb enough to get within range, I'd shoot a couple missiles at 'em too.

Your enemy will drop LGB's and cluster munitions from the air. So it'd be critical to intercept these munitions before they fall on your head. And in case of cluster munitions, to whack it off course before it dispense its payload. If possible, you want to be able to shoot at incoming MLRS rockets too.